Ask Riktor Johansen is a 28-year-old from the town Harstad in Northern Norway. He has been making music since he learned to write, and has, among other things, participated in Norwegian Idol as a semifinalist in 2016. He did his first solo project as Ask Riktor in 2018, (Carry Me Away & En For Alltid) where he wrote, produced and mastered the songs alone in his bedroom.
In the project “Ask”, he has taken Ask Riktor to new heights, and his debut-album Time Did Tell will be released in October 2022.
Ask comes as a fresh breeze into the Norwegian music-landscape. With drops of inspiration from blues and American songwriters, he has carved out his own style as a songwriter. With the project Time Did Tell, Ask builds a bridge from the older to the modern which is presented in a blissful mix of blues, roots, Americana and singer-songwriter-genres.
Do you tend to write lyrics or music first? Why?
I always start with the music first, the melody comes from a subconscious place and as I dive in to the feeling the melody gives me, the lyrics come to me.
It’s very spontaneous, fun and you never know what you’re gonna get — perfect!
What’s the first song you ever wrote?
The first song I ever wrote to my 7th-grade band was in E minor, it was about this girl that didn’t share the same feelings towards me as I did to her.
Come to think of it, my songwriting hasn’t changed too much.
Any songwriting tips?
Follow your heart, baby. Whatever you’re feeling in any moment can be written about. As long as it isn’t too abstract of an emotion or translation of that emotion, people are going to relate.
Aaaand it doesn’t have to rhyme; it has to feel right.
How do you have fun, and keep your sanity and body in shape whilst on the road you say?
You can join the after party, have an non-alcoholic drink, learn how to let your mind go sober and have the time of your life (but leave early, and leave ’em hungry!)
Eat lots of veggies, seafood, chicken and do the sauna and an ice bath in the morning. I promise you you’ll feel great and ready for the next show!
What’s the best way for a fan to support you and your team?
This would apply to anyone, but come to our shows, buy the merch, tell us you love us equally and consensually.