Norwegian Music - New Music

New Music: Mörmaid

It’s been a hot minute since we featured top-rate Scandinavian electronica, but that dry spell is well and truly over with the introduction of Norwegian artist Mörmaid.

‘Manicfest’ is a banger and an anthem in equal measures. This is a bop that reminds you the weekend is just around the corner, and deserves to be on everyone’s playlists!

“‘Manicfest’ is a reflection piece on the increasing trend of manifesting, and how I feel like it’s mostly a trend amongst people who already have a lot but still want more. It’s not really a criticism of the practice, but rather a question mark. The song also touches on the themes of overconsumption and the ambition to always climb higher, never being fully content even when you reach your goals.”

Alongside her own compositions, Mörmaid has also worked with the likes of Ben Alexander, Tobi Duchampe, Jenny Alien and Brand New Moon. We think this is one Scandi talent whose momentum will continue to grow over the coming months… one to watch!

Mörmaid

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New Music: Fig Tape

Track of the week. At the forefront of emerging Norwegian electronic talent is Oslo-based Fig Tape, who has just released an impressive new single called ‘Boundaries’.

While the track presents listeners with an experimental and future-forward style of production, it also maintains a playful pop sensibility that makes it feel relatable and fun to experience.

With more than 425k career streams and recognition from national heavyweights like Norway’s P3 Radio, it’s looking likely that Fig Tape will become one of Scandinavia’s newest musical exports.

Fig Tape

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Vorsen – Looking Back

Acclaimed indie-pop talent Vorsen (aka Oliver Halvorsen) returns with one of the catchiest songs of the summer.

‘Looking Back’ finds the British-Norwegian musician and producer casually reminiscing over his past relationships – and in doing so, reminds us that with every failed romance comes an opportunity for personal growth.

“‘Looking Back’ was written from an impartial viewpoint of reflecting upon old love. Everyone has at some point romanticised past relationships and wondered how things would be in the present given the amount you have both evolved over the years. However, it’s a paradoxical way of thinking because you wouldn’t be who you are now without the learning and change (bad or good) that undergoes during those relationships, which is a beautiful thing in its own right. So ultimately, that way of thinking is in some ways flawed and that’s a large part of what this song is about – recognising and accepting things that have happened in the past rather than tirelessly picking them apart and countless ‘what ifs’”.

Impressively, the song was written, performed and produced buy Vorsen himself in East London. Fans can look forward to an upcoming EP, which is scheduled for release on the 20th October.

Vorsen will also join Christof van der Ven on tour across Europe later this year – more details can be found here.

Vorsen

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Orions Belte – When You’re Gone I’ll Be Gone (feat. Louien)

Orions Belte have well and truly marked themselves as Norway’s favourite indie-rock trio, and today’s collaboration with emerging Scandi starlet Louien will only further boost their popularity.

Interestingly, ‘When You’re Gone I’ll Be Gone’ portrays a spectrum of emotions. On the one hand, the song feels fragile, melancholic and sombre, while on the other it displays subtle hints of innocence and playfulness.

Orions Belte‘s popularity has risen sharply since their 2019 cover of Ghostface Killah’s iconic ‘Cherchez La Ghost’ (listen here). Fans can look forward to the band’s next album, ‘Women’, which is scheduled for release on the 6th October.

Orions Belte | Louien

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New Music: NOEL

We’ve got a phenomenal new Scandinavian talent to share with you today, who is almost certain to hit the global mainstream very soon.

Hailing from Stockholm, NOEL is a Norwegian-Swedish singer and songwriter who transitioned into the world of music after a knee injury halted his progress into becoming a footballer.

‘When You’re Not Mine’ serves as a powerful anthem for the broken-hearted, and is sure to resonate with huge swathes of listeners across the world.

“‘When You’re Not Mine’ was one of the first songs I wrote on my songwriting journey, and it has sort of progressed over time, just like me. It started as a break-up song, but it didn’t feel honest since I haven’t really been in love before. After rewriting the lyrics, it evolved into a personal story about longing for a special someone. Now, over a year later and after many late nights, I think we finally got it right, and I’m very proud of it. This song is for my future person.“

The song was written alongside prominent songwriters Johan Lindbrandt and Freddy Alexander, as well as Alfitude favourite Clara Mae.

NOEL

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Vorsen – Evil

British-Norwegian singer and songwriter Vorsen (aka Oliver Halvorsen) unveils his latest single today, called ‘Evil’.

The song was written and produced by the artist at his London home, and is lyrically inspired by the concept of ignorance. Additional vocals are provided by The Staves member Camilla Stavely-Taylor,

“‘Evil’ is a shimmering vignette about yearning for blissful ignorance in the face of harsh reality. A hopeful longing that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.” – Vorsen

Vorsen plans to release a new EP soon. In the meantime, listeners can explore his other songs here.

Vorsen

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New Music: Kissimjau

We are starting the week with an absolute banger from rising Norwegian pop starlet, Kissimjau.

‘2 HOT 4 THIS (let’s do shots!)’ is a song that’s just as wild as its title implies. Sonically fusing drum’n’bass with electronic pop, the track serves as an anthem of empowerment for anyone who is stuck in a toxic relationship.

