Danish Music - New Music

New Music: Carlina de Place

Track of the week. We’ve got a really exciting new R&B-pop talent emerging from Denmark to share with you today, going by the name of Carlina de Place.

This 21-year-old Copenhagen artist left school at only 17 to pursue music, and it’s safe to say that the gamble is already paying off. Her new single ‘Selfish’ was produced by Morten ‘Rissi’ Ristorp, who is known for collaborations with Lukas Graham, Kanye West, and Beyoncé.

The track itself is beautifully emotive and gathers its inspiration from relationships that ought to end but continue to exist. The artist explains:

“’Selfish’ delves into a perspective of love that represents the opposite of fighting for it. Sometimes, that’s what we pretend to do when we’re only holding on to the dream of what we could have been.It can be hard to face the truth, but what if the greatest declaration of love would be to let go of it.”

While only Carlina’s third release to date, it’s clear to see that this newcomer is destined for great things, so keep this kid on your radars.

Carlina de Place

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Christian Nielsen – Halo

This weekend’s banger comes courtesy of acclaimed Danish DJ and producer Christian Nielsen and his newly released techno track ‘Halo’.

Nielsen cites icons like Kerri Chandler, Moodymann, and Frankie Knuckles as inspirations for his style of work, which is evident when you listen to his songs. His sounds are immediately gripping, and deliver a type of electronic music that is fresh and easy to form emotional connections with.

With more than five million catalogue streams on Spotify under his belt, it’s clear to see that Nielsen is well on his way to establishing himself as one of Denmark’s brightest techno talents.

Christian Nielsen

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IAMJJ – Extra Spicy Noodles

We’re starting the week with a massive banger from Copenhagen musician IAMJJ and his new single ‘Extra Spicy Noodles’.

Now, I know what you’re thinking… Denmark? Spicy noodles? Yes, but also no. In what might be the weirdest coincidence in music history, this song actually focuses on the flaws of togetherness.

”When love gets complicated and frustrating we tend to try and spice things up with a ‘romantic’ trip to Paris or buying that sofa you never needed. It’s like noodles: it doesn’t taste of much but if you spice it up with chilli you might be able to enjoy it or at least numb your senses for a minute. If you accept that life has got you in a deadlock maybe it’s time to move on.”

IAMJJ is one of Denmark’s most prolific musicians, with more than 25 million career streams to date. He’s released three albums, toured his home nation several times, and played on some of Scandinavia’s most prolific festival stages.

IAMJJ

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New Music: Emilie Sofie

We are starting the weekend with some of the finest Danish pop to come across our radars in quite some time.

‘I Know’ is Emilie Sofie’s debut single, and was inspired by the realisation that a relationship which was seemingly perfect begins to fall apart.

Despite it’s polished production and finessed vocals, the powerful lyrics hit hard and feel raw in emotion. This is pop at it’s best.

The track serves as an impressive introduction to an artist who is undoubtedly talented. We can’t wait to see what’s next from this promising starlet.

Emilie Sofie

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Takykardia – You Got Me Feeling Bad

It might still be Thursday but Danish trio Takykardia have already unleashed the week’s biggest banger.

‘You Got Me Feeling Bad’ is sonically reminiscent to the breakbeat productions that took over radio stations all across Europe in the late 90s, and treats today’s listeners to the full Y2K experience.

“There is an urge between the three of us to channel out unexplored energies. The only limit is our imagination, and as an act, we strive to evolve and to stay curious about the past, the now and the future. ‘You Got Me Feeling Bad’ is a celebration of being single rather than being with someone who makes me feel bad and insecure about myself!” – Luna Matz, Takykardia

Takykardia are steadily marking themselves as one of Denmark’s hottest prospects, and have found praise from the likes of Earmilk, Kaltblut, DMY and VICE, as well as BBC Radio and Rinse FM.

Takykardia

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Theresa Rex – BAD BLOOD

The new year has begun, and with it comes a new swathe of Nordic bangers – the first of which is by Danish star Theresa Rex.

‘BAD BLOOD’ focuses on themes of betrayal, and presents listeners with an anthemic electro-pop sound that is as bold as it is punchy. On the lyrics, Rex explains:

“‘Bad Blood’ is the story of two friends – a close friendship in that ‘blood pact’, ride or die-kind of way. But also, the song is about the ultimate betrayal, because she stole my boyfriend. I quickly forgot about that guy who cheated, but the loss of that friendship was heartbreaking. She stabbed me in the back and found it extremely hard to realise that this forged bond, I thought we had between us, was so easily broken. Friend break-ups are just one of the things that hurt the most.”

Alongside her own work, Rex has also collaborated with the likes of Wankelmut, Martin Jensen, Jonas Blue, MORTEN, and the legendary AFROJACK – resulting in a catalogue of releases that have amassed more than a billion streams to date.

Theresa Rex

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Yune – Cake

One of Denmark’s most interesting alternative outfits in recent years has been Yune. Throughout their career, the acclaimed rock quintet from Aarhus have consistently delivered bold and experimental songs, and today’s release of ‘Cake’ is no exception.

This 90’s inspired indie masterpiece looks at the random moments in life when we get a sudden urge to break away from the mundane, and ‘want everything all at once’.

The track serves as a taster to the group’s forthcoming ‘Lemon Sweet Perfection‘ sophomore album, which is out soon. You can experience more of Yune’s music right here.

Yune

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Brimheim – Brand New Woman (feat. eee gee)

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.

