Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band
Emperor Norton
Like some of the best bands, Ralph Myerz and The Jack Herren Band formed purely by chance. DJ Erlend Sellevold (aka Ralph Myerz) was scheduled to play a festival in his hometown of Bergen, Norway. To spice up his performance he enlisted Thomas Lonnheim and Tarjei Strom to join him on percussion and drums respectively. The three jelled and, taking inspiration from cult filmmaker Russ Meyer and his cameraman Jack Herren, formed Ralph Myerz and The Jack Herren Band. It would take them two years to release their '99 debut EP, A Special Morning, but the record had the desired effect of landing them a short term deal with Mikal Telle's super trendy Telle imprint. Telle had already released works from Erot, Bjorn Torske, and Royksopp, and was being closely monitored by A&R heads around the world. Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band's '99 limited edition Telle seven-inch Nikita was picked up by VW (who used it as the soundtrack for their Passat campaign) for its subtle melancholic vocal melodies and cool, nouveau '70s feel. The single also secured them a long-term future with L.A.'s up-and-coming Emperor Norton label, who released A Special EP at the tail end of 2002. Intended to stir up interest for their forthcoming album, the EP features four tracks, including their debut single "A Special Morning," the ubiquitous "Nikita," and the twinking Nordic ballad, "Clouds."
Luke Magnuson
last updated:
06/25/03
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