NORTHERN WINTER READ
Northern Winter Read is our little concept, where you can explore some of the artists playing at the festival. Mikkel Brandt is in charge of the original interviews, made for our festival.
06/02 – 08/02, AALBORG DK
Northern Winter Read is our little concept, where you can explore some of the artists playing at the festival. Mikkel Brandt is in charge of the original interviews, made for our festival.
FITNESSS is an experimental electronic performance art project based in Los Angeles, USA. A FITNESSS performance is an expression of raw energy—an exercise in stretching physical and emotional limits—creating immersive experiences that challenge conceptions of being and communion through movement, electronic sound architecture, and post-modern aesthetics.
With an emphasis on audience involvement and collective presence, FITNESSS explores the volatile nature of interpersonal dynamics, as well as the transformative power of crowd synchronization. FITNESSS is centered around the cycle of atrophy and hypertrophy—deconstruction, reconstruction, expansion. Beyond the scope of muscle mass, this cycle of breaking down and rebuilding becomes strength training for the human spirit.
FITNESSS strives to create a sacred space where one can reflect on their own experiences of pain and transmute them into sources of strength—an eternal progression of the resilience of spirit.
Emma Ruth Rundle’s music is an invitation into a deeply personal world, where haunting melodies and raw emotion collide. On her latest album, Engine of Hell, she trades the layered textures of her past work for the stark intimacy of piano and voice, crafting songs that feel like shared secrets.
The album journeys through poignant memories, from childhood to loss and resilience, with lyrics that cut to the bone. Tracks like “Blooms of Oblivion” and “Body” reflect heavy moments of vulnerability, while the delicate “Dancing Man” captures fleeting joy, offering a glimmer of light in the shadows.
Engine of Hell marks both an artistic and personal turning point for Rundle—a cathartic end to an era.
Die Verlierer’s new album Notausgang (emergency exit) delivers a powerful blend of 70s punk and rock’n’roll, steeped in both American and German influences. The band’s approach to sound is raw, gritty, and full of urgency, creating a sonic landscape defined by a thick, determined bass, sharp guitars, and pounding drums. Throughout 14 tracks, Die Verlierer mix fast beats with slower, heavier melodies, inviting listeners on a journey through the crossroad of early and post-punk. Lyrically, they explore themes of public unrest and personal reflection, creating a balance of riotous energy and introspective somberness. Notausgang is a compelling and immersive listen, a true celebration of punk’s rebellious spirit.
Lydia Lunch and Marc Hurtado bring a raw, powerful tribute to the music of Suicide and Alan Vega. Meeting in New York’s explosive ‘70s underground, Lunch was deeply inspired by SUICIDE’s groundbreaking performances, later collaborating with Alan Vega on several projects, including the iconic “Frankie Teardrop” and the album SNIPER. Together with Hurtado, whose extensive work with legends like Michael Gira and Genesis P-Orridge spans decades, they have crafted a unique, intense experience—a sonic and visual “Blitzkrieg.” With Lunch’s visceral performances and Hurtado’s avant-garde artistry, this show channels the unfiltered spirit of Vega’s legacy.
NEBULAH invites listeners into a cinematic and experimental soundscape, blending rock, worldbeat, and singer-songwriter influences. Led by a female trio on vocals and guitar, NEBULAH merges bright, harmonious tones with darker, dissonant elements, creating a sonic space that feels both grounded and cosmic. Their debut album, TRACE (2022), was highlighted by GAFFA and has received airtime on P6 Beat. Through choral harmonies, electronic touches, and a distinctive mix of Western and non-Western sounds, NEBULAH explores themes like generational tension, freedom, and nature, inviting an immersive escape into their music.
Ukrainian pianist Lubomyr Melnyk, celebrated as a pioneer of Continuous Piano Music, is renowned for his extraordinary speed and virtuosity, sometimes reaching over 19.5 notes per second per hand. This unique technique creates intricate, almost electronic landscapes of sound, pushing piano music to new dimensions. Dubbed “The Prophet of the Piano,” Melnyk fuses classical skill with the philosophies of Tai Chi and Kung Fu, crafting immersive, ambient experiences that captivate audiences worldwide.
