Superfamily (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Moss , Norway |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Superfamily was a pop rock group originating from Moss, Norway, composed of Steven Ray Wilson (lead vocals), Kim Granholt (keytar, synthesizer), Martin Steffensen (guitar), and Richard Lorentz (drums). Backing vocals were provided by Anders Nielsen, Terje Krumins, and Håkon Moe, collectively known as the "choirboys".
The band introduced themselves with the 2004 Champagne EP, which received early airplay on NRK P3 and Radio Tango. Their commercial breakthrough arrived with the 2007 album Warszawa, earning them the Spellemannprisen award in the pop category.
Formation and early years
Superfamily was established in 2002 by Wilson, Granholt, and Steffensen. Initially, they circulated self-produced CDs to cultivate a following. The group later added a bassist, drummer, and two backing vocalists, performing at local venues and gaining recognition through NRK Urørt, a platform dedicated to unsigned artists. After an initial rejection from Kåre Vestrheim of Propeller Recordings, the band honed their live performance skills. They eventually secured a record deal following a concert that was delayed due to power failures.
Their first album, Back In Paris (2005), produced by Vestrheim, garnered reviews ranging from mixed to favorable. The singles "It's a Lie" and "Taxi Dancing" received rotation on NRK P3, resulting in two Alarmpris nominations for Best Song ("Taxi Dancing") and Best Newcomer.
Warszawa and mainstream success
The album Warszawa was released on 21 May 2007 after six months of production. It featured the lead single "The radio has expressed concerns about what you did last night," which became the most played track on NRK P3 in early 2007. Critics praised the album for its synth-heavy style reminiscent of bands such as The Killers and The Psychedelic Furs. It remained on Norwegian charts for seventeen weeks, reaching a peak position of No. 6.
Following this achievement, Superfamily appeared at prominent Norwegian music festivals including Slottsfjellfestivalen and Øyafestivalen. In 2007, they won three Alarmpris awards—among them Song of the Year and Live Performance—and also received the Spellemannprisen for Warszawa.
On 19 May 2009, the band released a single from their third studio album titled Guns Tonight. The full album was released on 31 August 2009 to generally positive feedback; it earned a perfect rating from Verdens Gang, while other critics offered more moderate endorsements.
Their most recent album to date, All American, came out in January 2013, followed by a nationwide tour showcasing an updated live production. In August of that year, Superfamily announced their disbandment to pursue other ventures including Level & Tyson, Strupene, and various studio projects.
Education
Superfamily is recognized as one of Norway's most academically distinguished bands. At one stage, every member either held or was working toward a master's degree. Frontman Steven Wilson completed a Ph.D. in chemistry in 2007. Other members include biologist Kim Granholt and sociologist Martin Steffensen.
Discography
| Year | Details |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Back in Paris
|
| 2007 | Warszawa
|
| 2009 | Guns Tonight
|
| 2013 | All American
|
External links
- Norwegian pop rock bands
- Recipients of the Spellemannprisen
- Artists signed to Propeller Recordings
- Bands formed in 2002
- 2002 establishments in Norway
- Musical acts originating from Østfold
- Artists from Moss, Norway
- Organizations located in Moss, Norway
- Bands that disbanded in 2013
- Musical groups disestablished in 2013