Danish Music - NEW MUSIC

WIINSTON – tick in blue

It’s a big day for independent Copenhagen outfit WIINSTON, who have just unveiled a brand new single, music video and album.

Inspired by the world of social media in which we now live in, ‘tick in blue’ is taken from the duo’s freshly-released ‘THE LAST DAYTONA’ LP (out now). Sonically, the production treats listeners to a refined and melodic fusion of alternative R&B, dreamy indie and shimmering, lo-fi pop.

“Smartphones have become an extension of what it means to be human. Somehow, it seems like a generation gap is missing, where we’re trying to adapt to the wrong paradigms. Even adults are waiting for their 10 sec videos to go viral while the Arctic is melting faster than the ice cubes in their freshly mixed gin & tonic. Provocative? Sure! But we’re also well aware, that when you point the finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you.”

As their first new album in four years, ‘THE LAST DAYTONA’ represents a new chapter in the group’s sonic evolution, as they explain:

“A lot of things have happened since our last album – both personally and creatively. We’ve been in bloom, withered again and found ourselves in the creation of what feels more powerful and right than anything we’ve ever done. This album is the perfect picture of how we currently define WIINSTON; as a genre-fluid space with no limitations.”

To date, WIINSTON have garnered praise from international outlets as respected as Kaltblut, ENFNTS Terribles and Variance Magazine, while also amassing more than fifteen million career streams on Spotify alone.

WIINSTON

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Rangleklods – Song We Used To Play

He’s kept up waiting for almost three years, but Danish electronic artist Rangleklods (aka Esben Nørskov Andersen) is back today with one of the most interesting releases of the week.

Experimental and intriguing in tone, ‘Song We Used To Play’ presents listeners with a refreshingly eccentric mix of electronica, indie and pop.

“It’s a song about a friendship that faded away. You move away, forget to stay in touch, and eventually the relationship is just a fond, hazy memory that you hold onto. And the lyrics, just like the friendship you look back on, are also fading away — only the melody is persistent, and remains.”

In typical Scandinavian fashion, the song seamlessly balances essences of melancholy with playfulness, and leaves us with a beautifully immersive soundscape that is really quite unique to experience.

Since the project’s debut back in 2012, Rangleklods has been praised my most global music outlets – from BBC Radio 1 and The Guardian through to The New York Times, Wonderland Magazine and The Line of Best Fit.

Rangleklods

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Linebug – Sideways (feat. Deutsches Filmorchester Babelsberg)

Acclaimed Danish indie-pop outfit Linebug return today with an interesting new collaboration featuring the Deutsche Filmorchester Babelsberg, entitled ‘Sideways’.

Written in the small German town of Zeitz, the song looks the complexities that we face in today’s world, and how easy it is for us to drift with no clear direction.

““Sideways” is a song about drifting without any steady direction – searching for identity in a world that is getting increasingly complex.”

‘Sideways’ marks an interesting point in this duo’s creative journey. Relocating from Copenhagen to the East German provinces in 2021, the musical collective of Line Bøgh and Christian Gundtoft have since then gone on to work on a new album, called ‘Fast Changing Landscapes’, which will be released on the 21st April.

Elaborating on the music video for ‘Sideways’, Bøgh explains:

“To visualise this story, Christian kind of re-animated the past of Zeitz! For this, he went treasure-hunting in the so-called ‘lost places’ in town and started sculpturing and animating all kinds of found objects. We did some experiments filming Line with stop-motion-technique, and in the end we had a strange but mesmerising portrait of a town – and a woman – drifting, hoping not to be forgotten.”

Linebug | Deutsches Filmorchester Babelsberg

Linebug Tour 2023

19.04 – Kaffeesatz, Chemnitz
20.04 – Stallwache / Westwerk, Leipzig
21.04 – Garden Concert, Dresden
22.04 – Walkmühle, Luckenwalde
27.04 – Kulturbad, Meinberg
28.04 – Samower Tea and Records, Lüneburg
29.04 – Forår på havnen, Haderslev (DK)

Mina Okabe – Talk to Me

Danish-Japanese artist Mina Okabe has well and truly become one of Scandinavia’s newest global stars.

While still only 22-years old, Okabe has already amassed almost 50 million catalogue streams while also commanding more than 700k monthly Spotify listeners.

Mina unveils her brand new EP today, entitled ‘Spinning Around’ (out now). Inspired by the ups and downs of life, the collection of songs serves as soundtrack to Mina’s personal journey over the last twelve months.

