We are always trying to share tips with you that make your language learning journey easier, more entertaining and interactive. We have introduced you to Norwegian movies, series and even video games. Continuing on that tangent, in today’s blog post we will delve into the world of Norwegian music.
However, since this world we are entering today is vast, we will focus solely on artists that actually sing in Norwegian. Otherwise, you wouldn’t really be able to learn from them, would you?
And to make sure that we include a little something for every listener, we will try to cover as many genres as possible, from captivating pop melodies to powerful metal and enchanting folk inspired by Norse and Viking traditions.
Let’s dive into the world of Norwegian music!
Wardruna
Wardruna is a Nordic folk band whose lead singer and founder is Einar Selvik. They draw inspiration from Norse cultural and esoteric traditions and use a lot of traditional instruments like deer-hide frame drums, flutes, tagelharpe, mouth harp, goat horn, and lur. They also make use of non-traditional instruments and sources of sound to create a more interesting audio-visual experience like trees, rocks, water, and torches.
Kaizers Orchestra
Kaizers Orchestra is a Norwegian alternative known for being among the first non-black metal Norwegian music artists singing in their native language that have become popular outside of Scandinavia.
Burzum
If you are a fan of black metal, Norway is definitely the country for you. While it’s not easy to find bands that don’t sing in English, you will come across a few that at least have some songs in Norwegian, like the black metal music project Burzum. Despite a complicated and controversial history, it became a part of the early Norwegian black metal scene and is considered one of the most influential acts in the history of the genre.
Skambankt
A band whose name translates to beaten to a pulp, Skambankt was a Norwegian hard rock band from Klepp formed in 1994. Unfortunately, they are no longer active, as the band played their last concert at the end of 2022. Their music was a mix of classic rock’n’roll, punk and hard rock, and they sang all of their songs in Nynorsk.
Karpe
Karpe, also known as Karpe Diem, is a Norwegian rap group from Oslo, consisting of Magdi Omar Ytreeide Abdelmaguid and Chirag Rashmikant Patel.
Freddy Kalas
Freddy Kalas is a Norwegian music artist who is well known for a few major pop sensations like Pinne for landet and the Christmas-themed Hey Ho, both of which ended in the top five of the official Norwegian Singles Chart, VG-lista.
Ylvis
Though mainly known as a comedy duo consisting of brothers Vegard and Bård Ylvisåker who hosted the comedy talk show I kveld med Ylvis (Tonight with Ylvis) and shot to international fame with the hit What does the fox say?, we wanted to add them here because their songs are funny, entertaining and also offer some commentary about life in Norway. They sing both in English and in Norwegian, so definitely check them out on YouTube, especially songs like The Cabin, Da vet du at det er jul or Jan Egeland.
TIX
Andreas Andresen Haukeland is a Norwegian pop singer. He suffers from Tourette syndrome, a condition characterised by involuntary movements called tics, which is what inspired him to choose his stage name, TIX.
Synne Vo
Synne Vo is a singer and songwriter from the small town of Lesja in Gudbrandsdalen, Norway. She sings in her local dialect and is considered to be a breath of fresh air on the Norwegian music scene with her catchy and energetic pop songs.
Klovner i kamp
A Norwegian hip-hop group formed in 1994, known for their socially conscious lyrics and catchy beats. However, they haven’t been active since 2009 when the band hand their one and only reunion concert.
What are your favourite Norwegian music artists? Do share some of your favourite Norwegian bands or singers in the comments below. And if you would like to learn more about Norwegian music, and learn Norwegian with music, check out this lesson based on a Norwegian song.
