Åge Sten Nilsen the former singer of Norway’s Glam Kings Wig Wam, is one of the most talented and charismatic vocalists and frontmen to have graced the rock scene in recent years. Blessed not only with an impressive voice, but also with a knack to write great songs and also alluring stagecraft, he did manage to impress both with his former band, when they became widely acclaimed thanks to their participation and high placement on the Eurovision contest with the catchy “In My Dreams” but also later with his solo outings. Now he is returning with two new acts, Nordic Beast a super group of sorts, comprising of an illustrious lineup, that for the time being, just does, covers, but as Åge explained is expected to compose “original material” in the future, but also with Ammunition another “band” that came to be after he “found out” that Wig Wam were no more, via the web (turns out a lot of people have to get the news online, these days). The latter, just released its debut album the exquisite Fun Ride that is “Shanghaied” and we just got in touch with Åge, just to figure out, if ordering the new album will also come with free chopsticks! (just kidding!) We asked him to give us more details about the release! He was candid and kind hearted as always! And a riot (at times!) Enjoy!
Hi Åge and thanks for doing this interview.
Å: My Pleasure.
Firstly can you please let us know why Wig Wam called it a day ?
Å: A band is like a football team. You’ll need all the players on the same field, playing the same game with the intention of making your own team win, and to put on the best match possible. We simply weren’t a team anymore. I think we’re all happier and healthier people now that we’ve moved on with separate bands and lives.
You are back with 2 bands Nordic Beast which is a cover band I think (?) and with this solo band Ammunition. Can you give us more info about both?
Å: Well… ha ha I think you got it all wrong. Nordic Beast is definitely not a cover band. We play original songs from each members’ past glories, with every intention of making new music together in the future. But right now we are simply having a blast, enjoying each other’s company and finding the sound and spirit of Nordic Beast without getting too ambitious too early.
And Ammunition is not by any means a solo band. The band took shape when it was obvious that there was no further plans for Wig Wam. I had started to work on songs for our fifth album, as planned and agreed on within the band. I was about to cut demos at Erik Mårtensson’s studio in Stockholm, when half the band had joined Jorn and formed another band. I actually had to read it on some website that “we had decided to break up the band”. That’s when I decided to accept the offer from John Norum and Mikkey Dee to join Nordic Beast. And since Erik and I really had found something magic, we decided to continue writing together, even though we at that stage didn’t know what we were writing for ha ha That’s the beauty of it. We had done 3 songs dedicated to the Wig Wam album already, “Shanghaied”, “Give Me a Sign” and “Hit Me with Your Bombs”. Then we just suddenly felt the total creative freedom to do whatever felt cool… and that’s when songs like “Tie Me Down” and “Take Out the Enemy (Hallelujah)” came about. At that moment Erik and I just looked at each other just like it hit the both of us at the same time. “Man, we should form a band”!!! And so we did. Hal Patino had already told me he was about to quit King Diamond, and would love to work with me. So we got him on board. Then we brought in Jon, Lasse and Robban. Lasse used to be Wig Wam’s keyboard player and even was in my solo band in 2009. Jon has been my Queen show’s guitar player for almost 8 years, and we even played in the same band in the early 90s. While Robban has worked with Erik in both W.E.T and Eclipse for a long time. And voila: A band was born!!!
You got Erik from Eclipse as a producer and guitarist - and I’m sure he might have contributed a vocal here and there... how did you come up with that idea ? Was it your decision or did he come to you? Or was it some third party like a mutual friend or a record company guy that brought you in touch?
Å: Teaming up with Erik was pure coincidence, or pure fate if you want. I was actually about to cut demos for the Wig Wam album at Tommy Denander’s studio, but he had to cancel our appointment, in the last minute. All of a sudden I found myself in Stockholm without any plans, when Dag Fin, the Sha Boom singer whom I was having a meeting with, wanted me to come along with him to another studio. It happened to be Blowout Studios, Erik Mårtensson’s studio. I had had him in mind for quite a while, but reckoned he wouldn’t have time to cut demos with me. And he didn’t… but did anyway. Because he really wanted to.
Does something stick out from the recordings of the album?! Is there a song you’re particularly proud of from these “new ones” or one that gave you some trouble?
