Three Shouts from Norway
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Winter is still visibly present. The snow is covering the house-roofs and parked cars. The crackle of snow under the sole is the acoustic expression of God’s nature this time of year. It is when summer still seems to be far in the distance that Soundscaping is taking a closer look at three festivals here in Norway. Tromsø‘s Insomnia, Stavanger’s Nu Music and Oslo’s “Ultima” festival are the three festivals to feature in this preview.
Stavanger’s Nu Music is fast becoming the electronic music festival in Norway. The Norwegian electronic scene has different hot spots dotted across the width and length of this spacious country. Apart from the usual suspects of Oslo and Bergen, and the northern University (read: party) town of Tromsø, Stavanger is placing itself on the map with this festival towards the end of summer.
Last year’s festival coincided with Stavanger’s hosting as the European Capitol of Culture (alongside Liverpool). Location is one of the natural strengths of Nu Music. The natural environment the surrounds Stavanger is beautiful, and the some of the venues that host concerts are worth the visit.
The former Tou brewery serves a unique concert venues in Stavanger. Last year’s event also saw Kaada play the opening concert at the city’s Cathedral.
Last years list of artists had the breadth that any important music festival should have. Dutch dubsteppers 2562 , American sonic crusaders Black Dice , British composer David Toop , one of the aristocrats of Norwegian noise – Jazkammer and the legendary post-punk band The Fall .
2009 will mark the 10th anniversary of Nu Music. Soundscaping hopes that the good booking and great venues of previous years will continue once again. We’ll keep you updated on news on dates and artists.
The grand uncle of Norwegian non-mainstream festival (to use an odd phrasing) has to be the Ultima festival This festival is not only the largest contemporary festival in Norway, but the most talked about festival, bar the big drunk-fests of Hove/Quart/Øya where the kids can do all the crazy and funny things – such as involuntarily tipping over. Unfortunately for Ultima much of the talk in the tabloids over the past years has been over why this festival receives state funding when the popular events hardly get a penny. Shame the main street papers don’t like to focus on the positives. Such as the unique concerts Ultima often provides.
2009’s Ultima-festival will be directed by the newly appointed freelance composer Lars Petter Hagen. At only 33 years he will be a fresh air in the stale corridors of contemporary music. Being a former artistic director of the Happy Days festival, we can hope for a revigorating festival in September.
One of last year’s most interesting event at Ultima was Arne Nordheim’s sound installation called “The Drop”. This installation was set at the water cleansing plant at Bækkelaget, Oslo. The erotic court music of ancient Persia performed by the Al-Kindi ensemble was another special event.
For yours truly the Touch event of 2005 is the best event at Ultima to date.
The last shout goes out to Tromsø‘s Insomnia festival If Stavanger is situated in a nice spot, the Tromsø is a feast of natural beauty. This island is above the arctic circle, but thanks to one of the world’s most northerly (if not the most) Universities, the town of Tromsø has a vibrant and big music scene. Biosphere, Rune Lindbæk, Røyksopp, Mental Overdrive, Phonophani and Bjørn Torske to name only the most known artists.
A visit to Tromsø is bound to be an experience, and any visitor should spend at least one full day exploring the city’s surroundings. The festival it self is of the petite kind. Last year there wasn’t a big name that caught the eye it was rather the unusual mix that got Soundscaping’s attention.
Insomnia allows for local talents to strut their stuff, along side Russian, Argentinian and Icelandic (at least for the 2008 festival) artists. The 2009 edition of Insomnia will hopefully continue to promote more local and unknown talents.
