KRAKÓW (Eng.)
– Hi, thanks for your time. What are you currently up to? How is everything doing right now with KRAKÓW?
Frode: Right now we are rehearsing for our upcoming gigs here in Norway, also working on new material for our next album.
– First off, could you please make some history of the band? And why did you choose KRAKÓW as the band´s name?
Frode: We started the band in 2005, released 2 singles, 1 EP and 2 albums, 3 european tours. The band name comes from the comic strip «Calvin & Hobbes», something Calvins alter ego Spaceman Spiff said:)
– You have just released your second album, entitled “diin”. How is everything going with it so far? How are the first reactions being?
Frode: The response has been quite overwhelming! Top 3 in Best Album in Metal Hammer Norway, great reviews and it is an album that helped us get a name in Europe.
– You have taken a step further into the unknown, exploring new sounds and different elements, with a lot of details that make the record something really interesting from start until the end. Was this enjoyable final result something you were striving for? As I guess, beside keeping things interesting for your listener, it may also keep things interesting for yourself.
Frode: We wanted the listener to feel certain emotions, and of course make it interesting. We worked a long time to make what we feel is the perfect track list. These days I find Krakow more interesting than ever. It is no rules in how to approach music making, or what your influences are. It is great fun and really inspiring.
– Your sound is quite experimental, that´s why I would like to know where´s the border (if any) KRAKÓW will never go through?
Frode: Acoustic. But than again, it might happen.. There is no border.
– You are a band that can´t be easily categorised, as your sound is a mix of different styles. So I would like to know which are your main influences (bands and genres)?
Frode: I guess Heavy Metal, Blues, Black Metal and good ol’ Rock N Roll are our main genres. Talking about bands, for me it is Iron Maiden, Tides From Nebula and Sigur Rós. But of course important bands for Krakow is Neurosis, Isis and Mastodon.
– All this about «diin» being said; how could you describe it in just 3 words?
Frode: Dark. Beautiful. Mesmerizing.
– Now talking about your lyrics, could you tell us what´s the main concept behind this album?
Frode: Originally I had an idea of different kinds of eerie emotions, darkness. Then I started writing, René wrote, and I felt we both found a nice path. The lyrics are dark, but I find them more interesting, better, actually than previous lyrics.
– The sound is way better than on your debut album «Monolith», could you please tell us who did take the production duties and how was this process?
Frode: Again we worked with the fantastic Iver Sandøy. Monolith was our first proper studio experience, we didn’t know what to do, this time we came more prepared, we worked with Iver for months prior to entering the studio. We took our time, and it was worth it.
– The cover artwork was designed by one of the America´s foremost tattoos artists, Thomas Hooper. What did you want to express with it?
Frode: We are fan of his work, he was fan of the album, we asked, he jumped on it. He gave us different paintings to choose from, and the result is a interesting piece I think. It has depth, you can not tell what the music sounds like by looking at it, but you know it will be an interesting journey.
– You recently added drummer Ask (KAMPFAR) to your lineup. How did everything arise? And what he brought new to the band?
Frode: We toured as support for Kampfar in 2011, Ask ended up seeing almost every gig we did, he liked the music, and it came natural for us to ask him if he would join… A problem was at the time he lived in Holland…. But suddenly he moved to Bergen and that was it. He is the missing link in Krakow. Now we are one.
– As 2012 is about to end; could you please tell us what are your 3 favorites albums of the year as well as the least favorite one?
Frode: Favourites: Sigor Rós – Valtari, Enslaved – Riitiir, Steve Harris – British Lion. I don’t have a least favourite, if I don’t like the music I do not buy it…
– And finally; what are your near-future plans?
Frode: Record and tour. Hopefully a second european tour on this album, just before we record number three.
– That’s all, thank you once more for answering our questions. If you want to add some final words; feel free to do it.
Frode: Up the Irons!
