Photo by Ole G. Henriksen
ALFRED HALL are a charismatic duo from the Kingdom of Norway who will furiously play the JAJAJA opening night in Berlin. And while you watch this vivid and infatuating picture above: yes – it probably would even make Hank von Helvete want to buy cedar-cented hand lotion – a question should subtly creep up your beautiful neck, my stunned girls and boys. Why is everything perfect there up north? Norway is richly endowed with natural resources including petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests and minerals. While it ranks as the second-wealthiest country in the world, Norway has obtained one of the highest standards of living. And let alone the beautiful countryside! So why do they up there have to get down on us with their euphoric dream-pop and beautiful melodies, whirly guitars and picture-perfect pop formulas? I guess, because Norwegians lifetime prevalence of severe depression is estimated to be 15.6 percent. – Some funny facts come in handy from time to time.
Why should people listen to ALFRED HALL? What’s the main difference to all the other acts out there?
We are the worst at self promotion, but we do put a lot of effort into our songs. If you give our music a chance, you’re bound to like it.
When it comes to other Scandinavian acts: who would you love to collaborate with one day?
Stian from THE NEW WINE and CHAIN WALLET is in my class. We’re planning to write some stuff together.
Speaking of Scandinavia: what are your favourite Scandinavian acts at the moment and of all time?
HIGHASAKITE, CHAIN WALLET, LYKKE LI and LITTLE DRAGON. JOSÉ GONZALEZ is the all time favorite.
What does the future hold for you?
Hard to say, but we will be working hard to write new songs and doing lots of live shows. The rest is up to the listeners.
If you’re music would be a film how would you describe it?
It would be a grand adventure, with some melancholy and love thrown into the mix. Not to different from Into The Wild, I guess.
Would you rather have a dragon or be a dragon?
I think I would want to be a dragon. Spit fire and all that. Then again, this Khaleesi seems to be a tough employer.
Would you rather whisper or shout for the rest of your lives?
Whisper. Both would be really annoying, but shouting all the time would be exhausting for everyone. Besides, you can whisper pretty loud, can’t you?
What was your ‘Moment That Everything Changed?’
Getting our song on the radio was definitely a big milestone. So was playing Øya and Hovefestivalen last summer. But I don’t think we’ve really had that moment yet.
How would you describe your sound to a deaf person?
It’s the sweet mix of harmonic guitars, warm vocals and driving rhythms. It has a taste of the 80’s but it’s fresh as the morning.
If you could have an alternative job – what would it be?
If we could choose any job in the world right now, Hans Thomas would like to delve into the baffling world of magic and illusions, while I myself would like to explore the death defying art of the flying trapeze.
And last, what do hope and passion mean to you?
It really is everything. What’s left without it?
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