THE DEMONSTRATION TAPES
THE DEMONSTRATION TAPES consists of Fredrik Færden,
Lars Heintz, and Pedro Carmona-Alvarez—all former members of
the 90s band SISTER SONNY ( from Bergen, Norway), who released albums between 1998 and 2007 before falling into a coma.
THE DEMONSTRATION TAPES is a collaborative project based on a strict
rule: to create one song per U.S. state, where the state is mentioned in both the
lyrics and the title, and to release 50 songs by 2026—when the U.S. will hopefully
turn 250 years old. The music will be released as digital EPs but also in physical
format, in collaboration with Apollon Records.
THE INTENTION behind the project was originally quite simple: we wanted
to make music together and needed a concept to lean on.
Now, with the first EP completed, we are painfully aware that THE
DEMONSTRATION TAPES might have the worst timing in world history.
We recall with dread Leonard Cohen’s “You won’t like what comes after
America”—because it suddenly feels very urgent. We all love the U.S., though
admittedly a mediated, romanticized, and glorified version of it—but still.
This project is also a kind of love letter, written to a shadow or a ghost.
THE DEMONSTRATION TAPES is not a joke.
But, well, maybe a little bit.
STATES 1-4, FIRST EP was recorded at Lax and Garage Island
(Bergen/Askøy) and at House of Fred (Oppegård). Produced by
THE DEMONSTRATION TAPES. Mixed by Pedro Carmona-
Alvarez. Mastered by Einar Sogstad. Cover design by Ib Kleiser.
THE SONGS
NEW YORK CITY CHEESECAKE//In a perfect parallel
reality, we believe this song could have been a moderate summer
hit. It has everything needed: sun, summer, dresses. It even name-
drops Buster Keaton’s mentor, Houdini, and a Beatles song. We
are middle-aged men. We love cake.
Lars – Guitar, percussion, vocals
Pedro – Drums, bass, guitars, keyboards
WASHINGTON LOVES ME// This song is about being
content, confident, even a little cocky. But also, about being
loved—because, in the end, we believe it’s love that helps us accept
the inevitable ending that awaits us all.
Lars – Guitars, drums, percussion, vocals
Pedro – Guitars, bass, piano, keyboards, drums
STUCK HERE IN NEBRASKA//This one deals with the
demands of mobility in the American job market, colliding with a
failing romantic relationship. And it’s a waltz you can dance to.
Fredrik – Piano, keyboards, programming, bass, vocals
Pedro – Drums
CALIFORNIA LOSIN’//There are so many things one can
lose, and this song touches on a few of them: a girl with silver-
colored hair, a man disappearing into a van, money, love—those
kinds of things. It’s very common. And outside, the sun is shining.
Lars – Bass, percussion, vocals
Pedro – Drums, guitars, percussion, vocals