Kong Tiki Records

Update September 2008

The School release second album "Destructive Sounds" on September 8

The School's eagerly awaited second album is mixed, mastered and soon hot off the press ! It's been two years since their successful Grammy nominated debut "Espionage" - an album which the Norwegian music press simply described as an "Uncompromising Energy-Bomb". Tours of Scandinavia and Germany have kept the band busy since then - gathering scores of awesome live reviews, amongst others a perfect 6 out of 6 at the Oya Festival.
The band spent most of the spring recording the new songs at legendary studio Carriage House in Stamford, Connecticut, with producer Chris Ribando (Black Crowes, Mary J Blige, The Fever). "Some people may find this record slightly more poppy and danceable than the first album" says singer/guitarist Stig. "But there's more than enough punky power rock for our fans". Keyboard player and second vocalist Andreas has written four songs on the new album. Norwegian Rock Radio P3 has taken the first single from "Destructive Sounds" to heart - the irresistible "Radio Girl" jumped from the C-list to the B-list in just two weeks.
The band will tour Norway and Germany this fall/winter, check out www.myspace.com/theschoolrock for details.

Ranheim ready with Albini-produced Opus "Norwegian Wood"

Ranheim released the years coolest 7 inch single entitled "I Don't Like the Smiths" (B-side: Dirty Dancing) this month, and follow up with the new longplayer on September 15. The alt-rock trio spent two weeks in the studio with legendary producer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio studios in Chicago, recording new songs like "Black Acid", "Peyote" and " All The Things That Matter Are Things Made Of Wood". Ranheim insisted on recording entirely in Analog, which is Mr. Albini's modus operandi, needless to say they got along quite well. Record prelistening reveals an eccentric mix of exciting and intelligent rock, often fast and furious, sometimes dark and brooding, all in all very Ranheim. "Norwegian Wood" is not only the album's title, but the actual cover itself is indeed made from Norwegian wood. This falls big surprise. Check out www.myspace.com/ranheim for more information.

Moving Oos in the studio, creating a masterpiece

Moving Oos were one of Norwegian Radios most played bands last year - between the two big hits "Romancer" and "Minister of Love" you won't find many who didn't notice them. Live favorites again this year, and with their award win at the Alarm Awards last October for "Best New Artist", Moving Oos are in the spotlight this fall when their second album is due. As yet untitled, finishing touches are being made at Athletic Sound Studios in Norway.
The new songs promise a continuation of the classic yet original sound that was so perfectly captured on the debut album "Peace and Love", but with some surprises that may catch some fans off guard. Poised to be one of the most exciting releases this fall, look for the album in stores on September 29. For those who did not catch them live on tour last year, check their www.myspace.com/movingoos site for gig updates for the remainder of the year !

WHITE LORD JESUS - NEW ALBUM!
24 years after their debut "Amen" , Norwegian Goth pioneers White Lord Jesus released their second album "...into that good night" on August 18th. "Amen" was at the time Norway's ultimate contribution to the Goth/Synth wave , and was only available on cassette at the time. Kong Tiki re-released the material on CD in 2005 to huge critical acclaim, and re-introduced a legion of fans to their great songs, available on this website for download.

The new album is 60 minutes long and includes the single Strange Daze (which can be downloaded now for free at: www.whitelordjesus.com) with guest singer Rebekka Karijord. The album also includes a new version of Song for a Dark Girl featuring Haddy N´jie. Other guests include Arve Henriksen (Supersilent), Martin Horntveth (Jaga Jazzist and The National Bank), Bård Torstensen (Clawfinger), Maja Ratkje (Spunk/Fe- mail) and Prague Philharmonic Orcestra. The album is produced by Tognazzi with Trond Bjerknæs.