To date, Kissimjau has amassed more than three million likes on TikTok and over 600k streams on Spotify from only a handful of releases.

With an ever-growing fanbase, as well as support from tastemakers all across the world, Kissimjau might just end up being one of Scandinavia’s biggest musical exports this year.

Kissimjau

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amilost – Introspective Souvenirs

It’s a special day for Norwegian-British group amilost, who have just unveiled their debut EP, entitled ‘Introspective Souvenirs’ (listen here).

Among the collection of beautifully written tracks on the record is new single ‘Maybe It’s You’, which explores our inner strengths – and how they can help us overcome life’s challenges.

Through its distinct approach to indie-pop, the song presents listeners with an energising and invigorating sonic experience.

The trio describe their new EP as ‘an inner journey and the emotional souvenirs we pick up along the way. It’s a collection of songs centred around four themes: anxiety, love, escapism and aspiration.”

We first featured amilost back in May with their stunning Parallax Orchestra collaboration, ‘The Good Kind of Love‘ (listen here).

amilost is the London-based musical collaborative project of musicians Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen, Ross Craib and Charlie Fowler.

amilost

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New Music: amilost

London-based trio amilost is a musical collaboration between Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen, Ross Craib and Charlie Fowler. Together, these three artists create cinematic and immersive pieces of pop that are both captivating and emotive to experience.

New single ‘The Good Kind of Love’ is lifted from the group’s upcoming ‘Introspective Souvenirs’ debut EP, and features none other than Parallax Orchestra themselves. Lyrically, the song looks at the dynamic between two lovers who seem to have a missing connection with each another.

“We want other people to channel their pain and their questions through listening to our songs.” – Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen

Aside from amassing thousands of catalogue streams to date, amilost’s music has picked up support from outlets as respected as NRK P3 and Amazing Radio, while also being featured on prominent playlists like Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’ and ‘Fresh Finds: Pop’.

amilost | Parallax Orchestra

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Ben Alexander – Rush (feat. Arya)

Norwegian artist, songwriter and producer Ben Alexander unveils an impressive new collaboration today alongside Italo-Venezuelan artist Arya.

With its finessed fusion of synth, pop, alternative R&B and mellow electronica, ‘Rush’ presents listeners with a dreamy and sensual sound that feels both timeless and future-forward in equal measures.

Recorded in Milan, the song’s inspiration comes from the feelings of euphoria and adrenaline that one can experience when they first fall for someone. So if you’re looking for a love anthem to play this weekend – this is the song for you!

Ben Alexander | Arya

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Aiida – Stupid Perfect

Norwegian singer-songwriter Aiida unleashes an almighty pop banger just in time for the weekend, entitled ‘Stupid Perfect‘.

Lyrically inspired by the anxious thoughts that one can feel when they first fall for someone special, the song’s relatable lyrics and memorable melody are accompanied by a punchy and rousing production.

“‘Stupid Perfect’ is about that initial freakout while dating a special someone that just works, but you find yourself over analysing and expecting the worst. I wrote this song based on my past experience and I know that many of us out there feel the same way about new relationships.”

Aiida’s songs have been featured on national outlets Norway ‘s NRK P3 and NRK MP3, as well as on playlists as prominent as Spotify’s Fresh Finds and New Music Friday Norway. To date, the artist has impressively amassed more than 260k catalogue streams.

Aiida plays Hotel Ziggy in West Hollywood on the 10th May – tickets can be found here.

Aiida

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New Music: Janos

We are beginning our weekend festivities with a brilliant slice of Scandinavian pop, courtesy of Norwegian outfit Janos.

‘DOWN LOW’ treats listeners to an uplifting and energising sonic experience, and features elements of nostalgia-tinged disco, indie and pop. Through its shimmering production, the song reminds us of the sunny days that lie ahead.

“It’s the promise of summer in a cold spring.”

While still relative newcomers, Janos have already amassed more than 150k career streams to date on Spotify, while also receiving critical acclaim from the likes of Variance Magazine, Celebmix and Earmilk.

Janos

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New Music: Carl :Cries

We’re going to be completely honest and tell you that we have no idea who is behind Norwegian-Swedish duo Carl :Cries, but once you play their debut single, ‘On My Mind’, you’ll know exactly why we are so excited with this outfit.

Lifted from the band’s forthcoming ‘Stranger In My Bed’ EP (out 28th April, pre-save here), the song serves as a masterclass in Swedish indie-pop.

Inspired by the the traumas from a previous relationship, the track’s dark, melancholic and emotive production is nothing short of sonic perfection.

“The feeling to distract yourself and keep your eyes open, then when you close them she’s on your mind.”

Carl :Cries

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MAIH – The Movie of Us

We are quite certain that MAIH will become one of Norway’s next big pop talents, and the release of her new single only further affirms our opinion.

‘The Movie of Us’ presents listeners with a punchy sound that seamlessly fuses an uptempo electro-pop production with a pensive vocal delivery.

“‘The Movie of Us’ is a song about a love that’s nothing like the movies, but that still feels like a movie. It’s hard and frustrating, but still very real. It’s definitely a song you can both cry and dance to!”

