Artists
Manna (Finland)
Mariam "Manna" Jäntti, born in Paris to a Finnish mother and an Algerian father, now based in Helsinki Finland, has released her critically acclaimed album: Songs Of Hope And Desire. Mixing influences that pass decades, Manna effortlesly combines musical elements from punk rock to dreamy folk creating, a unique and powerful sound. Her first singles: "Truth Song" and "Some Girls, Some Boys" helped garner great attention among the UK press and industry and she's already picked up by the likes of Mojo, The Sunday Times Culture, Q magazine, Record of The Day, MTV UK and Myspace editorial.
In Manna's own words: " I am not interested in creating anything except heartfelt music, it can be either beautiful or just plain aggressive - often both. I grew up listening as much folk, soul and blues music than I loved the early New York punk scene bands. Anyway, there should be no rules when it comes to making music, it's when you let go of them and follow your intuition that it starts getting interesting. Sound is god and I love mu...
No And The Maybes (Denmark)
“Their sunny vocals lean towards The Magic Numbers, but instrumentally they evoke the early Cure, 1979 XTC and Aztec Camera. They’re a winner.” MOJO Magazine, UK No and the Maybes are a Danish chamber pop ensemble formed in 2007. They have set their sights on creating vivid, engaging yet thoughtful music with an after kick, taking inspiration from warm 60s sounds through to more synthetic 80s New Wave music.
No and the Maybes make it their obligation to bring something fresh and exciting to the table, celebrating that little extra something to catch your attention and make you fall in love: surprising hand claps, finger snaps, a choir arrangement or an unexpected instrumentation.
Their DIY principles mean that everything they produce is lovingly stamped with their own unique signature, be it their music and videos. Similarly their live set breaks down the conventional lead singer set-up and gives way to a more democratic use of the stage, the band forming a line with a standing drummer and all members sharing vocal duties. No and the Maybes' ...
Snorri Helgason (Iceland)
I’m Gonna Put My Name On Your Door is the solo debut album by leading Icelandic singer-songwriter Snorri Helgason.
It’s an album of soulful folk, energetic chorus-pop, somber ballads and glam-funk. These are mostly love-songs and songs that deal with the insecurities and uncertainties that plague the life of the musician. These are confessional, sincere and well-crafted songs performed with the intensity and power they deserve.
Snorri Helgason has been a leading figure in the Icelandic indie-pop scene for years through his band Sprengjuhöllin. Sprengjuhöllin released two critically and commercially acclaimed albums, topping many year-end lists, winning Snorri an Icelandic Music Award for Best Song in early 2008 and reaching platinum and gold status respectively.
When Sprengjuhöllin went on hiatus in early 2009 Snorri decided to record a solo album focusing on the folk and soul music influences at the center of his musical tastes.
Entitled I’m Gonna Put My Name On Your Door it was released in the fall of 2009 to rav...
Sólstafir (Iceland)
Sólstafir were formed by 3 friends, Aðalbjörn Tryggvason, Halldór Einarsson and Guðmundur Óli Pálmason in January 1995. Later that year the band recorded it’s first demo tape “Í Norðri” and at the end of the year the band hit the studio again to record what was to become the second demo “Til Valhallar”.
“Til Valhallar” was never released as a demo though and 4 of the 6 songs were released as a MCD by View Beyond Records. It was later re-released in 2002 with all the 6 songs.
In 1999 Sólstafir entered the studio to record it’s debut full length album. By that time Halldór had left the band and in 1997 and 1998 Sólstafir had released two promos as a two piece.
For the recording of the debud full length Sólstafir had recruted Svavar Austmann as Halldór’s replacement. Although the recording of “Í Blóði og Anda” had started in 1999 the album wasn’t released until 2002, due to end...
