Ralph Myerz is Also Subelectronica

Welcome to Bergen - conveniently located at the foot of a mountain range near the fjords of the Norwegian coastline. What used to be a familiar paradise for tourists and fishermen is now called the musical mecca of Scandinavia. Thanks to the influential English newspaper NME, after the emergence of Kings of Convenience and Royksopp, Norway was labeled as the 'New France'. Interestingly, both bands are from Bergen. The next Bergen-based name to emerge was Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band. Their story began with a concert in 1997 when Bergen DJ Erlend Sellevold (later hiding behind the pseudonym Ralph Myerz) was invited to play a set at a local festival. Erlend creatively decided to combine electronic music with percussion and drums, inviting his friends Thomas Lonnheim and Tarjei Strom. The public's reaction exceeded all expectations: no one could resist the trio. Thus, the band was born. 'We felt that we needed to add a seventies sound,' Erlend recalls. 'At that time, we were obsessed with film director Russ Meyer and decided to immortalize his name and that of his cinematographer Jack Herren in the band's name.' In 1999, Ralph Myerz released his first single 'A Special Morning' in a limited edition of 300 copies. The following year, 'Nikita 7' was released on Telle Records (the same label where the stories of Royksopp and Kings of Convenience began). 'Nikita' featured a mesmerizing sample from a thirty-year-old German soundtrack with a light beat. The track caught the attention of a major advertising agency and soon became the theme for a Volkswagen Passat commercial - the German car tycoons were the first to appreciate Ralph Myerz's potential. Following suit, Ralph Myerz signed with Emperor Norton Records. To sign the band, the label's A&R managers embarked on a long journey from Los Angeles to Bergen. 'Nikita' on Telle Records became the flagship track of the label's compilation, later proclaimed as the compilation of the year in Muzik and DJ Mag. The number of chillout compilations featuring this track is countless, including Dimitri from Paris' Playboy Mansion compilations. Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band's international debut release fully lived up to its name: 'A Special EP'. A collection of happy melodies, dreamy soundscapes, and elusive lullabies. The best introduction to the magical world of Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band. Four tracks, including a re-recorded 'Nikita' and 'Clouds' featuring enchanting female vocals. Drawing inspiration from a collection of eccentric albums from the 60s and 70s, Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band did not use them as a source for samples. Instead of delving into long-forgotten projects and searching for copyright holders, they wrote their own music, cutting intricate patterns of breaks, beats, and using the power of percussion. As a result, the album was a healthy mix of dub, uptempo pop tunes, a few tracks with heavy beats, a few relaxed ones; infused with Norwegian charm and surprises. Ralph Myerz will play his first and only DJ set in Moscow as part of the 'Subelectronica' project at 'Shanti'.

February 19, 2005
Shanti Restaurant
Ralph Myerz (Emperor Norton, Bergen, Norway)
Guests gathering starts at 9:00 PM