Pirate Love - a busy year for one of the most promising new bands
Their live shows are already legendary, last year ended with an Alarm Award nomination for the killer video for "Laughing Gas" . The press have had a field day with the band all year - proclaiming their inheritance of the deathpunk garage throne that once belonged to Turbonegro. Certain comparisons exist, but the band prefer to not be compared to anyone. Pirate Love had a very busy festival season, which will end at the Gutter Island Festival in Denmark. The brilliant debut "Black Vodoun Space Blues" gathered excellent reviews and brought everyone's attention to their unique concoction of bluesy garage surfpunk. See the new video for "Ain't Nothing To Do (A Kiss Hello)" on www.myspace.com/thepiratelove and on YouTube. American fans can check out songs available on two compilation CD's: Mohawk Bomb's "No Lip Vol.1" and Skratch Magazine's MP3 sampler V.38. Check this space for exciting new stuff and new tour dates soon.

Update December 2007

Moving Oos wins Alarm Award for "Best New Artist"
Moving Oos have captured the award for for "Best New Artist" at this years Alarm Awards. They were also nominated in the category "Best Song" for the radio hit "Romancer". These awards were determined by a 50 % vote from the fans as they voted online, and 50% by a jury of Music business people.! The band have had a fabulous year with Festival appearances and three major playlistings for "Romancer", "Minister of Love", and the latest "Never Let You Down". There's finally a video out for "Minister of Love", check it out on this website and or on YouTube. Congratulations to the band, who were on the road as the wards were presented in Oslo.

Pirate Love signed to Kong Tiki
We are excited as hell to be working with the coolest band we've heard in a long time, Pirate Love. Their sound is primitive, raw, down and dirty sleazerock, fused with elements of garage, punk, goth and surf. The band have just finished recording songs for a limited edition EP which will be out in Norway in the end of November, followed by their debut LP which will be released this winter. Check out one of the unmixed demo's, "Death Trip", from the studio sessions on their myspace page: www.myspace.com/thepiratelove. Also check out the video for "Laughing Gas", recently nominated for an Alarmprisen Award for "Video of the Year" . (Her tror jeg du maa sette inn litt mer info om bandet, naar de formet og hvor de har split osv?)

Popium - UK visit/New Video
Just back from London where they played two awesome gigs and did an in-house session at BBC2 in Birmingham, Popium can rest assured that their fans in the UK want them back. Keep an eye on their myspace page (www.myspace.com/popium) for gig updates. Their new video for UK single #2 "Afterglow" was filmed by Jeff Brown during the bands mini-tour, and includes footage from on the road, at BBC's studios and at the Camden Barfly!

Costar new album "Exit"
"Exit" was released in the UK in August and is now set for release in Norway in January. Be sure to watch the new video for the song "Good Morning Sunshine" here on this website or on YouTube. Check the bands website www.myspace.com/costarmusic for gig updates following the albums release.

The School prepare second album
The School are set to go back into the studio soon to record their second album, which should be ready for release in April or May of next year. They have just completed their first tour of Germany and can't wait to get the new songs recorded.

Newflash: Popium's first UK single "Anchor Down" has been playlisted on BBC2 and awarded "Record Of The Week"! The single is available online on iTunes and the album "The Miniature Mile" will be released in the UK in mid September.

Update - July 2007

"Romancer" A-listed in Norway
Moving Oos - The single "Romancer" was playlisted on Norway's Radio P3's A-list for 15 weeks, and we are told this nearly broke the stations record! New single "Minister of Love" is just added to the A-list as well, and we hope to see a similar pattern. The band is gearing up for a busy festival season, and lead guitarist/songwriter Jimmy Kruder is promising a show you'll never forget. Check out the excellent Pitchfork review for the album "Peace and Love" here: www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/41891-peace-and-love. The album has been picked up by Indigo in Germany for a European release in August.

New album from Costar in August
Costar - New album "Exit" set for release in early August in UK and Norway! The new single "Good Morning Sunshine" will be out on limited edition vinyl in early July in the UK, and the sensational video will be out around that time as well. See the video here and on youtube, and check for tour dates on myspace.com/costarmusic. "Exit" mixes crunchy hard outer layers with warm, sweet melodies - "their distinctive brand of indie pop is a joy to listen to, both catchy and cool" - Indigo Flow, UK.

Popium's vocalist with solo album
Frank Hammersland - Solo album released! Single "Matter of Opinions" playlisted on P1's A-List! The album has gathered excellent reviews - "This record redeems itself at every listen.... there were great expectations to this solo album, and this is a most promising accomplishment. " Those who are familiar with Popium and Hammersland's songwriting will undoubtedly recognize the melodies and fine harmony in the songs, but will be pleasantly surprised by the alt-country elements that embellish this album.

