When 4AD signee Søren Løkke Juul aka Indians spoke to Shuf Sounds about how Copenhagen affected his debut album, Somewhere Else, the singer said, “It’s a mellow city. I didn’t think about sounding like Copenhagen. It just happened. I’m playing around.”
Which could be seen as somewhat of a strange assessment of the Danish capital. After all the largest festival in Northern Europe, Roskilde, where over 80,000 people congregate, is just down the road and that’s not to mention the various other music festivities that happen year round in the city.
The Copenhagen Blues Festival, the Scandinavian Reggae Festival and Copenhagen Jazz Festival all celebrate their respective genres with mass gatherings.
Strøm or Power Festival as it translates caters for the electronic crowd, Copenhell is a two-day outdoor metal festival and Vanguard festival is skewed more towards indie.
Then there’s the array of music venues, which range from clubs, to underground bars, jazz houses and concert halls.
Surely Indians has the wrong city?
Well no not exactly. The beauty of Copenhagen is that it has an abundance of culture that won’t overwhelm you in a way that much bigger cities do. Perhaps the word ‘unassuming’ would work better in the place of “mellow”.
Then again if there’s anyone that would know a thing or two about the metropolis’ music scene it’s this man.
Having spent ten years playing in various bands Indians, as he is now known, is well versed in knowledge of the city’s music community.
His assessment in an interview with 7Digital is one that again promotes Copenhagen’s laid back attitude.
“It’s a pretty small city so we all know each other and hang out, and talk about our experiences on the road and in the studio,” he says.
“I like the attitude in Copenhagen amongst bands: we’re not jealous of each other; we’re proud of each others’ success and help each other out.”
Whether those sentiments have anything to do with Copenhagen’s jazz past might be worth investigating.
While the local jazz scene took off in the early 30s it truly took root during the German occupation of Sweden in the 40s. During that time jazz recordings and concerts increased despite it being discouraged.
It’s quite extraordinary that in a time of war not only could music flourish but those years would soon became known as “The Golden Age of Jazz”.
While its popularity waned as rock became prominent in the 70s the government funded organization JazzDanmark has ensured that its jazz roots continue to spread today.
While rock music still has its place in various venues across the city, just as opera is still celebrated throughout historic venues the electronic music and club scene has become increasingly popular in the last decade.
You cannot forget the city’s pop traditions either. While MØ (read more about her below) represents a new guard of alternative electro pop, the country’s win in Eurovision last year via Emmelie de Forest’s ‘Only Teardrops’ signifies that they’ve got almost all pop bases covered.
Copenhagen will be the host city for Eurovision in 2014 after Malmö hosted last year’s event.
Mellow the Danish capital might be, but the quality of its music scene is anything but. Eclectic and always interesting Copenhagen is a Scandinavian must see.
Shop
Sort Kaffe & Vinyl, Skydebanegade 4 København V
Like all good hipster hangouts this one has an impeccable taste in music, a vinyl only policy and the coffee to match. With the walls lined by not only some great recent releases, but also older gems to you’re destined to be spending money on more than just a hot drink. If you like the coffee though or you’re late night shopper you’ll be pleased to know that Sort Kaffe & Vinyl opens until 9pm on Friday and Saturdays.
Route 66, Fælledvej 3 København N
Copenhagen’s best record store has a reputation for being so, not just because their basement is stuffed with second had goodies or that their selection of new vinyl is well stocked, but more importantly because they have the underground and local releases which so many other stores miss out on. It doesn’t hurt Route 66’s credibility that they run their own label, Danish Vinyl Production, either. This one is also for record freaks only; you won’t find a trace of any CDs here.
Accord, Vestergade 37 1456 København K
With three locations in Denmark, the city store in Copenhagen is the one you’ll most likely be running into. And for a good reason too, they’ve got more than enough stock to please just about any music fan. That’s 40,000 records, 10,000 7inch singles, 20,000 CDs, 4000 DVDs and 500 games. With over 60 years of selling, buying and trading experience Accord don’t just offer a huge variety of stock, they also know their stuff when it comes records. Which is why their accessory range is worth checking out too. They sell record brushes, cleaning solution, LP covers, inner sleeves and record players. Be warned though Accord may just overwhelm you.
