Danish music industry was buzzing the last couple of weeks with many issues and events. We take a closer look at some of those which took place between 18. May and 14. June 2020.

News from Danish music industry

Sexism in music media sparks debates

A review of Velvet Volume’s latest album “Ego’s Need” in a Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, written by Thomas Treo, sparked a flame of outrage and re-opened a debate on the sexism in the music industry and media in Denmark. After yet another text which was considered sexist and diminishing to female musicians, Lydmor decided to speak up and penned an open letter to the Ekstra Bladet Chief Editor Poul Madsen.

The letter received strong support from both female and male artists and started an exchange of tweets and messages. It led to a debate between Lydmor and Madsen in the Danish National TV DR TV2, where they talked about the issue of one of the biggest Danish media allowing to publish sexist reviews. The debate was followed by a comment from Nelson Can’s guitarist Signe.

We sincerely hope this discussion will continue, bring solutions and make a real change within the Danish music industry and national media.


Concerts up to 500 people allowed in Denmark

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen presented the so-called extended phase 2 of Denmark’s reopening on the 21. May 2020, which included news about concerts. Events up to 500 are allowed in Denmark, however with many restrictions. Up to 500 people can be allowed in individual venues or individual outdoor events. For performances where the audience sits facing in the same direction, every second seat must be empty or 1 meter away from the next one.

We keep our fingers crossed for the Danish music industry, hoping that it will manage to meet the requirements, and we will see some shows in Denmark this summer after all.


Danish music industry participates in #TheShowMustBePaused

On 2. June 2020, a large part of the international music industry took part in the initiative #TheShowMustBePaused. Many Danish artists, record labels, venues, managements and more joined in by posting black squares on social media in solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and donating to anti-racism organisations.


Velvet Volume release an album “Ego’s Need”

The rock sister-trio Velvet Volume released a new album “Ego’s Need” on 29. May 2020. It contains 10 songs, with characteristic Velvet Volume roughness and attitude. However, this time the band decided to present also a more polished side, with melodious rock ballads and some slightly less aggressive arrangements than those the sisters got us used to with previous releases.

“Ego’s Need” is a well-thought-out record, showing how Velvet Volume developed and matured in their musical creation. They weren’t afraid to make changes in their style, at the same time staying true to themselves and still being wild and unpredictible.


Niels Brandt of The Minds of 99 records audiobook of Michael Strunge poetry

On 11. June, The Minds of 99 vocalist Niels Brandt released an audiobook with Michael Strunge’s poems from the 1978 book “Livets hastighed” (eng. the speed of life). Michael Strunge was an iconic Danish poet of the ’80s, whose art reflected on society, youth culture, love and mental illness.

I wanted to listen to some audiobooks with poetry, and started looking for them. When I discovered that there weren’t any, I thought it was crazy, so I contacted Gylendal (Danish book publisher —GbD), and asked if I could record them,” explained Brandt to Gaffa.


Lukas Graham reschedule Refshaleøen concert

Lukas Graham’s concert at Refshaleøen has been moved by a year. “Due to the government’s instructions, we have to move the concert on Refshaleøen from the 15th of August 2020 to the 14th of August 2021. Everyone with a valid ticket will receive an email with relevant information about the new date today. We know it’s in a long time, but we promise you it’ll be worth the wait,said the band on Facebook.


Heartland Festival announces first headliner

Heartland Festival, set to take place on 27-29 May 2021 has announced The National as the first headliner. “As the first headline act for next year’s festival we are happy and proud to welcome the alternative rock superstars in The National. We can’t wait to see the band perform live in the beautiful surroundings of Egeskov Castle. Many of you have asked about the lineup for 2021, and though we are still working on putting the pieces together, we could not wait to share this amazing news with all of you – so here you are. Can’t wait to see you all next year,Heartland shared on Facebook.


Copenhell updates lineup

Rescheduled for 2021, rock music festival Copenhell will take place on 16-19 June. Emperor, Opeth, Death To All, Turbonegro, Lok, Gloryhammer, P.O.D., Dog Eat Dog, Raised Fist, Knocked Loose, Witchcraft, Hällas, Thundermother, Destruction, Sacred Reich, High Command, Vreid, Soen, Nerved have been added to the lineup. Full list and tickets are available on Copenhell’s website.


Reeperbahn Festival 2020 still on schedule, Denmark as focus country

The representatives of the Hamburg-based Reeperbahn Festival are working on organizing the 2020 edition to take place as planned in September. “We are currently working intensively and in coordination with the responsible authorities on a scenario that will allow the event to take place in September in compliance with all distancing and hygiene regulations, while ensuring the safety of visitors, partners, performing artists and staff at all times. Reeperbahn Festival is currently developing individual implementation concepts with all participating venues, as well as planning for special procedures and scenarios. (…) We want to attempt a four-day trial run for the return to a new normality with all due care and caution. For this year’s implementation we strongly rely on the trust and caution of all of us,” we can read in the festival team statement.

The festival won’t be able to host as many international artists and guests, yet it claims to focus on national and European acts. The focus country of the 2020 edition is Denmark.


Blaue Blume announce tour

Indie band Blaue Blume will go on tour in Denmark in November 2021. “We are playing in autumn and really looking forward to that…to put it mildly,” they said. Tickets and dates are available here.


Barselona release new song, announce tour

Danish pop duo Barselona released a new song “1 Dag Vi Er 1 Minde” (eng. “One day we are a memory”) and announced a same-titled tour for October-November 2020. Tickets and dates are available here.


A team featuring Jonas from When Saints Go Machine created a new instrument

Torso Electronics, a team of musicians  and engineers developing  and manufacturing new and experimental tools for making and performing electronic music, consisting of  Mathias Bredholt, Mathias Kirkegaard, Lars Buchholtz and Jonas Kenton (from When Saints Go Machine), created a new instrument.

“T-1 is an euclidean rhythm sequencer. A melody and harmony generator. An advanced arpeggiator. A randomizer. A performance instrument. A MIDI effect processor. And everything in between,” says the team about the equipment in their kickstarter campaign. You can support and find out more about T-1 here.


New on Good Because Danish

Interviews:
Backstage with a concert photographer – Zuhal Kocan
Select Captain – “Comes In Waves pt. 3” EP

Reviews:
Lydmor – Someone We Used To Love
In Memoirs – Hope, Fear & Fashion
Ring Them Bells – Thing That Come Slow

In My Opinion:
Streaming services – a blessing or a curse?
Thank you, dear Music!

Special:
8 Pieces of Danish Music for Dark Hygge (vol. 2)


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