With over 20 albums, including releases on Sony Classical, Melnyk’s work spans solo pieces, string quartets, modern ballet, and orchestral compositions. His transcendent live performances have earned acclaim across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Lars Bech Pilgaard releases his solo album Folklórica (momeatdad records) and celebrates with a nationwide tour. The concert will feature visual designer Piotr Winievicz, who will create a unique sensory experience each night by transforming the performance space.
The album’s four chapters flow between delicate guitar work, poly-rhythmic textures, fuzz-driven riffs, and ritualistic banjo melodies. Pilgaard blends abstract sound with folk music traditions, exploring the connection between music, humanity, and nature.
Pilgaard, known for his innovative guitar work with SVIN and collaborations with Bisse, won two DMA jazz awards in 2023.
Hailing from Cyprus’s divided capital Nicosia, and led by Antonis Antoniou the founder of Monsieur Doumani and Trio Tekke, Buzz’ Ayaz creates a transfixing Eastern Mediterranean psychedelia. Their self-titled debut album is a fuzzed-out urban soundscape of dubby electronics, 70s-psych organ, growling bass clarinet, amplified folk instruments, ritual beats and Greek and Anatolian melodicism. The band members come from both sides of the capital’s divide, and the music found on Buzz’ Ayaz is a deliberate attempt to give a voice to the city as a whole. A mercurial sound that echoes above the concrete walls and checkpoints. Their debut album is expected to be released in August 2024 via acclaimed German label Glitterbeat Records.
Helsinki-based trio VIRTA combines Nordic jazz, ambient electronica, post-rock, and psychedelia into an electroacoustic sound that’s truly unique. Formed in 2011 by childhood friends Erik Fräki, Antti Hevosmaa, and Heikki Selamo, VIRTA has released three acclaimed albums, including Horros (2023), which explores deeper, uncharted sonic landscapes. Known for immersive live performances, VIRTA’s music has been praised as “moody and explorative” (Prog Magazine, UK) and “haunting” (Under the Radar, UK). The lineup includes Antti Hevosmaa (trumpet, flugelhorn), Heikki Selamo (guitar, bass), and Erik Fräki (drums, percussion).
Gabriele Gasparotti, an Italian composer rooted in electroacoustic music, creates soundscapes using analog gear and semi-modular synthesizers. Known for his work with the multimedia art collective Muga Muchū Morphing Theater, Gasparotti’s work merges surrealism, esotericism, and performative arts. His acclaimed album, Istantanee vol. 1 (2020), praised as a standout in contemporary electronic music, blends modular synths, magnetic tape, and prepared piano, exploring time, mathematical structures, and Tarot synchronicity. His latest album, Tropismi, releases in spring 2024 through Important Records and features cellist Benedetta Dazzi, with mastering by Rashad Becker.
Mouth Wound is the solo project of Danish multi-instrumentalist Trine Paaschburg. She utilizes noise, textured soundscapes, repetitive heavy elements and draws in live acoustic drone sampling with expanded vocal techniques. The music deals with themes such as physical/existential malaise and the search for tranquil, an expression that has been.
“Mouth Wound makes sounds that are the stuff of nightmares” CVLT NATION
“A harrowing, emotional rollercoaster made of shattered glass and hardly pent up emotion that makes for one of the most fascinating and poignant listens I can think of” MACHINE MUSIC
“An evocative, discomforting experience that resonates with the deep, silent corners of our brains” INVISABLE ORANGES
Avant-garde Colombian singer-songwriter Julián Mayorga returns with his ninth album, a clattering, absurdist slice of post-cumbia psychedelia. Chak Chak Chak Chak is a feverish mix of angular electric guitars, circuit-bent beats, found percussion and rapid-fire incantations, with influences that include Tom Zé, Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart.
Frenetic energy meets satirical wit.
Surrealist fables entwined with defiant sonics.
