Hugo Helmig has steadily become one of the biggest new pop names in his native Denmark. Could this track be the one to get him wider attention in Europe?
Hugo Helmig – Champagne Problems
Category: Nordic Music
Joel Malka – Hell Of A Summer
One of the most gorgeous releases to come out of Sweden this week, Joel Malka’s ‘Hell Of A Summer‘ is a delicate, emotive and captivating piece of experimental RnB-pop that looks into how this year is affecting our mental health.
“I guess most of us have had to get used to a feeling of loneliness this year, while missing birthdays and funerals and worrying about loved ones from a distance. I wrote this about appreciating whatever little moments of mental diversion I could find, like on some ‘we can stay strangers, it’s just nice to have someone to talk to for a minute’-type of vibe.”
LOVA – Lonely Ones
I’ll let LOVA explain this song, because not only is it a beautiful cut of pop but the message will warm your heart:
“‘Lonely Ones’ is basically me reaching out with a hand to anyone who feels alone or has ever experienced it. Loneliness is something I think we all feel sometimes, and it can come in so many different shapes and forms.You don’t always have to physically be alone to feel lonely. You can feel alone in your relationships, at work or in big crowds of people – like me. Usually when I feel lonely, I think to myself that I must be the only one feeling like this – pathetic, boring, and unlovable – and that no one can relate or knows how it feels. But I guess the truth is that we all feel it, and knowing that and hearing other people talk about it makes it all feel a little less lonely. So, I hope this song can do just that for you. That it can be a friend to keep you company in moments of loneliness and remind you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.”
New Music: MARBLES
A fabulously feel-good fusion of Norwegian dream-pop and disco. On the one hand it feels charmingly retro and kitsch, while on the other it’s effortlessly cool and sleek.
“Lyrically the song speaks about a someone acting on impulse, not thinking about the consequences. Like a flying butterfly. Random and unpredictable.”
New Music: Frugaard
While Frugaard is a new project, the talent behind the name is Reidar Opdal, who for the past twenty years has worked behind the scenes in the music industry with some of Norway’s greatest artists.
The sound itself is a raw and experimental approach to electronica that is highly charged and atmospheric, while the vocals hauntingly chant lyricism in Norwegian that feels eery yet awe-inspiring.
Ramverk – Last Hour
With the release of their new album today, the Swedish duo are back with another flawless piece of dreamy electronic pop that feels both intense and cinematic.
“The music is a result of our collective experiences musically and lyrically. Many of the songs are about our current life situations, about putting things behind us and looking ahead.” – Alexander Maksic, Ramverk
Taken from the album ‘Resurrection’ which is out now.
Alex Holtti – Piece of You
I really believe that it’s a matter of time before Alex Holtti’s popularity crosses over from Denmark to the rest of Europe. It’s just a very polished form of pop that is so easy to listen to.
JÁNA + VanJess – Green
Stockholm based pop talent JÁNA joins forces with Nigerian-American RnB duo VanJess to create one of the smoothest, most luxurious slices of soulful jazz you will experience this week.
“It’s reflecting on jealousy within a relationship. I’ve been giving jealousy a lot of thought – how we are so willing to give a person everything, except the romantic love of someone else – and how that feeling can eat you up. Like showing love in the form of jealousy.” – JÁNA
New Music: Ida-Lova
While entirely sung in Swedish, this is one of the most beautiful Scandinavian releases that I have heard all month.
And even when the lyrics aren’t in English, you still feel a connection to the song. It’s a sweet balance of breezy dream-pop, juxtaposed against a distinctly melancholy vocal.
KAMARA – Sideways
New Music: KITE
Powerfully dark and impactful Swedish synth pop. So many things speak to me when I hear this track. It’s raw, rebellious, confident, haunting, bold and totally immersive.
Play it loud and lose yourself to those pulsating beats and ethereal vocals… it’s well worth it.
Olivera – Lot to Live
Duvchi – Impatient
An experimental yet beautiful blend of dream pop and downtempo from Swedish mega-talent Duvchi.
Kwamie Liv – 17
I’m a sucker for nostalgic tracks, and I am probably one of the world’s biggest Kwamie Liv fans, so this song is the highlight of my weekend. Hope you like it too!
‘17 is about nostalgia. It’s about looking back and remembering what was, with bittersweet appreciation. We can never return to that time but the memories live on.“
Astrid S – Hits Different
Undoubtedly one of Norway’s biggest pop exports in recent years (she’s amassed over 2 billion streams to date), Astrid S has released new album ‘Leave It Beautiful‘ today, and each song is a shimmering slice of perfected synth pop (just like ‘Hits Different’, which is one of my personal favourites).
New Music: Lemon Palace
Hailing from the city of cool, Copenhagen-based trio Lemon Palace create a polished and finessed blend of indie and pop which feels effortless yet sleek in equal measures.
Watch out for the debut EP which will be released in early 2021.
Eleonor Léone – Karma
Just you wait til that first chorus hits, because this is one of the most intense pieces of dark Scandinavian pop you’ll experience all week. The track looks at those sleepless nights we all experience when anxiety takes over, and how those thoughts can create a prison in our minds.
“I think everyone can relate to the feeling of not always being able to be your true self. You put yourself down and judge yourself based out of fear, and fear breeds fear. And the more space you give something, the more real it becomes.”
Menke – Echo of Youth – Story Behind The Music (Short Film)
Today marks World Mental Health Day across the globe; a time to remember that pain can hurt just as much when it’s unseen, as it is seen.
With that in mind, Swedish singer Menke has released a deeply personal short film to accompany the collection of songs from ‘Echo of Youth‘ that were written over a ten year period when her life was turned upside down as a result of depression in her family.
During that time, Menke had to move from Berlin where she was performing as a folk singer, back home to her native Sweden to look after her 13-year old sister.
Their mother had lost the ability to function as a parent due to her deep depression, and Menke had to step up and look after her sibling full time.
The EP is heartfelt a story of struggle, and the departure of youth as one transitions to adulthood.
“We recorded the songs in one long take, not track by track. I wanted to capture a human and close feel – the withered and the exposed.“
Palace Winter – Richard (Says Yes) (feat. Penny Police)
Judging by the stream of singles so far, Palace Winter are shaping up to release one of the most exciting Danish albums later year. This track came about when the band were watching a Jimi Hendrix documentary and saw Little Richard come on.
“Little Richard came on and we were both just floored by how f***in’ alive and funny and inspiring he was. So, he kind of became this little team mascot for us. Like, just do it ALL! ‘Put some sugar on it, man! MORE!’ So this song is exactly that. Richard says yes to f***in’ EVERYTHING! It’s a ‘big colourful banger to fill the canvas.’ – Carl Coleman, Palace Winter
Taken from the upcoming album ‘…Keep Dreaming, Buddy’ which you can pre-save now ahead of it’s release on 23rd October.
New Music: Paper Tigers
If you’re a fan of the halcyon days of Britpop and UK indie from the 90’s, then Paper Tigers could well be your new flavour of the month. This is a bold Danish indie rock sound, unashamedly punchy, full of attitude and character.