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Norwegian rockers Syme have been classic UMR favorites ever since they released their debut, Swing Swing, in 2005. A couple days ago they landed in NYC, and they're crawling up and down the East Coast during their first ever tour in America. Go see them, please! They will blow your mind! Below the tour dates you'll find a brief, but important, interview with lead vocalist Ketil Kindin. Over the next couple weeks UMR will continuously post more and more articles related to Syme, because, hell, we just love them that much.

Tour Dates:

Oct 2 2007 Trash Bar - New York City
Oct 3 2007 Lit Lounge - New York City
Oct 4 2007 Henneseys - Boston
Oct 5 2007 POP Montreal, at Academy Club - St. Laurent, Montreal
Oct 7 2007 Garfield Artworks - Pittsburgh
Oct 8 2007 Wilbert's - Cleveland
Oct 9 2007 The Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto
Oct 10 2007 Cafe Nine - New Haven
Oct 11 2007 TT The Bear - Boston
Oct 14 2007 The Khyber - Philadelphia
Oct 15 2007 DC9 - Washington D.C.
Oct 16 2007 CMJ Music Marathon / The Ace of Clubs - New York City
Oct 18 2007 The Delaney Lounge - New York City
Oct 18 2007 CMJ Music Marathon, Musebox Showcase - New York City

This has got to be the most important question to ever ask bands, and I like to start it with any interview: Why does Syme make music?

Music is definitely the most beautiful artform there is, so we just want to make great art. ....And get free chips backstage at concerts.

Now that we've got that over with, some easier stuff…Is this everyone's first trip to America /NYC? If so, is it what everyone expected it to be?

Vidar (the drummer) has studied medicine in atlanta for 6 years, and I've been to New York for a holiday two years ago, but the rest of us are nubies. Personally I really love New York, and think it's one of the friendliest towns I've ever been to.

Have you guys had some really great or terrible experiences yet?

The squirrels in Central Park, the Planetarium at Museum of natural history and some transvestite-heavy parties are highlights so far. We were really worried about bringing our tons of musical instuments through costums, but when we got there they treated us like kings. One of the costums people just couldn't believe we were not the Beatles.

In Norway, if I'm not mistaken, you recently headlined many tours. How are you dealing with being an opener again?

Being an opener is just like being a goalkeeper at a penalty shootout in the world cup, you have nothing to lose.

How do you feel about the bands you're set to open for? Had you heard of any of them before this tour?

I sat hidden under my desk at the record shop were I work the other day, listening to some Middle Distance Runner. Think they'll suit our music just fine!

Are you excited about the Montreal Pop Marathon and CMJ showcases?

We've been hearing some really good things about Montreal, so I think that festival gig will be one of the highlights. Great bill as well, and I get to practice my french between the songs. I expect CMJ to be more chaotic as we're playing two shows on one day, but still it's hopefully going to be some people with golden handshakes cheering at the back.

Is making it big in America one of your main goals? If so, why?

Focusing on the American market seems like a win-win situation for us right now, as this first US-tour has started a nice little Syme-buzz in Norway as well. For some reason both american friends living in Norway, american magazines (like you!) and US labels have flattered us so much with their praise that we just couldn't resist giving you back some love.

What sort of a fan base do you have in Norway? Do you want more Norwegians, Western Europeans or Americans to like your music? Why?

See above

I heard a rumor about another album in the works. When do you guys plan to release it?

We've been playing quite a few new songs on tour now, so we can't wait too long before we hit the studio. Our goal is to get things on tape by the end of the year.

Do you think you'll ever hit the Midwest or west coast?

We've already been talking about coming back to the US early next year, so I think we're very likely to try out some other parts of the country then.

More to Come!!!

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