“Listening to Julián Mayorga is hearing the current Colombian sound taken to even more exciting terrain. His music is everything that defines him: experimentation, humor, reflection, passion.” Vogue (Mexico)
Motorpsycho are a prolific band from Norway. Since the late 80s they have eluded classification while blending progressive/psychedelic, grunge, metal, jazz and indie influences into a sound all their own. This constant evolution has been documented through countless ambitious albums and EPs for nearly three decades.
“When discussing with Walter potential artists that fit the experimental spirit of Roadburn Festival, we both landed on the idea of Motorpsycho. I was first exposed to the band through their “Demon Box” album and have attempted to follow their unique twists and turns since. Their output is legendary and their need for experimentation has been inspiring to follow over the years. It is an true honor to help bring this diverse voice to the Roadburn audience”
– Jacob Bannon.
The Charleston, South Carolina artist Contour’s body of work is evidence of a restless curiosity that culminates on his latest album and debut for Mexican Summer, Take Off from Mercy. Starting off as a beatmaker, Khari Lucas’s vision has broadened over releases like Onwards (2022, Touching Bass), Love Suite (2021, Good Question) and Weight (self-released/Purple Tape Pedigree, 2021), spanning from noirish, sample-driven R&B to covers of Strawberry Switchblade. Take Off from Mercy eschews samples in favor of guitar-driven songwriting, positing a singular take on the blues, Tropicalia, hip hop, post-punk and indie rock, establishing Lucas as an exemplary lyricist and broad collaborator, working with the likes of Saul Williams, Mndsgn and his co-producer, Omari Jazz.
Kanaan produce so much music that the fuzz pedals hardly need to be turned off between each session. Once again, they step out of the rehearsal room with their brand new album, Downpour. This latest release builds on the momentum of their previous album, Earthbound, recorded in the same studio, Athletic Sound in Halden. Downpour continues the heavy riff-driven style of Earthbound, blending influences from Kyuss, MC5, Sleep, and Hawkwind with melodic touches from Needlepoint and Dungen. Tracks like Orbit, Solaris pt. 2, and Amazon highlight massive riffs, with “Amazon” featuring a collaboration with Norwegian guitar legend Hedvig Mollestad. Kanaan believes Downpour showcases a deeper mastery of their rock language, solidifying its place as a worthy follow-up to Earthbound. Since its November 2021 release, the band has also released the 27-minute single Beyond and the session album Diversions vol. 1 – Softly through Sunshine, reflecting their ongoing creativity and drive.
Diana Burkot, born in Moscow Region, Russia, is a prominent member of the feminist punk collective Pussy Riot. Joining the group in 2011, Diana contributed to iconic protests such as Putin Peed in His Pants and Virgin Mary, Drive Putin Away! Her activism led to her hiding in Ukraine to avoid arrest, maintaining anonymity until the statute of limitations expired. In addition to her work with Pussy Riot, Diana has pursued a solo project, Rosemary Loves a Blackberry, which has released four albums and two EPs. She’s also been involved with post-punk bands like Fanny Kaplan and continues to perform with various punk rock groups. Diana’s musical journey reflects her commitment to blending activism with art, making her performances a powerful experience that combines punk ethos with political commentary.
New Age Doom, led by Eric J. Breitenbach and Greg Valou, collaborates with a diverse array of global talents to craft an experimental and genre-defying sound. Their music melds drone metal, progressive rock, jazz, dub, and global influences into a unique auditory experience. Their latest album, There Is No End, features Tuva Hellum Marschhäuser and marks a shift towards a more melodic sound while preserving their signature chaos. Notable collaborations include a poignant project with Lee “Scratch” Perry, blending dub with jazz and metal. Known for their inventive approach, they also offer unique edible merch like Habanero Supernova vegan cream cheese and Righteous Gin. On stage, New Age Doom delivers an expansive sound with Breitenbach live-triggering samples and synths, and Valou using custom instruments and pedalboards to simulate a full band experience. Diana Burkot, a prominent member of the feminist punk collective Pussy Riot will be joining the performance.
