Track of the week. Gamborg is a rising Norwegian artist who looks certain to hit the Nordic mainstream in 2024.
New single ‘Burdens’ is a beautifully intense piece of music that not only features refreshingly raw lyricism, but also showcases an epic pop-rock production.
“This world feels so overwhelming. Feeling anxious like all the time. Wait, is it self-indulgent for me to talk about my problems when people obviously suffer much worse problems than I do? You know what, I’ll just carry on and not tell anyone. That usually makes things a lot better”
Gamborg’s music has amassed close to 100k Spotify streams, from just 4 songs. Be sure to keep this kid on your radars!
Two of our favourite Scandinavian artists have teamed up together on a powerful new release that deserves your attention.
‘Brand New Woman’ is a musical collaboration between Brimheim and eee gee, and questions the societal expectations of women – as well as the roles that they’re pressured to fulfil in life.
A glass of wine / Might calm me down / Am I foaming at the mouth? / Scratch marks on the bed frame / And tears in the new towels
“The song addresses the pressure of trying to live up to the myth of the perfect woman – a devoted and obedient dog who never complains. Tail wagging for attention. Unfortunately, I’ve been that woman in past relationships. Society’s expectations of women have definitely shaped that ideal, but ultimately I have only myself to blame. It is a violence I’ve inflicted on myself when I valued comfort over authenticity.” – Brimheim (aka Helena Rebensdorf)
The track serves as a taster to Brimheim’s upcoming sophomore ‘RATKING’ album, which is out on the 22nd March 2024. You can also catch the artist performing at various locations across Europe next spring – dates are listed below.
Danish pop really has had one of its finest years in a very long time. And with that in mind, we’ve got one more bop to share with you today from the Nordic nation, called ‘Feels’.
Created as a collaboration between rising talents EMI WIDE and Jaydev, this song delivers a style of sound that effortlessly blends R&B and pop with rap.
While sonically the track gathers its inspiration from the Y2K era, it still feels fresh and exciting to listen to. Elaborating on the lyricism, the artists say:
“‘Feels’ is about the longing and frustrations that can easily arise in a relationship in 2023; a time when it’s never been easier to communicate with each other – and yet it can often be extremely difficult, even though you may ultimately want the same thing.” – EMI WIDE
“It’s so easy to misunderstand each other. ‘Feels’ depicts how, even in the most challenging moments of love, there’s always a way back to each other if you’re willing to give it a try.” – Jaydev
We are so excited to be sharing with you a first glimpse of Scandinavian artist HunBjørn’s new music video, ‘In The Eye’.
Marking the return of this much-acclaimed Danish indie starlet, the visuals represent HunBjørn’s new style of sound, and serve as a taster to her upcoming suite of releases.
If you’ve yet to listen to the song itself, it’s a beautifully atmospheric piece of electronica that also incorporates other genres like dance and alt-pop, while the lyrics take their inspiration from the concept of ‘forbidden desire’.
“It’s that moment you didn’t see coming, but suddenly find yourself in, where the rush of temptation really threatens to overthrow all reason, and it takes serious strength not to give in.”
For listeners who are new to HunBjørn, this rising talent is not only a singer but also a songwriter, producer and arranger, and a key originator of industry community WeProduce.
Track of the week. Kitty Mack is a rising Norwegian artist who recently caught our attention with her latest single, ‘Movies’.
Contrasting with its charming jazz-pop production, the song’s lyrics tell of a personal circumstance that the artist experienced while she was in a toxic relationship that affected her self-worth.
The sound feels nostalgic yet modern, and is sure to connect with many listeners. It’s been a while since we’ve been this excited about a Scandinavian talent, and we can’t wait to hear what comes next!
One of our favourite Scandinavian starlets has returned today, and boy, was it worth the wait.
Danish artist MALU’s new single ‘Heavy Baggage’ treats listeners to a melodic and finessed fusion of alternative R&B and soulful pop.
As charming as it is emotive, the track looks at the concept of self-awareness, and the desire to move forwards in life without carrying previous traumas.
“‘Heavy Baggage’ is an ode to self-realisation and explores the art of moving forward without being held hostage by your past. It’s about finding that rare individual who doesn’t just share your load but teaches you how to lighten it.”
To date, MALU has amassed more than 1.5 million career streams on Spotify alone, while also commanding an impressive 23k monthly listeners on the platform.
Track of the week. Danish newcomer GUZO (aka August Fogh) has just unveiled his debut single ‘Radical’, and it’s a spectacular piece of music from a very promising artist.
By fusing elements of indie with pop, the song invites listeners into a soundscape that feels bold and rich in sonic textures.
Alongside its cinematic style of production, the track also features soulful vocals that tell of the ‘wild, unfiltered emotional turmoil that arises from radical love.’
I wrote it as a confidence booster at a time in my life where I really needed that. I hope you will feel a little stronger, taller and braver listening to ‘Radical’
When he’s not developing his own music, GUZO is also a well-known songwriter who has worked with established Danish names like ArtigeArdit x Lamin, Goss, Jada, Saint Clara and Phlake.
