Lots of noise, crowds and loud voices. There are some common features between hard rock and nature conservation. But it doesn’t stop there. This week, Kvelertak plays several concerts in Bergen and Oslo. In the hall are rockers who have received free tickets because they supported the so-called fjord lawsuit with money. These days, the Supreme Court is considering whether the state has broken the Pollution Act and two EU directives, when they gave permission to dump mine waste in the Førdefjord. Supporting both the climate and rock Iselin Helløy is one of many who took Kvelertak’s involvement in the matter with them. A video appeared on social media of vocalist Ivar Nikolaisen going hard against the waste dump in Førdefjorden. By supporting the fjord lawsuit with NOK 850, Iselin secured a ticket to a concert with Kvelertak in Bergen at the same time. Helløy is a trained biologist and is particularly interested in nature and climate. Photo: Jarand Aga Baas For her, it is inspiring that artists can use their platform for good purposes, including climate change. To support something in such a public way is something Iselin believes requires courage. – Part of the rock spirit is to be clear and direct, and to stand up for what you think. She also points out that there is a lot of power in being able to influence so many people, and that it is up to the fans to assess its use. – I claim that they use their power in a good way, when they encourage people to get involved. Power in the music Associate Professor of Musicology at NTNU, Tore Størvold, says that Kvelertak is thereby joining a Norwegian musical tradition. – We have a long tradition in Norway, with musicians using their person, voice and music to say something about inflamed environmental conflicts, he says. He refers to, among others, Mattis Hætta’s “Sámiid Ædnan”, which arose out of the Alta saga. Mattis Hætta and Sverre Kjelsberg perform during the Melodi Grand Prix with “Sámiid Ædnan” The Mardøla action in 1970 was also an important blink of an eye, when the movement around Norwegian environmental protection really gained ground. The common thread for these, including Førdefjorden, is conflict around nature and the environment. A local case can get national attention when people with influence create a stir. – Kvelertak has a unique position here, as a band with an international fan base. It is conceivable that little Norway will receive more international attention and pressure from the outside, says Størvold. Using the band as a mouthpiece Vocalist and frontman Ivar Nikolaisen has been clear in his speech, saying that it is this issue that needs their voice right now. – No grown-up person can think this is reasonable, says Nikolaisen to news. A popular band according to Ivar Nikolaisen PHOTO: Stian Andersen Photo: Stian Andersen Regarding their role as an influence, he says that Kvelertak is a band that embraces a reasonably broad range. – Our platform is the people’s platform, and power belongs to the people, he says. Double-edged sword That artists use their platform to influence can go both ways, according to music researcher Størvold. Musicians are not just public figures, like artists they create music with which listeners form personal relationships. As a fan, you often have strong feelings connected to the music. The relationship between artist and listener can be weakened if one does not support the same message. – You risk alienating supporters, if, for example, they deeply disagree on the matter. At the same time, they can reach out to new fans, who discover the band through the conflict in Førde, concludes Størvold.
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Kvelertak supports the lawsuit against landfill in Førdefjorden with concert tickets – news Vestland
