Giants are Fjord
Published: Friday 9th August 2019
You really do get all sorts on Edinburgh Fringe comedy stages, even diversifying rock and pop stars. This year you can find Shed 7's drummer, Alan Leach, doing a comedy quiz at The Mash House, former Dawn of the Replicants frontman Paul Vickers celebrating his tenth year as the majestic Mr Twonkey at the Caves... and then there's Fjord.
This Nordic Eurodance duo had a big chart-topper (actual nation not specified) in 2015 with Forever Young Tonight Always, but when the follow up - Always Young Forever Tonight - flopped, they were dropped, then split, then got together again, and now appear to have taken over the slot that the fine comedy duo Giants (Will Hislop and Barney Fishwick) had booked, at the Pleasance Baby Grand. And their spot in this week's First Gig, Worst Gig.
Now, you don't get many Nordic pop duos at the Fringe; so was there a mix-up?
Lars: "No mix-up. We heard 'The Fringe' was basically like the Scottish Glastonbury, so we're super pumped to be here."
Ulrik: "There are definitely, like, less raves and more students doing plays than we expected, but we're looking forward to seeing how 'The Fringe' gets to party."
Ok Fjord - let's focus.
First gig - can you remember anything about it?
Ulrik: I remember we killed it.
Favourite show, ever?
Lars: Every show we do is my favourite show. But the Trondheim Bowl in 2008 was very special. Thousands of Fjordies and Fjordas chanting along to our hit single Heels in the Club.
Ulrik: That was actually the last ever gig my papa came to so it is a special memory.
We're sorry to hear that. Did he pass away?
Ulrik: No, he just doesn't really like the music.
Worst gig?
Ulrik: We did a hen do a few years back which was... not an amazing experience.
Lars: Here's a 'Hen Don't' for any future audience members. Don't throw dildo straws at the artistes.
Which one person - or band - influenced your comedy life most significantly?
Lars and Ulrik (simultaneously): Basshunter.
And who's the most disagreeable person you've come across in the business?
Ulrik: Don't get me started on Sven Dingle...
Is there one song you loved, that audiences just didn't understand?
Lars: No.
Do you have any good travel tips, for gigging pop duos?
Ulrik: Honey and lemon for the voice. The headspace app for the brain. And Jack Daniels ... also for the brain.
Lars (cracking up): This guy is crazy.
Are there particular reviews or post-gig reactions that stick in the mind?
Lars: I was checking the Twitter results for 'Fjord' last night and we got the craziest review from this one guy.
Ulrik: What was it?
Lars (starts reading his phone): "Comfortable experience, drives like a dream, the number one brand for family cars."
Ulrik (Welling up): I love our fans.
How do you feel about where your career is at, right now?
Ulrik: Amazing. We are exactly where we want to be. Doing a one-month residency at one of Scotland's most prestigious music venues.
Lars: The Baby Grand.
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