A few weeks ago I suggested some tracks for American Express to feature on their pages, and they’ve come up with a really quite brilliant playlist of emerging Scandinavian artists.
Best of all, it’s all free to download, and features some of my absolute favourites like Johan Reinhold and Fallulah!
… is one for Young Dream’s new single. I’m not sure why I’m drawn to the story behind this, I just think it grips you in to a different world.
Eclectic and stylish Norwegian pop that would sound perfect in a dark and hot club somewhere late at night. Check out here.
This is the song going through to represent Norway at this year’s Eurovision. I’m a little shocked at how good it is; not all the songs from the other countries have been chosen yet but this is already getting my vote. Something out of this world would have to happen for me to change my mind. Go Margaret Berger.
I had no idea that this Scandinavian duo were behind Shontelle’s ‘Impossible’. I learn something new on Scandipop every time I go on there. Anyway, their new track is brilliant.
The last twelve months have shown a really strong emergence fantastic indie pop to come out of Norway. Norwegian acts seem to be mastering the skill of blending folk with very edgy, dark beats to create something pretty intense that still somehow manages to sound… cute… This band does just that. Check out here.
Norway’s biggest indie band (and one of my personal favourites) Team Me are releasing a new EP entitled ‘Female Lead’, out now. Check out this track from the record!
It’s been one of those Mondays that make you wonder where you’re going in life… Anyway, this came to me in an email and it’s nice to listen to. Its the remix package for Pelifics’ “Wish It Could Last” featuring Electric Youth. There are remixes from Marius Vareid, Octo Octa, Poindexter and Sweet Track.
Well this is good… Some very fine Norwegian disco courtesy of Lindstrøm.
One of the more quirkier bands to come out of Scandinavia, Norway’s Katzenjammer have amassed a global fanbase since the release of their debut album ‘Le Pop’ back in 2009. Now heading to the UK to play several cities (including London on the 31st October), the band have been through one of my quickfire question and answer sessions. Take a read!
So Katzenjammer, you seem to have a worldwide following at the moment, but how would you describe yourselves to people who’ve never heard your sound before?
We´re a genreless band. Meaning that there are no boundaries when it comes to our music, and that´s why it´s so difficult to describe it. It´s a mix of how the four of us sees the world. But if it must be put under a tag, it would probably be under alternative pop/rock/folk music. If you add a bit of craziness and 15 acoustic instruments on top of that, you´re pretty close to Katzenjammer.
What musical styles inspire your songs?
We´re very different when it comes to taste in music. Some are more into classical music and electronica and others are into blues, rock, and folk music. So we´re pretty much inspired by anything. We´ve got a few common references though, like Tom Waits, old Disney music and western folk music.
And thinking aside from music, what else in life inspires you to write songs?
Movies! People! Paintings! The World!
Your albums have all gone top ten in your home country of Norway; what is it about your music that you think connects with the Norwegian music market?
It´s something new and different. And I think since our genre pool is so diverse, almost everyone can relate to at least one Katzenjammer song. And folk music has been generally popular in Norway tfor the past few years.
And this is a question I ask pretty much all Scandinavian artists; what is it about Scandinavia that makes it such an amazing place for creating great music?
I don´t know really, maybe it´s the cold weather and the darkness? A lot of depressive emotions gotta be expressed in some ways I guess. And there´s a lot of great music schools and opportunities for those who want to discover the musician within themselves. In addition to that all the Scandinavian countries are wealthy nations and it´s quite easy to get financial support through scholarships. That means it´s actually possible to live the dream.
Where’s your favourite place to tour?
England of course!
Are you looking forward to playing in London?
Yes! London is one of the highlights of the tour. AND it´s halloween so we have to figure out what to wear…
Find out more about Katzenjammer and the UK tour happening right now here.
One of the quirkiest venues in London hosted one of the quirkiest musical stars to come out of Norway for some years. In a sold out church, Bernhoft worked a crowd to their feet with a handful of guitars and a couple of mics. Not an easy thing to do; this was probably one of the more fun gigs I’ve been to this year. Good stuff.
