Category: Nordic Music

Ina Forsman – Love Me

Finnish music sensation Ina Forsman returns with an uptempo slice of nostalgic soul today through the release of new single ‘Love Me’.

Inspired by the moments that one feels when they first express their love to someone, the track continues to showcase Forsman’s exceptional style of fusing retro soul with modern indie. The song is taken from Forsman’s upcoming album, ‘All There Is’, of which she says:

“My new album’s theme is ‘Cinematic Soul’. I wanted to make soulful music with a retro approach and a BIG sound; Strings, choir, horns, the whole package. I didn’t check too much what is considered as ‘Cinematic Soul’, instead I created what I believe that kinda music should, could, be.”

The album is released later this month, and you can also catch Forsman across Europe this summer on tour – with stops in Germany, France and Switzerland among other places (full schedule here).

Ina Forsman

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Gustaf – love me less

It’s been a short while, but rising Danish talent Gustaf is back today with his fifth release – and it’s been worth the wait.

‘love me less’ is a beautifully melodic pop power-ballad, infused with essences of synth to offer listeners a sound that feels both classic and current at the same time. Speaking on the song’s inspiration, Gustaf says:

“‘love me less’ is based on a former relationship where I felt that I couldn’t match the other persons feelings and devotion towards me. I felt she was way ahead of me. Whenever we would ‘fool around’ I’d try to be sincere, but I just wasn’t emotionally connected as much as she was. I was basically just hoping that one day she would stop loving me. I felt my heart was so cold and I was too shy and afraid to end it, afraid to be alone.”

Musician, songwriter and producer Gustaf has frequented Alfitude’s pages often since his debut last year, consistently showcasing himself as one of the most promising pop artists to to emerge from Denmark.

Gustaf

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Saint Djuni – Drifter

One of the most interesting collaborative projects to have emerged from Europe over the last couple of years has been Saint Djuni. With their eccentric and playful take on indie-pop, this outfit has consistently surprised and delighted with their choice of releases.

Uplifting new single ‘Drifter’ is one of those songs that leaves you with a smile you on your face, and reminds us that a positive mindset is something we can all achieve.

“We all seem to have the urge to see and follow what is trending. Yet we don’t stop and think how it would be if you choose to decide to drift away and live your own form of perfection. A song dedicated to the dreamers. The ones that dare not to let negativity cloud their journey.”

Saint Djuni is a musical duo consisting of musicians Rasmus Viberg and Clifford Goilo, who have each achieved notable successes in their own rights with various projects including Bakermat, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Next To Neon.

Saint Djuni

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Jada – Don’t Say My Name And Forget It Again

Photo / Villads Sommer

Track of the week. Now a hugely successful artist all across Scandinavia, Danish starlet (and Alfitude favourite) Jada unveils her latest album ‘Elements‘, alongside new single ‘Don’t Say My Name And Forget It Again’.

The song expertly instills that trademark brand of Scandinavian melancholy over a melodic pop production, giving listeners a sound that feels moving yet empowering.

“When I experience art that really resonates with me, it leaves me feeling more like myself than before. When I come across art where I really feel like people are true to themselves, where I can imagine exactly how they would move or sing, what their soul wants to express, it reminds me of myself. It’s a mirror. I want to be that and offer that freedom of self. I want them to feel strong, cute and sexy.”

The track is just one part of a wider scope of work under the ‘Elements’ record, which took inspiration from Jada’s realisation that, as humans, we consist of multitudinous parts that shouldn’t be boxed into just one singular category.

‘Elements’ is out now | Jada

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JADA – Tour 2022:

  • 24 Sep Lollapalooza, Berlin
  • 26 Sep Melkweg Upstairs, Amsterdam
  • 27 Sep EarTH Theatre, London
  • 28 Sep Les Etoiles, Paris
  • 29 Sep Dynamo Werk 21, Zurich
  • 30 Sep Luxor, Cologne
  • 01 Oct Kent Club, Hamburg
  • 03 Oct Korjaamo, Helsinki
  • 05 Oct Parkteatret, Oslo
  • 06 Oct Nalen, Stockholm

Mercedess – Summer’s Already Gone

Photo / Alona Vibe

One of Copenhagen’s finest indie-pop starlets returns with a gorgeously soulful and dreamy release through new single ‘Summer’s Already Gone’.

Inspired by the sadness of the summer season ending, Mercedess wrote the song alongside indie superstar Goss and guitarist Søren Breum, while production came from critically acclaimed artist Vera.

“I wanted to write a song that could represent both the fearlessness of the magical Summer days and the truly blue sadness of the re-occurring love story it actually is when Summer eventually comes to an end. I know it’s a heartbreaking, melancholy feeling but it’s also everything I love about Summer.”

