Highlights & Interviews
Sólstafir (Iceland)
Sólstafir were formed by three friends, Aðalbjörn Tryggvason, Halldór Einarsson and Guðmundur Óli Pálmason in January 1995. In 1999 they entered the studio to record a debut full length album. By that time Halldór had left the band and in 1997 and 1998 Sólstafir had released two promos as a two piece.
Although the recording of “Í Blóði og Anda” had started in 1999 the album wasn’t released until 2002, due to endless delays and mishaps, the band truly believed they were cursed.
They followed up with “Masterpiece of Bitterness” through Spinefarm in 2005, which got exeptionally good reviews almost everywhere. In December 2007 the band traveled to Göteborg, Sweden to record their third full lenght
“Köld” was released in early 2009 and like “Masterpiece...” it not only got exceptionally good reviews, but most critics also had a hard time pinpointing Sólstafir’s music into a specific genere. Descriptions l...
Thunderstone (Finland)
Thunderstone were formed in early 2000 by ex-speed/thrash Antidote guitarist Nino Laurenne. By the summer of 2001, the band had evolved into a quintet and their self-titled debut hit worldwide audiences in 2002.
Their sophomore album, The Burning - which featured Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo on "Drawn To The Flame" - coalesced the band's collective personality through faultless production, but captured a grittier and more uninhibited performance by vocalist Pasi Rantanen.
A third album, Tools Of Destruction followed in 2005, and in 2006 the band took part in the Finnish Eurovision Song Contest - originally as a joke - only to be voted second, resulting in the release of two singles, 10 000 Ways and Forevermore/Face in the Mirror, which both went straight to the top 3 in the Finnish single charts.
The band released their fifth album, Dirt Metal, in 2009 and despite some line-up changes remain the hard-hitting yet ear-catching, rough yet subtle future of heavy metal! For more info and music, check out their Read More >>
Steve Lamacq: March 2010 curator
Q: When and how did you first hear of JaJaJa, and what did you think of the concept/idea?
A: I think the idea is great. I was a guest a few years back at the Access All Areas festival in Stockholm, backed by the British Council, and its initiatives like this which help raise the profile of Nordic bands abroad.
Q: Is Nordic music special to your heart in any way? Are there any particular countries or bands you have a fondness for, for example?
A: I think the Swedes are very good at pop but Iceland is where some of the real gems come from... the music is so eccentric at times. It's a little like Wales in that the bands there seem relatively untouched by the music business – or what's in fashion - and they just get on with whatever it is they do.
Q: Are you well versed in Nordic music in general?
A: Probably not as much as some - in fact probably not as much as I should be, b...
An interview with... Ungdomskulen
Q: For people out there that have never heard of you. Give us three reasons why they should?
1.Because we bring the free-range, prog-noise in the most delightful way.
2.Because we answear to no man.
3.Because it´s better sooner rather then later.
Q: Tell us a little about where you're from. Do your surroundings affect the music that you create?
A: We are all located in Bergen on the westcoast of Norway. It's the second biggest city in Norway, but its still a pretty small one. It's located by the water and has a lot of mountains around it. It's super-attractive and we love living here. Living here is affecting us in such a way that it's easy to go practice because its not a super-busy town, people are really friendly and relaxed and you don´t have to prove yourself all the time.
Q: If you could have played on or written any song, what would it be?
A: You know the "bang" on Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Boxer... la-la-lai ka-boom!!! I ...
Sean Adams: January 2010 curator
Q: First of all, when and how did you first hear of JaJaJa, and what did/do you think of the concept/idea?
A: First heard about it when Anna Hildur from Iceland Music Export dropped me an email about it. Seems like a sensible idea, to bring acts together and co-promote it with other countries.
Q:Is "nordic music" special to your heart in any way? any particular countries you have a fondness for?
A: Well, I'm really proud of an album I released by a band phenomenal 'stargaze' called Jeniferever (http://www.myspace.com/jeniferever) from Uppsala in Sweden but it's hard to pick favourites, as so many countries have exceptional acts. I've been to Iceland Airwaves a few times and have always seen fantastic new acts, like Sudden Weather Change, For a Minor Reflection and Olafur Arnalds.
Q: Are you well versed in Nordic music in general?
A: Yep. I'm a big fan of The Knife, Fever Ray, The Radio Dept, Sigur Ros, Bjork, Album Leaf, Lykke Li, etc. but I've never really thought ...
Ja Ja Ja launch night review: 19 November 2009
We are pleased to report that the inaugural Ja Ja Ja night went off with a certified bang. By 7pm, Islington’s swanky Lexington bar was abuzz with a mix of loyal Nordic music fans, trendy scenesters, industry movers and shakers, and a few curious regulars.
The first band on stage were Sweden’s Francis, who set a very high standard with their disarming rockabilly-esque pop swing. Their frontwoman was particularly mesmerising, her voice emitting unexpectedly deep growls that contrasted with her slight frame. The band played an impeccably tight set while she serenaded us from various parts of the stage, including the top of the bass drum and the floor.
A hard act to follow indeed, but Icelandic experimentalist Kira Kira delivered an enchantingly leftfield set that merged tectonic basslines and glitchy electronica with a dazzling array of instrumentation. Despite lacking the support of her usual band members, ...
Huw Stephens: November 2009 curator
Q: When and how did you first hear of JaJaJa - and what did you think of the concept/idea?
A: There was talk of it at Øya this year. Jonas (Vebner, Music Export Norway) asked me to be involved with the first gig. I think it's a great idea and is a good way of showcasing a cluster of bands who would be of interest to a new audience.
Q: What’s your experience or impression of Nordic music in general?
A: I have always had an affection for Nordic music but in the last three years or so it has really broken through more I feel. I think the quality of the music and the professionalism of those working with it - as well as the UK labels keen to work with talent that is so close to home - has seen Nordic bands break through even more. It's different as well, not just another American band sound, but diversity, quality and an open-mindedness.
Q: Have you been to many festivals or music conferences in the Nordic countries lately?
A: I have been to Accelerator festival in Sweden, airwav...
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