Å: I’m extremely proud of all the songs on the album. Our goal was to only keep songs that felt like they were the best ones we’d ever written. So some good songs were trashed. One was “Sucker for Anything”. Even though it’s become a cool bonus track. The title track “Shanghaied” was inspired by a documentary that I saw, about the Lady Boys in Thailand. This was back in 2008 I believe, or 2009, when we had started to play around with ideas for what was to become “Non Stop Rock’n Roll”. We toyed around with an idea for an album name, and “BALLS” came up. I think we even went public with the name. And while seeing this documentary the title came up… and there it was. “Shanghaied”, the song, is also a testimony of how things worked in my previous band and how it works in Ammunition. I had cut a demo for the song, with Tore Moren on guitar. It was a bit slower, and had more of a “Sweet Child O’Mine” vibe. But the guys thought it was too slow, and missed something to make it to the album. When I played it to Mårtensson, he immediately heard a great song, and we started to work on the bits that needed improvement. Made it a bit faster, re-arranged some guitar work, adding the cool guitar intro. And there it was! And that’s how a producer should work really.
Are you planning on releasing some videoclips to promote the album? I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a promo clip for “Road to Babylon” and another simpler one for “Tie Me Down”! Any more being planned?
Å: Sure. We have shot a video for “Road to Babylon” that will soon premiere on YouTube. And we just shot a video for “Give me a Sign”. And we are planning a video for “Silverback” as well.
Is the new album gonna be handled by Universal like your solo – or is it some other company involved in its release and is it an international release or a local one that might spread out, later?
Å: “Shanghaied” is being handled by a number of labels and companies. And Universal is not a part of it. I work with Believe Digital, AOR Heaven, G-netic Music, Artist Vision and Marquee Avalon this time. Times are changing, and so are the ways to distribute and promote music. A lot of artists and bands tend to be happy with getting paid to make an album, and get it out there. And they never see a penny from the sales. I think it’s better to make sure some pennies are getting back to the band to make the band’s budget grow as well. That would come in handy when we start the recordings of the next album…
You seem to have released a song/single called “Lighthouse” on its own, and it’s a non-album track?! Is it a “web” exclusive or will it be featured in some special version? Can you give us a few more details about it?
Å: That’s right. “Lighthouse” was a part of a TV-show on Norwegian TV called “The HIT”. I think it will be available on iTunes as a part of the digital European release and maybe as a bonus on the CD.
In the meantime, you also did get involved in a few more projects like Jan Holberg’s stuff and you had that Queen Tribute album released after a couple of successful seasons at a theater? Anything else? Can you give us a few more info on those extracurricular activities?
Å: When Wig Wam was inactive, I figured I wanted to work with different projects alongside my Queen show. So I accepted a request from Jan Holberg to record some vocals for his album. And I even joined Jorn’s former guitar player Tore Moren on his album. And I did some studio work for my good friend, the legendary Jan Groth, who sadly passed recently. Working with good friends and colleagues really feels great. I’m actually planning some co-writing with both Dan Reed and former Rainbow keyboard player Tony Carey in the future. If that ends up as new songs for the next Ammunition album, or ends up as something else is hard to tell. We’ll simply do it for the love of music, and it’s a great way to get together too.
You’ve mostly been successful in Norway, with Wig Wam, but did tour a bit outside it, after the success and exposure Eurovision afforded you, which even brought you even to Greece once! (And that was an unforgettable show – one of my top 3 in almost 1000!) things have scaled back a bit... do you expect that Ammunition/Nordic Beast might take you out of the confines of Scandinavia and have you touring more extensively again? Any chance that we might get to see you with either of these “new/old” guys again?
Å: With Wig Wam we toured our native country up and down and visited every corner of the kingdom from 2001 up until “Wall Street”. But we also did some successful tours in Japan (2007, 2010), and I went there with my solo band in 2009, and we did Loud Park in 2008 (?). We also toured Germany with Gotthard, Sweden, Spain, UK etc. But you know, in Norway our fees could be up to 25000 euros/night, while in Europe the band fees were much, much lower. So to survive as musicians we prioritized Norway you know. With Ammunition it is a different story. We all have multiple projects, bands and possibilities that pay our bills. So we will build this band slowly, playing whenever we can, where ever, putting together tours for shorter periods, being more focused on our urge to perform these songs live than making money.
