Introducing: I Was A King

Having only been in existence for a few years, Norwegian group I Was a King has quickly gained recognition from the media, musicians, and fans alike. Front man Frode Strømstad has been said to have a unique gift of creating addictive melodies that hold distinctive roots to the 60′s, distorted through a 90′s indie scene filter.

In 2007, I Was A King released their debut, Losing Something Good for Something Better. It was labeled “Royally brilliant” and given 8 out of 10 by NME. The Independent, and The Sunday Times gave equally flattering praise and The Guardian said, “Norwegian wunderkind Strømstad takes ol’ lankhair’s ramshackle rock and squeezes it through a dreampop filter…If Alan McGee hadn’t wound down Creation, this lot would have been first in the queue to sign on the dotted line. File next to: Fountains Of Wayne, Apples In Stereo, Neutral Milk Hotel, Strawberry Wine-era My Bloody Valentine.”

For people out there that have never heard of you. Give us three reasons why they should?
If people are into some sort of noisy guitars, loud drums and good melodies I think they would be pretty into our music.

Tell us a little about where you’re from.. Do your surroundings affect the music that you create?
I grew up in a small town in the south-west of Norway called Egersund. It is a very conservative place, which I guess pushed me to be creative, and to somehow stick out from the norms. I love the place, it is by the sea, surrounded by mountains etc, but no notable music interest or supportive music scene which is sad.

If you could have played on or written any song, what would it be?
‘Rain’ by The Beatles. It is not too complicated which suits my skills pretty well, but it is such a great great song.

How did the band come in to being? And where did the name come from?
The band started as many others like a one man with a 4 track project. From there it went to become a recording project along with my friend Emil (Serena Maneesh). We recorded the debut album ”Losing something good for something better” together in his rehearsal room. After I decided to make a live band out of it, I think there has been maybe 10 different line-ups. But it has been pretty steady for the last 10 months. Anne Lise (guitar/back up vocals) who also co-writes some of the songs, has been the longest lasting member. Proud of her.

The band name comes from a song by the artist Jandek, which I was really into at the time i started.

What is the most memorable gig you have played, and what can we expect of your live set at Ja Ja Ja?
I think the show we did at this years By:larm festival in Oslo, is the show that I will keep in mind for a long time. It was the first real show we did after the album came out in Norway. Loud, sweaty, fighting in the crowd, with a happy ending. (they ended up hugging each other)

As for the Ja Ja Ja show, we promise to show people our best side. Make it a memorable evening for everyone there.

If you were asked to curate your own Ja Ja Ja night, which three acts would you choose and why?
Anssi 8000 & Maria Stereo (FIN) – which is my favourite band from Finland.
The Megaphonic Thrift (NO) – Next big thing coming out of Norway. Their live shows are amazing, and they have an album coming out early next year.
Kloster & Sarah Hepburn (DK) – Two solo artists, but saw them do a show together last summer, and it was amazing. Hope they do it again.

We’d like you to make us a Nordic themed mix-tape. Which five tracks would you choose?
Anssi 8000 & Maria Stereo – ‘Sleeves of Jesus’
The Loch Ness Mouse – ‘Judy’
The Tables – ‘Alasdair Jones’
St Thomas – ‘Mysterious Walks’
By Coastal Cafe – ‘One day all was black’

mp3:> I Was A King: ‘California’

- – – – – – -

The launch party for Ja Ja Ja takes place on Thursday November 19th and has been curated by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens. The influential DJ chose (from a huge list of potential acts): I Was A King (from Norway), Kira Kira (from Iceland), Francis (from Sweden) and TV Off who we have here answering a few questions about the history of the band and what we can expect from their performance next week. The Finnish outfit were described by one chin-stroker at a recent performance as “like Sophie Ellis-Bextor meets Moby”. The band kicked the crap out of that guy and he still eats through a straw. Luckily, it was all put down to “high spirits”, and TV Off were able to return to the studio to start on the debut record.

For more info, make sure you follow Ja Ja Ja over on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jajajanordic and of course, the official website which will contain all up to date info: http://www.jajajamusic.com

Tickets for the launch party are on sale now and priced at £5. Grab yours here.