Nordic Music - New Music

New Music: Lucky Lou

Track of the week. It’s been a little while since we shared with you some premium Scandinavian pop, so we’re delighted to introduce you to Swedish starlet Louise Lindberg, aka Lucky Lou.

Already an accomplished songwriter who has worked with the likes of Zara Larsson and Astrid S, ‘Space’ marks the artist’s first foray as a soloist. And as to be expected, the track is a pop masterpiece.

Lifted from an upcoming debut EP (out in June), the song was inspired by the demise of a cherished friendship. The artist explains:

“Throughout making the EP, I had quite a few fallouts with people in my surroundings, and I felt overstimulated and taken for granted. The song is about the sorrow of breaking up with someone close to you, whom you love and have known for a very long time.”

It won’t come as a surprise to know that the track was written and produced by Lindberg herself. We’re excited to see what comes next!

Lucky Lou

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

New Music: Rinjin

Rinjin is an exciting electronic project from Norway, consisting of musicians Christoffer “Chris Le Pop” and Frøy.

The duo has just released a charming disco-pop bop called ‘Just us’, which we’re quite sure you’ll fall in love with.

Sonically, the production serves as a reflection of Rinjin’s admiration for genre-bending Scandinavian outfits like Røyksopp, Todd Terje and Annie. Lyrically, the song encapsulates the feeling of wanting to be loved and our desires to escape our troubles.

With such a strong debut under their belts, it’s likely that Rinjin will garner a lot of fans very quickly!

Rinjin

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

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

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Echo Thrills – Sunshine

It might be cold, wet and grey in London right now but this new single from rising Swedish talent Echo Thrills has put us in a summery mood.

Appropriately named ‘Sunshine’, the track treats us to a charming mix of mellow soul and dreamy pop. The sound feels both nostalgic and experimental in equal measures, which is refreshing to experience.

So if you’re feeling a little melancholy and pining for the summer season, be sure to press play to this song and allow yourselves to bask in its joyful grooves.

The artist performs at Stockholm’s CO/HEAD Festival on the 27th April – tickets can be found here.

Echo Thrills

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

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

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Fig Tape – Holy Ponies

One of our favourite Norwegian artists of late has been Fig Tape, who returns today with a new single called ‘Holy Ponies’.

As we’ve come to expect from this talent, the song presents listeners with a euphoric and polished fusion of techno and alternative pop. This is a sound that makes you crave for a night out in a sweaty underground club, and we’re living for it.

Living in Berlin heavily inspired me musically. I made a lot of up-tempo, techno-inspired music when living there. It was a good feeling to go back last year and visit your old hometown. I had such a great time there, and it was so nice to meet up with BAUGRUPPE90 and do the session we did when we made ‘Holy Ponies’.

In a nod to his ever-growing popularity, Fig Tape’s music was recently featured on the iconic Netflix series ‘Young Royals’. Fans can expect more singles to be released in the coming months.

Fig Tape

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

New Music: john hugo

We’re very excited to be sharing with you a bright new indie talent from Sweden called john hugo.

This promising singer and songwriter creates an impressive pop-rock sound that feels classic yet fresh in style – which makes sense when we learn that his work is influenced by the likes of The 1975 and Alexander 23, as well as Fleetwood Mac and even Prince.

Anthemic new single ‘Friends’ has just been released, and showcases the artist’s brilliant potential. Speaking on the track, hugo explains:

‘Friends’ is a deeply personal song about the uncertainty and confusion that develops when a relationship ends and you lie to yourself and to the other person that ‘we can still be friends’.

While still early in his career (hugo has only released two other singles on Spotify), we think this is a talent to watch for. More music can be found here.

john hugo

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Erika Sirola – BERNADETTE

Track of the week. It’s been quite the while since we featured some high-grade experimental music, so we’re excited to be sharing with you this fabulous new song from Finnish-Canadian star Erika Sirola.

‘BERNADETTE’ is lifted from the artist’s freshly released ‘THE FOUR FACES’ EP (out now), and presents listeners with an intelligent fusion of experimental electronica, alternative pop and hints of funk.

“This EP delves into the core of the self. I’m such an advocate for fluidity in artistry. I’ve witnessed so many who feel they’ve had to sacrifice interesting avenues out of fear they wouldn’t be accepted or understood. The creation of this EP and design collection also marks the first significant step for me in letting go and embracing freedom in ‘all the everything and nothing’ that I am. The Jungian Archetypes profoundly influenced my journey of self-exploration to such an extent that they became the foundation of the songs. Together, they represent ‘the four faces,’ with each song telling the story of a character.”

In addition to the release of the EP, Sirola has also unveiled a corresponding visual world that compliments each of the four songs. Blending sustainability with antiques and armoury, the collection can be found through Basic Space.

Erika Sirola

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

New Music: OWZA

We’re really excited to be sharing with you an emerging talent from Scandinavia called OWZA.

Born in Iceland and now based in Sweden, this gifted singer, songwriter and producer creates beautifully melodic pieces of alt-pop music that feel almost ethereal in tone.