UK launch for Ricochets
Ricochets "Isolation" out in UK! Their first UK review from web-based rock critics Subba-cultcha is worth reading: www.subba-cultcha.com/article_album.php?id=5104. "Isolation is packed with classic sounding rock tunes" - "a band that sticks to the well-trodden path of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll... "says UK website MusicOHM.com.

"The Miniature Mile" in USA and UK
Popium released in USA and UK- In a joint venture with Listening-Post Music, the fabulous new album "The Miniature Mile" is now available in the USA, the U. S version has a bonus track "Suits My Soul" and two videos, for "Anchor Down" and "Suits My Soul". At press time there is a rumour of a BBC2 playlisting for first UK single "Anchor Down" To buy it in the USA check out www.listening-post.com. Popium are the CMJ/Sonicbids Spotlight winner in July, and have so far earned two glorious reviews in Amplifier Magazine and Score! Music Magazine. check out music and press on www.myspace.com/popium.

Europe distribution for Torch and The School
Torch - debut album "Death to Perfection" will be released in Germany and other European countries via German label Goldencore! Theres talk of some summer festivals and a German tour, so keep checking their websites for updates (www.myspace.com/torchofficial).

The School - debut record "Espionage" released in Europe! Through Kong Tiki Record's new distribution agreement with Hamburg-based company Indigo, The School's record will be the first of KTR's catalogue available in Europe. Keep an eye on this website and the bands own websites (www.theschoolrock.com and www.myspace.com/theschoolrock) for tour dates and further info. Later this year the band will pack their bags for a German tour, playing on the Polarzoo Festival tour, amongst others. German Magazine "Visions" awarded the album a 9, and will soon publish a lengthy interview in the August or September issue! There is talk now of multiple radio playlistings in Germany.

January 2007

The School nominated for a Norwegian Grammy Award
We are proud and pleased to see The School get nominated for a Norwegian Grammy Award (Spellemanspris) in the category "Best Rock Album" for their debut album "Espionage". A well deserved achievement in this very early phase of the bands career, which is testament to the quality of all the great songs on that album. The band have been touring Norway and will soon be packing their gear bags for a destination yet to be announced, and will also be playing this years By:Larm in Trondheim, see further notes on that below. Keep both ears and eyes open for the new single and video for "Pick Up the Phone", to be released in January.

The Moving Oos to release their first single
This concoction of brilliant musicians, comprised of members from amongst others International Tussler Society, New Violators, Dadafon and Cadillac, will be releasing their first single "Romancer", from the forthcoming album "Peace and Love". This is a sultry soul/rock ballad taken from the album which is otherwise fueled by high energy rock in the style of The Faces, MC5, Humble Pie and Sly Stone - building on the remnants from the funky, soulful rock and gospel soaked late 60's and early 70's. Look for the album, tour dates and the incredible album cover, designed by our favorite Martin Kvamme, in the next weeks ahead. For more details check this website and www.myspace.com/movingoos. They will no doubt add tremendous flavour to this years By:Larm (see below).

Popium goes USA
Popium's brilliant new album "The Miniature Mile" will be released in the USA this winter through U.S. indie label Listening-Post Music, based in Pennsylvania. This release will be supported by a U.S tour this summer. "The name says it all" says company founder and President Bud Drago. "This is classic pop that respects it's elders. Obvious Beatles influences that segue into touches of Oasis, at their Beatles best, underscored by strong radio-friendly hooks, contemporary instrumentation and heartfelt lyrical sentiment. It's this unique combination that made Popium the number one band for Listening-Post Music to sign in 2007. We further believe that this record will be one of 2007's top pop releases". " The U.S version of The Miniature Mile will include a bonus track "Suits My Soul" (from their 2004 release "Camp") plus two videos, for "Suits My Soul" and "Anchor Down".

