Originally hailing from a small town in Norway, Farao – whose government name is Kari Jahnsen – released her debut album Till It’s All Forgotten last week through Arts & Crafts. However, this isn’t Kari’s first project, and significant buzz preceded the release of the first Farao release. Writers with NPR, Vanity Fair and FADER were among her early fans, while The New York Times exclusively premiered Till It’s All Forgotten to its online readership.
Although Farao has been to New York before as a tourist, her first-ever area gig will be on September 22nd at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg, Opening for The Cribs, Farao explained within our Q&A that she will be indeed performing songs from Forgotten, but they may sound unique to their recorded versions. She also clarified what’s ahead for her after her current run of tour dates is over with. Expect big things from Farao, who ought to be back in New York very soon.
Photo Kristin Slotterøy
How does Farao compare to Kari Jahnsen?
Farao: Well, a lot of music fans always comment, saying I seem so upbeat and happy compared to my music, like it surprises them. I guess that shows that I’m not like my music implies, although it’s hard for me to see the difference as my music is such a bit part of me.
As your debut album, how would you describe Till It’s All Forgotten to someone who hasn’t yet heard any of it?
F: Indie-pop with skittering drum parts and strange, immersive grooves that place acoustic and electronic textures side by side.
Will your September 22nd performance in Brooklyn be your first time in New York?
F: No, it’ll be my fifth time in New York. I love the city and I can’t wait to come back. It’ll be my first time playing though, which is a big thing for me. I saw Sonic Youth in Webster Hall some years ago and I remember setting a goal for myself that I would play in this city one day.
How do your songs in concert compare to their recordings?
F: Well, to recreate the studio recordings I would need quite a few band members, which in this day and age, you would need about three billion Spotify streams to be able to afford. So we are playing as a duo live. I play synths and guitar while singing, and do a lot of layering live, while my drummer also plays synth. You’ll hear special live versions of the tracks, which I enjoy so much more than trying to recreate exactly what’s on the recordings. It keeps the songs alive for me.
Once this U.S. tour with The Cribs is completed, what is ahead for you?
F: I’m going back to Europe to do more shows in Germany, France, Norway and the UK. Also, I’ve started working on new material for my next release, so I’ll be working on that as well.
When you’re not busy with recording or touring, what do you like to do with yourself?
F: Being a musician, you never really have time off. You have to be available online 24/7 and constantly reply to e-mails, be present on social media and organize things with the rest of the team. When I have some free time between tours or recording, I find it very hard putting my work away, but I’ve just moved to Berlin and that city is slowly teaching me how to take some time out. I like going for long walks with friends, hanging out in a nice park or going clubbing.
Having grown up in Norway, what made you choose to move to Berlin? Have you lived anywhere else besides Norway and Germany?
F: Yeah, I lived in London for five years before I moved to Berlin. London has one of the most important music scenes in the world, which is why I chose to start my music career there. So many gigs every single day, so many inspiring musicians. It’s also a very business minded and competitive city, everyone is always in a rush to get somewhere and it’s incredibly stressful. After the ball started rolling with my own music, I chose to move away to Berlin because it’s a much better place for me personally.
Who is the best band or singer from Norway who our readers may not know about?
F: You should check out an amazing new London based Norwegian artist called EERA. We used to play in the same bands together and now she’s launched her new solo project, which I can’t stop listening to. It might be my favorite release so far this year.
Finally, Farao, any last words for the kids?
F: Be a little bit wiser, baby, put it on. And go see the Spice Girls reunion show.
Check out her album on Soundcloud here:
-by Darren Paltrowitz