Bristol’s four-piece outfit Quade—comprised of Barney Matthews (vocals/bass), Leo Fini (drums), Matt Griffiths (synths/electronics), and Tom Connolly (violin/synths/guitar)—deliver a distinctive sound on their debut album Nacre (2023, AD93). Their music is a unique blend where crooning off-bluegrass meets psychedelic guitars, solemn found samples merge with intense violins, and pulsing ambient drones create an intriguing fusion.
Quade reimagines post-punk and kraut-rock with a fresh perspective, reflecting the experimental spirit of Bristol’s underground electronic scene. Matthews’s gentle baritone integrates seamlessly with the band’s rich instrumentation, which narrates stories through its tone and grit. Their diverse range of songs, from lullabic to anthemic, highlights their innovative approach and confident grasp of genre-defying music.
Naima Bock’s music is deeply rooted in her diverse heritage. Born in Glastonbury to a Brazilian father and a Greek mother, she spent her early years in Brazil before returning to England and moving through South-East London. Her musical influences range from Brazilian icons like Baden Powell and Chico Buarque to European folk traditions. This blend of cultural influences is enriched by her studies in archaeology, work as a gardener, and travels. Her songs are a fusion of family heritage, natural beauty, and evolving musical traditions. Her debut album, Giant Palm, emerges from this rich tapestry, combining the emotive power of her multicultural background with contemporary reflections. Through her music, Naima creates a space where the past and present intersect, inviting listeners into a world where the echoes of Brazilian rhythms, European folk melodies, and personal experiences converge.
HAHN-TELLER with ODA DYRNES bring a captivating blend of dark rock and minimalist themes to the stage. Formed from the collaboration of Berlin-based guitarist Kristof Hahn and Danish guitarist and performer Jørgen Teller, this trio explores the intersection of intense rock and avant-garde soundscapes. Hahn, known for his work with Swans and his solo projects, infuses the group with a profound, avant-garde elegance. Teller’s expansive career includes collaborations with notable artists and a rich background in electronic and performance art.
Joining them is Norwegian cellist Oda Dyrnes, whose dynamic and otherworldly cello performances enrich the group’s sound. Dyrnes, celebrated for her innovative techniques and immersive stage presence, brings a unique edge to the trio. Her recent solo album, Caprices & Fantasias, showcases a blend of classical music, extended techniques, and free improvisation.
Together, they create a performance that bridges the gap between dark, electrifying rock and intricate, minimalist composition, promising an unforgettable musical journey.
Mermaid Chunky — the name says it all. This imaginative duo, consisting of Freya Tate and Moina Moin, brings a vibrant, danceable energy to the stage that is as inventive as it is eclectic. Originating from Stroud and South London, they found their creative roots in communities like Stroud’s SVA and London’s Total Refreshment Centre. Their music is a lively celebration of diverse sounds and genres, ranging from the warm, uplifting dance of Céilí to the boardwalk electro vibes of Chaperone. Tracks like Frogsporn and Nature Girl take listeners on trippy, synth-laden journeys, while Tiny Gymnast offers a kaleidoscopic waltz. Mermaid Chunky’s performances are a multi-sensory experience, incorporating everything from recorders to saxophones. Their creative spirit has caught the attention of DFA Records, leading to high-profile gigs and collaborations.
Snapped Ankles return to the forest, but it’s not as they left it. Trees planted in neat rows. A well-ordered monoculture with access roads and heavy machinery. The smell of greenwashed money in the air. There’s no sign of the ancient woodland they emerged from on debut album, Come Play The Trees. And it’s a far cry from the gentrified East London they found themselves hawking on Stunning Luxury. All is not well in the face of progress. Welcome to Forest Of Your Problems. Forest Of Your Problems runs the gamut of modern woodwose emotions. In this neat human approximation of the forest, it’s an increasingly knotted affair. Despite all of this, Snapped Ankles haven’t lost their innate ability to make you want to move your feet— their Teutonic forest rhythms are still shot through with post-punk lightning. Dive into the labyrinth of modernity with Snapped Ankles, where the rhythm of the forest meets the pulse of contemporary life.