Welcome to By:Larm 2007
A huge invitation and welcome to all attending By:Larm this year, as Kong Tiki has no less than four bands playing this year ! The School, Ranheim, The Moving Oo's and Torch have been selected to the awesome roster of this years performers. Looks like an event not to be missed, and rumours are that there will be a sizable number of international music biz attendees this year. It may be the first time that any or all of the bands have played gigs in a coverted WWII submarine bunker!

October 2006

Torch and the path to domination
Since their triumphant opening at the Quart Festival, Torch have been criss-crossing the land playing Summer Festivals on the path to domination. After opening for bands like Opeth and Tool they are now a powerful and well-oiled machine - a force to reckon with - and are psyched up to play to their fans in their home towns. So log to www.torch-official.com <http://www.torch-official.com> and check out the tour schedule - be sure to catch them on the road! The band was recently featured on a Music Norway Export Cd compilation that represents the latest and best bands out of Norway.
The new video for "K-Bomb' is awesome and is getting lots of attention on Youtube, and can also be viewed here.

An update on Popium
"The Miniature Mile" is the title of the new Popium record, and it was released in Norway/Scandinavia on August 28. Only Popium can produce songs of a certain quality, unequal to anyone else, that have the power to extend a beautiful warm summer well into fall and even winter. Listen to "Anchor Down", better yet, see the unique video on this website. The record was produced by singer/songwriter Frank Hammersland, whom has with this collection of songs re-affirmed his status as one of Norway's premier songwriting talents. The press reviews have been complimentary as usual; " (The track) "The Comeback Kid" sails upliftingly on acoustic guitars and strings, "Happy to the Core" is a classic guitarpop duet....the title track treats us to booming basslines with a glam riff..."How to come up from going Under" is stormy and beautiful, "Sugarcoated" is the playfully arranged powerpop we have eagerly waited for......"-Aftenposten, Sept.19, 2006. Many compare the soul of Popium to the Beatles when they were in their fateful but incredibly creative last phase. In a recent interview Frank was asked what he thought God would say on his arrival, if there was a heaven and assuming he'd get there: "It's about time, Frank. Well done. I'm proud of you. John Lennon is sitting over there in the corner waiting". Popium will be playing gigs in support of the new album - check updated gig announcements at www.popium.no <http://www.popium.no> . All Popium videos are available on youtube.com.

The School attracts
The School: The long-anticipated debut record "Espionage" is finally out ! For those who fell in love with the "Madchen" EP, those who caught the song "Attraction" playlisted on Norwegian Radio P3, or the fans who caught the explosive set at this years Oya Festival, now is the time to revel in this masterpiece of post-punk high octane rock. The band earned a perfect score (6/6 stars) for that performance at the Oya festival - as did the album's review with Norwegian free press newspaper "Natt og Dag": It's been a while since the expectations of a debut album have been so uniformly anxiously awaited by the Norwegian music press - and the moment of truth has arrived. "The School have delivered a completely solid record without any weaknesses..... they find themselves perfectly situated with one foot in Berlin 1976-77 and the other in Manchester 1979-80.....The sound is razor-sharp with a dark and pounding undertone that might scare some away, yet for most it exudes that warm fuzzy feeling. Impressive" -N&D, Sept 8, 2006. The album was produced by John Fryer (NIN,Depeche Mode, HIM). The video for the single "Bad to the Bone" can now be viewed on this website and at Youtube.com. The School will embark on a 17 date tour of Norway commencing mid-October - check the dates online at www.theschoolrock.com <http://www.theschoolrock.com> and make sure you catch them in your home town as this is one gig you won't want to miss!

May 2006

Torch with tremendous reviews
Torch's album released in April gathers tremendous reviews - "Death to Perfection" gets the reception it deserved by the Norwegian press - "A huge splash, one of Trondheims younger bands have proven themselves worthy of invading rocks elite division" - Adresseavisa - "They impress with original songs that are solid, confident and melodically explosive"- Dagsavisen - " Torch have always had an apparition onstage that exudes an incredible confidence live, and it's awesome to hear it captured on record"- Panorama Magazine - " There is no doubt that the Trondheim collective known as Torch have given new valour to the concept Norwegian metal"-Dagbladet - " From start to finish this record booms with high energy, fist-clenching caliber song -Varden. We could go on and on but there's no better way to experience this music than to get the record, and see them live on tour. Torch will be playing the Quart Festival on July 4, opening for amongst others Tool. Check the bands website for tour updates
www.torch-official.com.