The track is taken from the long awaited debut album, ‘Casa Fantasia’, which is also released today. Speaking on the project, Mercedess says:

“’Casa Fantasia’ is an album about longing for closeness and honesty. These songs are an escape from reality – a place to feel free and be yourself. Writing it, was a personal journey and process to me, that hopefully will make space for creativity, art and emotions for others too.”

Achievements for Mercedess just this year alone include ‘Song of the Week’ on Danish Radio P3, as well as praise from influential tastemakers like COLORS and Ones to Watch.

‘Casa Fantasia’ is out now | Mercedess

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D/troit – Heavy

Scandinavian masters of funk and soul D/troit return today with their latest single… and it’s a showstopper!

‘Heavy’ is taken from the band’s sophomore album of the same name, and delivers a refreshingly raw yet colourful take on the retro-soul genre.

With a flavour of the Western infused into the sound (you’ll experience hints of mariachi and Spanish guitar), the track feels playfully nostalgic, but also epic and cinematic in tone.

The Danish band have had quite the journey since winning ‘Best New Band’ at the Scandinavian Soul Music Awards in 2016, garnering support from the likes of BBC 6 Music, Radio 2, and soul legend Gabe Roth.

Listen to the album here | D/troit

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Felix E. – Touch Me

Already an established musician in his native home of Denmark, Felix E. is a drummer who has worked alongside Scandinavian pop megastars like Drew Sycamore, Alex Vargas, Coco O, Nik & Jay and Mads Langer.

New single ‘Touch Me’ propels Felix E. into the spotlight, and is a masterclass in fusing the past with current. This is a sound that feels nostalgic and classic, while still delivering an energising and modern twist on indietronica.

“‘Touch Me’ is an ode to sex and love and the woman taking control in bed. It’s about how sex is a consensual act when done right. It’s about giving and receiving in equal measure and doing your absolute best for the person you love.”

Felix E.

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Casper The Ghost – Cool Kids

Photo / Yoye Lapogian

One of the catchiest songs of the week comes courtesy of Swedish cross-genre duo Casper The Ghost.

As is typical with their recent run of singles, ‘Cool Kids’ is a polished and well-constructed pop-rock sound that also feels grounded, relatable and genuine in tone.

The track is taken from their freshly-released new EP ‘Holding on for dear life’, of which they say:

“It feels great to release this EP since it really represents what Casper The Ghost has become, and ‘Cool Kids’ is probably the best example. Our sound has developed a lot and we’ve both grown, as artists and people, which we hope will be heard when listening to the EP. Something that hasn’t changed though, is our collaboration and love of creation, that’s been constant since the beginning.”

‘Holding on for dear life’ is out now via Asylum | Casper The Ghost

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New Music: Almost Orange

Just in time for the weekend, Swedish newcomers Almost Orange release an infectious slice of electro-pop with new single ‘Infatuation’.

Retro-infused grooves mix with a funky dance beat, as lyrics tell of those times when there is so much chemistry and love for someone that it spills over – leaving you unable to see any red flags.

Almost Orange

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Amanda Tenfjord – Plans

After her spectacular performance representing Greece at Eurovision last week (eventually coming in at a respectable eighth position), Greek-Norwegian artist Amanda Tenfjord returns today with her new single ‘Plans’.

“It’s a song about the moment in a relationship when you realise that you actually don’t make plans together anymore. At first you have all these dreams about the future and the things you want to do together; travel to Rome, buy a house together and see your kids grow up etc., and then slowly as love fades away you don’t even plan what to do the next weekend together. And the worst part is seeing the one you love living your previous common dreams together with someone else. It’s a very sad song.”

The track further teases the release of her upcoming debut album, due for release later this year via iconic Oslo label Propeller Recordings.

To date, Tenfjord has released two widely praised EP’s, ‘Miss The Way You Missed Me’ and debut EP ‘First Impression’. 

Amanda Tenfjord

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Løv Li – Can’t Let You Go

Photo / Tom McKenzie

While still only 23-years old, Copenhagen-based DIY-artist Løv Li has already marked himself as one of the most interesting artists to emerge from Denmark in recent years, thanks to his eloquent songwriting and melancholy productions.

“I’ve always had melodies spinning around in my head. These days, I often record them as one of the numerous voice-memos, I’ve got on my phone. They rapidly develop into arrangements for piano, vocals and strings and are completed with all the impulsive, experimenting sounds, I create when I work on the boundless, amazing computer.”

Haunting new single ‘Can’t Let You Go’ presents itself as a beautifully dark piece of pop, yet also feels timeless and classic thanks to its subtle orchestral tones.

The song was inspired by the decay and sudden end to what was seemingly a beautiful and unique relationship.

Løv Li

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Siv Jakobsen – Most of the Time

Photo / Jørgen Nordby

After two long years, critically acclaimed Norwegian singer songwriter Siv Jakobsen is back with what is likely to be her most vulnerable song to date, entitled ‘Most Of The Time’.

