Interview with Onsloow

Initially known as Cora Sandel, this Norwegian band had a member change, a shift in sound and changed their name to Onsloow (actually Onslow at first, but more about that in the interview) and have now released an outstanding new release that is definitely an early frontrunner for one of my favorites this year.  I interviewed them about these changes, their new release, music in Norway and more.   

You released an EP a few years ago under the name Cora Sandel and then a Christmas song as Onslow and now you are Onsloow.  In addition to the name change there is a definite shift in your sound.  Can you give me a little background on the band history and that transition? 

The whole thing started as Morten Samdal took the initiative to ask us (the band), as all of us just happened to be on the exact same concert that faithful night, if we would be interested in playing in a band together. We all did, and Cora Sandel was formed. Just before our first gig ever, one of our members left the group due to peculiar circumstances. We were left in dire need of a person to help us through the crisis. THEN! Just out of nowhere, Mathias Nylenna appeared and kinda saved the day/gig. He didn’t plan on joining the band at first, but felt this was the right band to play in and joined in just as quick as he appeared. With a new member we also felt we needed a fresh start, again. Hence the new name and new sound. 

The majority of the songs have a really strong 90’s throwback sound to them.  I’m assuming everyone in the band was pretty young during the 90’s.  Where does that appreciation come from? 

We might just be a little older than you think, LOL, as the kids say! But yes, we are influenced by many genres and sound. But the 90s had a lot of good music, not that we are trying to copy that era. We just make the songs/sound that we feel the most.

Probably my favorite song is “Overthinking”.  To me that is a nearly perfect pop tune and the video just adds to its perfection. Can you tell me a little about that song? 

That is one of the first songs we made for the album. It's kind of self-explanatory due to the title of the song. Worry less, things most likely will turn out differently than what you think or fear. 

“Best Friend” is one of the songs that is a little different with a more dream pop sound.   What can you tell me about that song?

I guess you can say that song is our albums definitive love song, so we felt that song needed a slower, gazy, warm and feel-good vibe to it. Not just make a full high tempo indie/punk rock album.  

The closing cut “Webs and Destroyers” is completely different than the rest of the songs.  It’s more of a harder, straight-ahead rock song.  Can you tell me about that cut? 

That’s actually my personal favorite on the album. It started out as a pure “emo-hardcore” song. But as we worked on it, it just naturally turned in to different parts and landscapes and perfectly intertwined the way we wanted it. You get a little taste of the other side than the indie/pop genre we usually make. It’s also one of the funniest songs to play live, as it kicks off in your face. 

In the band credits there is no one credited with synths, but it sounds like there are some on a couple of the songs. Am I just mishearing or are they there? 

There is nothing wrong with your hearing. They are definitely there.  We haven’t got a Key-man yet, but maybe in the future.

Marius Ergo produced the album.  Can you tell me about him and how it was working with him? 

He is an absolute fantastic guy, with lots of tips and trix up his sleeve. And old friend of Mathias as they played in different bands together back in the days. Actually, he was the one who put on the synth tracks for us. Multitalented in many ways. 

How has covid impacted you and the release of the album?

I guess on the same level as the rest of the industry. Lots of plans had to be canceled. We have just tried to stay creative and write music during this time. We also got to focus on getting the album finished during this last two years. So not all bad. Hopefully we get to play some shows in the near future with the album out. And as we speak the future looks bright!  

I’m assuming the video for “Unstoppable” is an homage to Alanis Morrisette’s “Ironic” video.  Can you tell me a little about that and the alpacas? 

"Unstoppable" has always felt like the song you crank up on the stereo when out driving (cruising) and we also liked the idea and video "Ironic". So once again, you are quite right. The Alpacas were just adding a little spice to the ending and we implemented them again as we also did a photoshoot with the animals a couple of months earlier. 

I know some of you are in other bands in addition to Onsloow.  Can you tell me a little about those? 

We all come from different bands and have done lots of different genres. But Morten is the only one who actively plays in other bands as of right now. Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson, you could be a cop, and Morfar just to name a few. I recommend people to check them out 

Norway is definitely known for its metal music scene.  How are the other music scenes there? 

I would say the “Norwegian-country” scene is quite big in Norway. It’s a hillbilly genre which Is surprisingly big in Norway. 

With covid still having a huge impact on things what kind of plans do you have for promoting the release and what else can we expect from the band in 2022?

Hopefully Norway opens up on the restrictions tomorrow, which allows us to play as many shows as possible this year. We are planning a release party in the end of March, but are still finishing the final touches. Maybe a couple of festival. Everything is still under planning, but it looks very promising. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

We are already in the process of making new music for an upcoming EP.  

(Onsloow - Facebook)