Popium's new album mixed and ready
Tentatively titled "The Miniature Mile", fans can look forward to their new release sometime in August. The albums first single "Burning the Afterglow" will most likely hit the radiowaves in June. Keep an eye on the bands website www.popium.no for tour updates and downloads.

The School signed to Kong Tiki
The School formed in 2004 and quickly built a reputation for their catchy riffs and in-your-face attitude, and making their mark on the live circuit in Norway. They played a blistering two-gig set at this years By:Larm (Norway's answer to SXSW) and shortly thereafter were invited to play two big summer festivals, Oya Festivalen and the Quart festival. Kong Tiki will re-release their brilliant 4 track EP "Madchen EP". John Fryer (NIN, HIM, Depeche Mode, Cocteau Twins) will produce the bands debut album over the summer, due for release in the fall of
2006. Check out www.theschoolrock.com.

Costar - new album "Exit" nearly completed
Costar have been mixing tracks and playing gigs in London - and we can confirm that the first single "This Awakening", accompanied by a video, will be released in the UK on July 3. The new album will be released in UK in August. Check out the bands website www.costarmusic.com for upcoming gigs and if you're lucky there might be some new songs to hear there as well. XFM radio in London have already promised a playlisting for "This awakening" !

Ranheim - Possibly this years biggest surprise...
For those who thought alternative rock was dead (or just asleep) - we urge you to check out Ranheim, out with their debut album on EMI/Kong
Tiki/Playground this month - (EMI being Evil Music Int.) Ranheim's tour dates and downloads will be on Kong Tiki's website shortly, so keep
checking here for details. Ranheim's album is titled "Rock & Science" and explores regions of outer space avantgarde rock that few have ever
experienced. All songs written and performed by Admiral Von Ranheim, (vocals/guitars) Don Ranheim (drums) and Kaptein Ranheim (bass/backing
vocals) and mixed by John Fryer (Depeche Mode, NIN, Paradise Lost, HIM). The sound of tomorrow today !

December 2005

RICOCHETS nominated for 2 Alarm awards!
Ricochets have been nominated for two Alarm awards. Their album ‘Isolation’ is nominated for Best Rock Album of the year and they’re also nominated as Best Live Act. The awards will take place January 21st 2006. Ricochets will also end their Norwegian tour this year at Sentrum Scene in Oslo on December 17th with X-Lover and The Cheaters as special guests.

TORCH signed to Kong Tiki!
Hardcore outfit Torch has signed a deal with Kong Tiki Records. The band is currently finishing their debut album which is expected to be released in Norway in end of February 2006. The band, who through different lineups has been around for some years, made an awesome performance at this years by:larm and since that they’ve done a series of mindblowing gigs, most notably at this years Storås Festival where they kicked some major ass! You can check them out at www.torch69.com

WHITE LORD JESUS resurrected!
Norway’s foremost Goth pioneers White Lord Jesus has just made their first CD release on Kong Tiki. The band who tried to make Norway an even darker place in the early 80’s existed only a couple of years and had only one cassette release, the magic ‘Amen’ in 1984. Now the cassette has been slightly rearranged and remixed and the CD release also contains prevoius unreleased material as well as some new tracks. The duo, Tognazzi and Tristan Christ, today better known as filmmaker Thomas Robsahm and journalist Arvid Skancke-Knutsen, have now reformed and are working on new material. They recently did an oustanding performance at the Oslo club Mono, their first gig in twenty years! www.whitelordjesus.com New POPIUM album in the works
Popium are currently working on their new album which will be mixed at Duper Studio by Yngve Saetre just before X-mas. No title as of yet, but the recordings so far are the best they’ve ever done and the material is more up tempo than their latest album ‘Camp’. The soundtrack for the summer of 2006 is secured……

News August 2005

New Richochets album 8th of August
Richochets will release their new album in Norway on the 8th of August. Watch this space for more news on the album.

