October has been busy with a lot of music releases from the Nordic region and it has been quite something trying to keep up the pace with it all! One album we have been really excited to check out is Svaneborg Kardyb’s new release ‘Haven’ which is out today (23rd October) – we learn more about the duo and get some pretty special music recommendations to check out (which we have linked up for you to explore)!

Tell us who you are and what is your sound?

We are two friends from Denmark, who also happens to be friends. The music is minimalistic, spheric, and created over the blackest coffee in the earliest of mornings. Electronic vibes meet acoustic grooves, and catchy melodies meet nordic atmospheres.

What exciting projects have you got coming up?

On the 23. of October *(today) we will release our second album ‘Haven’ which is a tribute to nature, simplicity, and the feeling of coming home. ‘Haven’ means garden in Danish. Also, we will be showcasing at the We Jazz Festival in Helsinki in December

Where did you grow up and what music influenced you?

We grew up in Jutland, Denmark. Nikolaj in the north (Nordjylland) and Jonas in the southern part (Sønderjylland). Today we live in Aarhus. Jonas grew up visiting Tønder Festival every year. The festival is the biggest Folk & Roots festival in Europe so this has been a huge influence. Nikolaj learned to play the piano by accompanying the Danish tradition of community singing and learned a lot of traditional Nordic hymns and songs.

What cool places do you recommend to visit in your city (bars, restaurants, etc)?

We live in Aarhus in Denmark, which is a town filled with small cozy cafes and inviting venues. Check out Street Coffee and La Cabra for coffee, Godsbanen, and Sydhavnen for a cultural fix, and HeadQuarters for wild dancing. Talk a walk by the sea in the beautiful Marselisborg Skoven and don’t forget the amazing art museum AROS.

We love recommendations – what have you been listening to, watching, or reading recently?

There are so much good Danish music to listen to Hvalfugl, I Think You’re Awesome, Røgsignal, Alberte Svenningsen, Abekejser, Bagland, Big Creek Slim, just to name a few.

Finally, what was the last thing that made you swear out loud?

When Nikolaj lost a game of chess after an intense battle. 

Interview by Alex Minnis

Photo Credit: Martin Baltser