Photo by Oliver Schweers
Ah. The 80s. That wonderfully bizarre decade, full of colours, weird hairstyles and even weirder clothing concepts. But the 1980s are far more than just the era of shoulder pads and accurately trimmed mullets. It was also THE decade for synthetic pop music and some of the greatest evergreens in that genre. Countless artists have been influenced by those acts and Iceland’s BERNDSEN makes no exception. The bearded gentleman is a delicate lover of synthesizer-driven pop from that era. So, in the course of his forthcoming performance at Ja Ja Ja in Berlin on March 13, it seemed logical to ask him a bit more about his favourite jams from those days. Definitely a classical case of ‘born too late,’ BERNDSEN really knows a thing or two about these artists. Find more about it below.
Attention! The ‘Ja Ja Ja Club Night’ also features performances by HISSER and WALDO & MARSHA this week. We’re giving away 3×2 tickets for the event! So don’t hesitate to write a mail to win@nbhap with the subject ‘Ja Ja Ja’ and your full name. Good luck!
01. David Bowie – ‘Ashes To Ashes’
For me David Bowie is one of the greatest musicians ever lived! and a big Icon for me. It’s hard to choose one track from him but if I have to choose its Ashes To Ashes. I just can’t get enough of that song. My father used to listen a lot to David Bowie when I was younger so I guess it got stuck with my all these years. I am also very proud that my name is close to the master David B…erndsen.
02. OMD – ‘Souvenir’
OMD has had a lot of influence in my vocals and music. When I practice singing and vocal exercise and always end up singing some OMD tunes haha. So I am a big fan and one of my dreams is to open up for the band on a concert!
03. Pax Vobis – ‘Coming My Way’
Not many people know Pax Vobis, it was a new wave band from Iceland around 1983-1984. New Romantic, Pop fusion style which I am very fond of and specially the vocals the fret less bass! One of my favorite Instruments. The bass player Skuli Sverrison in the band is one of the best musicians from Iceland, he even played with David Sylivan on a tour! So this is highly recommended for the music nerds.
04. Ultravox – ‘The Voice’
Classic New wave from 1981 from the band Ultravox. A great gem! and wow I wish I had the voice of Midge Ure. Synths and live jam as its best.
05. Japan – ‘Swing’
Again with the fret less bass! My favorite bass player in the world Mick Karn who has also done great projects like Dalis Car. I am a big fan of the band Japan, I own all their music on vinyl and listen to them a lot! Doesn’t get much better than this!
06. Guns ‘n’ Roses – ‘Nighttrain’
Its the late 80’s and who doesn’t like GNR! I ask?! Axel Rose is one my music idols, Red haired with beard and crazy attitude. I saw them live around 2006 and I was blown away he still got it. This song I use also a lot in the gym when I need the extra boost. Energy!
07. Dire Straits – Sultans of Swing
When I started playing the guitar around 17 years old I used to listen so much to Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler is a guitar legend and I know the song I picked is from 1978 but it just has to be on my list haha but of course Dire Straits released hit after hit in the 80´s! I just want my MTV back!
—