Manu Louis, Belgian-born, Berlin-based artist, is pushing the boundaries of music with his distinctive blend of punk jazz, electronic dance, and classical influences. Trained by the legendary composer Frédéric Rzewski and a self-taught electronic music master, Manu crafts performances that are as dynamic and unpredictable as his sound. Known for his passionate vocals and guitar playing, Manu seamlessly mixes genres and styles, creating musical adventures that are both provocative and refreshing. His eclectic live shows, performed over 500 times across Europe and Asia, are a sensory experience, featuring a village of electronic instruments, video projections, and often evolving into impromptu discotheques. With three LPs, several singles, and collaborations with international artists, Manu’s latest ventures include co-founding Zero Carbon Records and curating the Underground Institute Festival in Berlin.
Joe & The Shitboys, the self-proclaimed “bisexual vegans,” are a band known for their brief, catchy, and unapologetic brand of shitpunk. Formed in the conservative Faroe Islands, the band uses their music to call out homophobia, misogyny, and other “shitty behaviors” prevalent in their home country and beyond. Frontman Joe leads the charge with flamboyant energy, roasting the audience between their high-octane songs like “Drugs R’4 Kidz,” “Life Is Great You Suck,” and “If You Believe in Eating Meat, Start With Your Dog.” Their relentless spirit and fearless performances have earned them accolades, including Best Group at the Faroese Music Awards and a spot on NME’s coveted 100 tip list. With their debut album, The Reson For Hardcore Vibes, and upcoming tours across the UK and Europe, Joe & The Shitboys are ready to bring their chaotic, no-bullshit approach to the masses. For fans of Black Flag and 80’s hardcore, “you are destined to wet yourself”.
Clarissa Connelly born in Fife, Scotland,grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark, where the rich cultural landscape fuels her creativity. Drawing deeply from sacred sites, mythology, and the music of Nordic culture, her sound is both intimately connected to and transcendent of her roots. Her EP, Tech Duinn (2018), named after a spiritual gateway in Celtic myth, first brought her international recognition with its hypnotic melodies. In her acclaimed album, The Voyager (2021), Clarissa walked the Scandinavian landscape, channeling music from ancient pre-Christian sites, inviting listeners on a cosmic journey through the Nordic past. Her latest album, World of Work, explores the metaphysical landscape of the soul, combining visionary literature and meditative walks. Clarissa Connelly’s music invites you on a journey that is both hushed and ecstatic, a truly unique experience that captivates and inspires.
Crime & the City Solution returned with their sixth studio album, the killer (MUTE), marking their first release in over a decade. A profound exploration of the human condition, grappling with themes of acceptance, uncertainty, and the fragility of normalcy. Lead singer Simon Bonney, inspired by his experiences delivering aid in conflict zones and the isolation of the pandemic lockdown in Australia, channels these reflections into music that’s both haunting and deeply resonant. the killer invites listeners on a journey through the extraordinary hidden within the mundane, where resilience is born from embracing life’s uncertainties.The band’s acoustic lineup features Simon Bonney, Bronwyn Adams, and Joshua Murphy.
Elias Rønnenfelt, best known as the lead vocalist of the critically acclaimed post-punk band Iceage, has established a distinctive presence in the alternative rock and post-punk scenes. Born and raised in Copenhagen, Rønnenfelt began his musical journey early, blending the raw energy of punk rock with the introspective lyricism of folk music. Since forming Iceage in 2008, his songwriting and live performances have garnered the band a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Albums like New Brigade, You’re Nothing, and Plowing Into the Field of Love have defined a new era of post-punk. Beyond Iceage, Rønnenfelt’s collaborations span experimental noise and introspective folk, highlighting his remarkable versatility. As both a poet and visual artist, his multidisciplinary approach draws from literature and philosophy, adding profound depth to his music. Now, with his debut solo album set for release in late 2024 on Escho, Rønnenfelt is poised to captivate listeners once again with his raw emotion and innovative sound.