“let’s do something cool with the money”: the nelson can interview;

Right at the start of the year I described Nelson Can as a full-on “where-the-FUCK-did-that-come-from” moment; a reference to the fact that their song “Apple Pie” had ended up on a monthly mix* and I had no idea where I’d first heard it. It was – is – BRILLIANT, perhaps unexpectedly so. I mean, my best friend is totally obsessed with Denmark but it’s not because of their girlie punk scene, you know?

*Yes, I’m well aware you’re still owed mixes for April and May. The playlists exist. Things have been busy.

As content as I was to consider the song an unexpected treat and leave it at that, I was thrilled to get a Facebook message from the band’s Selina Jane the other day. They’re making their first-ever trip to Scotland (actually, the UK – right up ye, London!) this week where their shows include Inverness’ goNORTH festival and one in Glasgow. The night before I turn 30.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Who’s in the band, and how did you get together?
We’re three girls: Miss Panik, Signe Signe Signe and Selina Jane. Well, we have known each other since high school. We made up a “fake” band back then (long story), had some fun with that and played some cool shows, “split up”, and we have been friends ever since.

In 2011 we started Nelson Can because we had some leftover money we applied for with the old band – and we thought “hey, let’s do something cool with the money”. So we contacted our producer from 10.000 Records and he set us up with a studio. The only thing we needed now was some songs to record! So in 24 hours we wrote and recorded the song “Apple Pie”. So everything went pretty fast.

Three words to describe your sound…
Spontaneous – Simple – Powerful

What influences you?
Everything around us. Most of our songs are about feelings we’ve had at some point or situations we have been in. And sometimes it can be as simple as an apple. We make songs about things we have experienced or something we’ve seen others do. It’s really hard to define really. The only thing we know for sure is that we don’t have any rules about the material we use for songs. If we think it’s a good idea to make a song about toes, well, we’re going try that.

Bands we are inspired by: The White Stripes, The Doors, The Dead Weather, The Gossip, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Muddy Waters.

This is your first time in the UK, am I right? What are you most looking forward to about your visit?
YEEEAAAH! And we are really looking forward to it!
Your beer! Haha. And to try to play for a totally new audience and to see if we can make you guys wanna party!

Scandinavia is a pretty big pop culture deal over here at the moment thanks to the popularity of TV shows like Borgen and The Bridge – why should audiences in Inverness and Glasgow come check you out?
Because our live-shows are full of energy as well as our songs. It’s simple and no bullshit. And this might sound a bit cliché but also because we are not like most bands – we only have bass, drums and vocals. Oh, yeah… Written down it really sounds cliché. Haha. But yeah. We make simple but powerful songs.

Since “Apple Pie” was the first song I heard of yours – what is your favourite dessert?
Well of course we all love apple pie – but all in different ways. Did you know how many different kinds there are in the world? It is crazy delicious. Otherwise chocolate cake, cupcakes. And actually fruit salad with chocolate. We can send you the recipe if you want!

Are there any up and coming Scottish bands you’re particularly excited to see at goNORTH?
We are definitely going to check out Cleavers [Detour showcase]. Almost all of their songs are about food and they have a really cool live show. Last time they played in Denmark they had like a 100 people from the audience on stage partying with them.

And what are you listening to at the moment?
The Doors, Muddy Waters, The White Stripes, Spinvis, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nina Simone, LCD Soundsystem, Moby, Pink Floyd, The Dead Weather, The Gossip

Nelson Can live:
TOMORROW! Inverness, Hush Nightlife (goNORTH festival)
08/06 Glasgow, 13th Note
21/06 Berlin, DE, Flamingo
24/06 Amsterdam, NE, OCCII (opening for Las Kellies)
July: Roskilde Festival, date TBC

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