The young Kristiansand band Honningbarna received a 400,000 NOK “Grant for Ideas” this Friday, for them to use on developing their music and professional carreer. Barely tipping 18 years of age, the six boys were more than thrilled to receive the money and have already decided how to spend it — on album, launch and [...]

We’re in the middle of Hole in the Sky. It blasted off on Tuesday in Bergen, scaring most of the ignorant students resident to Garage’s weekly Wineyard over the street and into pubs where The Smiths was more likely to be on the soundsystem. Their opening night, named “Incoming”, featured up and coming acts Lobotomized, [...]

After last year’s Supersilent 9, the improvisation trio readies their tenth album. On 9 they ventured into a successful journey consisting purely of organs, and the next albums promises some of their most abstract soundscapes accompanying Ståle Storløkken on a grand piano — for the first time in Supersilent history. A vinyl release from Rune [...]

A new dancy hip hop track from Lars Vaular released now, this time produced by Anand Chetty, mixed by Yngve Sæthre. And what is it, a love song ending in a Carlos Santana-solo? More or less. Go to Lars’ website and flick through Grand People’s electronic booklet whilst listening to it, trying to figure out [...]

CCTV, Pow Pow @ Øya Festival
14th August 2010, Oslo, Norway

And suddenly another Øya was left to memory. Possibly over-all the worst of all 5 Øya’s I had previously been to. Far too many disappointing shows, way too many pitchfork bands, headliners that never really took off…. almost no decent smaller shows…. copious amounts of rain… [...]

John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen, Wolves Like Us, 1349, Major Lazer @ Øya Festival
13th August, Oslo, Norway
After seriously considering against going to Øya today, based on a long week of late shifts and far too much aural exposure, my mind faltered and I made my way there squelching through the crowds on my daily round.
I [...]

Obliteration, Purified in Blood, 1349 @ Øya Festival
13th August, Oslo, Norway
It is Friday the 13th and the metal bands come out to play in the rain. Yes, the rain returns — in intervals so intense that it soaks you within minutes, the festival grounds are suddenly covered in mud and a people curse their choice [...]