“The past year has gone by really fast – like a whirlwind of inspiration and creation in the best possible way. I feel that the many new and exciting experiences I have had can be heard in the songs I’ve written, expressing very different energies and emotions, from where I’m most vulnerable to a lighter feel of self-irony. And so, I thought ‘Spinning Around’ was a suiting title for this collection of songs.”

Lifted from the EP is Mina’s new single, ‘Talk to Me’. Interestingly, the song applies bossa nova notes onto a lo-fi indie production, which results in a sound that beautifully juxtaposes the dramatic intensity of Latin music with the controlled emotion of Nordic pop.

“‘Talk to Me’ is about the frustrating feeling that comes when someone you’re interested in is not opening up and is hard to read. I like how it stands out among my other songs – both lyrically and with the playful production – but most of all, because it gives me a feeling of confidence.”

Mina Okabe

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New Music: The Jürgen Clubs

The Jürgen Clubs might just be one of the hottest new indie names to emerge from Denmark this year.

Initially forming in 2021, this group of rockers create punchy songs that are both sonically energising and lyrically vivid.

Inspired by the topic of male impotence, new single ‘Soft’ was written after a time when lead singer Magnus went on a Tinder date – with an empty stomach and a little too much booze:

“The song is based on an evening when I wasn’t too proud of myself, and in the attempt to get a second chance, I invited her out to a restaurant while she’s on her way out the door. Of course she turned down that invitation a few days later.” – Magnus Grilstad, The Jürgen Clubs

Alongside the release of the track, the band have also unveiled an accompanying 80’s style music video for fans to enjoy.

With praise from the likes of Danish heavyweight magazine GAFFA under their belts, The Jürgen Clubs look set to take on their biggest year yet.

The Jürgen Clubs

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Astronaut – Heartless

Acclaimed Danish outfit Astronaut return today with a haunting new single that is sure to captivate even the most discerning listener.

Produced by Claudius Mittendorfer (who has also worked alongside the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Temples), the song presents us with beautiful fusion of dreamy indie and alternative pop.

“It’s about anyone who is misunderstood in some way, and trying to see beyond that. If we could read how each other actually feel, almost like a comic book superpower, the world would probably be more empathetic” – Martin Zeppelin, Astronaut

Astronaut have grown to become one of Denmark’s most prominent indie bands since the release of their 2019 debut album, ‘Silence One’. They are currently working on their next project, entitled ‘Kintsugi’, which is out on the 24th March 2023.

Astronaut

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Freddy Madson – Blue Rain

Rising independent artist Freddy Madson is back today with a sensational new release called ‘Blue Rain’.

Through an intelligent production process, Madson has somehow created a sound that is not only dreamy and soulful, but also cinematic, bold and future-forward. In short – you won’t have heard anything quite like this before.

“I was in a period where I was feeling blue on and off because my music career wasn’t taking off. I dwelled on it, started comparing myself to everyone else and talked about it, time after time. It affected myself deeply but most of all it affected the people I love. I realized I had to do something about it and turn things around.”

“I knew we were on to something in the studio when those big, wide piano chords hit and the beat came on. The chorus appeared quickly with me just repeating the words ‘Blue Rain’. When all the pieces came together I felt so empowered and I hope the listener will feel the same.”

Madson has spent the last six months in the studio working alongside acclaimed Danish producer Niels Christian Sommer Kjærgaard, and is currently finalising his debut EP, ‘Boys Never Cry’ (out 17th March).

Freddy Madson

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New Music: your hands

Danish newcomer your hands (aka Johannes Brandstrup) unveils a charming slice of mellow indie-pop with his new single, ‘down here waiting’.

Inspired by the small (but significant) surprises that come across us in our everyday lives, Brandstrup creates refreshingly authentic songs that are lyrically thoughtful and insightful. Speaking on his new single, he explains:

“I wanted to write a song about the youth and social life. My generation has become addicted to communicating with one another – which is good – but when you agree to meet up with someone it often creates a clash between expectation and respect of each other’s time. We rely on communication more than we rely on each other and I hope this catchy little pop song reflect those mellow thoughts and frustration of modern living.”

The track follows on from Brandstrup’s 2022 debut ‘floating’, which received acclaim from several music blogs from across the globe.

your hands

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New Music: jazzygold

The most exciting newcomer to emerge from Scandinavia this week has been jazzygold (aka Jasmin Mote).

