Category: Nordic Music

shinyhunt – city of no one

Photo / Jonas Villadsen

TRACK OF THE WEEK

Why the rest of the world hasn’t yet woken up to Danish outfit shinyhunt is really beyond us. This emerging Copenhagen-based band has been building steady momentum in Scandinavia with their captivating blend of shoegaze and 80s/90s-inspired grunge rock.

Songs like ‘city of no one’ are sonically textured in so many interesting ways that every time we play it, we discover something new. Lifted from their acclaimed – and frankly brilliant – 2024 album ‘sea-salt ice cream’ (listen here), the track really stands out live, which is why we’ve chosen to show their performance from SPOT Festival on this feature.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Copenhagen on the 2nd of October, then you can catch the band performing at VEGA’s Ideal Bar – grab a ticket here.

shinyhunt | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

MAMI UMAMI – belly dancer



Malmö outfit MAMI UMAMI, fronted by artists Jaquelin El Amiri (Miss Mami) and Leonard Furby, create a kind of sound that is chaotic, unpredictable… and absolutely thrilling.

Emerging from Sweden’s underground scene, this creative collective has been gaining steady momentum since the release of their singles, ‘Piraja’ and ‘Paper’, last year. Now they’re back with another big release, ‘belly dancer’.

The track’s personality mirrors the energy and creativity that comes with MAMI UMAMI’s live performances. Lyrically, the song tackles themes of capitalism and the yearning to rebel against society’s expectations of success.

”F*** you and everything you stand for.” – MAMI UMAMI

MAMI UMAMI play Gothenburg’s Pustervik on the 1 May (tickets), and Debaser Nova in Stockholm on the 9 May (tickets). A new EP titled ‘AFTERWORK’ is scheduled for release soon via Big Wednesday.

MAMI UMAMI | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

muuk – into you

Photo / Antonia Steiner

muuk, the musical moniker of artist Ines Roervig Lewkovitch, first came across our radars earlier this year with her sensational debut ‘i’m no soldier’.

The hugely talented Danish starlet returns today with a powerful single called ‘into you’. This introspective and emotionally charged song was inspired by the artist’s difficult childhood, transporting listeners to her bedroom in her father’s apartment.

“I’m really not good at writing songs where I point fingers at others, but for so many years I’ve wanted to hug my younger self and tell her that it is not her fault what happened back then. This song is justice for her.”

“I don’t think my father ever experienced real love… so how could he possibly pass it on to me? Either way, it was really hard for me growing up, never knowing what unconditional love felt like. I always felt like I had to fight for my parents’ acceptance.”

The track was created alongside fellow songwriter Victor Stokholm and producer Morten Bergholt, and was completed in only four hours. It’s rare to come across a musician who is bold and brave enough to expose their innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities in the same way that muuk has, and that’s something incredibly special.

muuk | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Subterranean Street Society – Kindness

Photo / Edward Freije

Subterranean Street Society is a Dutch-Danish trio currently based in Amsterdam who craft a style of folk-grunge that really is quite something spectacular to experience.

Vocalist and guitarist Louis Puggaard-Müller wrote the band’s latest offering, ‘Kindness’, during a trip through Malin Head in Ireland with a friend.

“I originally wrote it as a traditional folk song, pretty much campfire style. But when I brought it to the band, we turned it into something bigger: an alternative folk grunge track that keeps the emotional core intact while giving it weight and movement. To me, it feels like the ultimate road trip song. Raw and cinematic. The kind you will blast while driving through wild, beautiful scenery, preferably Irish, but any view will do.”

The song’s lyrics were inspired by that journey, encompassing the landscapes, the talks with strangers along the way, and the clarity that sometimes comes from embracing the unknown.

“The title ‘Kindness’ comes from the fact that we were completely dependent on strangers. Every mile we travelled was given to us. It made the world feel fragile but generous at the same time.”

Alongside Louis, Subterranean Street Society also includes Ivo Johan Schot on bass and choir and Joost Koevoets on drums, percussion, and vocals.

The band recently supported Laura Cox on tour and have a full year ahead with new releases for their fans to enjoy. In the meantime, you can explore more of their music on Spotify, where they currently attract more than 13k monthly listeners.

Subterranean Street Society | Ones To Watch Playlist

Interview: Quickfire with Hanne Leland

Norwegian star Hanne Leland has been on our radars for more than a decade, and we’re still fans after all this time. The acclaimed singer and songwriter has had a varied career in music, immersing herself in Nashville’s scene in her early years before shifting to the electronic pop sound that she is so well known for now.

