By Nicky Baldrian
Norway,
a great band that mixes together creamy aor and melodic rock,
have just released their follow up to the much praised
"Nightdreams" album released independtley in 1997. This
new album is called "Arrival" and if you read my review
elsewhere in this magazine you will find how baised I am about
this band. "Nightdreams" itself caused quite a stir
with rave reviews apperaring throughout the music press, thanks
to the bands hard work and great songs. They were finally offered
a deal with UK based legends Now And Then Records, a label that
many say are responsable for bringing the scene back to the
publics attention, anyway Jim Santos and the guys were kind
enough to greet us with an interview and heres what they had to
say......
Nicky:-
Can you tell me about your past and each member's former bands
& former records?
Glenn Pierson:-I played in various bands from the time I was 12
years old, and had played the Jersey club circuit with a band
called MAX at the same time Jim was on the circuit.
Jim Santos:- I was a product of the exciting Jersey club scene of
the early 80's, having played in many cover bands 5 nights a
week. My only other record was with Glenn on our self produced
indie debut "Night Dreams"
Joe Slattery:- Before Norway I had played with various different
and talented musicians from New Jersey such as Ted Poley from
Danger Danger and Ken Dubman from Prophet. I also played with the
late Ray Gillan before he joined Badlands.
Marty Brasington - I played with many cover band over the years.
I am also currently playings with singer/pianist Laura Diamond
and performed on
her album "Adonis".
Nicky:- What has NORWAY been doing since the first album, and how often do you play live?
Jim:- The
1st album was actually a collection of demos recorded between
1989 and 1993. It was released in Europe at the end of 1997. The
campaign for Night Dreams went full steam ahead until around
Sept. of 99. At that time we recorded a 4 song demo to shop
to the various labels for our next release. We were pleased to
have so many offers. Finally we agreed to sign a two record deal
with Now & Then records, in March 99. We continued to write
and travelled to Manchester UK to begin recording
"Arrival" during the month June in 99. We went back to
the states and completed the writing and recording for the record
in September of 99. Due to scheduling we were not able to return
to the UK for the mix sessions, which had to be done without us
present. As for the live scene, it's not too great right now for
AOR/MHR in New Jersey so we don't get to play out that often. Our
Gods appearance was our 1st show in 1 year!
Nicky:- Any interesting story/episodes in the process of making this new album?
Jim:- Well the band had a lot of fun going to the UK for 3 weeks to record. None of us had ever been to England before , so that was a wonderful experience. One song "I Don't Wanna Love You" we had on a demo tape for Mark at Now & Then, but we never played it for him because we'd forgotten to write it down on the cassette label. Jim didn't think he'd like it, but as soon as he and partner Bruce Mee heard the opening chords they both said "We will have that one for the record!" To get the most work done, Glenn and Jim worked in split shifts, Jim working 9:00AM - 6:00PM, then Glenn would come in, often singing until 3:00 in the morning.At this time we were trying to write the words for
Someday,Someway.
So what we did was to leave a notepad in the hotel room that we
would add words to each day when we finished our own sessions. So
it was the first Glenn/Jim song that we wrote together, without
actually being together to write it.
Nicky:- Can you give any comments on each song from this new album, musically and lyrically?
Jim:-
"One Night Alone", This is a song that captures all of
what Norway is about. Strong melody, big chorus and great vocals.
The 1st song we wrote just for Arrival. There's also a
"progressive twist" for the break section before the
solo. Sort of a "signature" Norway sound. Lyrically it
continues to explore the ups & downs of relationships.
"Someday, Someway", This song is an upbeat pop song
with a lot of energy, sort of in a Bryan Adams or Nelson mode.We
wrote this song in Manchester,UK as we were recording. It was one
of 2 songs that we wrote during the making of the record.
"Givin It All", This is one of the bands favorites, and
we have been playing it since it was written in 1995. Much in the
vein of "Heartbeat" from our debut, it has all the
classic Norway sounds.We like the "progressive" break
in the middle section. As "pop" oriented as the band
is, this song showcases our heavier side. Lyrically, we just try
to keep fine tuning our writing, to come up with words that can
connect the listener to the story and music.
"Heaven In Your Arms", Heaven was written back in
1993,but never recorded. It sounds very much like the songs on
Night Dreams since it was from the same period. We wanted to make
sure that we kept some of that sound on the new record, since
fans would expect it.
"Close Your Eyes", This was another song we wrote back
in '93 or '94, but never recorded. It's straight ahead pop,and
that's really all it's meant to be, is a rock/pop song with a
catchy hook.
"I Don't Wanna Love You", This is a little departure
for the band, playing a more aggressive style . Sort of a
"tongue in cheek" humor about not wanting to be in love
with someone, but you just can't help it.
"Hole In My Heart", This song was just completed before
the recordings in Manchester. It stays to the heavier side of
NORWAY, but retains lots of melody, and big vocals.
"Sending A Prayer", This song was one of the three that
was co-written by bassist Joe Slattery. Lyrically , the song is
about someone close to you dying, but you send them prayers you
hope they can hear. Glenn had a young family member die in 98,
and the song was really meant for him.
"Find My Way Home", Another heavier song for the band,
the 1st one co-written by Joe. Although different in style from
some of our other songs, it retains the signature Norway sound
with big harmonies and a progressive tinged break in the middle
section.
"Can't Live Without You", The power ballad.We really
like to play these "heavy" ballads, and this is our
favorite so far. Very tough to get the real emotion on tape
though, we think it's one of those songs that always
"feels" better live.
"Crybaby", This was the last song written and recorded
for the record. This was the other song we finished while
recording in Manchester. We wanted to have a song that just rocks
out and has a little fun in it.You know, nothing too serious. The
lyrics were about someone who has to have everything their way,
or not at all. A real selfish individual. Instead of
getting mad, we wrote this song.
Nicky:- What are your future plans?
Jim:- Well
with the record getting worldwide distribution, especially in the
2 biggest rock markets like Japan and Germany, we hope to have
many new fans hear our music, and perhaps do well enough to tour
Europe or even Japan in 2000. To this end we are working hard on
our live show, and will be adding a full time keyboardist and a
2nd guitarist as soon as we can find the right people. With our
big arrangements, we really need the extra pieces to cover the
songs so they sound like the record. We're also already writing
for our next release, which we should be ready to begin recording
this summer / fall . I would like to have the next record out by
spring/summer 2001, but that will have to be worked out with
the label.