Hailing from the Faroe Islands by way of Kenya, this R&B-soul starlet has just released a sensational new single called ‘boring like me’ that deserves your immediate attention.

“‘boring like me’ is the new soundtrack for your most self-sabotaging moments in life. You know you’re a 10, but you still settle with the bullsh*t from a 5. That’s what sparked a fire for the making of the track. The breakup leaves you in the exact position you knew it would, and the track captures the irony perfectly.”

Prior to her work as a solo artist, Mote was part of award-winning outfit JASMIN, who toured across the Nordic region and played at festivals as prominent as Uhørt and Sørveiv.

After leaving the group, Mote travelled to Stockholm and London to focus on her own sound, and has now finished a collection of ten songs that she is ready to share with the world. Keep an eye on this artist!

jazzygold

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Alexia Chambi – Nothing Happened (feat. Ralph Taylor)

Emerging genre-bending starlet Alexia Chambi joins forces with long-time collaborator Ralph Taylor on new single, ‘Nothing Happened’.

Based on real-life events, the song tells of a story involving Chambi and a boyfriend who had initiated an open relationship, only to regret his decision shortly after.

“‘Nothing Happened’ is a story based on true events, about a boyfriend who spontaneously requests an open relationship while being abroad but quickly calls back to express his regret.”

The track marks the beginning of a project that will see Chambi unveiling a string of singles throughout the year, eventually culminating in the release of a confessional EP entitled ‘Open Relationship’.

Alexia Chambi | Ralph Taylor

Blaue Blume – Crush

In recent years, Copenhagen three-piece Blaue Blume have established themselves as one of Denmark’s most influential and respected indie acts, with a catalogue of works totalling millions of streams globally.

They start the year with a shimmering new single, entitled ‘Crush’. Through its captivating fusion of indie-pop and art rock, the track serves as an inspiration for lovers to keep the excitement within their relationships alive – no matter how much life gets in the way.

“‘Crush’ is pretty much about getting your relationship to sparkle again when you both get stuck in all the practical stuff and everyday life. The song is about dancing and making out again with the one you went out of your way to get, reminding yourself that you really shouldn’t take love for granted. ‘Crush’ is a tribute to girlfriends and boyfriends.” – Jonas Schmidt, Blaue Blume

Blaue Blume are currently readying the release of their next EP, as well as a tour across Denmark which begins this spring.

Blaue Blume

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WIINSTON – care4

WIINSTON might well be our most featured Danish outfit from recent years, and with good reason.

This genre-bending Copenhagen duo have consistently delivered sounds that are future-forward and experimental, while also maintaining some pop sensibilities.

‘care4’ continues to showcase WIINSTON’s desire to push sonic boundaries, and fuses genres as diverse as indie, folk and R&B into a song that is not only unique and intriguing in style, but also emotive and authentic in character.

“‘care4’ is the perfect picture on how we currently define ourselves. It’s rooted in multiple genres like indie, folk, RnB and hip hop with inspiration from the soundscapes of cinema. When making music, to us, every aspect is equally important ‘cause when we limit ourselves to only one genre it doesn’t feel like we created anything, really – then we just remade something that already is. We aspire to make this our mutual philosophy in the studio.”

WIINSTON

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Big Spoon x EMI.KKO – Hush Money Scandal

Danish-Senegalese producer Big Spoon (aka Kinck) joins forces with emerging UK talent EMI.KKO on sultry new single ‘Hush Money Scandal’.

Fusing experimental pop with alternative R&B, the song showcases a sound that is future-forward, vibrant and confidently bold.

Two rising musicians in their own right, both Big Spoon and EMI.KKO have already garnered significant achievements.

As a songwriter, Big Spoon has worked with labels as iconic as Ultra Music and Sony Music, while EMI.KKO was first signed by Elton John’s Rocket Music.

Big Spoon | EMI.KKO

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Late Runner – Catch Your Eye (Organ Trio Version)

Acclaimed Danish artist Late Runner (aka Asger Tarpgaard) returns today with an interesting new project that is sure to excite fans of Scandinavian indie-pop.

Originally written back in 2017, the new Organ Trio version of ‘Catch Your Eye’ reworks the song into a perfected slice of nu-disco.

The track is lifted from a wider collection of works (out now) that have all received the Organ Trio treatment, of which Tarpgaard explains:

“The four songs are special organ trio-versions of Late Runner tracks. It’s more electronic than ‘the usual’ Late Runner sound. It’s somehow a detour before I’ll return to the more acoustically driven Late Runner sound later this year.”

