Kaizers Return
Kaizers Orchestra has always marched to the beat of their own drum. Now, after their first U.S. performance in years, the legendary Norwegian rock band made it clear they haven’t missed a step. Fresh off a triumphant show at Sony Hall, where their theatrical mix of rock, folk, and energy electrified the crowd, I had the chance to catch up with frontman Janove Ottesen to unpack the band’s journey, their return to the stage, and what lies ahead.
Roderick: Your show at Sony Hall was nothing short of electric. What does it mean to bring your live performance to U.S. soil after all this time?
Janove: It felt incredible. We’ve been building towards this for a while now, but to finally step on a U.S. stage and feel that energy from an American audience We’ve always prided ourselves on our live performances, and seeing that connect with a new audience made it all worth it.
One Hell of a Show
Kaizers Orchestra’s reputation as a must-see live act is no accident. From their earliest days, the band was laser-focused on crafting a unique live experience that transcended the typical boundaries of rock concerts. Without relying on radio hits or major label support, they carved their path by delivering high-energy, immersive performances that left audiences talking long after the show ended.
Over time, the band leaned heavily into theatrical elements—bold stage setups, dramatic lighting, and a performance style that made every concert feel like an event. This dedication to the live experience has allowed them to build a loyal fan base across Europe, and now they’re bringing that magic to the U.S.
Roderick: You’ve always emphasized being the best live act in Norway, long before global recognition. What was driving that focus?
Janove: From the start, we wanted to be more than a band that just sounds good on a record. It was always about creating an experience. We didn’t have big radio hits or the backing of a major label early on, but we knew that if we could blow people away with our live shows, the word would spread.
Roderick: Your performance is more than just music—it’s an experience. How did that vision evolve over time?
Janove: In the beginning, we were just experimenting. None of us had formal training, but we knew we wanted to be different. Over the years, we refined the chaos. Our shows are full of big, theatrical moments. Every set, every tour, we try to evolve. After so many years, we’ve learned how to perfect that balance of spectacle and intimacy, whether it’s in front of 200 people or 50,000.
Roderick: That idea of being hands-on seems crucial to your process, not just musically but in how you operate the band.
Janove: Definitely. We’re very hands-on with everything—tour production, visuals, even merchandise. There’s a sense of ownership and pride in that. When you’re pouring your heart into a project, you don’t want anyone else steering the ship.
A Life-long Connection
After a decade-long hiatus, Kaizers Orchestra’s decision to reunite stemmed from a mix of personal and professional factors. Life had taken its natural course—band members got married, had children, and pursued solo projects. However, the band missed playing together, and the urge to bring those songs back to life as a group became undeniable. When they announced their return, the overwhelming response from fans reignited their passion. It was the perfect motivation to come back stronger, reminding them of the power and connection they had built over the years.
Roderick: What’s changed for you, creatively, over the past 10 years and what inspires you?
Janove: There’s a lot more gratitude now. Now, there’s a sense of calm. We’re not chasing validation like we once did. The fans can feel it too. They can tell when a band is really having fun up there.
As far as inspiration, I think people may not know how inspired by hip hop we are. Artists are often inspired by things that they may not obviously express in their art.
Roderick: You’ve been clear about not chasing trends, even with the pressure of the modern music landscape. How do you balance staying true to your roots while adapting to new platforms like social media?
Janove: It’s tricky. We’ve never been the type to follow trends. We know who we are, and that’s worked for us. TikTok and Instagram are great for some artists, but that’s not where our strength
Social Media
Today the importance of reaching new audiences via social media cant be overstated, so Kaizer has brought in younger people to help with that mission. However, Janove but at the end of the day, it’s all about staying authentic.
Roderick: Speaking of new platforms, you’ve just launched a virtual concert on Roblox. What inspired that move?
Janove: Roblox was an exciting opportunity because it allowed us to take our visual style and storytelling into a new space. We created an entire game around our universe. It’s got all the hallmarks of a Kaizers show—big, theatrical moments, different storylines, but in a digital format. It launches November 1, 2024.
Roderick: Now that the U.S. leg of your tour has begun, what are your hopes for Kaizers Orchestra in the States?
Janove: The U.S. has always been a dream for us. We know there’s a small but dedicated fan base here, and it’s exciting to finally connect with them in person. It’s not about overnight success—it’s about creating something lasting. The energy at Sony Hall was incredible, and if we keep building on that, we’ll be back for more. Maybe in a few years, we’ll be headlining festivals here too.
Roderick: You’ve always been about the long game. Any final message to your American fans?
Janove: Thank you for your patience! We know some of you have been waiting for years, and it means the world to us that you’ve stuck with us. We’re ready to keep this going.
If you missed their Sony Hall show, check them out in the upcoming dates shown below.
As Kaizers Orchestra moves forward on their U.S. performance dates, one thing is certain: their reign as one of the most thrilling live acts is far from over. Kaizers Orchestra is back.
Author
Roderick Thomas is an NYC based writer filmmaker
