There are two indisputable facts about Norway that everyone knows: It’s really really beautiful and it’s also really really expensive. Even if you decide to have dinner at a fast food restaurant because you thought that it was the cheapest option your jaws still gape at the price.
However costly visiting the Scandinavian country might be it’s undeniably a place you have to visit. Thankfully though the beauty of Norway and its capital in Oslo isn’t skin deep. Oslo has its fair share of cultural touchstones that are often glazed over by many. One of course is the city’s music scene. Just in case you didn’t believe us we asked Norwegian five-piece Highasakite for their tips on what to see and do in the city if you’re a music fan as well as a couple of other highlights you can’t miss whilst in town.
With the band’s September Australian tour just around the corner drummer Trond Bersu takes us through each of their selections. Highasakite released their second LP, Silent Treatment, earlier this year. Listen to ‘Since Last Wednesday Below’ and then read on to discover the ten best things in Oslo every music fan should do.
See Local & International Acts At Rockefeller Music Hall
Torggata 16, 0181
Rockefeller for short this venue opened in 1986, it includes a large gallery, smaller upper gallery and a lounge bar along with the main gig room. It’s sound is so good Coldplay decided to release a live EP, Trouble – Norwegian Live, from their concert at the venue. As Bersu puts it it’s “Oslo’s most intimate big capacity venue, where you can see some of Norway’s biggest artists and also big acts like St. Vincent and Warpaint”.
Experience ØYA Festival, The City’s Biggest Music Event
We’ve written about this brilliant festival in the past. You can read Tone Deaf’s festival guide to Øya here. However in Bersu words it’s a “Fantastic festival in the middle of Oslo (Tøyenparken). It’s well known for booking great acts where you can see some of the biggest stars in the music scene, alongside new and rising acts, and also some great legends. This year includes The National, Bryan Ferry, Neutral Milk Hotel, Outkast, Janelle Monae, Queens of the Stone Age… and us.”
Head To Big Dipper For All Your Vinyl Needs
Møllergata 1, 0179
“A Great record store where you can find a lot of vinyl stuff”, says Bersu. There are thousands of new vinyl for sale here from new releases to obscure classics. As their website shows in the link above they stock a diverse range of new releases that includes some quality LPs. Make this your first vinyl stop in Oslo.
Catch An Eclectic Range Of Bands At BLÅ
Brenneriveien 9, 0182
“It’s a really cool small club/bar/scene where you can experience everything from free improvised music, DJs and doom metal! Perfect location next to Akerselva (the river)”. While it’s known primarily as a jazz venue Bersu is right on the money when he explains the diversity of music genres punters can experience here. Located in an industrial and dimly lit building Blå is one of the most interesting places to catch a live gig in Oslo.
Buy Rare Instruments At Hornaas Musikk
Storgata 43, 0182
If you’re hunting for obscurity when it comes to instruments go no further than this establishment. As Bersu explains it’s an “instrument store, focusing on rare instruments like strange Indian string instruments, violins, autoharps, harmoniums and some percussion”.
Book A Tour One Of Oslo’s Best Studio’s: Propeller Music Division
Sagveien 21, 0459
“Recording/mixing/mastering studio! If you have the chance, ask for a tour in the studio, or even book it to record a song. Highly professional staff, and a LOT of cool instruments and gear.” Has Bersu’s enthusiasm spiked your interest? It has ours. It’s situated in an old mill built in 1857 near the Akerselva waterfall and hosts live in studio concerts from time to time too.
Buy Tickets To A Show At The National Opera
Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1
“Only a few years old, and it looks stunning both outside and inside. Mainly classical music, but also some popular music acts.” Regardless of whether or not you buy tickets to a gig at this incredible music house you can book tours through this link.
See LUGN Live In Their Hometown
This piece have been described as lush indie-pop have picked up air time on NPR. Their music is characterised by whistling, which is no surprise as ‘LUGN’ translates to calm in Swedish. As Bersu puts it they’re “a new Oslo based band, recently got some attention on Norwegian radio and festivals, check it out!”
Visit The Beautiful Frognerbadet/Vigelandsparken And Get Snap Happy
“Go see some of the most famous statues in Norway, like “Sinnataggen” and go have a bath in the beautiful park, includes a 10 meters high diving tower.” Bersu is right, if you’re visiting Oslo you can’t miss this park. You will have no doubt seen pictures of the monolith and statues that depict the human body in it’s raw form. Sculpted by Gustav Vigeland it’s the one thing every tourist has to do in Oslo.
Explore Grünerløkk For The Hip Bars and Cool Vintage Stores
Traditionally a working class district this area has become a hipster haunt through the process of gentrification. Bersu description of Grünerløkk will no doubt have you pencilling this area down as a must-visit. ” It’s an area in Oslo where you can find some of the coolest vintage stores for clothes, hip bars, and a really good nightlife.”