Vreid (Norway)
The Pitch Black Brigade were formed back in 2004 after the demise of legendary Norwegian band Windir. Vreid has marched on ever since without looking back . 4 albums and 200 shows later they have established themselves as a strong force with an unique sound, and a massive live act. They operate in a landscape where Norwegian extreme metal has entwined with classic rock rooted from the 70ties & 80ties, and has been dubbed as Black & Roll. Their latest Album “Milorg”, released through Indie Recordings early 2009, has become their greatest success and a monument for the band. The press gave it raving reviews, and the band worked the album by doing more than 50 shows. They did an headlining European Tour, joined Death metal veterans Pestilence as special guest on their comeback tour, played main stage at major festivals such as Wacken, Brutal Assault, Zwarte Cross, Summer Breeze, Inferno & Oslo Live, as well as doing a very successful 4 weeks North America Tour.
For 2010 the band will do some selected shows like the Bylarm in Norway, Metal Hammer Fest ...
THUNDERSTONE (Finland)
Formed in early 2000 by ex-speed/thrash Antidote guitarist Nino Laurenne as a project, his first demo was recorded at his personally owned Sonic Pump Studios. With a growing awareness of the project's potential, a commitment was made to create a full-fledged band. Laurenne then recruited former Antidote bandmate Titus Hjelm on bass and backing vocals, Pasi Rantanen on vocals and Mirka Rantanen on drums. By the summer of 2001, Kari Tornack joined the ranks as keyboardist, and THUNDERSTONE evolved into a quintet. With a demo in circulation garnishing positive praise and the new line-up concentrating on writing new music, things came to the inevitable head in the Fall of 2001: Nuclear Blast's attention was captured, a record deal was secured, and THUNDERSTONE rushed into the studio within two weeks of the ink drying.
When THUNDERSTONE's self-titled debut hit worldwide audiences in 2002, the buzz proved to be loud. Recorded at Laurenne's Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland (with Laurenne as guitarist, producer, and engineer) and mixed by Mikko Karmila (Children Of Bodom, A...
Katzenjammer (NO)
Norwegian all-female foursome KATZENJAMMER are set to release their debut album LE POP in North America an UK in May 2010.
Le Pop, which was produced by Kåre Westrheim and Mike Hartung (known for their work with notable Norwegian artists Marit Larsen and Superfamily), showcases the ladies eclectic blend of genres, which one Norwegian reviewer described as ”a mix between Eastern European folk music, B-52s, the sisters Kate & Anna McGarrigle, seasick bluegrass, country blues and a carnival orchestra on the run.” Le Pop not only earned Katzenjammer a nomination for “Newcomer of the Year” at the Norwegian Grammy Awards, but also the distinct honor of opening the show with their hit single “A Bar In Amsterdam.”
The quartet first stormed the States with their circus of a live show in Austin at SXSW last year, where they commanded the attention of industry types and music lovers alike with their raucous ...
Bodebrixen (DK)
Entering the world of Bodebrixen, means entering the lives of Andreas and Aske. Two Danish boys, whose hearts beat for music that makes you want to dance and smile, and acknowledge your true geeky self. The love for happy and unpretentious pop music, and the nature of the boys means that this band is a unique exception in Denmark.
The boys met in 2006 at a jazz summer camp. As they decided to team up, they entered MySpace, and within three weeks they landed a record deal. In the following period, Bodebrixen had a lot of media attention. Due to the musical profile of the one radio station that Denmark has, namely ‘Guitar Hero-rehearsal rock’, they did not get played as much as they ought to. The horror!
Despite this fact, people have gone to the concerts, and Bodebrixen now has a firm reputation of making a worthwhile experience every time they play live.
The music is placed in the tension field between I’m From Barcelona and The Whitest Boy Alive. The song writing in Bodebrixen ta...
Hafdis Huld (Iceland
An internationally focused artist, Hafdis Huld has started 2010 on a high, having been chosen to play the 2010 Midem Talent Showcase in Cannes in January, By:larm Festival showcases in Oslo in February and the influential Ja Ja Ja night in London in March.
