Katzenjammer are a folk group from Oslo, Norway. Mixing a variety of musical styles with multi-instrumentalism, the band consists of Anne Marit Bergheim, Solveig Heilo, Marianne Sveen and Turid Jørgensen. Most of their material is written by their friend Mats Rybø; however, the band also contribute songs written by themselves.
The band is easily recognizable by their signature custom Balalaika bass with the face of a cat painted on it, echoing the true meaning of the band’s name: “Katzenjammer” is a German word for “cat’s wail” (and also a dated term for “hangover.”)
Katzenjammer was formed by the four girls in 2005. They came to prominence NRK’s “Urørt” project; a platform for up-and-coming bands and artists to showcase their material and win national exposure. They were also contestants on “Kjempesjansen”, a Norwegian talent show. With their unique sound and exceptional live shows, Katzenjammer slowly but surely gained a reputation as an act to watch. In 2007, they held a concert at Norwegian Wood, a famous Norwegian music festival, as part of their Underwood line-up. The band eventually scored an underground hit with “A Bar In Amsterdam” and made it as far as the finals in Urørt’s “Artist of the Year” awards.