With more than 78k streams from the release of just three singles to date, MAIH is one Nordic artist on the rise!

MAIH

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Hanne Mjøen – Hard To Love (feat. Ryland James)

Not many Norwegian alt-pop artists have made as much impact globally as Hanne Mjøen has over these last few years.

Today marks her return with a powerful new single that features the talents of Ryland James, entitled ‘Hard To Love’.

Beautifully melancholic and refreshingly honest in tone, the song looks at the emotional vulnerabilities that start to appear when we find ourselves connecting with someone special.

”’Hard To Love’ tells the tale of being a complex person. Everyone has bad sides and struggles and through the lyrics I wanted to put mine on the table, letting the one you love know that if you want a love of eternal sunshine, I’ll give you the opposite. I’ll make it hard for you to love me cause unfortunately I’m not a perfect person either.”

Mjøen has received recognition from international outlets and tastemaker publications as prominent as Fader, NRK P3, Line Of Best Fit and many more. Meanwhile, rising artist Ryland James already commands more than 250k monthly Spotify listeners.

Hanne Mjøen | Ryland James

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MIIA – Skin of a Fool (feat. Vaarin)

Fans of dark melancholic pop will be delighted with Norwegian artists MIIA and Vaarin’s new collaboration, ‘Skin of a Fool’.

Quintessentially Scandinavian in its production style, the song’s mystifying soundscape lures listeners in to a world that is haunting and tense, while the powerful lyrics encourage us to break free from the insecurities that hold us down.

“I didn’t know Vaarin that well, but I admired her. Her truth was just so clear to me. Not only are her melodies beyond special and sincere – she also takes risks and isn’t afraid to make the listener a bit uncomfortable. We wrote “Skin of a Fool” during a vulnerable conversation about feelings we had felt surrounding not being good enough. Our producer, Joachim ‘J RYGGS’, already had these enchanting chords that immediately spoke to us. You need to allow darkness to ‘get out’ of it. And sometimes, in order to do that, you need to know that you’re not alone. You need to let love in – and only when you do that – you can finally be free.” – MIIA

Both MIIA and Vaarin have had exceptional rises to fame within their home nation and globally. MIIA has amassed more than 150 million catalogue streams to date, while Vaarin’s work consistently draws over 14k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

MIIA | Vaarin

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New Music: Nelly Moar

Track of the week. Hailing from the Norwegian city of Bergen is Nelly Moar, who rapidly building momentum as one of Scandinavia’s most exciting R&B newcomers.

A trained jazz vocalist, Moar delivers a style of music that fuses dark pop with dreamy, soulful R&B tones. The resulting sounds are atmospheric, intense and beautifully captivating.

Amassing more than 150k career streams to date from the release of just one EP, it’s clear to see that Moar is one Nordic star on the rise.

Nelly Moar

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New Music: Elfrida

Hailing from Norway is singer, songwriter, producer, technician and composer Elfrida (aka Grete-Johanne Torvholm), who is a rising talent specialising in a style of music labelled as ‘arctic electronica’.

Sonically sparse yet perfectly constructed, Elfrida’s work contrasts minimalist sounds with raw and sincere lyricism.

‘Descend’ is likely to be one of the most thoughtful songs you’ll experience this week. Inspired by the inner conflicts of a neurodivergent mind, the lyrics offer listeners an insight into the artist’s world.

“All my life I’ve been a bit different, stood out in a crowd. I was a curious child, and others saw that as an opportunity to try and break me. I have ADHD and ‘Descend’ describes how my mind works – typically on a bad day. I don’t believe you have to have ADHD to relate, I think everybody feels this way from time to time. Creating music is a therapeutic process for me, and my vision is that my music can help others understand themselves better, and consequently develop a healthier relationship to their mind, soul, and body.”

Elfrida

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Jouska – Fragrance

As one of Norway’s most exciting alternative starlets, Oslo’s Jouska has consistently treated listeners to eccentric sounds that push sonic boundaries while still maintaining some pop sensibilities.

Lifted from Jouska’s upcoming ‘Suddenly My Mind Is Blank’ album (out 17th Feb), ‘Fragrance’ presents us with a dreamy and melodic (albeit lyrically bold) slice of experimental electro-pop.

“‘Fragrance’ is probably the most honest song I’ve ever written. I was feeling like such a loser when I wrote it. Usually I like to play with metaphors and hide behind my words when I write songs, but Fragrance turned out really personal and direct.”

London-based fans can catch Jouska on the 15th March at Stoke Newington’s The Waiting Room – tickets can be found here.

Jouska

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New Music: NINV

As a rising artist and producer from Norway, NINV (aka Nina Ugland) is responsible for crafting some of the most interesting blends of electronica and pop to emerge from Scandinavia.

Inspired by the notion of just ‘letting go’, experimental new single ‘Only We Know‘ serves as NINV’s first single of the year, and as a taster for more releases scheduled over the coming months.

With support from the likes of Under The Radar and Norwegian national radio NRK P3, NINV will be one Nordic name to watch for in 2023.

NINV

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