Elvira Nikolaisen - vocals/piano.
Live band:
Trond Mjøen - guitar
Ole Kristian Wetten - bass
Jo Schumann - guitar
Andreas Bye - drums
Influences
Fleetwood Mac, Burt Bacharach, Carole King, Sheryl Crow, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, David Crosby, Dungen, The High Llamas, Phil Collins, Elvis Costello, Janet Jackson, Carly Simon, Stereolab, Christopher Cross, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Webb, Prince, Sade!!, Garness(best Norwegian act in years), Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Syreeta
Sounds Like
Pianobased singer-songwriter. Jackson Browne. Joni Mitchell. Sade.
ELVIRA NIKOLAISEN
INDIAN SUMMER
The difficult second album. Is there really something called the difficult second album? Aren’t all records difficult to make, aren’t all records created under a certain pressure, either from the audience or from the artist themselves? Yes, but there is no doubt you’re making it hard on yourself when you come out with a debut record loved by radio listeners, record buyers and critics alike.
Quiet Exit launched Elvira Nikolaisen as one of her generation’s biggest pop artists, with sales of 50.000 and a high media profile. She appealed to fans of both adult rock, and cred-rock.
The follow up, IndianSummer won’t shock listeners that first dell in love with Elvira’s expressive voice and considerable song-writing talent, however, they should easily see the evolvement. There has been visible progression since last time she was around. There’s more paint within the frame, and even though the songs fall into a classic melodic tradition, it doesn’t go without noticing the darkness that comes with it. The songs tend to have more taste and substance.
After my debut I could have moved into a cave sitting around being eccentric for the next ten years, but no bloody way.... I’m very happy now. I wanted to make it richer , not as minimalistic as last time. It brought me great happiness to make the first album, but I’m tougher and more decisive on what I want now. Indian Summer is very crafted. It has all that is characteristic for my songs; they can be experienced as both interesting and sexy, depending on what you prefer. Says Elvira. The album was recorded in Malmø in Tambourine Studios and in Oslo in Viagram Studio, and produced by a three piece consisting of herself, drummer Christer Engen and super guitarist Trond Mjøen. With them in studio came bassist Ole Kristian Wetten and guitarist Jo Schumann, not to mention a string section where needed.
I dictate from my piano stool most of the time, the band does most of the real job, smiles Elvira. The songs are mainly written for this record and it has been important for me to work on a solid totality. But there are some key tracks. Celebrate is no obvious hit, but a big favourite and an important track for the records sex appeal. It was originally a slow Sade-like song we used to do live. Trond gave it a more insistent guitar, and with a little inspiration from D’angelos cover of Feeling Like Makin’ Love and jazzy 70’s westcoast rock, it suddenly turned into a completely different track. We approached this album with a little less respect. My sound is pretty solid so this time we dared to be more progressive making something that sounds more like our favourite music.
The word westcoast has been mentioned. The producers’ goal was all along the modern American FM rock of Bruce Springsteen ala The Rising or Jackson Browne, not to mention Crosby/Nash the way they sound today, in the 00’s. It’s not retro or an attempt to recreate the sound of past times. This is music for the here and now – good songs have no expiration date.
Another key track on the album is He Loves Me, which in all its sweeping grandeur and rawness can remind you of new Joni Mitchell, or scenes from Elviras favourite music film Grace Of My Heart. It’s live passion transferred to music. I believe this is a goal for a lot of girls. I put it in the front on the album to create a drama. Lyric wise this album is generally less confiding. My listeners will probably always read my life into my lyrics, but I sing about life in general, I try to catch the energy and passion in life to inspire my listeners.
Indian Summer change between a taste of wood in Damaged Goods a feeling of soul in Gratitude and pastoral pathos in Mobile Alibis:together this creates a warm well written chapter in the history of the artist that is Elvira Nikolaisen. An artist for all seasons.
Hi! I hope you're having a good start in 2009! It looks like there will be new music and cd from Hakonmusic sometime during the spring...! Keep checking for news...! A leap of faith...! Good stuff:o)! -Hakon
Hi Elvira,thank you for your virtual friendship here on myspace.Its my pleasure to meet you on there.Cool stuff,keep up the good work.Cheers from Belgium E. G
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