The bookers' recommendations
Our booking team are always on the lookout for the hottest new sounds emerging across the world. Here are their top festival tips:
Henrik Posner (Head of booking)
A hidden gem that has yet to see the same recognition in Norway as abroad and on reddit forums (r/elusin). Dreamy, ethereal and intimate alternative pop with electronic elements.
I heard their demo’s and booked them immediately. Gabber and techno blended with ambient pop vocals and folk elements. Folklore set in a basement rave party type beat.
One of the more interesting acts coming out of the Nordic electronic scene the past years. Good blend of experimental and melodic contemporary club music, with an underlying feeling of punkiness across the board.
An interesting artist to look out for in the current UK underground scene. Washed, dark, singy rap vocals over unorthodox instrumentals. Elements of grime and alternative pop in the mix. For the likes of Dean Blunt, Inga Copeland, jonatan leandoer96.
I’ve seen them at Blitz a few times now, and more recently at Øya during their ‘sellout tour’ (which also includes by:Larm, hehe). High-energy, moshpit-encouraging eggpunk. Leave your neckhangers at home.
Mayah Alkhateri and Sega Bodega’s take on 90s/00s alternative rock and shoegaze with Arabic influences and lyrics. Great project. Respect points for POiSON GiRL FRiEND feature.
Andreas (Sport) is to me an important force in the Oslo underground scene, with his consistent work as a DJ, music producer, graphic designer and club promoter. Looking forward to his live set at Blå.
I’ve been listening to her latest release Suntub a lot. A modern, computerized take on guitar rock accompanied by ethereal vocals and soothing production. I’ve seen people draw comparisons to dad rock, which I get. Great stuff.
My dad (big shoutout to Helge) showed me her first project a while back, and as a big fan of Chicago-native footwork music, I found Khadija’s take on the genre really refreshing. Great blend of high-energy juke drums and lo-fi sample elements. A good example of a genre being reinterpreted via the internet without any socio-geographical ties to its origin. Also shoutout Fada Records.
Atlanta-native Vayda has gotten a lot of attention in the US underground scene the past year, gaining recognition from blogs like no bells. Her take on hip hop feels fresh, with an airy vocal delivery, nonchalant flow and beat choices that range from jersey club to trap and r&b cuts. She just got her passport a few months ago and is ready for her first ever gig outside of the US borders. Exciting times for Vayda.
Dani is carrying the torch for Batida music, the Afro-Portuguese dance genre that has gained popularity over the past decade, mainly through the discography of Príncipe. Rhythmic, syncopated percussion with heavy bass production and lush instrumentation on top.
Sverre Eilertsen (Booking consultant)
My favourite from the Jury’s Selection.
Their only released track is truly captivating. Norwegian traditional tones in modern robes. A part of the rejuvenation of the local folk music scene, and word on the street is that they are a magnetic force on stage, pulling a completely new audience. I’m very curious to see what the hype manifests as.
Ladies Music Pub presents at Himmel
Three times makes a tradition, they say. It’s been a pleasure and an honour to work with the wonderful LMP during the last two festivals. This year they’re pulling up at Himmel to host their annual by:Larm party, and my pick of the night is Ydegirl.
Joakim Haugland (Program Consultant)
DJ Danifox (PT)
DJ Danifox is part of the great Princípe label andcollective in Lisbon. Last time they came to by:Larm 2020 they threw a label party at Revolver and almost tore down the building. Let's do it again!
Deponi (NO)
Deponi is one of our 12 selected Norwegian demo bands. The demo bands (or Jury’s Selection, as we also call it) are – and have always been – the backbone of the festival. As a by:Larm veteran, I have to say that this band is everything by:Larm is all about: young, new, fresh with a solid DIY + fuck you attitude.
ML Buch (DK)
My favorite this year! Rumors tell me that all the cool labels in London are chasing ML Buch right now. So this is a chance to see her before it all explodes.
Still House Plants (UK)
A UK favorite for a couple of years, and finally we managed to get them over for by:Larm. Check out their wonderful new album If I Dont Make It, I Love You.
Crack Cloud (CA)
Crack Cloud has been on our wish list a few years now, and finally they are coming. Signed to the great Jagjaguwar label (Bon Iver, Angel Olsen) I have a feeling this might be many by:Larmer's new favorite after this years festival.
KLIKK9 (NO)
Another one of 12 bands that came through the Jury’s Selection. We got over 1000 demos so to make it top 12 is obviously not easy. This is the chance that Norwegian artists can get a big audience without having a professional set-up, it's a very democratic “competition” and was the reason the festival was started. Klikk9 are a young, ambitious and energetic hip hop act from Oslo and they were one of my favorite demos this year.
CRYSTALLMESS (FR)
I guarantee that this is will be THE party set of the festival! Must see.
Glassmanet (NO)
Übercool Oslo psych/shoegaze reminiscent of Drop Nineteens and Slowdive. I can't wait to see them live!