These are just the latest events in a busy music career so far. Hafdis toured the world at the age of 15 with the Icelandic band Gus Gus and later went on to be a featured vocalist with F C Kahuna, co-writing the hits 'Hayling' and 'Machine say yes'.
Her debut solo album, 'Dirty Paper Cup' came out on UK independent label Red Grape (and Ocean in France & Spain) late 2006. It received gushing reviews across Europe and was voted 'Best Pop Album of the Year' at the Icelandic Music Awards.
Since 2007, she has regularly toured the UK and Europe and played at key festivals, including Glastonbury, The Big Chill, Secret Garden, In The City, Camden Crawl (all UK) SXSW (USA), Hultsfred ...
Ungdomskulen (Norway)
Norwegian trio Ungdomskulen - Frode Kvinge Flatland, Kristian Stockhaus and Øyvind Solheim - wanted to rock on a regular basis and so they did. After writing a bunch of songs in their fish house studio in Bergen, they recorded their debut album Cry Baby which was released in 2007 to widespread acclaim.
Since the release of Cry Baby, Ungdomskulen has toured the globe, including two UK tour with their biggest fans, Young Knives and shows at CMJ and SXSW festivals in the US.
A few weeks prior to the recording of their second album Bisexual, the band’s rehearsal space burned down to the ground. This incident had a great impact on the trio, but eager to show the world that they could stand against anything, they got inspired to work even harder to get ready for recording.
Proof of this phoenix from the flames inspiration is found in stunning new single, Idunno - the first track to be taken from Bisexual. Centred around Kristian’s blistering guitar riff, Idunno is one part, At The Drive-In experimental chaos and on...
The Good The Bad (Denmark)
The Good The Bad are neither just good, nor bad - and they're definitely not ugly. They’re three Danish desperados, bringing the finest New School Surf & Flamenco to the worthy masses.
In fact, their lip-trembling, bone-rattling, hip-shaking dirty cool has been increasing the birth-rate in Denmark by the day ever since their own explosive conception just one year ago.
That’s why in such a short time, TGTB were invited to play Roskilde Festival, German showcase festival Popkomm in Berlin and a Christmas mini-tour in London, followed by a quick jaunt to Norway. In 2009, after more English fun at Liverpool Sound City, Hop Farm Festival and a Harley Davidson European Rally in Latvia, TGTB rocked THE KILLERS aftershow party after their Royal Albert Hall gig in London.
When they’re not touring Europe, The Good The Bad can be found blowing the faces off people in their native city of Copenhagen, where they’ve impressed the more established underground scene and gained a firm fan-base.
The band includes The Adam (Baby Wo...
Vuk (Finland)
Vuk is a Finnish-American artist whose unique music carries sonic strains that weave themselves into a rich, colorful tapestry of experimental rock, Balkan vocal music, meticulously layered organ harmonies, exuberantly inventive instrumentation and polyrhythmic walls of Vodou percussion. Her songs explore inner, fictional landscapes sculpted by dreams, sex, trauma, death and spiritual ecstasy. Live, Vuk expands into a percussion-and-organ-driven quartet, and the sound of the pump organ takes center stage next to Vuk's startling voice.
Some quotes on Vuk's latest album. "The Plains":
"This radiant album operates on a level above dry platitudes, and with its power, renders meaningless any demands that would inhibit its growth or diminish its complexity."****
-Soundi
"[Vuk is] responsible for one of the most imaginative, creative releases this year. [...] New layers and details constantly surface"
- Peter Krogholm, allscandinavian.com
"an incredibly arranged masterpie...
The Leaves (Iceland)
Formed early in 2001 The Leaves began when Arnar Guðjónsson and Hallur Már Hallsson rented a house in downtown Reykjavík. Arnar had been in a popular band but had songs in stock which didn’t fit their style. Through a series of coincindences the demos ended up at the offices of record labels in London and Los Angeles which immediately showed interest. Old friends; Arnar Ólafsson (guitar, vocals), Andri Ásgrímsson (keys) and Bjarni Grímsson (drums) began playing the songs with Arnar and Hallur and soon the band was formed. After some pondering the group settled on Leaves as an apt name. Referring to Five Leaves Left, the first album of English legend Nick Drake.
