Discovering Norwegian Music: Erlend Øye is the latest Norwegian musician in the spotlight here on Life in Norway. Here's what you need to know about this ‘Bergen wave' singer and guitarist.
Erlend Øye may not be an instantly recognisable name, but he's a Norwegian musical legend. In my eyes, the Norwegian Jarvis Cocker!
An integral part of the Bergen Wave, his career has ranged from folk to full-blown electronica, perhaps my two favourite genres of music.
He was the driving force behind Kings of Convenience and The Whitest Boy Alive as well as releasing a successful solo album and collaborating on numerous other projects.
His solo work perhaps demonstrates his approach to his art. The 2003 release “Unrest” was recorded in ten different cities with ten different collaborators, symbolising his eclectic musical journey and experimentation with different genres and sounds.
Kings of Convenience
“Quiet is the New Loud” by Kings of Convenience was a major part of my soundtrack to University life.
Its quiet, melodic, relaxing tones helped see me through some very stressful times and I'm pretty sure marked the birthplace of my current love of folk music. Listening to Toxic Girl calms me down even to this day!
He's delved in and out of electronica over the years, helped no doubt by the years he spent in Berlin. Some of his solo work is heavily influenced by this experience, yet some is even more delicate than Kings of Convenience.
A perfect example of his solo work is Sudden Rush, with more than a nod to Røyksopp and a video directed by Jarvis Cocker.
The most well known of his side projects was his contribution to the DJ-Kicks series, which has also seen albums from Hot Chip, Chromeo, Tiga and Stereo MCs amongst others.
Erlend's DJ-Kicks album was remixed by himself and features his vocals on many of the tracks.
Whitest Boy Alive
His latest project is Whitest Boy Alive, perhaps best described as a beatier version of his previous work. Their self penned description of the project is that it “started as an electronic dance music project in 2003. It has slowly developed into a band without any programmed elements.”
It doesn't develop the sound much from Kings of Convenience or his solo work, but it's well worth a listen all the same.
Erlend's impact on Norwegian music
Øye’s music often intertwines the simplicity and intimacy of indie folk with the rhythmic nuances of electronic music.
He has made significant contributions to contemporary music by pushing boundaries and blending genres, creating a rich, diversified musical legacy. But his influence extends beyond his musical compositions.
His distinctive glasses and understated style have become somewhat iconic, representing his unique artistic persona.
Are you a fan of the music, projects, and collaborations of Erlend Øye? Let us know your favourite tracks in the comments below.
