#ingensteds

While Norway might not be the first (second or even third) place you think of when someone mentions ‘hip hop’, a group of emerging MCs and producers are slowly changing that perception. Despite sounding more like someone born and raised in New York City, don’t be fooled by Oslo-based Ivan Ave.

His 90s throwback style caught the attention of Jakarta Records, who put out his first LP ‘Helping Hands’ earlier this year. A homage to all the sounds that influenced Ivan growing up, the record is filled with funk, R&B and jazz riffs; the kind of record you know would sound even better on vinyl.

We caught up with Ivan Ave who tells us about his inspiration making hip hop (or should we say ‘Barista Rap’) in Norway…

MusicMap: Tell us about your artist name…

Ivan Ave: My real name is Eivind, which sounds a lot like the English pronunciation of Ivan. Having spent some time in the U.S. Ivan became a natural moniker for me. I went under Ivan Average for a little while, but that whole name was an inside joke. I probably shouldn’t try to explain the joke though. I obviously had to change it when making music became a real ambition, and I liked how Ivan and Ave look together, graphically.

What sort of music were you exposed to when you were growing up?

My older sisters put me on to Michael and Janet Jackson, The Fugees and Lauryn Hill, Raphael Saadiq and stuff like that. A lot of RnB, Hip-Hop and whatever pop music they were into. My dad always had an appreciation for Jazz and Christian music, so I was around that too.

When did you start making your own music and what was it like?

I started in my late teens. I was very much into 90s rap and I guess I was trying to emulate the sound of my idols, like ATCQ and De La Soul. It was a lot of learning by doing, so no need to look up my earliest stuff haha.

What equipment do you use?

I have a super simple set-up, Ableton Live and some audio interfaces, Technic 1210s, a DJM 400 mixer and a SP-555.

Where would be the perfect place to listen to your music.

Arthur, who plays the keys when we perform, is a real hater and says I make Barista Rap. So the best place would be at a coffee shop in your home town, on one of those days where you don’t know what you’re doing with your life.

What fuels your imagination?

Ambivalence. My mind usually opens when I experience ambivalence in a drum pattern, in a relationship, a colour palette or any other format.

What do you think the future of music is going to be like?

I think the pendulum of “technology meets art and culture” will forever keep swinging. So probably just endless amounts of whatever ups and downs and twists we’ve seen up until this point in music history.

Does your local area influence the music you make?

Yes for sure. Oslo has a vibrant DJ scene, and my crew Mutual Intentions is full of talented inspiring creative people. I’m lucky to be surrounded by dope photographers, designers, musicians, writers, actors, they all stimulate me in my art.

Who’s your biggest local musical influence, past and/or present?

I really respect Karin Krog, a very inspiring figure in Norwegian jazz and art history.

What are the top things you’d suggest visitors to Oslo should go and see/do?

Step by Hunting Lodge for fly gear, Oslo Velo for good music and beer, and hopefully catch me and the homies DJing spinning records somewhere, if you like to dance. Then go swimming in Svartkulp the next day.

What’s the best record shop in your city?

The Garden is dope for new music. For used records you should go find the O.G. Lars Petter at a flea market.

What’s your favourite music venue in Oslo?

Ingensteds has a special place in my heart, that’s where we did Boiler Room and also where I got to see the legendary Leroy Burgess live in concert.

Where in the world would you most like to play live?

I’ve been blessed to hit up a bunch of great cities, but still would love to play in Japan. Osaka would be crazy.