Leland returns today with a brilliant new Scandi pop banger called ‘Call You Mine’. It’s the perfect song to add to your weekend playlists, and in our view, it is likely to gain even more traction over the upcoming summer months. It’s catchy, fun, and lyrically relatable to anyone who’s ever fallen in love.

To celebrate its release, we managed to get the chance to have a catch-up with the artist, where she speaks on the creative hustle, her inspirations when making music, and what the future holds.

You’ve made a fascinating transition from the Nashville singer-songwriter scene to becoming one of Oslo’s most exciting independent pop forces. For those just joining the journey, how would you describe the Hanne Leland sound in 2026?

I’d say my sound is very much rooted in pop, with a touch of electro-pop. I like to experiment, so my sound has shifted a bit between indie pop and electro-pop over time, but at its core, it’s always been pop. This year, I’m really leaning into a more polished, playful electro-pop sound.

Your career is a masterclass in DIY hustle – from pitching sponsors to recording with Taylor Swift’s session musicians in Tennessee. Looking back at those early days, what is the core motivation that keeps you building this international career entirely on your own terms?

I think a lot of indie/ DIY artists are naturally very entrepreneurial, and that’s something I’ve always identified with. I have a strong work ethic and I love making things happen, but ultimately, it’s my love for music and songwriting that has kept me going.

Whether it’s your previous singles or your 2025 Christmas album, there’s always a distinct emotional thread in your writing. Where do you typically find yourself most inspired to create? Is it in the quiet moments of reflection or the chaos of real life experiences?

I’d say it’s a bit of both! I often write about my own life, whether that’s the big, chaotic moments, like a breakup, or the quieter, everyday experiences. For example, my 2025 song ‘Nothing At All’ is about the simple, everyday life with your partner, and how that ordinary routine can be everything you want.

Your new single ‘Call You Mine’ is an anthem that captures that agonisingly exciting ‘are we/ aren’t we’ phase of a new romance. Since you wrote this a couple of years ago, what was it about this specific track that made it feel like the perfect spark to kick off your 2026 releases?

I think it’s the perfect track for spring! It’s flirty, fun, and full of anticipation. It feels great to release something upbeat and playful just as the sun starts peeking out and summer is on the horizon.

With over 17 million streams under your belt and a fresh team behind you in both Norway and the UK, the momentum is clearly building. What does the rest of the year look like for you?

I’m thrilled to be playing my own headline show in Oslo this year! I also have more singles planned, in the same playful, upbeat vibe as ‘Call You Mine.’

Hanne Leland | Nordic Sound Playlist | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Linn-Katrin Lune

It’s been a while since we last featured talent from Norway, so we’re really excited to be sharing with you newcomer Linn-Katrin Lune.

‘Sunset Hill Road’ is Lune’s second release to date and treats listeners to a melodic fusion of indie-folk and acoustic pop. The minimal production allows the vocals to shine through beautifully, and overall, this is quite an easy song to fall in love with.

Lune cites Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Melissa Horn as some of her inspirations, and we can certainly hear elements of that on ‘Sunset Hill Road’. We’re looking forward to hearing what comes next!

Linn-Katrin Lune | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

REYA – supersize

REYA is one of those pop newcomers who instantly command your attention. The London-based musician and producer releases a new single today, called ‘supersize’, and it is indeed larger than life.

A dark pop production at its core, this song is simply epic. Flamenco guitars are blended with pulsating, hypnotic beats, while REYA’s vocals flow with lyrics that effortlessly flirt between English and Spanish.

“I’ve been blessed enough to travel for work and gotten to know so many wonderful people over the past year. I’ve opened up my own label Pink Studios, which aims to give women and minorities a platform to bloom and own their masters while getting their bag. And I’m currently producing albums and EPs for stunning artists inside and out (you guys inspire me beyond words). All of this to say, I’ve learned A LOT, a lot about what I want and what I need from myself and life. And as much as I love creating with and for others, you can’t pour from an empty bucket.”

Impressively, REYA always writes and produces her own music. There’s no doubt in our minds that we’ll be hearing a lot more from this artist in the coming months… one to watch!

REYA | Ones To Watch Playlist

Anwai – SOMETHING NEW

Photo / Martin Bohm

It’s been six years since we last heard from Swedish outfit Anwai, so we’re delighted to see their return today with a beautiful new single, called ‘SOMETHING NEW’.

