While many Norwegian pop groups used to sing in English, there has been an influx of bands who now sing in their native language.
One of the great ones is Kråkesølv, an indie group hailing from Bodø in Northern Norway. They also use their own dialect, a feature which not only sets them apart but also gives their music a distinct signature.
Take a listen to the song called “Syrinen”, from their album “Pangea”. Highly recommended for fans of bands such as Dungen and Radiohead.
“I’m not sure how growing up in Bodø has influenced our sound. It’s always difficult to say since we were born and raised in the city and still live here”, the guitarist and vocalist Kristoffer Magnus Nohr Unstad explains.
“However, what I can say is that the local government has always been really generous, giving lots of support and letting us use spaces for practice. And Bodø is a vibrant city with plenty of arenas where we can play concerts.”
Here are four insider tips from Unstad and Kråkesølv for your trip to Bodø.
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Bodømarka forest and the surrounding mountains
“I’ve really fallen in love with the forests and mountains surrounding Bodø as I’ve gotten older. When I was young, I didn’t really pay attention to nature, as I was too busy playing football or whatever. But when I started running, I really discovered the magic of the scenery”, Unstad says.
On Kråkesølv’s first record, there was a song called “Vågøyvannet rundt”, meaning “around Vågøyvannet” – a lake where Unstad used to run.
“The beauty of these areas is their accessibility, whether you live in the city centre or outside. And the nature is so varied. Lately, I’ve even started hiking to the mountain tops”, he says.
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See a concert at Dama di
“If you’re going out looking for cultural experiences, I highly recommend a place called Dama di in the street Sjøgata. Every Thursday they have a concept called “Halv ti på torsdag” (Thursday 9.30 PM), where you grab a beer and check out a band”, Unstad explains.
On stage, both local bands and bands from other cities perform.
“Because the club is so small, it’s a perfect opportunity for new, young bands to test themselves in front of an audience. For us, though, it’s a great arena to discover new talent”, the guitarist says.
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Coffe at Melkebaren
Like many cities in Norway, Bodø has a lot of cafes where you can buy high-quality roast.
A place called Melkebaren stands out in one important way: “Actually, they are now the only place in Bodø selling physical copies of new music”, Unstad says.
The selection of music is limited to local releases, however, because the focus is to make the best possible coffee. The beans come straight from the local roaster Bønner i byen.
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Bars with a view
“I’d also like to recommend the two bars Roast and Top 13. They are located in two of the tallest buildings in Bodø city centre, with fantastic panoramic views. Here, you should go for a drink – preferably after a concert”, Unstad says.
Plan your trip to Bodø! Go straight from you room at Scandic Havet to Roast restaurant and bar, or stay at Radisson BLU and drop by Top 13 Bar & Lounge. And maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of the northern lights while you’re there?
