As already last year, also this year NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION went to Oslo’s By:Larm to find out about the hottest new acts of Scandinavia. As expected we discovered some great new artists from the North. This year’s line-up just had one major change: so far only artists from the Nordic countries played the festival, but this year, for the very first time every, By:Larm also had a couple of international acts on its line-up. Let us introduce you to our musical discoveries we brought from the Oslo.
7. AV AV AV
AV AV AV is a pretty new and very hot act from Copenhagen, Denmark. The three producers bring hip party tunes that invite for a dance. If you fancy partying hard with your arms up in the air this one is definitely for you.
6. TELLEF RAABE
Last year TELLEF RAABE‘s music video Of Smith’s Friends premiered on NBHAP. Now we had the chance to see him live and can’t tell more than this man’s voice and live show simply mesmerizes people. If you are into (dark) folk music this is for you.
5. AURORA
AURORA seems to be everywhere right now. Not only that more and more people talk about the young woman from Norway, also KATIE PERRY tweets about her. No matter if this is a marketing move by their label or not: AURORA 100% convinced at By:Larm. If you are into (radio) pop this one is for you.
4. SEKUOIA
Well, this band seems to be everywhere right now: Reeperbahn Festival, Trans Musicales, Eurosonic, Ja Ja Ja Berlin and of course By:Larm. SEKUOIA everywhere. What we learned after two shows of the band in Oslo: they belong on bigger stages. They simply suit them better!
3. KARIN PARK
KARIN PARK is around since quite some year. At By:Larm, for the first time ever, she played with two more live-members… a full band so to say. For fans of (dark) pop: see her live and don’t miss her at Eurovision!
2. EAST INDIA YOUTH
British EAST INDIA YOUTH is definitely not really Scandinavian. He was part of the international program at By:Larm and during his two shows he made it very clear: his upcoming album Culture Of Volume (out April 6th via XL Recordings) will be massive. Last year he was nominated for the Mercury Prize, this year he should finally take the awards home!
1. ELIAS
This only 18 year old Swedish guy is definitely the biggest discovery of this year’s By:Larm Festival. Only a few weeks ago his first song, Revolution, was released. At By:Larm ELIAS performed two stunning shows (his second and third show ever). Breathtaking, mesmerizing and wonderful. Over and out.