This melodic track is part of the double-single feature titled ‘4ever HD’ (listen here) and showcases an interesting fusion of indie, electronica and dreamy pop. The sound is distinctive and original but also immersive and emotionally sincere.

Over the years, Anwai have never failed to surprise us with their innovative pop productions, and this new single is no exception. So, welcome back… we’re happy to hear from you again.

Anwai | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

New Music: OFF MIC

OFF MIC is a new Swedish project that we don’t yet know much about, but we’re very excited about what we’ve heard so far.

‘Unseen’ is inspired by themes of ’emotional distance and slowly fading presence’ and presents listeners with a bold and arresting mix of indie and dark pop.

Despite the minimal approach to its production, this song is deeply intense. It evolves as you continue listening, culminating in an emotionally charged and sonically abrasive climax.

It’s a brave style of sound and one that we’re absolutely hooked on.

OFF MIC | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

theophilia – Together Through Life

theophilia is a promising new artist emerging from Sweden, who has just released a captivating new single called ‘Together Through Life’.

Blending a nostalgic synth sound with elements of indie and electronica, the song instantly hooks listeners with its pulsating beat structure and intriguing vocal delivery. The track is taken from the artist’s freshly released ‘Big Bang’ album (listen here), of which he says:

“I found myself far out in a no-man’s-land of the human psyche, but eventually made it back home again, and that journey is what the record reflects.”

The record is in fact theophilia’s debut, but it took an incredible 15 years to come to full fruition:

”’Big Bang’ has passed through five different studios in 50 different incarnations, but that was what it took to find its core. Twisting and turning, overworking things and then going back, that’s my way of understanding a song’s identity.” 

theophilia plays Stockholm’s Debaser Nova tonight (6th March), so if you’re in town, be sure to grab a ticket here.

theophilia | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Isak Danielson – Always You

Photo / Nina Andersson

TRACK OF THE WEEK

We’ve long believed that Isak Danielson is one of Sweden’s best songwriting talents, and his new single, ‘Always You’, only makes us affirm this even more.

This is a classic heartbreak song that reminisces on the ‘what ifs’ of a failed relationship. It’s a deeply moving track that could relate to anyone healing from a wounded heart.

“The guy I wrote this song about was not the one I was supposed to end up with, and I’m so glad I didn’t, but it’s interesting to look back and reminisce on the what ifs. What if I had stayed with this person? Could it have turned into something amazing? Has the love of my life passed me by? And of course, I don’t feel that all, but thinking about that sort of Sliding Doors scenario got my imagination going. I remember I had taken this video of the guy dancing to ‘Bette Davis Eyes’. The sun was coming into the room and he looked so happy. It was good times. ‘Always You” reminds me of one of those romantic movies where two people who’ve broken up do come back around to find each other in the end, like The Notebook or One Day… only nobody dies.”

The song features acclaimed pianist Litens Anton Nilsson, as well as the Stockholm Studio Orchestra.

Isak Danielson | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Isak Danielson Spring Tour 2026

  • 4th May – Berlin – Theatre Im Delphi
  • 6th May – Paris – Cafe De La Danse
  • 7th May – Antwerp- Kavka
  • 9th May – Rotterdam – Bird
  • 10th May – Amsterdam – Bonneehuis
  • 12th May – London – The Tabernacle

Kate Bush… but make it brat

This Charli xcx-inspired take on Kate Bush’s iconic ‘Wuthering Heights’ seems to have gone viral very quickly. Give it a spin; it’s delightful.

Elias O. Graversen is a promising Danish-Bolivian pop artist currently working out of Berlin who deserves every bit of attention he gets from this bop.

Elias O. Graversen | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Menke – Only When In Motion

Photo / Sara Menke

We’ve long been fans of Swedish artist Menke. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, this talent crafts some of the most profound and sincere indie-pop songs to come out of the Nordic region.

New single ‘Only When In Motion’ (co-written with Nick Hahn) was inspired by a challenging time for Menke, when life and its direction felt uncertain. Elaborating on the song’s theme, she says:

“The only thing that brought relief and helped my thoughts to rest was setting my body in motion and letting my heart beat harder. When we move, our thoughts become clearer, fear softens, and what has been can wash away. It’s a reminder that life is not something we hold on to, but something we move through.”

Menke has achieved a series of acclaimed releases – from 2018’s debut EP ‘Till havet’ to 2024’s ‘Elver’ (listen here). She has amassed more than 15 million streams on Spotify and was featured by the likes of Clash and Gaffa magazines.