Ethereal and beautiful in style, this melodic and deeply moving song is about wanting – but being unable to forget.

“‘Most of the Time’ is about not being able to forget a particularly difficult relationship from my past. When left undealt with, the memories seemed to heighten in my sleep, in my subconscious, day and night, almost as if I was being haunted. It’s about how our past affects our future, how it can affect our personalities morphing into someone slightly different. Being back in this place again after such a long time was a much greater shock to my system than I would have ever thought it could be, and it forced me to unbox a lot of things I thought I had safely stored away in the back corners of my mind. In the end, it’s about reminding myself that I am feeling better now, most of the time.”

Siv Jakobsen

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Skott – Sunshine

Swedish artist, songwriter and producer Skott is undoubtedly one of the Nordic region’s most interesting musical talents to have emerged in recent years.

Garnering over 250k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, this rising Scandinavian star is representing a new era of female artists with a unique style of pop that is certainly resonating with a lot of listeners.

‘Sunshine’ was written by Skott herself, together with Peter St James and Martin Stilling (Charlie XCX, LÉON), and serves as a taster for her upcoming second album (out later this year)

“Let the ceiling cave in, stay open. The song is about daring to live life without a roof, without limits. Daring to be vulnerable and let both the sunshine as well as the rain in. If you over-protect yourself from potential bad things and stormy weather, that same shield could also block out the sun and some of the best things in life.”

Skott

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Bishat – MANNERS

Photo / CHAI

Acclaimed Swedish Ethiopian artist, songwriter and producer Bishat returns with an anthemic slice of R&B-pop perfection through new single ‘MANNERS’.

This self-empowering track tackles friendships, relationships and entanglements that no longer serve us:

“I think we’ve all been there, carrying all the weight, bringing all the vibes, doing all the work and getting nada in return. I’m just feeling really done with anything that doesn’t elevate me or sparks joy.” 

Bishat

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New Music: Giift

Photo / Mikaela Grogan

If you’re a fan of soulful, mellow and introspective R&B then Giift may well be your next new favourite artist.

This South African born, Danish raised talent creates understated yet melodic masterpieces that are refreshingly minimal in tone – allowing for her unique vocal tones to deliver some of the sharpest lyricism you’ll experience today.

Remarking on the release of her debut EP ‘Archives’, Giift says:

“These five songs represent everything that I’ve experienced over the last few years. There’s a personal story behind every lyric, top to bottom, and so, it was natural for me to list them in order of when I experienced what and in the order of the emotions I was going through. ‘Archives’ is about falling in love, falling out of love, loving yourself and everything in between.”

Giift

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Freddy Madson – Feels Right (feat. Lleoh)

Photo / Therese Lærke

One of my favourite newcomers to emerge from Denmark this year has been guitarist & songwriter Freddy Madson. Today sees his return through a new collaboration that features the talents of fellow Danish artist Lleoh.

Just in time for the weekend, ‘Feels Right’ is a finessed slice of dreamy Scandinavian dance-pop – the kind that uplifts you in the most subtlest of ways.

“Imagine a club with an irresistible dance floor full of seemingly amazing people you wish you were partying amongst. But you don’t dance like them or fit their dress code and the music is anything but your taste. Anyway, here you are, considering to compromise with oneself to be part of the crowd. ‘Feels Right’ is about being true to who you are. It celebrates the outsider in every single one of us – all the flaws and peculiarities that make you and me unique and beautiful in our very own way” – Freddy Madson

Freddy Madson | Lleoh

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New Music: Hymner

Emerging Stockholm-based producer duo Hymner construct a unique brand of sad dance-pop that is really quite captivating to experience.

New single ‘Rivers’ features the vocals of Persian-German singer SamajAi, and delivers a subtly melancholic sound that feels haunting yet fragile in equal measures.

“We wrote ‘Rivers’ during the pandemic, and it became very symbolic; being so far away from people we loved, yet united in spirit.”

Hymner

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Jelly Crystal – I Tryyy (with Seinabo Sey)

Photo / Lamia Karic

One of the most sublime slices of indie-soul this month comes courtesy of acclaimed Swedish artists Jelly Crystal and Seinabo Sey.

Conceptual new single ‘I Tryyy’ serves as a fervent love song, with soulful vocal deliveries, hotline bling-drums and swelling synth pads.

The track was produced by Simon On The Moon (James Blake, Jamie xx, Mahalia), and is the latest single to be taken from Jelly Crystal’s forthcoming EP ‘ILY’ which is out in June.

“I’m so happy I got the chance to make music again with my partner in crime from Kungsbacka, Simon On The Moon, and Sweden’s only voice, Seinabo Sey! We’re still not tired of writing love songs.” – Jelly Crystal

Jelly Crystal | Seinabo Sey

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