
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">FERDINAND <em>absolutely outdid himself</em> with the music video for his new single “Party Monsters,” the queer powerhouse anthem of 2021!</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-12.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-12-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12725"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The artist, songwriter and dancer FERDINAND has in recent years emerged as a fresh and important voice in Norwegian pop music. As an artist representative of freedom and anti-prejudice, FERDINAND dares to do what others don’t. By challenging predefined genres, norms, and expectations, he paves way for diversity and openness in an otherwise sterile Norwegian pop landscape. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With a background from musical theatre, FERDINAND wants to accomplish more than just making music: He wants to redefine what it means to be a pop star. Like many young queers, FERDINAND has felt alienated and a been a victim of prejudice, but through music, he wants to inspire those who feel outside of the norm. ;</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-62.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-62-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12726"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>He aspires to be the role model he lacked when growing up. ;</em></strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">FERDINAND has already built a good reputation as a live performer through shows at multiple pride festivals, a wide range of theaters, and countless club stages in Norway. His music can be described as theatrical and catchy electronic pop, with a sprinkle of shamelessness.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-41.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-41-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12728"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The music video is absolutely stunning from start to finish. Every single shot is well-executed, frame by frame. The smooth transitions, the lighting in each scene, and the camera angles are top-notch. The choreography throughout the video is phenomenal, especially with the progression of the storyline in the song.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-52.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-52-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12729"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What I am obsessed with the most is the message of the track. It’s a queer powerhouse electro pop anthem that feels empowering as a queer person listening. The overarching message of being a strong queer person that “gets back up” when you “get knocked down” <em>hits home every time.</em> Near the end of the video, FERDINAND is forced to view images of <em>real queer people</em> who have experienced <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">real hate crimes</span></em>, with his eyes being held open <em>unwillingly</em>. It&#8217;s an eerie scene that almost hurts to watch. <em>This was intentional.</em> This part of the video really tugs at your heart strings, <em>and it should</em>. The key change into the last chorus makes it <em>almost</em> feel like we’re conquering the wrongdoings we just witnessed, ending the song on a high note, <em>like a cherry on top of the cake. </em></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-71.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-71-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12731"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the end of the video, there is text that says:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“In 2019, a total of 278 cases were marked as hate crime against the LGBT community in Norway. ;</p><p>This is an increase of 17% from 2019 and 94% from 2015.</p><p>The dark figures are probably higher.”</p></blockquote>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It goes on, but this ending was put here for the viewers to remember these statistics, and to let victims know that<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> it is okay to speak out</span></strong>. This inspiring music video and song from FERDINAND speaks volumes, and I hope it encourages queer people around the world to speak up and fight for what they deserve: <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">basic human dignity and respect.</span></em></strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-81.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-81-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12732"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I got to ask FERDINAND some questions about the song and video, check it out below!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Describe your release in 3 sentences. ;</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I would describe this release as a rebellious and political statement. The music video is aggressive, flamboyant, cinematic, fierce and theatrical. The song is liberating and I wanna dance, make love, fight my inner demons when listening to it. It gives me a feeling of empowerment!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What was your favorite part about making this song and video?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My favorite part was to be able to work with some super-skilled people who, like myself, believed in the importance of the project! We made it work even though the pandemic tried to hold us back. It’s always been a dream of mine to do a music video with a high intensity choreography routine. The choreographer, Irlin Finsådal, really came through, pulled some strings and made that dream a reality! She’s such an amazing dancer and so dynamic and creative as a choreographer!</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-82.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-82-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12733"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What was the hardest part making this song and video?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The song “Party Monsters” wasn’t really that hard to make. I am blessed to work with an incredible talented and musically genius producer Einar Eriksen Kvaløy (aka SKYLIKE). He just gets me and where I wanna go artistically. IMERIKA had a part in the songwriting and she’s a wordsmith unlike any other I’ve ever worked with! DREAMTEAM! The hardest part of the video was definitely the torture-scene! THAT WAS ROUGH! I was strapped up into a legitimate straitjacket and was not allowed to close my eyes. I really wanted to recreate the horrifying scene from “A Clockwork Orange”(1971) as authentically as possible. I also had adhesive both around, and in, my eyes so my dancers could jam them open. During filming, I actually had a panic attack and I had to take a 30min break after shooting this scene.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-24.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-24-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12736"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The American readers will want to know: Was the title of the song and video theme partially inspired by “Party Monster,” the film based on a true story around the life of Michael Alig and his friend James St. James?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kinda. It’s more inspired by the concept of gay club culture. I love club kids and party monsters!! The main focus for this release is to not be ashamed of who I am and what makes me happy, no matter what closed-minded people may feel about it. It’s about living my truth. I can relate a lot to the movie, and I’ve seen it a couple of times, but it’s not a direct reference.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Was this release cathartic for you?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Very much so! The whole process has freed me from many of my negative thoughts. It’s been a vulnerable journey with a lot of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t have done it any other way. I’m soooo proud of what we’ve been able to create together as a team!</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-3.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12735"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What keeps you motivated?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The response and love I get from my fans, family and friends I’m so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing people, who support me no matter what!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What can we expect next from you?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Something totally not expected hahaha! We’re having a blast cooking up our next projects atm! I’m in the studio a lot and working hard towards an even bigger project coming later this year!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What other artists are you listening to right now?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rina Sawayama, Big Daddy Karsten, Lady Gaga, Kim Petras, IMERIKA and Falito ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Thanks for getting back to me with those answers, FERDINAND!</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-1.jpg"><img src="https://rockthepigeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AHN_Ferdi_PMshoot-1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12737"/></a><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Shot by Are Hurlen Næsset</figcaption></figure></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Be sure to stream “Party Monsters” by FERDINAND on all platforms now, check out the music video below, and follow him on social media as well!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><amp-youtube data-videoid="x2z7O9J2c68" data-param-rel="1" data-param-showsearch="0" data-param-showinfo="1" data-param-iv_load_policy="1" data-param-fs="1" data-param-hl="en-US" data-param-autohide="2" data-param-wmode="transparent" width="730" height="411" layout="responsive"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2z7O9J2c68" placeholder><amp-img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x2z7O9J2c68/hqdefault.jpg" alt="YouTube Poster" layout="fill" object-fit="cover"><noscript><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x2z7O9J2c68/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="YouTube Poster"></noscript></amp-img></a></amp-youtube></span>
</div></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ferd.i.nand/">Instagram</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://twitter.com/Ferd_i_nand">Twitter</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FerdinandMusic">Facebook</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Written By: Bryce Quartz</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/realbrycequartz/?hl=en">Instagram</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://twitter.com/realbrycequartz?lang=en">Twitter</a></p>

Norwegian Pop Singer FERDINAND Drops “Party Monsters,” The Queer Powerhouse Anthem of 2021
