Scandinavia – an area bubbling with enough talent to provide the music world with material for the next millennia. It’s unsurprising that a list of acts as long as your arm hailing from the region have made it big in Europe – and beyond – with the help of their pure-pop ancestry and modern streaming services. In fact, streaming is something that has helped boost Norway’s music sales by a staggering 17 percent. Gone are the days of Vikings and A-ha echoing through the mountain ranges and Fjords of this great nation; in their place stands a hot spring (see what I did there) of emerging musical talent. In light of this, One Stop Record Shop has decided to trip across the North Sea – a mini adventure if you will – in search of the culture and creative inspiration that is fueling a new wave of internationally acclaimed electronic music.
As a country that has the second highest alcohol tax of anywhere in the world, it comes as somewhat of a surprise that gigs and live music have become so popular. Maybe it’s simply that Brits are living up to the binge-drinking cliché and music for us requires a side helping of alcohol? Needless to say, Norway seems to be showing the developed world exactly how it’s done by drawing the focus back onto live music and shying away from the age-old problem of alcohol related anti-social behavior.
Oslo in particular is an emerging hotbed of musical talent, playing host to a variety of festivals over the summer months including; Norwegian Wood Festival – Oslo’s most popular rock festival, Øya – Norway’s biggest outdoor festival, as well as being home to music venues large and small.
The Villa
If it’s an unpretentious night out you are looking for then head down to The Villa, a venue offering great electronic music, a host of DJ’s and some of the best pizza Norway has to offer. Mixing techno, house and electronic music by night, The Villa also has a late night coffee shop situated above the club, meaning you can get your caffeine fix and continue partying into the early hours. Set up by a British ex-pat, The Villa is the perfect spot to grab a bite and listen to some great new music.
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| The Villa is a venue that caters to all your musical needs, as well as your caffeine ones |
Rockefeller Music Hall
Rockefeller Music Hall is the place to find yourself if you are looking to catch larger international touring artists in a more intimate venue. With a capacity crowd of 1350, this is a venue that has seen HAIM, Foals and The Naked and Famous grace it’s stage in recent years. Consisting of a smaller venue and a pub alongside the main concert hall – both of which play host to more intimate gigs – Rockefeller is the place to head if you are looking for big acts in a small venue.
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| Rockefeller – big acts, intimate venue |
Oslo Opera House
If you are searching for style as well as substance, we suggest taking a wander down to the Oslo Opera House. Situated on the banks of the Oslo Fjord, this architectural wonder commands your attention from the get-go, with it’s clean lines, typically Scandi open plan layout and impressive glass façade. With panoramic views over the City’s waterfront, Oslo’s Opera House is not only the home of Norway’s national opera and ballet, but has hosted international music acts such as Anthony & The Johnson’s and The Tallest Man On Earth.
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| The Oslo Opera House has stunning views of Oslo’s waterfront |
Big Dipper
Our recommendation? Don’t visit Oslo without taking a trip to Big Dipper. OK, so it’s not a 500 capacity venue, but it’s certainly a haven for rock and indie music lovers. Stocking all manner of CD’s and vinyl from Dylan to Blur and Toto to Modest Mouse, Big Dipper is sure to cater to all your retro and contemporary needs.
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| Big Dipper – The ultimate musical hideout |
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