Hypnotic new single single ‘hush hush’ thoughtfully presents listeners with melancholic sounds and vulnerable lyricism. Elaborating further, the artist explains:

“I wrote ‘hush hush’ alone in bed, and later co-produced it with a friend. It’s a sonic embrace with a melancholic blend of synths and drums, perfect for road trips or moments on a bus/ train. ‘hush hush’ is more than a melody; it’s my personal reassurance. The lyrics echo a conversation with myself during tough times, urging the strength to persevere.”

You can experience more of OWZA’s music on her Spotify here.

OWZA

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

boerd + Boko Yout – Lavendel

We’re so excited to be sharing with you the second collaboration from Swedish artists boerd (aka Bård Ericson) and Boko Yout (aka Paul Adamah).

‘Lavendel’ (Swedish for ‘lavender’) is the latest teaser from the musicians’ forthcoming ‘Griot’ EP (out 15th March), and presents listeners with a melancholic fusion of alt-pop and downtempo. Speaking on the song’s lyrics, Adamah says:

“Since high school, I have struggled with my sleep. I wake up several times during the night and feel restless as if someone or something is waking me up. Lavendel resembles my sleep; it mixes nightmares with dreams, restlessness with deep sleep, and ghost stories with lullabies.” – Boko Yout

Alongside boerd’s established popularity, Boko Yout is also carving a name for himself as one of Sweden’s most promising new stars, garnering more than 78k monthly listeners on Spotify.

boerd | Boko Yout

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Aleks Grey – Sunset Cigarette

One of our favourite songs of the week comes courtesy of Norwegian alt-pop artist Aleks Grey.

New single ‘Sunset Cigarette’ looks at those moments in life that remind us previous events and people.

In the case of this song, the scent of a cigarette burning on a summer’s day brings back memories of a cherished person for the musician.

It’s not always easy with relations and relationships, whether it’s a partner, friend or family. But through the highs and lows, love will always be a big part of those nostalgic feelings.

The track continues to prove that Grey is one of Norway’s most interesting alternative talents. His likeable style of sound has not only amassed a significant number of streams online, but the artist has also found support from the likes of Jammerzine and BBC Merseyside.

Aleks Grey

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Flora Cash – Baby I Love You

Acclaimed Scandinavian duo Flora Cash return today with a beautiful slice of country-tinged pop that deserves your attention.

‘Baby I Love You’ is a classic love song that we can all find some type of connection with. It’s a track that symbolises the unexplainable feelings we encounter for the ones we love – through the good and the bad. Elaborating further, they say:

“Lately, we find ourselves unexpectedly drawn towards a metamodern approach in our songwriting. It seems to be a natural progression of our thinking. Through that lens, ‘Baby I Love You’ explores a concept of love that doesn’t need reasons or explanations. From the lowest lows to the highest highs, it just is. It’s messy and confusing. And sometimes not making sense makes the most sense.

We tried to capture this in the production as well, mixing different styles in a way that feels right for the message we’re conveying. Dakota Holden’s pedal steel performance adds a unique country flavour but the song doesn’t settle into a single genre. It’s different from much of what we’ve done in recent years, with a brighter, more upbeat feel that came as a bit of a surprise even to us.”

Flora Cash have recieved praise from tastemakers as respected as Noisey, Paste, Earmilk and Interview Magazine, while their songs have amassed more than 550 million streams collectively on Spotify alone.

Flora Cash

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

New Music: Limandi

Track of the week. Swedish artist Limandi is already one of our favourite Nordic newcomers this year.

As a nominee for the prestigious Denniz Pop Awards, this rising starlet is not only building a fanbase among listeners, but also acclaimed industry professionals.

‘Hopin’ You’ll Be Fine’ is taken from the musician’s latest album, which is called ‘F*CK.IT.’ (listen here).

The song showcases an eccentric style of alt-pop which is beautifully melancholic, but also refreshingly experimental in character. Explaining the lyrics, Limandi says:

“About saying goodbye to someone who’s going down a destructive spiral, and realising the best you can do for them and you is let them go – and wishing them the best on their journey.”

Limandi

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

boerd + Boko Yout – All My Life

Critically acclaimed Swedish artists boerd (aka Bård Ericson) and Boko Yout (aka Paul Adamah) have just joined forces on an impressive new single called ‘All My Life’.

Sonically, the track was inspired by the trip hop movement from within the 90s’s UK music scene, as Ericson explains:

“Last year, I joined Paul’s Way Out West gig as a bassist, and during the journey back to Stockholm, we found ourselves immersed in a conversation about music. It became evident that we shared a mutual excitement for crafting music inspired by the British trip-hop scene of the ‘90s. Soon after, we met in the studio, and ‘All My Life’ essentially came together that day.” – boerd

Alongside its rich soundscape, the song’s lyrics are equally captivating. Sung by Adamah, the words invite listeners into the musician’s thoughts and emotions:

“The song was written during a phase of intense work where I questioned if I was doing enough to achieve my dreams. I distanced myself from friends and family, rarely took breaks, and assessed my worth based on productivity. I mention my mom, who constantly reminds me to stay grounded and savor life.” – Boko Yout

The song serves as a taster to the artists’ upcoming collaborative ‘Griot’ EP, which is out on the 15th March.

boerd | Boko Yout

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

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

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

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

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

New Music: Gamborg

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!

Gamborg

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

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

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

[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

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this: