Øya Festival Is A Vital Platform For Scandinavian Talent
A large part of Norwegian culture has always been centred around music; indeed, the country prides itself on its knowledge of the industry, boasting a thriving hub for young creatives across recent times. Øya Festival provides the epicentre for Norwegian culture and music – the Oslo festival not only utilises one of the most beautiful cities Scandinavia has to offer, but it also delves into the ever-growing Norwegian talent pool, blending this with a celebration of some of the biggest names the music world has to offer.
Over the years Øya has seen the likes of The Cure, Kendrick Lamar and Arctic Monkeys visit the capital, with this year’s talent maintaining the high standards punters have become so accustomed to. This year, the festival boasts a homecoming headline slot from Sigrid, one of the greatest rappers of recent times in Pusha T, and Britpop legends blur as they continue on their legacy tour.
It’s one of the liveliest festivals Europe has to offer, but with the Norwegian summer sun rarely ever setting, it makes it far more accessible to fit in all of the music, and extra-curricular evening activities. The festival offers amazing daytime viewing, awe-inspiring headliners, and world-renowned DJs in the evening throughout the clubs in Oslo. One thing in particular that Øya does pride itself on, however, is championing the Norwegian and fellow Scandinavian talents breaking through right now. Here are five up-and-coming acts not to be missed.
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Bo Milli
Emilie Østebø, otherwise known by her stage name as Bo Milli, creates a wonderful style of indie rock, bursting at the seams with catchy hooks. With a handful of successful releases, the artist is one of Norway’s brightest sparks, and has often been compared to Soccer Mommy, and Phoebe Bridgers (who will also be appearing at Øya with her Boygenius outfit).
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Slowshift
Led by Brynjar, the guitarist from Icelandic indie folk powerhouses, Of Monsters and Men, they’re experimental style is enough to entice anyone. Brynjar brings his distinctive elements to the band, whilst drummer Tomas brings the energy and Kristoffer’s compositions make for the ultimate bond. A band that is unafraid to take risks and are reaping the benefits as a result, Slowshift are definitely not ones to be missed.
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Veps
The young indie pop quartet have been on a sensational rise since their first single release back in 2021, and has since been followed up by a series of strong singles and a brilliant EP. Having previously toured the UK and rocking their way around, their nostalgic aesthetic and guitar pop that is reminiscent of the 90s is sure to burst into life again when they take to the stage at Øya.
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Ary
Influenced by her Caribbean roots, Ary is a singer-songwriter who makes an airy, thought-provokingly reflective style of synth-pop. Occasionally delving into breakbeat melodies, the young artist is another wonderful talent beaming out of Scandinavia, and surely, shortly will be landing over in mainland Europe.
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Tigerstate
A group based in Oslo and founded during the bleak COVID days, Tigerstate are an eclectic collective of young musicians, singers and like-minded creatives who used to meet up in the underground of Oslo. They bring an organic and political stance to every creative project they embark on, as long as the ethos remains the same – as long as the ideas are good, anything goes! With this style of mantra, they are not to be missed.
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Øya Festival runs between August 8th – 12th, tickets are on sale now.
Words: Ben Broyd