Late Runner

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New Music: Morten Lava

We are kick-staring the day with one of the most exciting newcomers to have emerged this winter.

Already an accomplished producer, Danish-born Morten Lava has worked alongside artists as notable as JAE5, Skepta, Rema and Headie One.

Aside from his accomplished work behind the scenes, Morten is also a rising artist in his own right, and today’s unveiling of bouncy heartbreak-anthem ‘Fake It’ looks set to propel the London-based talent further into the spotlight.

“‘Fake It’ explores the late night melancholia of a past relationship, as Morten, originally from rural Denmark, deals with heartbreak in the big city.”

While accumulating more than 150k career streams to date, Morten has also played iconic London spaces like Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Abbey Road Studios and even sold out his own headline show at Islington’s Academy2.

Morten Lava

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New Music: No Project One

Denmark’s burgeoning indie scene continues to surprise and impress with today’s introduction of alt-rock duo No Project One.

As school friends on the island of Bornholm, Jesper Møller and Jakob Hjarsø would skip classes to work on their music.

Fast forward to 2023, and the two 23-year old musicians have just unveiled their anthemic debut single, ‘Connected’.

Bold, intense, epic and cinematic in character, the song serves as an impressive taster to the duo’s work. Explaining the track’s story, they elaborate:

“In a magical and somewhat coincidental way, ‘Connected’ ended up being the first No Project One-song. Its sound instantly hit this pure feeling in both of us – something that is both raw and powerful and an atmosphere you can step into. The lyrics sum up a theme of human connection and feeling comfortable in what you do, where you are and with whom. A moment where nothing else really matters.”

It’s rare to find a new outfit unleash their sound in such a confident and self-assured way. Be sure to keep these kids on your radars – they might be one of Denmark’s most interesting bands this year.

“To us, No Project One means that you rarely succeed in what you do the first time around – that everything must be tried and explored. This project reflects our abilities, curiosity and ideas that narratively tells the story of where we are and the fact, that this band is No Project One.”

No Project One

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New Music: Wiliam Torp

As far as emerging Scandinavian music goes, Denmark really has been a hotbed for talent this year, and William Torp is yet another case in point.

Lifted from an EP of the same name (out now), ‘still u’re all i’m thinking about’ is a beautifully atmospheric and intimate piece of indie-pop that feels emotive and captivating in equal measures.

Torp plays two live shows in January – Copenhagen’s Ideal Bar, and VinDanmark in Aarhus. Tickets can be found here.

Wiliam Torp

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Rebecca Lou – Heaven or Hell

Danish talent Rebecca Lou closes the year out with an epic anthem through her new single, ‘Heaven or Hell’.

The track makes an instant impact from the moment you press play, with Lou’s powerful vocals gliding over an energising and polished power-pop production.

No stranger to the Danish music scene, Lou has accumulated more than half a million career streams to date on Spotify alone.

Rebecca Lou

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ONBC – Ghost Town

ONBC have been a staple within Denmark’s indie-pop scene ever since the release of their 2015 debut project, ‘Crash, Burn & Cry’.

Lifted from their upcoming ‘Dark Matter’ album (out next year), new single ‘Ghost Town’ is a dark, haunting, mysterious and melancholic song that’s all about growing up in a small and quiet town.

With a trademark sound that blends alternative and cinematic music together, ONBC have amassed a loyal fanbase throughout the years and amassed hundreds of thousands of cumulative streams across digital players.

ONBC

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Looney Gloomers – Faking Paintings

Acclaimed Danish outfit Looney Gloomers have been building a steady momentum ever since the release of their debut record, ‘House of Dying Days‘ last year.

Credited with forming a new style of indie called ‘New Now’, this emerging collective of singers and multi-instrumentalists return with an explosive new single today entitled ‘Faking Paintings’.

The track finds the Copenhagen & London-based group confronting the struggles of modern-day living, as they explain:

“This song confronts the inner saboteur that keeps you awake at night. The hero of ‘Faking Paintings’ is in a fog of self-doubt, trapped in a limbo of never knowing whether he’s in or out – an uncertainty that quickly turns into anger and slowly but surely develops into; self-loathing. It’s a struggle that many young people go through today and a torment we should talk more openly about.”

The song is lifted from the band’s forthcoming sophomore ‘Between Good Friends’ album, which is scheduled for release on 30th November 2022.

Looney Gloomers

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