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Nov 23, 2012 By Laura Studarus Making Marks

If there’s two things that we love at Under the Radar HQ, it’s a catchy musical hook and a chance to travel—even if only via whatever happens to be spinning on the office stereo. So naturally we had to invite Norwegian pop band Making Marks to participate in our on-going mixtape project. They responded with a musical primer to their home city.

Here’s what frontman Ola Innset had to say about their picks:

Oslo might not be the most beautiful of capitals, and it must be a big letdown for all the tourists who come here every summer. There’s not that much to see here, but for those of us who live here, it’s really a great place. The stable life conditions and social security offered by an oli-fueled welfare state is something all people all over the world should have to right to access. It’s actually quite beautiful here too, once you get off the beaten track and start really appreciating the small gems of beauty, instead of being disturbed by how nothing in our architecture is ever consistent or adds up completely. Wherever there is something beautiful in Oslo, there’s bound to be something ugly really close to it.

We also have quite a good music scene, and bands from abroad have also been inspired by this city, so small for a European capital, but huge compared to everything else in Norway. Low found snow on the way here from Stockholm, Kevin Barnes from of Montreal married a Norwegian woman and moved here, Grand Archives just thought the phrase “Oslo Novelist” had a nice ring to it, and I don’t know what inspired Blonde Redhead to name their song “Oslo,” but it must have been something. I don’t know if I can recommend people to visit Oslo, as it’s more a place to live. But should you stop by, and get shocked by the price level, maybe this mixtape can cheer you up? I added, edited and remixed a little bit to all the tracks, hope no one minds!

(www.facebook.com/makingmarks)

(www.makingmarksofficial.tumblr.com)