Bergen, Norway
Foto: Embla Karidotter
Razika is the most honest indie-ska-punk band in Norway at this time. Their first album, Program 91, was released 2nd of may 2011 and their single Vondt i Hjertet is currently B-listed on NRK P3.
Our favorite place on earth is Bergen. All of us are born and raised her, this is the city we have a relationship with. We are all city-kids from the centre and “need” what a city can offer: shops, cafés, parks, cultural offers etc. And in addition to that, Bergen hare 7 amazing mountains and a harbor. Can it possibly get any better.
Yes, it’s one of the cities in Norway with most rain, but when the sun is out the city just explode! Everybody is outside and there’s a good atmosphere everywhere. Also, Bergensere (people from Bergen) is without doubt the coolest people in Norway. As Agnar Mykle once said, Oslo is the dog, Bergen is the cat. We support each other in Bergen patriotism. Just like the amazing musical environment: there’s no competition because everybody does their own thing and therefore everybody support and help each other. If it wasn’t for Bergen, the coolest city in the world, there wouldn’t be any Razika!
Risør, Norway
Bergtatt is a folk rock band, containing members from the southern and the western part of Norway. The band’s music is a blend of rock music
and traditional folk music, and one of its trademarks is the
combination of old acoustic folk instruments and the classic rock band
instruments. And the cherry on top? Intriguing, powerful female
vocals! The band released it’s debut record “Røtter” in 2009 to
critical acclaim and is currently testing new material live as part of
the work for the second album.
When I was asked to write about my favourite place, I immediately
thought of my home town Risør. This small, peaceful, secluded and
idyllic town is crammed between rocky hills and has the ocean as its
closest neighbour, surrounding most parts of it. All the houses are
made of wood, painted white and lies on each side of the harbour. Just
wandering in the streets is soothing and if you’re anything like me,
it can make your mind drift away, thinking what it might have been
like here long ago. Because when visiting Risør, it is pretty evident
that it’s quite an old town and that it has a lot of history to it.
The church in the town centre dates back to 1641, and in the 1700s and
1800s Risør was an important and prosperous town in Norway for the
expanding ship building industry. The marine culture is still very
prominent in Risør and is still a vital part of the town’s identity.
The outskirts of Risør consist mainly of woods and wild nature, and
two of Bergtatt’s members grew up here. This, combined with the
previously mentioned fascination and interest of the past, makes up a
big part of what Bergtatt is influenced by as a band, as well as our
songs.
Like most of the many tourists that visit Risør and people that spend
their holiday here would say, I would agree that Risør is at its
finest during summertime. It’s at this time of year that the town gets
a special, almost magical, glowing aura. Try having dinner at
“Stangholmen” (a restaurant lying on a close-by island) late in the
evening, or quench your thirst with some beers on the rooftop of the
good old bar “Prommen” during sunset, and you’ll see what I mean. Yes,
I am biased, being from Risør and having my mind packed with memories
of growing up in this place, but it’s definitely worth a visit!
By Rolf-Erik Solstad Karlsen for Bergtatt
Risør is here
Bakklandet , Trondheim , Norway
Ida Jenshus is a 23 year old americana/country artist from Steinkjer, Norway. After releasing her debut album “Color of the sun” (2008) and her follow up “No guarantees” (2010), she has been crowned Norway’s new country queen. See her tour schedule at www.idajenshus.com.
When I had to think of one favourite spot , the first place that came to mind was Bakklandet. This area in Trondheim has been my home for the last 4 years . It’s just the nicest place to live, and to come home to between being on tour or working in the studio. I`ve grown up in a small town myself, so I fell completely in love with this small-town-feel-area in the heart of Trondheim. It`s got this old bohemian look, with crooked houses, small cobblestone streets, vintage shops, small cafes and the Nidelven river running through .
In the summer I love to sit around the benches down by the river with my morning coffee, music on the ear and a book, Ive written a lot of lyrics and songs down there. It´s kind of a peaceful and quiet area, although it’s in the middle of a bigger city. I love the way I can sort of “hide away” here, be in my own world if I want to and find peace to work on my music, but at the same time it has got its pulse.
On sundays the street cafés are always crowded, especially in summer or whenever the sun is out. Try the sweet chilli coffee at Dromedar, it`s the best! Or catch a outdoor concert and a beer at Rabarbra. The Baccalao for lunch at Baklandet Skydsstation is also a favourite of mine, so is the carrotcake. Whenever I need new dresses or outfits to wear on stage, I usually go to the small vintage/re-design shop Stella Snella, where I design my clothes with the sweetsweet owner Hege Biermann . She has the loveliest pieces and the biggest smile .
Watch out for my little black kitten “Søta” ( Cutie ) running around .
