[2026] Recommended Norwegian Artists Summary

Drain CosmeticsSerena-Maneesh

Serena-Maneesh – “Drain Cosmetics” HD

Serena-Maneesh emerged from Norway in the far north and made their mark on the global alternative scene.

Their appeal lies in a sound that fuses shoegaze and noise rock, where stormy walls of sound coexist with delicate melodies.

Their 2005 debut album, Serena-Maneesh, received a high score of 8.6 out of 10 from the international music outlet Pitchfork, and was named Album of the Year by a Norwegian daily newspaper.

From the chaotic flood of sound, luscious melodies rise to the surface—truly one of a kind.

This is a band you should hear if you crave bold, beautiful, thunderous rock.

The Future Sound of MusicUlver

Ulver – The Future Sound Of Music

Ulrver, a Norwegian band bearing the name of the wolf, have been musical adventurers unwilling to remain in a single skin since their formation in 1993.

From early-career black metal to electronica, ambient, and even refined dark pop, they present a completely different face with each album, continually surprising listeners.

Their shape-shifting musicality has always been highly acclaimed, as with their masterpiece Shadows of the Sun, which won Album of the Year at the Oslo Awards in 2008.

For those who want to savor the intellectual thrill of crossing genre boundaries, their trajectory serves as a superb guide.

All I KnowAnneli Drecker

Anneli Drecker – All I know

Anneli Drecker from Tromsø is the vocalist of Bel Canto and also works as a solo singer.

She has also appeared as a guest on Tsunematsu Matsui’s album.

“All I Know” is a track from the 2000 album Tundra.

FredlysningGåte

Gåte – Fredlysning

Gåte was a rock band that released songs based on Norwegian folk music.

They disbanded in 2005 but reunited between 2009 and 2010.

“Fredlysning” is a track from their 2004 album Iselilja.

Haba HabaStella Mwangi

MGP 2011 – delfinale 3: Stella Mwangi – “Haba Haba”

Singer and rapper Stella Mwangi is from Kenya and moved to Norway in her childhood.

“Haba Haba” is a song performed at the Melodi Grand Prix 2011 and it reached number one on the Norwegian charts.

Her songs are also frequently used in films and TV dramas.

You Love Who You LoveZara Larsson

Zara Larsson – You Love Who You Love (Official Visualizer)

Zara Larsson, from Sweden in Northern Europe, has shown musical talent since childhood—she won Sweden’s Got Talent at the age of 10.

She released her debut EP, Introducing, in 2012, and its track Uncover reached number one in Sweden and Norway.

In 2017, she released her second album, So Good, achieving international success, with tracks from the album earning Grammy nominations.

Her signature sound is dance-pop influenced by R&B and club music, and she cites inspirations such as Beyoncé and Robyn.

At 25, she became the youngest artist in Sweden to surpass one billion streams.

Highly recommended for those who want to be captivated by a voice that carries the fresh breeze of the Nordics.

The Bird SongAnette Askvik

The Bird Song – “Liberty” – Anette Askvik

Annette Askvik is a female singer from Stavanger with a bachelor’s degree in jazz vocals, who is also active as a composer.

The Bird Song is a track included on her debut album, Liberty, released in 2011.