Pica Pica

PICA PICA is the solo project of the Oslo-based German singer-songwriter Rebekka Maria Markstein. She arrived in Oslo from the former East German Communist Republic after finishing tailoring college in search of a change. She quickly cemented herself a spot as a well known part of Oslo’s pop/ rock scene. While playing organ and singing in Norwegian rock outfit Maribel Rebekka Markstein began experimenting with lo-fi pop recordings searching for a more ambient, honest and personal outlet.

The result was the release of her demo recordings in 2009 as the Oh Captain! My Captain! EP on Oslo Grammofon (Times New Viking, Maribel, Pirate Love). Although the recordings were never intended for proper release the EP garnered a lot of attention including substantial airplay on Canadian College Radio (peak of number 10 on the national pop chart) and Norwegian National Radio. She played gigs in Toronto and New York before returning to Oslo in late 2009. Since adding 2 guitarists (both from Maribel), a trombone player (from Grizzly Bear's touring band) and a percussionist (from CMJ Best Newcomers Simon Says No!) her band has taken on more complicated arrangements but her songs retain a dreamy, lo-fi feeling reminiscent of Mazzy Star, Grouper, Cat Power or Hope Sandoval.

Her current live line-up has been described as, “twee but with a sheen of dark voluptuousness that lies somewhere between a David Lynch soundtrack and Massive Attack Unplugged” (John Doran, TheQuietus).

After playing a short fall tour in 2009 with bands like the Cranes and Julie Doiron Pica Pica played By:Larm Festival in February. She is now preparing for a summer of festivals and recording for her debut LP.