Out today in record stores all over the U.S. is the debut American release by the Swedish glam rockers The Ark. This queerish quintet (amazingly, exuberantly, unabashedly, flamingly over-the-top frontman Ola Salo is bisexual—and the other guys are just swankily, foppishly fab) has been getting the U.S. media all juiced up of late, and it’s no wonder. Catch them live and it’s like a decadent rock ‘n’ roll love in… You’ll end up chanting, dancing and singing along to their driving, blissfully uncool, anthemic tunes. That is if you can take your eyes off of Salo as he strides around in some degree of undress (expect spandex and festive hats), daring you not to join the party.
Their Stateside debut State of the Ark is out now. Check out and see what the sexy fuss is all about. And check out this tarty little email interview with Ola (in the pic, he's second from the right) right here!
First, for people unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe The Ark’s sound?
Modern Regal Glam Rock Power. The missing link between Kiss and Caravaggio.
As you write this, what are you wearing? And where are you? Describe the scenario?
I am actually flying at an altitude of 11,582 meters as I'm writing this. I’m wearing comfortable clothes that are starting to get somewhat smelly since I've been sitting on this transatlantic flight (between Copenhagen and Newark) for six hours. I'm surrounded by my best friends, the bandmembers, who have all just discovered some extremely boring golf game.
You've long been open about being gay. Is your sexuality a factor in your music at all? Does it affect the sound or style or general vibe of The Ark, or is it irrelevant?
I'm not gay, I'm bisexual. And that fact I've been open about. When I write, I write about what's most important to me. My love life is of course very important to me. Being bisexual has also affected how I see the world. It has made me very aware of different kinds of codes of normality within the straight as well as the gay world.
Who do you think is the most inspiringly glamorous person in the world? (Not including yourself.) And why?
Right now I think it's the swedish Schlager-singer Carola. She’s a fanatical Christian and totally psychotic, but she’s also a fantastic performer and has been one of the biggest stars in Sweden for twenty years. Besides me I think she’s Sweden’s only real superstar.
What performers/musicians alive or dead, would you dream of sharing the stage with?
Don't know... Maybe Freddie Mercury. Though I doubt any stage would be big enough for both of us.
What do you love most about performing?
That feeling when I control the whole situation in a room—but even I myself don't know what’s gonna happen next. That's the real magic.
What do you like the least?
Whenever magic does not occur.
Who are other bands or artists that you're loving right now?
I like the Norwegian bands Turbonegro and Surferosa. I also like the Scissor Sisters, The Darkness and Goldfrapp. The Magnetic Fields and Rufus Wainwright are also some personal favourites.
What's the most outrageous thing you've ever done onstage?
I don't know... There’s been both passionate kissing and passionate fighting, Nudity and blasphemy. That has probably been outrageous to some.
Finish this sentence: I love rock n roll because…
It gives me the power to be exactly what I am, and be proud about that.
Finally, you guys have toured the world. Where are the sexiest people?
The sexiest people are of course wherever we are, since it’s us!
Check out The Ark (including music, videos and more) online. And you can check their MySpace page, too.
>>Though I doubt any stage would be big enough for both of us<<
that's so true XD I've seen The Ark love a bunch of times, and I tell ya it's something I'm gonna remember for the rest of my life.
Posted by: Sofie | May 08, 2006 at 09:01 AM
Sweet article!!
And oh Ola! This is so you! Sweet answers I say :P "The sexiest people are of course wherever we are, since it’s us!" Nah don't say that, but it's kinda true....I mean wherever you are, we are.... ;P
Posted by: Sandra | May 08, 2006 at 01:45 PM
When is NewNowNext finally going to play one of their videos. :-(
Posted by: Ark Army | July 15, 2006 at 05:38 PM