Sister Rain’s Unstoppable Rock Revival

Journalist: Hampus Fickelton for RABAGAS Magazine, July 2024 | Photos: JTV, private photo released by Nygren | Video/edit: JTV - Youtubeclips: JTV-Tube

A Walk Through Time

Wandering through the Old Town of Fredrikstad, with its charming cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, always feels like stepping into a time machine. I've been here several times, but today is special. I'm on assignment for RABAGAS to meet Aslak Nygren, the lead vocalist of the legendary band Sister Rain.

Aslak Nygren is the lead vocalist of Sister Rain, known for his distinctive vocal style, often compared to Lou Reed and Neil Diamond. Besides Sister Rain, Nygren has been involved in various musical projects. He co-founded The Merchants of Venus with Charles Normal and Rune Annaniassen, a project that led to collaborations with members of Guns N' Roses and resulted in the critically acclaimed album Wish Across the Land, which was nominated for the Spellemannprisen in the rock category the following year.

Nygren has also been part of other bands like Dekadanse and Skogvokterne, showcasing his versatility in different musical genres. And there he comes, with the sun at his back, just three minutes after the agreed time. Sister Rain is also known for the unique design of some of their album releases, which have become collector's items.

The Formation of Sister Rain

Sister Rain was formed in January 1988 and quickly landed a record deal with Voices of Wonder Records after just one performance, having played together for only three months. The band was strongly inspired by American underground rock and psychedelic music from the late '60s. Between 1988 and 1993, they released four albums and participated in several compilations.

I'm curious about the man with the legendary voice. While we wait for the ferry, he takes out a bent, rolled cigarette and lights it while looking out over the river. I make sure to ask some of the questions on my list.

He confirms that he has a partner, but at his age, he's taking it slow and doesn't want to elaborate further. Nygren was born on October 23, 1962, making him 62 years old. He has lived his entire life in Oslo or Fredrikstad. Although music is a priority, both he and the rest of the band have had honest jobs on the side. Besides co-founding venues like MIR and Månefisken, both located in the capital, he has also worked at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History on Bygdøy and has a keen interest in wooden boats, outdoor activities, sailing, construction, and genuine craftsmanship. He is less fond of modern TV, the latest technology (except for smartwatches), or traveling, although he once sailed in rough seas far north and over to Russia.

Contrary to popular belief, he prefers to spend as much time at home as possible these days, doing his best to renovate an old house where he plans to live out his days. However, he admits to spending some evenings with his guitar in the teepee he has set up in the garden.

Musical Influences and Songwriting

Can you take us back to the early days in 1988? What inspired the formation of Sister Rain, and how did you all meet?

Aslak doesn't hesitate for a second, although he admits it's hard to remember details from that far back. He initially played with Eystein, who invited him to contribute vocals for something called EX-LEX, and that's how they met. Ivar was also there from the beginning. Ulf joined the band from their second album. He was a couple of years older than the others, and they were in awe of him the first time he entered the room.

The boat arrives. The ferries in Fredrikstad are red, some of them electric, and are completely free for everyone. We board and head to the back corner where I can sit and look out the window. I manage to get another question in while Aslak seems to enjoy the river's waves. He stands in the middle of the ferry, swaying back and forth like a rebellious teenager.

-Who were your biggest musical influences when you started?

Aslak's heroes at the time ranged widely, including Cornelis Vreeswijk, Johnny Cash, and a lot of The Cure. Mostly bands that weren't too popular, like Kunstrøsk, Holy Toy, and Depress, were on the list back then.

We disembark at the first stop, and no one else gets off. Most people probably take the ferry further into the city center with its restaurants and shops, and they obviously have no idea who I'm disembarking with — the man who made even Guns N' Roses turn their heads. For most, an unknown event, but Aslak's band, Sister Rain, has in one way or another helped shape the history of rock music.

Aslak tells me we're now on Kråkerøy, the island that has kept Fredrikstad from sliding into the sea at the mouth of Norway's longest river, the Glomma. Kråkerøy is also home to Sister Rain's rehearsal space for the past few years, located in Ulf Knudsen's house, one of the band's four members. Ulf was the last to join the guys, but that was a long time ago. This band, which has been silent for the past decade and then some, is now on the verge of releasing a colossal triple album — a collection of the best, previously unreleased tracks spanning their entire career.

After all, they haven't been on stage or tour since the early 2000s. Even in the years since, they've continued to produce and make music from that era. We walk the few hundred meters from the water and river up to their rehearsal space.

How does the songwriting process usually work for Sister Rain? Is it a collaboration, or does one member typically take the lead?

In the beginning, Aslak wrote everything, but over the years, as the band discovered who they were, the other members also contributed their own songs. All four are reportedly strong in this area. As the band became well-known, it was open for the members to contribute what they needed. And we know the result.

