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.
Norwegian based chilled synth-pop duo. Single’s out November 26th. Check out here.
Trust those Norwegians to come up with a title for a song so long and amazing that it makes you have to listen to the track. It’s the new video by Alfitude favourites, Team Me, and is called ‘With My Hands Covering Both of My Eyes I Am Too Scared to Have A Look At You Now’. The single is the final to be taken from debut album ‘To The Treetops’, and will be released on October 29 2012.
I love this song by Norwegian songstress Ane Brun but the video is way too intense for a Wednesday afternoon. Gorgeous song though.
Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to something of a Norwegian vocal sensation. I’m talking about Bernhoft– I did feature him quite a while back but he’s coming to London in October, and it seemed like a good chance to throw some quickfire questions at the chap. It’s not as glamorous (or kinky) as the one he did with Ellen, but you know…
You’ve got a really distintive sound, how did you realise that this was the direction you wanted to pursue musically?
It kinda chose me to be honest. After my old band fell to pieces, the plan was to study teaching and grow up. However, through a hidden message in the Fresh album, Sly Stone commanded me to start writing, recording and gigging again. You don’t sah no to Sly.
Who are your musical idols, and why?
Bartok, Stevie Wonder and Keith Jarrett, for their brilliance. Keith Richards for attitude.
Your video for C’mon Talk has been seen well over a million times on YouTube- how was the response been to your music been since?
Pretty much the same as it was with 20.000 views, only coming from more people.
Why do you think there’s so much exciting music coming of out Scandinavia in the last few years?
Simple answer to that; we’re stinking rich and can afford to spend time making said music.
You’re playing London’s Union Chapel on the 15th October- are you looking forward to playing in London?
Yeah, Londoners are a tough crowd, very jaded in that so much goes on and they won’t take no shit. But I find that they love the things they like, so I’ll have to work hard. And I love that venue!
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Nothing but churning out future evergreens. I’ll leave the rest to chance.
Bernhoft plays London’s Union Chapel on October 15th 2012. I’ll be there, and so should you! Find out more here.
This is the sort of sound that is so atmospheric and big and dark that it just leaves you breathless. Check out here.
Im surprised with myself for not mentioning Karin Park on this site before, because I do love her. She ticks all my boxes. This is her new song, it’s all Scandinavian and epic, just the way I like it. The voice is a little Fever Ray, don’t you think?
Fresh indie pop from Norway. Check out here.
I’m not sure why I like this, but I do. There’s a sadness to it but it’s still a bit fun. Check out here.
Catchy indie pop from Norway. Check out here.
The Oslo producer’s newest EP, “Lifetime Vol.2”, features JD Samson of MEN and formerly of Le Tigre, Italy via Berlin hotpot Miss Plug Inn and Montreal duo AXXE.
Good new Norwegian electropop. Check out here.
This is a special song because it mixes two big Scandinavian pop stars together- Norwegian Tone Damli and Swedish Eric Saade. The result is perfect, harmless pop.
Norwegian acoustic pop. Check out here.
A reworking by Oslo-based Todd Terje.
Don’t play this video if you’ve just had your dinner!
This is filthy but I love it and it’s sure to go viral quicker than you can say ‘gonorrhea’. It’s by Norwegian duo ‘The Products’. Check out here.
You can catch Dry The River at the next Energy Session (sponsored by Relentless Energy Drink) which is taking place at the Garage, Islington on the 15th of April and hosted by the guys at Time Out Live.
The Anglo/Norwegian four piece are on the cusp of great things, with an up-coming Shepherds Bush Empire gig in the offing and their debut album, Shallow Bed, set to drop in early March with their blend of emotion and musicality.
We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky reader. All you need to do is email alfitudecomps@gmail.com with ‘Dry The River’ on the subject line, and we’ll pick a winner on Thursday 12th April 2012 and contact you.
Otherwise, tickets are available at £5 from the Garage’s website.
Norwegian pop from Lise Karlsnes.