Given that as I’m writing this question not knowing what the reason behind the demise of Wig Wam was, I am going to ask, but would there ever be a possibility that you guys would ever get back together, for an anniversary or even an album?
Å: When we decided to bury Wig Wam for good, I really tried to convince the other three to at least do “One Last Tour”, release a “Best of” and end the adventure with our heads held high. I really thought we owed that to our fans. But they weren’t interested. If the subject ever comes up again, it will definitely have something to do with “the need for money”. But that would feel totally wrong. So, no, I don’t see that happening. That chapter is closed. And the best is yet to come!
You might have made it as a musician, but there’s still struggle, with the amount of piracy etc. Looking back at your career are you content with where you are and where do you think you’ll be after this? What’s next? Any “concrete” plan or project that you have in the pipeline or you can announce?
Å: I really see no reason to complain. I do well. And I lead a good life as a professional artist. These days musicians are free to record the music they want. Record labels are about to lose their integrity and power, and I appreciate the freedom of making music without any limitations. Back in the 80s the artists were dependent on the labels and were forced to move in whatever direction they thought would sell albums. And if you sold albums you didn’t need to tour. As long as you had a video on MTV. These days bands have to tour and perform live. That’s the craft. At the same time the world is smaller, and music can spread easier. But I do hope the piracy will end one day. And hopefully people will appreciate the albums more. But with the new vinyl revolution going on, I think something is about to happen out there.
“Weird Questions” time!!! Åge Almighty – God for a Week – what would you do?
Å: I would follow John Lennon’s “Imagine” lyrics really, and make Lennon’s words come true.
If you were not yourself – who would you like to be and why? (man/woman/historical/fictional character – anything)
Å: Paul McCartney. What a life he has lived. Here’s a guy that has experienced it all, and made some of the biggest anthems in rock and pop history. And he is still out there performing and writing with joy and curiosity.
Which one of the Seven Deadly Sins are you ?
Å: Lust!
Dodgy Asian Themed movie showdown… “Rhumble in The Bronx” VS “Trouble in China Town” Vs “The Evil Ploy Of Dr. Fu Manchu” Vs “Sgt Kabukiman” Vs “One Of Your Choice”?
Å: I would need to see these movies first ha ha…
Worst Fear?
Å: That something bad should happen to the ones that I love.
Say Something random in Norwegian!
Å: Klabert det! (Sure thing!)
Salute the Readers of Grande Rock and the Greek Fans of yours!
Å: I really hope to see you all out on the roads. So get ready to be “Shanghaied” my friends. This is just the beginning!!! Merry X.Mas and a Happy New Year to you all!! – Åge…
Å: My Pleasure.
Firstly can you please let us know why Wig Wam called it a day ?
Å: A band is like a football team. You’ll need all the players on the same field, playing the same game with the intention of making your own team win, and to put on the best match possible. We simply weren’t a team anymore. I think we’re all happier and healthier people now that we’ve moved on with separate bands and lives.
You are back with 2 bands Nordic Beast which is a cover band I think (?) and with this solo band Ammunition. Can you give us more info about both?
Å: Well… ha ha I think you got it all wrong. Nordic Beast is definitely not a cover band. We play original songs from each members’ past glories, with every intention of making new music together in the future. But right now we are simply having a blast, enjoying each other’s company and finding the sound and spirit of Nordic Beast without getting too ambitious too early.
And Ammunition is not by any means a solo band. The band took shape when it was obvious that there was no further plans for Wig Wam. I had started to work on songs for our fifth album, as planned and agreed on within the band. I was about to cut demos at Erik Mårtensson’s studio in Stockholm, when half the band had joined Jorn and formed another band. I actually had to read it on some website that “we had decided to break up the band”. That’s when I decided to accept the offer from John Norum and Mikkey Dee to join Nordic Beast. And since Erik and I really had found something magic, we decided to continue writing together, even though we at that stage didn’t know what we were writing for ha ha That’s the beauty of it. We had done 3 songs dedicated to the Wig Wam album already, “Shanghaied”, “Give Me a Sign” and “Hit Me with Your Bombs”. Then we just suddenly felt the total creative freedom to do whatever felt cool… and that’s when songs like “Tie Me Down” and “Take Out the Enemy (Hallelujah)” came about. At that moment Erik and I just looked at each other just like it hit the both of us at the same time. “Man, we should form a band”!!! And so we did. Hal Patino had already told me he was about to quit King Diamond, and would love to work with me. So we got him on board. Then we brought in Jon, Lasse and Robban. Lasse used to be Wig Wam’s keyboard player and even was in my solo band in 2009. Jon has been my Queen show’s guitar player for almost 8 years, and we even played in the same band in the early 90s. While Robban has worked with Erik in both W.E.T and Eclipse for a long time. And voila: A band was born!!!