Inside the Rehearsal Space

Former members include Mads Due-Tønnesen (guitar) and Nils K. Hagen, Steinar Buholm, Martin Langli, and Kenneth Kapstad (drums), Knut Rasmussen and Alexander Lindbeck (drums), Torben Grue (piano), Terje Nicolaisen (guitar) — all of whom have left their mark on the band's evolving music.

Unfortunately, I haven't had time to listen to all their songs yet. There are many, and it seems the band itself is often surprised by their own forgotten tracks.

What themes or stories do you often return to in your lyrics?

"It's the general misery of life," says Aslak, often via stream of consciousness, which I learned from Bob Dylan. The words don't always have to make sense; it's more about the images, the tableaux I like," he continues dreamily.

Before I know it, we're outside Knudsen's house, and I find myself waving to two grown men inside the fence, feeling a sense of palpable anticipation.

This Sunday, to my slight disappointment, only three members are present — Aslak, Eystein, and Ulf — in Ulf's studio, which he has built in the outhouse. Evidence that Ulf uses the studio frequently is quickly observed. One stands and looks around in wonder in creative spaces like a studio.

I get quick instructions about a homemade urinal at the back and a glass of red wine shoved into my hands. Ivar, their bassist, is home in Oslo taking care of other obligations.

The atmosphere is relaxed but focused as they go through the tracks and fine-tune details, often resolved with a simple glance or a jubilant "Yes! There it is!" from a chain-smoking vocalist in the doorway.

Feeling a bit starstruck, and possibly now riding one of the inner horses on the alcohol carousel, I observe that Eystein seems to be the mastermind behind the composition of the new albums — the triple album. His fingers move deftly over the keyboard as he and Ulf discuss the finer details of the mix. Aslak often walks in circles, listening intently to the result. It would have been fun to see where Ivar would have positioned himself in this room.

Their camaraderie is evident. Now they share updates about small things that have happened in their big, scary lives since last time; Ulf has too many building and maintenance projects on the house to find much fun this summer, and that’s fine by him, but maybe he’ll take a trip to Sweden.

Aslak talks about his tomato plants and the flies that have cost him a small fortune in Radar and Permetrin Extra. Eystein talks with stars in his eyes about the equipment he brought on the train from Oslo, a square little thing he calls a computer, even though it’s the size of my lunchbox that I’ve guiltlessly forgotten in the car. On this machine, the entire masterpiece resides.

Despite being together since the late '80s, there's a boyish energy in their interaction — a testament to the deep bond the friends in Sister Rain share. They meet about once a month now, mostly for listening sessions like today, and this Sunday they’re listening to finished tracks, just months away from the album release.

Could the album be out this fall? All three hope so.

Reflecting on the Journey

A journalist from Aftenposten once referred to Sister Rain as "the dope band" — a rather flippant remark, but nonetheless significant for that part of Norway's history. We must remember that it was the late '80s, maybe early '90s in Norway. We were in a time when the country had just opened more to the world, after bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and U2 had made their mark and introduced new music genres — to an otherwise Christian, conservative, and sluggish people.

Things didn't move quickly, and we still had the internet and mobile phones to look forward to. Norway was simultaneously undergoing major changes in industry and culture, society racing ahead with rapid development and new modern ambitions.

Curious about the group's dynamics, I ask about their creative process.

Ulf, who is also Technical Manager at the Academy of Performing Arts and a solo artist in his own right, sums it up beautifully:

This ethos is what has kept their music fresh and their bond strong. If a member of Sister Rain suggests a change, the others listen attentively — a rare trait in bands that have been together for so long.

Eystein Hopland, half a head shorter than myself, is deeply focused on his work. Besides his contributions to the band, he is a creative force with an ability to arrange their songs into something truly magical. He and Ulf often bounce ideas off each other, handling the composition.

Aslak's trained ear immediately notices small changes, and it's heartwarming to see the joy of the other two over the acknowledgment from the vocalist's little laugh in the corner.

Ivar, who works at Rikshospitalet in Oslo, isn't present, but according to Hopland, he shares the same dedication and passion, balancing his job with his love for their music.

Sitting in Ulf's studio, listening to the carefully crafted tracks, I'm struck by the quality and infectious energy of the music. Eystein's latest adjustments have given a new dimension to their sound, and it's clear the band is excited about the results.

This upcoming release promises to be a juicy, perfectly marinated treat for both old fans and new listeners.

Sister Rain's music, blending elements of rock, punk, and psychedelic music, is as captivating as ever. It's a playful, open, and well-crafted collection that song after song showcases the band's professionalism. It's been a long time since these guys surpassed ten thousand hours; they know their music. They know their craft. This is music that makes you move, think, and sometimes sing along.

The Listening Session

After a while of active listening, the guys take a smoke break and fill their wine glasses from the box, simultaneously turning to the RABAGAS reporter with questioning looks in their eyes.

I quietly thank my past self for leaving the car at home for this assignment. There’s a whole album to listen to, and the experienced reporter in me, still trying to do a job, knew all along that it was old rockers being interviewed.