Leaves practiced mercilessly and played their first gig at a converted art gallery at the Airwaves festival in october 2001. The bands show garnered instant praise from Iceland’s music press which indicated what was to follow. A critic from The New York Times was impressed with the bands performance and Hallur appeared in an interview in the n...
Sudden Weather Change (Iceland)
Sudden Weather Change are a five piece band from Iceland, who don't whine in made-up languages or run around naked in forests (well, they might actually do the latter). Where indie music in the last decade has moved slowly away from the early 90s alternative rock ethic (no computers! no classical instruments! lots of guitars and noise!), Sudden Weather Change embrace that ideology and turn up their amps to make sure the three guitars and bass feedback like crazy.
Their songwriting may remind people of the more complex side of Sonic Youth - with hypnotizing guitar lines interweaving with a solid bass and drum combo to create a huge wall of sound which goes perfectly with their none-sensical yet strangely cohesive lyrics that could make any literature buff go nuts. However, their attitude on stage might bring to mind political riots in 70's Paris or the annual Running of the Bulls in Pamplona - ...while their loud guitars should please J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr.
After releasing a home-recorded EP in 2006, Sudden Weather Change have gathered huge praise in Icela...
Simon Says No! (Norway)
Simon Says No! are an outfit that have the potential to do great things -- you can hear it in ways they meld their love of shoegaze with their hardcore-obsessed past. It's the passion that's in every ounce of their being that bubbles through on stage, and it's in every note of every one of their recorded songs.
The seeds of Simon Says No! were formed years ago, before the band was even a figment of anyone's imagination. Current and future band mates Ruben Nesse guitar/vocals) and Simon Oakland (guitar) were on a European tour with their then current band, hardcore outfit Jeroan Drive. As the days plodded along, Simon and Ruben discovered their mutual love for all things shoegaze -- My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive being the closest to their hearts.
With tensions growing high in the hardcore band, Ruben and Simon split from their bandmates in Milan and began to chart their own course as merry pranksters without a bus. Simon Says No! began almost as a joke when Ruben wanted to construct a shoegaze band around Simon and his karma, but his response was a clear "N...
Bloodgroup (Iceland)
Bloodgroup was formed in 2006 by Hallur, Lilja, Raggi and Janus during some chilly winter days on the east coast of Iceland. After a few months of writing noticeable and catchy electronic dance pop, the group played at Iceland Airwaves festival. They received praise for a great live show, along with their terrific melodies and beats that seemed to get even the hardest metal heads to do the dance. The group evolved and got even better each time the went on stage, and are now considered one of the best live acts in Icelandic music.
After raising attention in Iceland and outside it, the group finished their first album titled "Sticky Situation", released by their own label. Sticky Situation has gotten excellent reviews as the bands debut, and has among other things been called "one of the best albums of the year" in Iceland by several critics.
After the release of the album (November 2007), Bloodgroup has been busy playing both in Iceland and other countries, promoting the album with great success. They were joine...
Sofia Talvik (Sweden)
“Soft, airy, and graceful, Sweden’s sweet Sofia Talvik sings songs touching on themes of love and heartbreak, as well as a healthy dose of anecdotal stories from her own life. Her vocals are backed by minimal instrumentation, including an acoustic guitar, cellos, double bass, soft percussion and sometimes piano, to create melodic stories that reveal the simple world of a 29-year-old songwriter traversing an array of emotions. In 2005, Talvik released her debut album, Blue Moon, to much acclaim, followed by 2007’s Street of Dreams, on which she sings, “it’s just love, how hard can it be“, in a beautiful duet with veteran British performer, Bernard Butler. Have a listen to her latest fairytale hymn, “Diamonds.” The song is so light and magical - and her voice so delicate - that you could easily find yourself whisked away into the sweet, sugary air of her world.”
