Scandinavia has over many years boasted some of the biggest artists to have emerged, go on to dominate Europe, and then ultimately break into the US market. It is a constantly evolving scene, with a lot of hidden talent’s waiting to explode, and the Northern Expo showcase is a festival that assists in elevating these artists who are ready to take the next step. It is a festival that spotlights some of the best and most culturally important acts across a variety of different genres, all in a carefully curated selection of venues and locations, designed for an exceptional and unique experience. Hosted in the 2024 European capital of culture, Bodø, the beautiful scenery and the never-setting Midsummer sun ensured that the showcase was an experience to never forget.
The first evening staged at the Svømmehallen set the tone for the proceedings with each artist who would be performing over the showcase, providing an excellent insight for what was to come. Meanwhile, the technological setup and organisational expertise on display was another testament not just to the musicians of the north, but the lighting and sound technicians who proved invaluable in setting up a show that could be likened to a Later… with Jools Holland-esque style show with all acts positioned across the hall.
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Commencing the first full day of music programming began with a fjord tour around the stunning Norwegian islands that have the capacity to feel other-worldly due to their monumental stature. Disembarking the ship on the island of Fleinvær saw Estonian Johanna-Adele Jüssi create compelling stories of travelling through the most remote parts of the great north in her three piece band. Following this performance, an informative panel talk ensued hosted by explorer Arne O.Holmon alongside Katarina Barruk, Emil Karlsen and Viktor Bomstad on Sámi culture, the art of Joiking, and the hardships that they have endured for many years. The indigenous community have existed through issues with land-rights, education systems playing ignorant towards the culture and language, and further constant discrimination, with the panel talk serving as an important reminder to respect and support their heritage.
A shorter boat ride to the island of Arnøy saw the arrival of Liv Andrea Hauge perform for the first time of the weekend with the Nordnorsk Jazzensemble and their take on jazz-funk infused with warped electronic aspects, curating a captivating ordeal. Moreover, evening’s in the cultural capital consisted of picturesque harbour views and wine bars, whilst also extending the variation all the way to Punk bars, alongside British pubs accompanied by life-size Beefeater statues and red telephone boxes – it really had it all. Meanwhile, morning’s in the north consisted of short hikes up the city mountain for further astounding views, or sauna recovery sessions.
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As the showcase reached its pivotal moment, Liv Andrea Hauge Trio performed in the Store Studio, once more demonstrating her extraordinary talent and diversification to be able to traverse different genres with style. Across the city in the Litteratursalen Stormen Library welcomed back Emil Karlsen, a spirited performer who alternates between singing and the traditional Sámi chanting technique of Joiking. His performance was an immersive experience, with landscape visuals of the artist climbing through the mountains of his home village, all whilst performing to an astute level. Homegrown Bodø artist Maud was next to take the stage over in the Beddingen Kulturhus with her hyper-pop focused set that was carefully designed in dreamy synths, quickfire beats, and processed vocals, inviting all into her eclectic and passionate world.
The penultimate act of the showcase proved to be the standout performer of the festival. Katarina Barruk in the Kulturhus was enthralling from start to finish, with her emotive performances fuelled by her unique and distinctive voice, combined with her fiery passion and stage presence inspired by her drive for Sámi culture preservation was breathtaking. Singing in her Ume Sámi mother tongue, a language that is listed red on UNESCO’s endangered languages, displayed her resilience in supporting her heritage. Her ability to convey the importance of preserving her nation is so powerful, with her natural prowess of telling stories from her land and their history proving nothing short of astonishing. Speaking on the showcase, the artist explained: “I am so impressed by what the team at Northern Expo accomplished. They gave us a solid platform, and I believe the artists and music from Sámi and Northern Norway are so good, and I am proud to be a part of that. My concert definitely felt like being in the right place at the right time, and it’s historical that more people from the industry get to know about what the ume sámi language is.”
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With Nonne closing the evening in their psychedelic rock manner, heavily influenced by the Madchester era combined with their Tromsø sonics, the Northern Expo showcase drew to a close. The consistency and level of quality was a prevailing theme over a seriously well executed festival. It was a gleaming testament to the ever-growing Norwegian music scene, the powerful and resilient Sámi culture, and Northern Expo who’s precise planning allowed for the both to integrate in an informative and entertaining program.
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Words: Ben Broyd
Photography via Northern Expo
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