Meet PikkaBird, a four-piece band whose multi-layered sound is revealed in radiant Nordic Indie-Pop; imaginative melodies and intriguing rhythms framing lyrics both provocative and poetic.
The band, comprised of Werner Royseth (Vocals & Guitar), Olav Martin Haddal (Guitar), Ragnar Orstavik (Bass), and Dag Havaag (Drums), are represented by their debut album, Departures. With an unabashed DIY spirit, the band tracked the album in a converted boathouse. “In the six months we did the recordings we also captured the interest of several mice families. I’m sorry to say we had to kill them, before they chewed our gear to death,” Werner laments. Still, if PikkaBirds’ adventurous tracks and full-blown artistry are any indication, these rodents did not die in vain.
In keeping with the title, the band journeyed to the Texas music capitol, Austin, where their debut CD was mixed by producer/engineer Louie Lino. “Louie guided us to the good eating spots, stomped on the roaches when we weren’t looking, and made us feel very welcome,” explains Werner. “When we left Norway we didn’t know what to expect but the people in Austin and U.S. are very friendly and laidback.” Of particular note was a classic American repast. “Getting offered a ‘two for the price of one’ on already big burgers would be considered madness in Norway.”
The group takes their name from mythical creatures referenced in A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, where their namesakes are “accustomed to staring blankly at a few anonymous atoms in the middle of the air.” PikkaBird – the band – are much more proactive. They are keenly aware that outside of the confines of Northern Europe, music from the land of fjords and Ibsen might be considered a rarity. Their mission is to change this perception with an international distribution deal.
For his songs, Werner relies on an intuitive creative mechanism as melodies, arrangements and lyrics arrive simultaneously. Having lived in the city of Bergen, it was a return home to Ulsteinvik that allowed him the time and space to create the new songs from Departure and to join together with his bandmates.
PikkaBird’s sometimes-melancholy orchestral edge reflects deep jewel tones of blues and greens. “Hot Air Balloon,” from the debut, is a study in contrast as a jaunty 3/4 rhythm and an uplifting melody stand in stark relief against the poignancy of the lyrics. “Where are You Now” alternates a straight-ahead rock feel with a half time groove of longing and regret while “Time” incorporates the carnival spirit of anthemic rock.
Deeper hues notwithstanding, the tone of PikkaBirds is one of renewal and reinvention. Like blinding sunlight gleaming off of pristine snowfields, the purity of four young men united in a common vision is an appealing force. “We hope that our music will be heard by as many people as possible and that we will have a change to travel and perform,” says Werner. “ It would be a privilege to inspire other people with our music.”
Hei (beklager spamkarakteren på denne kommentaren, men hva skal man gjøre)
Hjelp oss å spille på Arvikafestivalen. Gå inn på Myspace.com/arvikafestivalen og stem på Tyst! Vi er evig takknemlige for all hjelp vi får. Tusen takk.
Huba. I'm giving my song 'Sunday' away for free. Just click 'download' on my page and it's yours. Please pass it on to your brothers and sisters, anyone you love!
Takker:) Hovedmannen bak bandet er i studio og spller inn soloplate sammen med et par av de gamle bandmedlemene i skrivende stund, kommer til å ligge tett opp til det som ligger ute her på spæisen.
Jeg gleder meg intenst av vårt vennskap. Jeg fryder meg, og klarer ikke å stoppe min nevrotiske gledeslatter. Tårene triller. Hev glass og faner for et vakkert og langvari vennskap, kamerat!
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