It’s been a hot minute since we featured top-rate Scandinavian electronica, but that dry spell is well and truly over with the introduction of Norwegian artist Mörmaid.
‘Manicfest’ is a banger and an anthem in equal measures. This is a bop that reminds you the weekend is just around the corner, and deserves to be on everyone’s playlists!
“‘Manicfest’ is a reflection piece on the increasing trend of manifesting, and how I feel like it’s mostly a trend amongst people who already have a lot but still want more. It’s not really a criticism of the practice, but rather a question mark. The song also touches on the themes of overconsumption and the ambition to always climb higher, never being fully content even when you reach your goals.”
Alongside her own compositions, Mörmaid has also worked with the likes of Ben Alexander, Tobi Duchampe, Jenny Alien and Brand New Moon. We think this is one Scandi talent whose momentum will continue to grow over the coming months… one to watch!
Iconic Swedish pop star Loreen unveils her first new single since her triumphant Eurovision win at Liverpool this year.
‘Is It Love’ is sonically inspired by Loreen’s Moroccan Berber roots, while the elevated vocals provide listeners with style of ‘spiritual pop’ that is really quite phenomenal to experience.
“‘Is It Love’ was born from a place of seeking clarity, it’s a song describing and contemplating a love thats so deep but at the same time filled with confusion. It’s about realising that to create a deeper understanding of yourself you need to accept the duality of life, that distortion and clarity goes hand in hand and are equally as important. And to experience the depth of true love, both to the self as well as to others, you have to accept and experience the depth of pain.”
The song was written by some of the industry’s biggest names, including MTHR, Dag Lundberg and Maia Wright, while production personnel includes Albin Nedler and Josh Gudwin.
Loreen shortly embarks on a tour across the UK and Europe, with all dates sold out. If you were lucky enough to get some tickets then we’re very jelaous!
Sofie Mathiasen is an emerging American-Danish singer and songwriter who is currently building considerable traction across social media – particularly on Tik Tok where she’s already amassed more than 50k followers.
‘Smile’ is a captivating dark-pop song that was lyrically inspired by the effects of social media on people and society. Mathiasen explains:
‘Smile’ is a song about that discrepancy. The fable of a clown, but also a mirror to society in the age of social media.
Alongside her growing presence online, the artist has also garnered thousands of streams from the release of just four singles. This is one talent to keep on your radars in 2024.
Swedish singer and songwriter NOEL is back today with one of the biggest Scandinavian releases of the week.
‘Headed North’ treats listeners to an anthemic fusion of indie and alternative pop. The sound is impassioned and bursting with raw emotion, and continues to mark this hugely gifted 20-year old musician as a superstar of the future.
“Writing ‘Headed North’ was like a therapy session. In the past I’ve found myself leaving a potential relationship before it got too serious, and I never really knew why. It sounds like a cliche, but the conversations in the studio made me realise I might be running away from the possibility of getting hurt. I’m such an over-thinker which often leads me to finding wrongs in everything, even when it might not be there…”
This single follows on from NOEL’s debut release, ‘When You’re Not Mine’ (listen here), which has already amassed more than 10 million views on TikTok alone.
If you’ve never experienced ‘stoner rock’ before then we’ve got a very special treat for you.
Swedish band Repeat have been gaining steady momentum in recent months thanks to their distinct style of sound, which is bold, vivid and energising in character.
Today marks the release of the group’s self-titled debut album, along with a thumping new single called ‘Out of control’. The track is immediately arresting, and sets the sonic tone for the rest of the record.
“The idea behind the album is to provide a short and explosive experience of repetitive aggressive songs. We really prefer the short formats and a direct presence. The mix of stoner rock and alternative rock with loud very fuzzy guitars, rumbling bass and aggressive yet stiff drums, gives its own unique progressive style.”
Track of the week. At the forefront of emerging Norwegian electronic talent is Oslo-based Fig Tape, who has just released an impressive new single called ‘Boundaries’.
While the track presents listeners with an experimental and future-forward style of production, it also maintains a playful pop sensibility that makes it feel relatable and fun to experience.
With more than 425k career streams and recognition from national heavyweights like Norway’s P3 Radio, it’s looking likely that Fig Tape will become one of Scandinavia’s newest musical exports.
Danish-Faroese musician and songwriter Brimheim (aka Helena Rebensdorf) returns with her first release since 2022’s debut record, ‘can’t hate myself into a different shape’.
The wait has been long – but worth it, as the artist’s new single ‘Literally Everything’ showcases Scandinavian alt-pop at its very finest. Explaining the inspiration behind the track, Brimheim says:
“Throughout my life, I’ve behaved in a lot of self destructive ways, attempting to fill this deep, barren void inside of me with everything from drugs to self-harm. But more than anything else, I’ve had to reckon with an unquenchable desire for other people’s approval and adoration, both as a human being and as an artist. That’s what ‘Literally Everything’ is about – the overwhelming impulse to sacrifice everything, including my self respect, in exchange for a moment of admiration.”
