More about: Copenhagen

Denmark is widely known for its state-of-the-art design and architecture, instinctively drawn to eco-friendly solutions in every respect, there is also a rare appreciation of the welfare state. The capital Copenhagen is one of the most progressive cities in the world, and it fosters a prolific culture of music, which does not always get a mention.

Looking beyond the busy, bustling street life, beyond the mass of inner city cycling commuters and diverse segment of confident locals enjoying regular swims in the city’s harbour, beach or baths, there is plenty of music culture just waiting to be absorbed.

It’s a capital with a rich palette on offer. A well-kept secret, artists whose credibility doesn’t always transcend the Danish borders, there is a common reaction, when curiosity or knowledge of Danish music is tested, and the response often defaults to one of blank stares or plain indifference.

Having fostered big names known on the world’s international stage, names like Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Communions, Oh Land, Aqua, Efterklang, Agnes Obel, Lukas Graham, Iceage, Gangway, The Raveonettes and Mew are acts with roots or strong connections to Copenhagen, and the city continues to maintain its own talent.   

In addition to the Danish branches of the major record labels, the city has an abundance of entrepreneurial spirit with a track record of founding independent labels. Escho, Crunchy Frog, Tambourhinoceros, The Big Oil Recording Company, Quattro Music and many more.  

Suitably complementing one another, the live venues range from small, intimate rooms to more corporate, arena sized spaces. But unlike the live sector in the UK, the small venues remain largely intact, with the same names and identities. Popular independent venues include Vega, Pumpehuset, Loppen, Den Grå Hal, Spillestedet Stengade, Cafe Rust and Falkoner Teatret etc., while large spaces include places like Royal Arena, Parken Stadium, K.B. Hallen, and DR Koncerthuset.

New music is a vital part of the scene, and Gigwise hand-picked five acts to check out.

First Hate 

Anton Falck Gansted and Joakim Nørgaard are the two alt-pop inventors behind First Hate. They have been on a journey of creative discovery to put a unique stamp on pop, explore and take it somewhere else. There is a sense of being proud of their hometown and an ability to communicate with ease the curiosity of going abroad and visiting other places. Emerging out of the Copenhagen underground, DIY scene, defining visuals are part of the duo’s aesthetics, as is quirky videos and resonant imagery. Having released a couple of tracks they put out ‘Cotton Candy’ in May 2022, a glitzy, hypermodern eleven track album that depicts themes such as living in a broken world, extreme mood swings, and the challenges of winning and losing lovers. A riveting must.  

Atusji  

Drawing on a diverse influences, indie pop artist Atusji, whose name is Terkel Atsushi Røjle Christensen, writes and performs superbly eclectic song material that takes inspiration from artists like Bright Eyes, Elliott Smith and Frank Ocean. As much as the Japanese-Danish singer songwriter enjoys the creative challenge of inventing through music, he also recognises the importance of bringing together the pan Asian communities in Denmark, and supporting the Asian creatives who live there. Following his debut appearance at Roskilde Festival in June, it will be fascinating to see what’s in store for him in the new year. Atusji’s one to watch.

Lucky Lo 

Swedish born Lo Ersare, artistically known as Lucky Lo, moved to Copenhagen in 2014. Initially, she time was spent busking, immersing herself in the inner city, and the alternative pop singer songwriter and musician writes arresting songs of emotional complexity. A compelling artist, the release of debut album ‘Supercarry’ this year saw the queer performer challenge the confines of how a pop album could or should sound.  With a wide interest in music that includes free improvisation and Bulgarian vocal ensembles, she brings together passionate vocals with layers of sound, and the multi-instrumental artist explores unique sound, placing storytelling at the centre. Highly nuanced and engrossing.

Kleo 

Kleo showed a deep passion for film early on. As a young child she would spend time fully immersed in some of the characters she saw on the big screen. Fast forward to the present day, the singer songwriter and guitarist has chosen to tackle some of that same passion on her debut EP ‘I Love This Movie’. Dealing with the subject of some of the crucial, defining experiences in life, the cinematically inspired song collection offers striking guitar pop pieces coupled with existential lyrics that embrace emotion and passion. It’s mesmeric.

Ki! 

South Korean born songwriter and producer Christian Ki Dall may be a new name on the block, but he already dipped his toe in the wider, international landscape of music through performances with Spaceman 3 member Sterling Roswell, The Telescopes, and through work as a producer for guitarist Rufus Miller, who is closely associated with Sting. Adopted to Danish parents, Dall lived in an orphanage around Busan, prior to his arrival in Denmark. Taking inspiration from multiple genres and styles, the release of debut double album ‘The Boy From Haeundae Beach’ shows ground-breaking, diverse cultural reference points and sets the bar high. Ambitious and original.

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More about: Copenhagen