Menke | Ones To Watch Playlist

Mansfield – Too Much to Handle

Photo / Jesper Ludvigsen

You’d be forgiven for thinking ‘Too Much to Handle’ was a Britpop anthem from the 90’s, but it is in fact a new song by Danish outfit Mansfield.

A well known name within Denmark’s indie scene, Mansfield first picked up major traction with the release of their 2020 debut album, ‘Star-Crossed Lovers‘. Songs from the record, like ‘A Place in the Sun’, propelled the group’s popularity with critics and indie fans alike.

And they haven’t stopped releasing music since, continuously evolving their sound. Speaking on the new single, frontman Christian Stage says:

“This song is our way of expressing what we’ve learnt along the way. We’ve worked hard to get to where we are, but it’s so easy to lose yourself in that process. Making music and performing is great. Yet it’s difficult to stay focused when all sorts of things call for your time and attention.”

Coincidentally, in keeping with the UK indie theme, Mansfield will play alongside British band All The Young at Copenhagen’s Rust on the 27th of February – you can grab your tickets here.

Mansfield | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

New Music: Alva Lys

Alva Lys is an emerging singer and songwriter from Sweden, currently based in Copenhagen. This exciting artist caught our attention today with the release of her new single, ‘One Night in Berlin’.

Inspired by the German city’s notorious nightlife, the song blends dark pop with electronica, creating a soundscape that is both atmospheric and intriguing. The track feels sinister and tense but still maintains a playful pop sensibility.

“Driven by pulsing beats and atmospheric synth layers, the song captures the intensity of a fleeting connection on a Berlin dancefloor – the kind of night that feels endless until reality breaks through.”

You can explore more music by Alva Lys on Spotify, where she’s amassed thousands of streams from only a handful of songs.

Alva Lys | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Lykke Li – Lucky Again

Photo / Chloé Le Drezen

“To me it’s samsara in a song. The wheel of life; winning, losing, living, dying. Having had something and praying you’ll have it again.Whether it’s sex, money, vitality, love. I always said I wanted the Vivaldi song at my wedding or funeral but I think this is giving more revenge heist energy.”

Lifted from the upcoming album ‘THE AFTERPARTY’, out on the 8th May via Virgin Records.

Lykke Li | Nordic Sound Playlist

Lykke Li Live Dates 2026

  • 10th April – Coachella Music Festival – Indio, CA
  • 17th April – Coachella Music Festival – Indio, CA
  • 22nd May – Vivo Rio – Rio de Janeiro
  • 24th May – Parque Ibirapuera – São Paulo
  • 19th June – Metronome Festival, Prague
  • 5th July – Finsbury Park – London^
  • 10th July – Pohoda Festival – Slovakia (Headline)
  • 19th September – Palacio de los Deportes – Mexico City, MX*

* w/Robyn / ^Wolf Alice

New Music: Phoebe Isobel

Photo / Jonas Forsberg

We’re big champions of emerging Swedish talent, so we’re very excited to be sharing with you a newcomer who goes by the name of Phoebe Isobel.

Based in Stockholm, Phoebe is not only an aspiring pop artist, but she’s also a producer, songwriter, DJ… and classically trained opera singer.

Today is a big day for Phoebe, as she releases her debut EP ‘Bully’, from which ‘Clairvoyant’ is lifted. The sound is mysterious, distinct, and dark and offers a fresh perspective on the electro pop genre. Yet, despite its sonic character, the song’s lyrics encourage us to let go of the toxicity that surrounds us – and to aspire to better lives.

“Dreaming’s not naive, so what’s your vision?”

Make sure you check out the rest of the EP here, and if you’re based in Stockholm, then you can catch Phoebe performing at Spy Bar on the 19th of February.

Phoebe Isobel | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

MIIA – Wonder Why

Fans of melancholic Scandinavian music will appreciate MIIA’s latest single, ‘Wonder Why’.

The song tells of the sadness that comes with not being able to be with someone you love. It’s a type of heartache that many of us have experienced at some point, and with this song, MIIA presents it in a beautifully moving way.

“‘Wonder Why’ tells the story about meeting someone you instantly connect with, and the quiet heartache of knowing that you can’t stay in each others lives…”

The production fuses dark, dreamy pop with subtle hints of trip-hop, creating a soundscape that is really quite mesmerising to experience, and showcases MIIA’s continuous musical evolution.

MIIA | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist