When you’re born to the breathtaking scenery of Norway and feel supported and celebrated by your government, it’s easy to forget about the crazy world outside. That is definitely not the case with the indie-pop five-piece Highasakite, who's ready to drop their third studio effort Camp Echo. The new record sees the band, fronted by the equally talented and charismatic Ingrid Helene Håvik, exploring the uneasy subjects of terrorism, war and the broken state of the world, via some of the finest hooks and slickest electronics you’ll hear this season. We chatted with Ingrid and keyboardist Marte Eberson about making music, living in Norway and taking pole dance lessons in the name of art.

Ingrid Is a Multi-Tasker

For Ingrid Helene Håvik Highasakite is a third project. Before that she fronted the band Your Headlights Are On, whose specialty was 70s-inspired guitar-driven pop-rock. Then came Highasakite and in 2013 she released a solo record Babylove under her own name Ingrid. “Other members had solo albums out, too, but now we mainly focus on Highasakite,” Ingrid explains.

They Followed Their Parents' Footsteps

“Me and Marte both had musician parents. So for us it was a soft transition into the grown-up’s nest,” says Ingrid. “Music’s something that we’ve been doing for our whole lives,” Marte adds. “Because our parents work as musicians, it was a natural thing to do.”

Their Name is Inspired by Elton John

Urban Dictionary may tell otherwise, but the band’s name is taken directly from Elton John’s “Rocket Man.” Were there any other name options? “Yeah, but we don’t remember them anymore,” says the Ingrid.

They’re From Norway

Considering the band’s latest single is the bombastic “Golden Ticket,” we’d like to know what is the ultimate golden ticket a person can find in life? Meeting your soulmate? Having a steady career? “I think if you’re born in Norway, you already have a golden ticket in some way,” Ingrid proclaims. “We get all kinds of opportunities here,” Marte agrees. “Talking about the song, not everyone has a way to escape the situation they’re in. But here in Norway we’re happy. It’s a great ticket to have!”

What exactly is so good about making music in Norway? “For instance, we have funding from the government that supports musicians. You can only work as a musician, even though you’re not making money for yourself yet. You can start a band with the government funding.” Sorry, world, you can only apply if you’re Norwegian. 

They’re Stronger Together

Listening to Highasakite is quite an experience: the layers of buzzing electronics are intertwined with ambiguous and often cryptic lyrics complemented by Ingrid’s distinctive delivery. But is there a uniting theme of their music, any philosophy behind all of this beautiful chaos? “We don’t have any particular message. We just want to make really cool music and write lyrics that matter to people. Find some kind of common ground and just make music out of that,” explains Ingrid. Marte adds: “And we also love working together, all five of us. We believe that we make the best music together.”

They’re Passionate About Passionate Pop

While staying inside the indie and electro-pop genre, Highasakite’s music doesn’t shy away from gloomy themes and much more nuanced approach to production than your regular glitzy Top 40 pop banger. Do they believe that the best pop music should be sad? “It doesn’t have to be sad”, Ingrid says, “but it needs to have some passion and hit some strings and chords inside of you.” Is there any song on the charts that Ingrid likes at the moment? “Rihanna’s 'Love On The Brain.' It’s really beautiful.” Should we expect a cover? “No. It’s perfect as it is.”

The New Album is Inspired by PTSD

“You get inspiration from everywhere,” Ingrid explains. “The new record has been inspired by some political stuff like the stories of the soldiers that have been through the war, terrorism and stuff like that. But that’s just the inspiration—it’s not necessarily what the songs are about.” What do they think ultimately is the most disappointing thing in the world we’re living in? “For me it’s not taking the global warming issue as seriously as we all should,” says Marte. Is there anything encouraging in the world? “It’s nice to see people taking care of each other now that there are so many refugees coming to Europe,” Ingrid comments. “It’s very easy to point out negativity, but I think it’s nice to see how helpful some people are.”   

Ingrid Took Up Pole Dancing Lessons For the New Video

The music video for the album’s lead single “Someone Who’ll Get It” sees Ingrid doing wonders on the pole. “Out of five of us only I took the lessons,” Ingrid proudly remarks, “but I’m done now. It was just for the video and I really wanted to try it, ‘cause I thought it was very pretty. But you can’t be a pole dancer and go on tour.” Was it hard? “Hard and painful. I did have a few bruises after the lessons for sure.”

Ingrid Wanted To Become a Samurai When She Was Little

There’s also a song on the album called “Samurai Swords,” so is it safe to assume that Ingrid at least considered becoming a samurai at some point in her life? “It was actually a childhood dream of mine, that is just going to stay that—a childhood dream. I’m not ever going to be a samurai.” “Chernobyl” brings another question: did the band actually visit Chernobyl? “No. Has anyone visited it?”

They’re Secret Kardashian Worshippers

With so much traveling ahead of them, it’s safe to assume they’ve got enough phones app to ease on these lengthy bus rides and airport sessions. “We have Snapchat, Instagram, Spotify, Tweeter, Go-to-meeting app, the game Minions,” says Ingrid. “Also Khloe Kardashian app,” Marte adds, “and Kylie Jenner one.” What’s their favorite Snapchat filter? “Jungle thing! And slow motion.”

Should we expect a song about social media from Highasakite? “No, I would never write a song about social media,” Ingrid assures us. “Lyrics should be timeless. I don’t want to mention Facebook in my lyrics. I want people to be able to listen to our music in 50 years and not be like ‘Oh, they’re so old-fashioned with cell phone and Facebook.'”