You got Erik from Eclipse as a producer and guitarist - and I’m sure he might have contributed a vocal here and there... how did you come up with that idea ? Was it your decision or did he come to you? Or was it some third party like a mutual friend or a record company guy that brought you in touch?
Å: Teaming up with Erik was pure coincidence, or pure fate if you want. I was actually about to cut demos for the Wig Wam album at Tommy Denander’s studio, but he had to cancel our appointment, in the last minute. All of a sudden I found myself in Stockholm without any plans, when Dag Fin, the Sha Boom singer whom I was having a meeting with, wanted me to come along with him to another studio. It happened to be Blowout Studios, Erik Mårtensson’s studio. I had had him in mind for quite a while, but reckoned he wouldn’t have time to cut demos with me. And he didn’t… but did anyway. Because he really wanted to.
Does something stick out from the recordings of the album?! Is there a song you’re particularly proud of from these “new ones” or one that gave you some trouble?
Å: I’m extremely proud of all the songs on the album. Our goal was to only keep songs that felt like they were the best ones we’d ever written. So some good songs were trashed. One was “Sucker for Anything”. Even though it’s become a cool bonus track. The title track “Shanghaied” was inspired by a documentary that I saw, about the Lady Boys in Thailand. This was back in 2008 I believe, or 2009, when we had started to play around with ideas for what was to become “Non Stop Rock’n Roll”. We toyed around with an idea for an album name, and “BALLS” came up. I think we even went public with the name. And while seeing this documentary the title came up… and there it was. “Shanghaied”, the song, is also a testimony of how things worked in my previous band and how it works in Ammunition. I had cut a demo for the song, with Tore Moren on guitar. It was a bit slower, and had more of a “Sweet Child O’Mine” vibe. But the guys thought it was too slow, and missed something to make it to the album. When I played it to Mårtensson, he immediately heard a great song, and we started to work on the bits that needed improvement. Made it a bit faster, re-arranged some guitar work, adding the cool guitar intro. And there it was! And that’s how a producer should work really.
Are you planning on releasing some videoclips to promote the album? I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a promo clip for “Road to Babylon” and another simpler one for “Tie Me Down”! Any more being planned?
Å: Sure. We have shot a video for “Road to Babylon” that will soon premiere on YouTube. And we just shot a video for “Give me a Sign”. And we are planning a video for “Silverback” as well.
Is the new album gonna be handled by Universal like your solo – or is it some other company involved in its release and is it an international release or a local one that might spread out, later?
Å: “Shanghaied” is being handled by a number of labels and companies. And Universal is not a part of it. I work with Believe Digital, AOR Heaven, G-netic Music, Artist Vision and Marquee Avalon this time. Times are changing, and so are the ways to distribute and promote music. A lot of artists and bands tend to be happy with getting paid to make an album, and get it out there. And they never see a penny from the sales. I think it’s better to make sure some pennies are getting back to the band to make the band’s budget grow as well. That would come in handy when we start the recordings of the next album…
You seem to have released a song/single called “Lighthouse” on its own, and it’s a non-album track?! Is it a “web” exclusive or will it be featured in some special version? Can you give us a few more details about it?
Å: That’s right. “Lighthouse” was a part of a TV-show on Norwegian TV called “The HIT”. I think it will be available on iTunes as a part of the digital European release and maybe as a bonus on the CD.
In the meantime, you also did get involved in a few more projects like Jan Holberg’s stuff and you had that Queen Tribute album released after a couple of successful seasons at a theater? Anything else? Can you give us a few more info on those extracurricular activities?
