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Class Of 2008: Ida Maria

'Bahamas with a pink drink and a spliff watching a naked Benicio Del Toro dancing hula hula.'

It's 2008: and no, we're not sure where the last twelve months went either. What we are fairly certain about, however, is that it popped up more than a couple of ace bands for us to get all excited about.

We've taken the best of the bunch that got DIY Towers buzzing and quizzed them about both themselves and what they might get up to in the next 12 months. Not universally sure fire bets for unit shifting superstardom, we're expecting good things from them all.

Someone ring the bell, then. The Class of 2008 is in.

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Norwegian songstress Ida Maria is 'sold' on her really crazy on-stage antics. She tips water over her head when performing. Yes, she's that rock 'n roll. Together with her band, she'll be returning to the UK to play a string of live shows, including a support slot with The Raveonettes in London, and various nights with The Young Knives.

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Who are you, and what do you do?
I'm Ida Maria and I am a singing and dancing girl.

Lazily, compare yourselves to at least three well-ish-known bands in a semi-comical way.
Sorry, I can't do that. It's against all my principles.

What's the best thing about being in a band so far?
Groupies, groupies, groupies.

...and what's the worst?
Hotels. It's fucking boring.

Why do you think 2008 is going to be a great year for Ida Maria?
'Cause we are so neat and tidy and get away with anything.

Are you making any new years' resolutions?
Is that when you promise yourself things? I will eat more carrots. And drink more wine.

If people were to listen to just one of your songs, which one would you hope it was and why?
'Stella & God', cause it's a goodie about God and a prostitute.

Where do you hope to be in twelve months' time?
Easy. Bahamas with a pink drink and a spliff watching a naked Benicio Del Toro dancing hula hula.

What's the worst piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
Don't move around so much on stage.

If Ida Maria were to have a motto, what would it be?
"We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free" - Bill Hicks.

What would be your reaction if someone were to cover one of your songs on X Factor?
Heavy on the pills I guess, then some therapy and with a little help from my friends I'd try to move on.

Do you have an album in the pipeline?
The pipeline? Yes.

Who'd be your dream producer to work with?
I don't know, I already did, worked with the late great Timo Räisänen. Next on my list: it's a secret!

Remixes are, it would seem, 'all the rage'. Who would you just love to remix one of your tracks?
Familjen, Swedish electro-prince.

What does it take to be a fan of Ida Maria?
A pulse.

What's the weirdest thing anyone's done at one of your gigs?
Sitting.

Tell us something random yet interesting about you.
I owned a sheep for a week, but then my parents gave it back to the farmer.

You're part of the DIY Class of 2008 - what was your favourite subject at school?
Chemistry!