The band was formed as Pedestrians of Blue in 2002. We made a four songs demo that year called “Circles of Butterflies - The first monologue”. Then we recorded an EP called “The Second Monologue” in 2005, while writing and recording for the first full lengt album. The album “Crossing Over” was released in Norway in 2007. This year we also hade our first live concerts. After some line-up changes the band changed name to SLAVES TO FASHION last year – and we are now ready with a new EP (called Slaves To Fashion) and radio single called “Mrs. Hero”. We’re also playing more concerts this spring, while recording more songs for a new full length album.

The influences is very different for each band member. I speak for my own when I mention Queensr_che, A Perfect Circle, Dream Theater, Metallica, Winger, W.A.S.P., Deep Purple and Peter Gabriel. The other members have a broad musical taste, from pop to black metal.

Our music is a a dark blend of influences from the hard rock scene from the seventies until today. There is a melancholic feeling shining through, but with melodic vocals on top.

Can you tell us more about your album called “Crossing Over” ?

The album was released in Norway in 2007. It is concept album telling the story of young man’s struggle with love, family and religion. “Crossing Over” was the goal we reached for when we started the band, and every song was written to fit the concept. The album was produced and recorded in our own studio, mixed by Daniel Flores (Mind’s Eye) and mastered by Mika Jussila (Nightwish). The reviews were great – and we’re very proud of it.

The recordings usually take place like this. I make a pre-production demo of the song that is the basis for the recordings. Then we record the drums in a rented studio and the bass, guitars, vocals and overdubs in our own studio. When everything is recorded the files are sent to mixing. Daniel Flores mixed the album, Mike Hartung did our new single “Mrs. Hero” and I have been mixing the other new songs myself. Finally the tracks are mastered by a mastering engineer - we have mostly used Mika Jussila in Finnvox Studios in Finland.

How did you proceed for the composition?

The main songwriter is myself, but with the other band members contributing. Johannes (vocals) does a great job working with the melody lines, and both John and Vidar comes in with great ideas that always make the songs better.

What are the lyrics talking about ? Where do you find inspiration ?

The lyrics on the “Crossing Over” were all written to fit the story of the album, so they pretty much dealt with religion, love and trying to find ourselves in a complicated world.
The new songs are more personal for me, dealing with relations between people and all the big and small things I think about during the day. People I meet, things I see and thought I think in many different situations.

What are your favourite all times bands and albums?

Winger: Pull

A Perfect Cirlce: The Thirteenth Step

Queensr_che: The Promised Land

Kip Winger: Songs From The Ocean Floor

W.A.S.P.: The Crimson Idol

Dream Theater: Images & Words

Vagabond: Vagabond

That’a always a difficult question! There are many funny and strange happenings, but it’s not always easy to share through words… ;-) One of the strangest things right now is that we were searching for years to find the right drummer for this band – and suddenly found him right among our closest circle of friends. His name is Vidar Ingvaldsen and both his great playing creative energy and cool personality is an inspiration for us all.

Are there any plans for some gigs ?

We are playing two support gigs for JORN in May and are working with some moree dates for the summer and fall.

What are your projects for the future ?

Getting another promo EP ready with four new songs, playing as much live as possible and working to get the full length album finished. Hopefully early next year (trying to be realistic!)

And finally, can you say some words for my radio show “Metal Choc” ?

“Keep listening to the great music that Corinne and Candice at “Metal Choc” plays every Sunday. It’s music that makes a difference!”