News July 2005

Costar signed publishing deal with AMV Alster
Costar recently signed a publishing deal for Germany/Austria/Switzerland with Hamburg based AMV Alster. "We are excited to have Costar onboard" said Tom Nevermann, of AMV Alster subsidiary Neversongs Publishing and Management. "Costar's music is in the tradition of the great british songwriters combined with the unique blend of scandinavian music. It is filled with your favourite flavour of delight". The AMV Alster promotions department formerly known as Public Propaganda recently underwent a restructuring and is now Heartbeat Promotions, and will now focus primarily on alternative rock bands. The band is delighted to have joined the roster of AMV Alster and can't wait to get their debut album 'Keep it Light" released in the territory. Keep an eye on the news section in short time for updates and developments, and tour dates.

News May 2005

Israelvis licensed to Kong Tiki Records!
Fans of the distinctly inventive but elusive band Israelvis will be surprised to hear their phenomenal new album "The Israelvis Effect", to be released on Kong Tiki Records on June 6, 2005. The band has maintained a cult following, despite having been away from the limelight for nearly nine years- following their three releases in the nineties: "Albino blue" (1993), "Church of Israelvis" (1995) and "Eurosis" (1996). Their music has always had a metal edge, yet with groovy beats and a sometimes jazzy feel to it. The new songs rock with a classic Israelvis sound.

Cadillac with heavy airplay in England
Cadillac's song "Top of My Guarantees" has been receiving heavy airplay in England on Radio One. The album "Magnetic City" will be released in the UK in mid August, with the first single "Locomotive" to be released beforehand. To keep up with the demand there is a free download of "Top of My Guarantees" at the band's website www.cadillacweb.com.

Popium on soundtrack for "Fever Pitch"
The track "Sooner or Later" was released in the U.S. on the film "Fever Pitch" soundtrack, out via Rycodisk. The film received tremendous reviews and has earned over 40 million dollars in its first month of release. The soundtrack is also doing very well with its flavourful mix of old and new songs. Check out the soundtrack on iTunes and other sources. The film is scheduled for European release this summer.

News April 2005:

Popium featured in new Hollywood Movie!
The brilliant track "Sooner or Later" from the new album "Camp" has been chosen to be in the new Farrelly Bros. Film "Fever Pitch" (20th Century Fox), starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon. The film is a U.S version
of the Nick Hornsby novel and will premiere in the US on April 8, and most likely during the summer in Europe. "Sooner or Later" will play during one of the film's romantic moments, and is also featured on the film's soundtrack, out in the USA via Rycodisc Records.

"Suddenly the world got smaller, and its such a thrill" said singer Frank Hammersland in a recent interview. "We obviously hope that this exposure can help us outside of Norway's borders" he adds and also mentions that a
new Popium album is already in the works and may be released as early as this fall.

"This is the sort of thing we try to accomplish through our U.S office, and we are very excited" says Kong Tiki Record's Jens-Petter Wiig."Hopefully this will be the first step in many similar achievements in the USA for both Popium and our other bands on the label". Popium already has a core following in the USA, fans that have purchased Popium albums
through the internet. Kong Tiki hopes to secure a deal for licensing or distribution there for Popium soonest.

News January 2005:

Ricochets working on new album
Ricochets are currently doing demorecordings for their new album album to be released in the fall on Kong Tiki. Title; ’Isolation’. Since drummer George left the band before christmas they’ve been without a drummer for a couple of weeks, but now Glenn is the name of the new man with the sticks. Glenn will be their forth drummer, we wish him the best of luck!

Just before Christmas Kong Tiki also relased the vinyl version of ’The Ghost of My Love’ with two bonus tracks and in a great gatefold sleeve with extended artwork.

New video from Cadillac, Pekka Volt and Popium
Cadillac are ready with a new video from ’Magnetic City’ and this time it’s ’Galaxy of Nobodys’ which shows some of the bands own filming from the recordings in the US as well as some great live footage.

Pekka Volt also have a new video. A hillarious video you must check out in the videosection. Pekka Volt is currently building their new home (litterally) studio and are working on new songs.

So is Popium. Sometime in the spring they’ll record their new album. More info on this later.