Å: When Wig Wam was inactive, I figured I wanted to work with different projects alongside my Queen show. So I accepted a request from Jan Holberg to record some vocals for his album. And I even joined Jorn’s former guitar player Tore Moren on his album. And I did some studio work for my good friend, the legendary Jan Groth, who sadly passed recently. Working with good friends and colleagues really feels great. I’m actually planning some co-writing with both Dan Reed and former Rainbow keyboard player Tony Carey in the future. If that ends up as new songs for the next Ammunition album, or ends up as something else is hard to tell. We’ll simply do it for the love of music, and it’s a great way to get together too.
You’ve mostly been successful in Norway, with Wig Wam, but did tour a bit outside it, after the success and exposure Eurovision afforded you, which even brought you even to Greece once! (And that was an unforgettable show – one of my top 3 in almost 1000!) things have scaled back a bit... do you expect that Ammunition/Nordic Beast might take you out of the confines of Scandinavia and have you touring more extensively again? Any chance that we might get to see you with either of these “new/old” guys again?
Å: With Wig Wam we toured our native country up and down and visited every corner of the kingdom from 2001 up until “Wall Street”. But we also did some successful tours in Japan (2007, 2010), and I went there with my solo band in 2009, and we did Loud Park in 2008 (?). We also toured Germany with Gotthard, Sweden, Spain, UK etc. But you know, in Norway our fees could be up to 25000 euros/night, while in Europe the band fees were much, much lower. So to survive as musicians we prioritized Norway you know. With Ammunition it is a different story. We all have multiple projects, bands and possibilities that pay our bills. So we will build this band slowly, playing whenever we can, where ever, putting together tours for shorter periods, being more focused on our urge to perform these songs live than making money.
Given that as I’m writing this question not knowing what the reason behind the demise of Wig Wam was, I am going to ask, but would there ever be a possibility that you guys would ever get back together, for an anniversary or even an album?
Å: When we decided to bury Wig Wam for good, I really tried to convince the other three to at least do “One Last Tour”, release a “Best of” and end the adventure with our heads held high. I really thought we owed that to our fans. But they weren’t interested. If the subject ever comes up again, it will definitely have something to do with “the need for money”. But that would feel totally wrong. So, no, I don’t see that happening. That chapter is closed. And the best is yet to come!
You might have made it as a musician, but there’s still struggle, with the amount of piracy etc. Looking back at your career are you content with where you are and where do you think you’ll be after this? What’s next? Any “concrete” plan or project that you have in the pipeline or you can announce?
Å: I really see no reason to complain. I do well. And I lead a good life as a professional artist. These days musicians are free to record the music they want. Record labels are about to lose their integrity and power, and I appreciate the freedom of making music without any limitations. Back in the 80s the artists were dependent on the labels and were forced to move in whatever direction they thought would sell albums. And if you sold albums you didn’t need to tour. As long as you had a video on MTV. These days bands have to tour and perform live. That’s the craft. At the same time the world is smaller, and music can spread easier. But I do hope the piracy will end one day. And hopefully people will appreciate the albums more. But with the new vinyl revolution going on, I think something is about to happen out there.
“Weird Questions” time!!! Åge Almighty – God for a Week – what would you do?
Å: I would follow John Lennon’s “Imagine” lyrics really, and make Lennon’s words come true.
If you were not yourself – who would you like to be and why? (man/woman/historical/fictional character – anything)
Å: Paul McCartney. What a life he has lived. Here’s a guy that has experienced it all, and made some of the biggest anthems in rock and pop history. And he is still out there performing and writing with joy and curiosity.
Which one of the Seven Deadly Sins are you ?
Å: Lust!
Dodgy Asian Themed movie showdown… “Rhumble in The Bronx” VS “Trouble in China Town” Vs “The Evil Ploy Of Dr. Fu Manchu” Vs “Sgt Kabukiman” Vs “One Of Your Choice”?
Å: I would need to see these movies first ha ha…
Worst Fear?
Å: That something bad should happen to the ones that I love.
Say Something random in Norwegian!
Å: Klabert det! (Sure thing!)
Salute the Readers of Grande Rock and the Greek Fans of yours!
Å: I really hope to see you all out on the roads. So get ready to be “Shanghaied” my friends. This is just the beginning!!! Merry X.Mas and a Happy New Year to you all!! – Åge…