Jonestown 2008: Fresh from a powerful performance at 2008’s Lollapalooza festival, Sweden’s Sofia Talvik is now poised to...
Harrys Gym (Norway)
Harrys Gym was formed in 2006 and have since toured in Norway and England, participated at In the City in Manchester, The Great Escape and by:Larm in Oslo. Harrys Gym relased the maxi single "Attic" on vinyl in March 2008. The release contains remixes by Diskjokke and Kjetil Ovesen (120 Days). The band's eponymous debut album is out now, released on Hype City (Herman Düne, Serena Maneesh) in October 2008.
Instrumentation
Anne Lise Frøkedal: vocals & guitars
Erlend Ringseth: keyboards
Bjarne stensli: drums
Ole Myrvold: bass/keys
Discography
Attic EP 12"
Harrys Gym (self-titled debut album)
TV Off (Finland)
TV OFF is an electro-pop hybrid featuring a colourful, hyperactive singer called Sara and a deadpan beatsman everyone around here refers to as Markku.
At a recent performance the duo were described by one chin-stroker as “like Sophie Ellis-Bexter meets Moby”. The band kicked the crap outta that guy and he still eats through a straw. Luckily, it was all put down to “high spirits”, and The Off was able to return to the studio to start on the debut record.
After only a fistful of gigs, the guys were attracting attention on a scale that made them both smile like kids in a sweetstore (or Sara in a shoeshop) and soon they were snapped up for lovely things like being nominated for Best Upcoming Act at the Basso Radio awards, performing at the Diesel Global Party event, opening the new Minna Parikka store (a woman who makes shoes that are so valuable that most people can only afford one of a pair), being featured in snowboarding movies, and playing alongside such Coolness-Personified-In Ban...
I Was a King (Norway)
Having only been in existence for a few years, Norwegian group I Was a King has quickly gained recognition from the media, musicians, and fans alike. Front man Frode Strømstad has been said to have a unique gift of creating addictive melodies that hold distinctive roots to the 60's, distorted through a 90's indie scene filter.
In 2007, I Was A King released their debut, Losing Something Good for Something Better. It was labeled "Royally brilliant" and given 8 out of 10 by NME. The Independent, and The Sunday Times gave equally flattering praise and The Guardian said, " Norwegian wunderkind Strømstad takes ol' lankhair's ramshackle rock and squeezes it through a dreampop filter...If Alan McGee hadn't wound down Creation, this lot would have been first in the queue to sign on the dotted line. File next to: Fountains Of Wayne, Apples In Stereo, Neutral Milk Hotel, Strawberry Wine-era My Bloody Valentine."
The new album "I Was a King" features collaborations from Emil Nikolaisen (Serena Maneesh ), Sufjan Stevens,...
Kira Kira (Iceland)
An unpredictable dialogue of electro-acoustic pranksterism and innocent melodic pop is at the heart of Our Map to the Monster Olympics, the new LP from this curious Icelandic artist. Picking up where she left off on her 2006 LP Skotta, Our Map to the Monster Olympics is a twisting, sometimes terrifying, often glorious and touching kaleidoscope of a record.
Swarms of fragmented voices mouth melodies through home made microphones while contact-mic’ed Kalimba’s fight for breath in seas of beautifully damaged technicolour, granulated shotgun beats fire from sniper positions in foreboding atmospheres - and yet armies of glockenspiels, brass and casio’s remind us that everything will, in fact, be OK.
Since 1999 Kira has been a constant enigma - extremely hard to define and almost impossible to anticipate. As a founding member of Icelandic art collective Kitchen Motors, audio/visual artist Kira Kira has been a pivotal figure in contemporary Icelandic music. She has composed music extensively for theatre, dance and ...
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