Brimheim | eee gee

Tour Dates 2024

Sat, Feb 17, 2024: Nordklang Festival, St. Gallen – CH
Fri, May 17, 2024: Kantine Berghain, Berlin – DE
Sat, May 18, 2024: Orange Blossom Special, Beverungen – DE
Sun, May 19, 2024: V11, Rotterdam – NL
Tue, May 21, 2024: Merleyn, Nijmegen – NL
Wed, May 22, 2024: The Lexington, London – UK

EMI WIDE x Jaydev – Feels

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

EMI WIDE | Jaydev

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[PREMIERE] Watch HunBjørn’s visuals for latest single ‘In The Eye’

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.

HunBjørn

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MALU – Heavy Baggage

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.

MALU

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New Music: GUZO

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.

GUZO

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New Music: Sofie Mathiasen

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.

Sofie Mathiasen

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Brimheim – Literally Everything

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.

Brimheim

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New Music: CAROUSELS

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.

CAROUSELS

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Rangleklods – Your House

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.

Rangleklods

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Rangleklods European Tour 2023-24

Fri, Sep 15, 2023: Panoptikon, Vridsløselille Fængsel, DK
Sat, Mar 9, 2023: Platform K, Horsens – DK
Fri, Mar 15, 2024: Pumpehuset, Copenhagen – DK
Fri, Mar 22, 2024: Studenterhus, Aalborg – DK
Sat, Mar 23, 2024: Århus Volume (volume village), Aarhus – DK
Thu, Mar 28, 2024: X-Tra Musikcafé, Zûrich – CH
Wed, Apr 3, 2024 Melkweg Amsterdam – NL
Fri, Apr 5, 2024: Uebel & Gefährlich (Turmzimmer) – Hamburg – DE
Sat, Apr 6, 2024: Badehaus – Berlin – DE
Thu, Apr 11, 2024: Rote Bar – Vienna – AT

Astrid Cordes – Surrender

Danish artist Astrid Cordes is back with a shimmering new single for us all to enjoy.

Despite originally being written on a harp, ‘Surrender’ serves listeners with a vivid alt-pop production that is rich in sonic texture and character. Conceptually, the song contrasts a vivid and euphoric style of sound with lyricism that tells of someone entering your life and turning it upside down.

“’Surrender’ is about living your life instead of longing for another. If you lose yourself to dreaming, you wont go anywhere in reality. On the other hand, I believe that if you surrender to reality, no matter how unfair or chaotic it may seem, you’ll find, that there’s an actual possibility to grow, play and live – and for dreams to come true.”

Fans can look forward to an upcoming EP called ‘Baby’s Still Asleep’, which is scheduled for release on the 13th September. Cordes will also embark on a nationwide tour across Denmark this autumn – dates will be announced soon.

Astrid Cordes

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New Music: Dania O. Tausen

Hailing from the Faroe Islands is singer, songwriter and poet Dania O. Tausen, who has just unveiled one of the most gorgeous Nordic releases of the summer so far.

While sung entirely in Dania’s native Faroese language, ‘kann eg hava armin soleiðis her?’ (‘Can I have my arms like this?’) carries with it a unique sense of charm which makes it instantly captivating to any listener.

The track’s production beautifully fuses folk with soft tones of pop and indie, resulting in a sound that is warm and welcoming in tone. Elaborating further on the song’s inspiration, the artist says:

“You may have asked someone this question at some point in your life. Maybe on a crowded aeroplane, in a small car or on a tiny sofa. Sometimes there’s just not enough space for our arms! Where do we put them? ‘Can I have my arm like this?’ said by the right person, can be a very sweet sound”.

The single is taken from Dania’s forthcoming double album ‘ja/nei og restin av vikuni’, which is released on the 21st July and 12th October. Until then, you can immerse yourselves in Dania’s debut record ‘gonguteigatúnatos’ here.

Dania O. Tausen

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New Music: JO universe

Our introduction to JO universe proves that Denmark is currently one of Europe’s leading nations for emerging musical talent.

As the creative project of artists Johanne Marie Theill (singer & writer) and Nicolai Absalon (co-writer & producer), these two musicians are creating some of the most exciting and interesting sounds to emerge from Scandinavia in quite some time.

In equal parts, the duo’s infectious new single ‘Sweet Deal’ is an eccentric, camp, quirky and high-drama slice of alternative pop that you’ll likely have on repeat for the rest of the day.

This is a sound that is bravely playful and utterly captivating to experience – and marks a promising taster to the band’s upcoming releases.

JO universe

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New Music: Astrid Cordes

No song sums up the midweek blues as well as ‘Stop Dreaming’ by Danish singer and songwriter Astrid Cordes.

Aside from its beautifully raw and introspective lyrics, the track’s flawlessly blended fusion of soft disco and dark indie-pop has convinced us that this is one of the most impressive Scandinavian releases so far this spring. Elaborating further on the song, Cordes explains:

“It seems like yesterday, I pulled my beloved idol posters and the luminescent stars off the walls of my teenage bedroom and moved out of my dad’s house. But here I am; happily stuck in a new role and part of life. I found myself reflecting on the success and lives of others, inevitably feeling insecure and losing faith in who I am as an artist and what I can achieve as a human being.”

“‘Stop Dreaming’ is a mental and artistic state of emergency. It’s also kind of a paradox ’cause I’ve never been more creative than I am right now. Inspired by the frustrating emotions I was going through, I sat down by the piano and wrote the song in less than 30 minutes. ‘Stop Dreaming’ is a bittersweet salute to anyone who has felt like giving up on their dreams and goals in life.”

‘Stop Dreaming’ is part of a trilogy of EP’s by Astrid, which will all come together to form her upcoming album, entitled ‘Hurry Up and Kiss Me While the Baby’s Still Asleep’ (out later this year).

Astrid Cordes

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