Alt for Egil to be released on DVD
The movie ’Alt for Egil’, which Kong Tiki relased the soundtrack for, was seen by more than 100 000 people in Norway ( the soundtrack has sold 10 000 so far). Now it’s DVD time and the relase will be February 16th. If you haven’t picked up the soundtrack yet it’s still not to late.. New music from the likes of Morten Abel, Lars Horntveth and others.

Soundtrack: Kong Tiki Records and Playground Music will release the soundtrack for a widely anticipated Norwegian film "Alt for Egil" in August. The first single "24 hours a Day" has already been declared a hit, receiving five stars out of a possible six in the Norwegian Press. The film's music consists of songs written by Norway's foremost songwriters such as Morten Abel and Janove Ottesen (from Kaizers Orchestra), with the film's score written largely by Lars Horntvedt (from Jaga Jazzist). The project was produced by Yngve Saetre (Popium). The film's star Kristoffer Joner sings several of the songs on the soundtrack - also the albums first hit single "24 hours a Day". The soundtrack hits the stores on August 16th, and the film's premiere is on August 20th.
www.altforegil.no

Popium's new record "Camp" was released on June 21st and received rave reviews from the Norwegian press, nearly all of the countries reviewers rewarded the band 5 out of possible 6 stars - already branded the " feel good hit of the summer !". Check out the bands first single "Suits my Soul" currently playlisted on most Norwegian radiostations. Both "Suits my Soul' and "Going to California" are being played on American radio, despite no current release plans for the U.S, on Indie 103.1 FM in Los Angeles. Hopefully the buzz will attract some interested American companies for a cooperation. Amongst other gigs Popium will be opening for the Beach Boys when they play in Norway.

New single "I Wanna go to California", goes out to Norwegian radio stations mid September!
www.popium.no

Pekka Volt have finished recording their debut album in the now legendary Swedish Silence Studios (Hellacopters, Bob Hund). The album is called "Whipped Cream and Gasoline" and features the young band's wildly charged and energetic songs - described best as Psychopop. The albums release is set for September 27th.

Update: Pekka Volt will be the only Norwegian band playing at this years "In the City" music conference in Manchester, England. They will be playing at the Night and Day club on Saturday, Sept. 18th (@19:45).
www.pekkavolt.com

Cadillac have just completed recording their third album "Magnetic City" at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut. Located just outside of New York City, the studio has had many huge albums recorded and mixed there, from amongst others Kiss, Pixies, Pantera and Jane's Addiction. The new record is a sonic masterpiece and will undoubtedly make its mark when it is released in Norway/Scandinavia in September. Produced by Black Crowes founder, songwriter and guitarist Rich Robinson, and engineered by Chris Ribando, the new songs will surprise even the most die-hard Cadillac fans. Before returning to Norway, the band played two gigs in the U.S, one at Arlene's Grocery in NYC and one at the Viper Room in Los Angeles.
www.cadillacweb.com

CoStar were recently in the USA and Canada. The band were in Toronto to play the annual North by NorthEast Festival, and stopped by New York City enroute to play two gigs at the Mercury Lounge and Acme Underground. The NXNE Festival was a big success, and everyone fell in love with Toronto. Their debut album "Keep it Light" will be released in England on July 12 through Popfiction/Shellshock, and in Norway on August 9 through Playground Music. The first single 'Yeah, Right" is being played on BBC One, BBC 6 and XFM, and the video is getting spins on ZTV (Scandinavia).
www.costarmusic.com

Ricochets: The band played the massive Roskilde Festival July 1 to a sold out crowd - the rain actually stopped during their set. The reviewer for Verdens Gang (one of Norways largest newspapers) called it "a classic Norwegian concert at Roskilde" and said that "Ricochets are firing warning shots - and are near their massive breakthrough". The band will be playing other European festivals this summer, and a larger European tour has been planned to support their first release outside of Norway: a re-release of both "Slo-Mo Suicide" and their latest disc, "The Ghost of Our Love" on Glitterhouse Records in Europe in August. Ricochets will be entering the studio this fall to record their first album on the Kong Tiki label, set for a January 2005 release.
www.ricochets.net