Listen
Stengade, Stengade 18, 2200 København N
This venue used to be an edgy club that catered for just one or two subcultures. It has since branched out and incorporated a host of different music into its sound system yet lost none its edge. Noise, punk, reggae, rock and pop you name it, Stengade will attract the hipster fans of each genre. While there is a concert hall on the ground floor that hosts up and coming acts more than willing to prove themselves, the first floor allows for something a little more chilled, with a smoking area as well. With the exterior characterised by its graffiti you can’t miss it.
KB18, Kødboderne 18, 1714 København V
Like all good music venues the more decrepit the venue the better the band, right? KB18 is adorned by graffiti and instantly memorable due to its low ceilings and unfinished floors. So much so that you almost glaze over its small setting on your first visit. But with the drink prices cheap and the music typically alternative it’s hard to get caught up in what is commonly known as one of the city’s best underground spots. Pick a night when the music suits you most – they range from electronica and techno to punk and garage – and you won’t be forgetting this place soon.
Located just outside of Copenhagen the biggest festival in Northern Europe is also responsible for putting together some of the most diverse lineups. In 2013 alone they put Sigur Ros and Rihanna on the same poster. With over 180 bands from various different music backgrounds we’re not surprised that over 80,000 people purchased tickets to the 2007 event. Combine this with exceptional camping standards, a standout atmosphere and highlights from acts that have in the past included Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Radiohead and Metallica and you get a festival that should be high up on your bucket list.
Read our festival guide to Roskilde here.
See
The Lure Players, Rådhuspladsen 57, 1550 København V
Copenhagen is home to several statues to get snap happy over. While most of them celebrate former Monarchs and fallen soldiers the lure players on are display for far less austere reasons. Made as a gift from the Carlsberg Foundation to the city on the 100th anniversary of brewer J.C. Jacobsen’s birth the legend goes that the lure players should blow their horns when a virgin passes them.
The Danish Music Museum, Rosenørns Alle 22, Frederiksberg C
While currently moving from its old home to the former Broadcasting House and current home of the Royal Danish Academy Of Music, this music museum will be open in the Summer of 2014. In it’s new location The Danish Music Museum will allow musicians and music history to stand side by side. While displaying 500 years worth of musical instruments from around the world there is also a new project for youngsters to explore the diverse array of instruments on offer.
The Royal Danish Theatre’s Old Stage, Kongens Nytorv 9, 1017 København K
While the architecture of the modern Royal Danish Theatre is often marvelled at the 17th century Old Stage building is home to far more history. With some of Denmark’s best gracing the stage here the venue is a key landmark in the country’s classical music past. While in it’s current form the venue mainly offers ballet performances hoards of tourists capture this Kongens Nytorv Square building without knowing its true musical significance.
Copenhagen Acts You Should Check Out
MØ – Soundcloud
Arising from a punk background and transferring to pop Karen Marie Ørsted has since featured on Avicii’s ‘Dear Boy’, worked with Diplo and garnered a wagon’s worth of buzz thanks to her Bikini Daze EP. Her electropop debut, No Mythologies To Follow, is set for release in late February of 2014.
You can read our interview with the singer here.
Indians – Soundcloud
Søren Løkke Juul has been active in Copenhagen for years, yet it wasn’t until he signed to 4AD and released his debut album, Somewhere Else, that the worldwide indie fraternity took notice. Performing under Indians the Dane is often described as Denmark’s Bon Iver.
Baby In Vain – Soundcloud
This alt-rock and all girl trio have been thrashing grunge, blues and noise textures ever since they formed in 2010. With a slew of single releases in the past two years Baby In Vain found themselves on the Pavilion Junior Stage at the 2013 Roskilde Festival and are set to appear at SXSW 2014. Clearly there are big and loud things ahead for this trio.
