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.
Not a City - near Talaton, Beautiful Days Festival Escot Devon, 19/08/2012
Saw them at Beautiful Days 2012 - from the gathering audience I was beginning to expect something special and I was not disappointed. They were so good I dont know where to start - They sing like angels and yell like demons in 4 part harmony, they all play loads of instruments changing continually, sometimes simultaneously. The songs are quirky, catchy, with so many influences. They absolutely rock, they have humour and grace, the audience went absolutely wild !