I smile broadly as I swallow a glass of red wine, from the finest carton, while we listen to the music fans have been waiting for since 2011.

The album we’re listening to now has a rock swing that makes everyone want to hit the dance floor. It’s got punch, emotion, real music, and you can feel a decade of hard work has gone into creating something like this.

It will undoubtedly give fans and new listeners an explosive package of heartfelt, honest music, even though it’s been 13 long years since the last release.

Ulf Knudsen, besides being the technical leader, is also known under the alias Hussein Sufi and has released several solo albums showcasing his musical versatility.

Aslak writes songs but has also taken breaks to work on other things. Recently, however, he has rekindled his passion for music, picked up the guitar, and started writing songs again.

Ivar Berge plays in three bands altogether and was once told by a psychologist that he needed to practice twice a week, not just once — and so it has become.

Looking Back

What are some of the most memorable moments or highlights in your career with Sister Rain?

Aslak doesn’t hesitate, consistently mentioning that their tour in Eastern Europe was one of the craziest things they did.

How do you want Sister Rain to be remembered in Norwegian rock music history?

They have remained loyal to Voices of Wonder except for the album Ride (The Neptun Tapes), released by Sonet. Their albums have become collectibles, as have their posters, many of which were designed by Aslak, who has a background in wallpaper design.

Their latest album is expected to be just as collectible as their previous ones, but this time not many produce vinyl anymore. The production has been outsourced to a private individual who is reportedly a big fan, so it should go well.

It strikes me that this could be a problem for many new listeners. Will everyone without a vinyl record player be able to experience Sister Rain's latest release when it comes out?

As the Sunday session comes to a close, I find myself inspired by their journey and eager to share their story.

The music, I predict, will stick in the minds of those who listen. For everyone who loves good, genuine music, Sister Rain's new album is something to really look forward to. For me, this day on Kråkerøy has been a reminder of the enduring power of friendship, creativity, and rock ’n’ roll.

When asked what makes Sister Rain, all the guys agree.

Naturally, I can only agree. Aslak himself, with poorly hidden pride, also agrees.

The Rubber Boat Exit

I accompany Nygren back to the ferry. On the way, he tells me about a time he was thrown out of his own concert for being seen taking a few puffs of a joint (Editor’s note: a tobacco cigarette containing cannabinoids).

He laughs a bit about it today:

"But people will be people."

Just a few weeks ago, he sang a few songs at an intimate festival. During the briefing before the concert, he stood at the back with a regular cigarette in his mouth.

"You don’t need to show off the joint that way," the lady holding the meeting shouted.

"It's just the way it is, I can’t even roll a regular cigarette anymore," the vocalist says with a short, somewhat exasperated laugh.

"I don’t understand why I still bother giving anything of myself; people have gone completely mad." He adds in a slightly more philosophical tone.

Bands like Sister Rain, with their roots in early psychedelia, have been linked to this tradition.

An honest Aslak answers that he has never tried anything psychedelic, and as far as he knows, cannabis doesn’t have any psychedelic effects to boast of:

"But people don’t believe scientists anymore either, the ones we’ve paid to become our experts,"

He shakes his head in frustration. Although youthful intoxication might be part of our history, all the band's members are upright men at the end of their respective long careers. They have filed away all the nonsense in the drawer labeled:

"All publicity is good publicity."

We part ways. Aslak runs, probably as wine-happy as I am, down to the ferry landing.

I follow the river towards the city, replaying the music I’ve listened to for the past few hours in my head.

If the preview is any indication, we have a little sonic masterpiece on the way. The radio should definitely get a copy of these records. It's been many years since I’ve heard a more well-composed and unpolished music release — Dice Roll 7.

As I look back, I see that Aslak wasn’t trying to catch a ferry. He jumps into a small, six-foot rubber boat, white with a puncture on one side, making it almost flat.

In true rock ’n’ roll style, he stands up, balancing unsteadily with his cowboy hat clamped against the wind before finding his balance.

With a sly smile, he shouts:

"Rock ’n’ roll!"

He drifts with the strong current down the river. He doesn’t seem to notice the ferry honking a bit angrily, causing people on the entire pier to turn their heads.

It might have taken twenty extra seconds to use Aslak Nygren as a detour. Nevertheless, a perfect snapshot of the man Nygren and his spirit — wild, fearless, and always ready to cause a little mischief.

As he drifts slowly past the footbridge and people wave back at his big grin, the tones of Sister Rain’s music still ring in my ears. A reminder of their enduring passion.

Discography

Albums

• Sister Rain (1988)
• Water in Tide (1989)
• Wild Flowers Grow (1991)
• The Neptun Tapes (double album, 1993) – released as Ride on CD
• Illuminated – Compilation 1988-1998 (1998)
• Sisters Kitchen (2011)

Singles

• Respectable Faces / Even Higher (Part 1) (7", 1988)
• Nothing Like / High Heels (7", 1989)
• Shine (12", 1991)