Considered to be the world’s only kitchen appliance rock band, Norwegian Hurra Torpedo uses recycled stoves, washing machines, freezers and dryers to create their unique industrial style music. The three member band has garnered quite a following in Norway and the rest of Europe. Their cover of Total Eclipse of The Heart is also popular viewing on Youtube. We caught up with band member Egil Hegerberg, to ask a few questions about their unconventional music style and their choice of instruments.
How would you describe your music?
Heavy industrial kitchen appliance rock music.
Why do you use kitchen appliances?
Used kitchen appliances are way cheaper than drums. They are also easier to play and sound much better. The fact that it's also a very effective means to recycle and minimize the garbage problem is just an added bonus.
Where did the idea come from?
The idea came from the ghettoes in Oslo in the early 90s when abandoned houses full of left behind appliances were abundant.
Where do you get your appliances?
Back in the days we just used to pick them up on the street or in derelict houses. These days we go to the recycle stations and pick up whatever we need.
Do different appliances make different sounds?
The chest freezer is the mother of all bass drums. It's played by opening and closing the lid. The stove is a great snare and also the biggest crash on earth when played with a giant metal wheel.
A top loading washing machine with removable centrifuge has lots of great sounds; the side is a brilliant low tom, the centrifuge makes a nice "pling" sound and can also be used as bongo drums. A front-loading washing machine or tumble dryer filled with broken glass can be turned on and off, producing a nice layer of crashing sounds.
What other green practices do you implement in your music/touring?
We only play one or two shows a year and we never record. So our transport needs are very sparse. And our appliances don't work so we only eat cold food.
Visit: http://www.hurratorpedo.com/
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