“When I started receiving a lot of attention for my music on my local scene, it was a pivotal time for me. My lifelong dream of being a successful artist was becoming a reality, but I felt more insecure than ever. That small glimmer of fame was so enticing, I foolishly attached my entire sense of self to it. I remember reading a single negative review of my debut album, amidst an array of positive media coverage and heartfelt fan messages, and it completely obliterated me. It was brutal to confront how brittle my self-esteem actually was.”
Brimheim is rapidly marking her name as one of Denmark’s brightest newcomers. To date, this musician has picked up four Faroese Music Awards, and was a nominated entry for 2021’s Hope of the Year at the Danish Music Critics Award. The artist has also received support from the established outlets as prominent as BBC, The Line of Best Fit, KEXP, NRK and DR.
Track of the week. Acclaimed Swedish singer-songwriter, producer and artist Dajana has just released one of the most breathtaking singles of the year, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Written as an ode to life, ‘I Say Yes’ presents listeners with a spellbinding fusion of gospel, soul and hip hop.
The sound is bold, joyful and cinematic, and reminds us of the transformative powers that music possesses. If you have time to play only one song today, make it this one.
‘I Say Yes’ is lifted from Dajana’s inspiring new EP of the same name, which is out now.
If you’ve ever wondered what an indie-rock Bond theme would sound like, then pressing play to ‘I Can’t Stop the Rain from Falling’ by rising Danish band CAROUSELS should give you a sweet glimpse.
Through its impressive production, the track transports listeners to a mysterious sonic universe that feels melancholic, moody and reflective in tone. Lyrically, the song addresses the challenges that life throws at us – as the band explains:
“It’s about going through a series of difficult life events, and many friends and family trying to rationalise and spiritualise the reasons for why. Meanwhile, few acknowledged and tuned into the pain and hardship experienced, making the whole situation more difficult to go through.”
Despite forming only last year, CAROUSELS have already begun to generate hype across Denmark. The group have played iconic venues like BETA and Råhuset, and collaborated with musicians as noted as Fyfe.
Swedish artist Sarah von Reis is no stranger to these pages, so we’re happy to announce see that she’s back today with a stunning new single that deserves your attention.
‘Phenomenon’ is an intimate and seductive piece of music that fuses lo-fi jazz and pop with strings and horns, resulting in a sound that is sultry and entrancing. Elaborating on the song’s lyrics, von Reis says:
“The song is a lesbian declaration of love and the sexiest thing I’ve written so far. I chose to use a bass clarinet because it is the hottest instrument out there. I expect a lot of people – both queers and straights – will make out to it.”
To date, Sarah’s music has garnered support from the likes of respected Swedish broadcaster Fredrik Strage, and has also landed placements across several flagship playlists including Spotify’s New Music Friday.
Acclaimed indie-pop talent Vorsen (aka Oliver Halvorsen) returns with one of the catchiest songs of the summer.
‘Looking Back’ finds the British-Norwegian musician and producer casually reminiscing over his past relationships – and in doing so, reminds us that with every failed romance comes an opportunity for personal growth.
“‘Looking Back’ was written from an impartial viewpoint of reflecting upon old love. Everyone has at some point romanticised past relationships and wondered how things would be in the present given the amount you have both evolved over the years. However, it’s a paradoxical way of thinking because you wouldn’t be who you are now without the learning and change (bad or good) that undergoes during those relationships, which is a beautiful thing in its own right. So ultimately, that way of thinking is in some ways flawed and that’s a large part of what this song is about – recognising and accepting things that have happened in the past rather than tirelessly picking them apart and countless ‘what ifs’”.
Impressively, the song was written, performed and produced buy Vorsen himself in East London. Fans can look forward to an upcoming EP, which is scheduled for release on the 20th October.
Vorsen will also join Christof van der Ven on tour across Europe later this year – more details can be found here.
Orions Belte have well and truly marked themselves as Norway’s favourite indie-rock trio, and today’s collaboration with emerging Scandi starlet Louien will only further boost their popularity.
Interestingly, ‘When You’re Gone I’ll Be Gone’ portrays a spectrum of emotions. On the one hand, the song feels fragile, melancholic and sombre, while on the other it displays subtle hints of innocence and playfulness.
Orions Belte‘s popularity has risen sharply since their 2019 cover of Ghostface Killah’s iconic ‘Cherchez La Ghost’ (listen here). Fans can look forward to the band’s next album, ‘Women’, which is scheduled for release on the 6th October.
If you miss Daft Punk as much as we do, then playing ‘Your House’ by Danish electronic powerhouse Rangleklods should put a smile on your face.
The song blends that classic, timeless French disco sound with hints of indie and pop, resulting in a piece of music that feels familiar but also very fresh at the same time.
Complimenting the release of the track, Rangleklods has also unveiled some spellbinding visuals that feature footage from a show which was filmed at the Avernax Festival.
Fans in Europe can catch Rangleklods live on tour across several countries, beginning later this month at Panoptikon in Vridsløselille Fængsel. Dates and venues listed below.
