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Biography
I’m not going to blow anyone’s mind when I say that we live in the age of pop stars barely old enough to attend college, let alone drink or drive. With that in mind, it’s quite refreshing to see an artist who waited until after finishing full time education before deciding to play music for a living. Susanne Sundfør was 23 when she decided that the burgeoning career in music that she’d been enjoying was what she wanted to do with the rest of her life, having already released two albums and was prepping a third. Clearly, the singing lessons that she’d been getting since she was 12 had been put to good use.
The singer/songwriter first came to prominence in 2005, when she was 19 years of age and supporting the British artist Tom McRae on his tour of Norway. The audience that had seen her tour with McRae spread the word about her talents and her debut single “Walls” was a surprise hit on the singles chart, peaking at number three. Spurred on by the success of her very first single, she released her self-titled debut album in 2007, which matched the success of “Walls” on the album chart, also peaking at number three. She was such a success that she was nominated for a Spellemannprisen award (basically a Norwegian Grammy) for best female artist.
However this didn’t sit well with Sundfør, who would go on to win the award in 2008 and during the acceptance speech, said "I am first and foremost an artist, not first and foremost a woman". Causing something of a nationwide debate about whether the Spellemannprisen, a forty year old institution, should have a gender segregated “artist of the year” category. This meant that whatever she did next was something of a make or break moment for Sundfør. With this much attention focused on her and what she was going to do next, it had to be the best thing she could possibly create or she her career would be kneecapped just as she decided that she would dedicate her life to creating music.
Fortunately, she did create the best thing she could possibly make. “The Brothel” was released in 2010 and wasn’t just rapturously received by all who heard it, but also sold over 40’000 copies, making it the second best-selling album of the year in Norway. Susanne Sundfør had well and truly arrived, and ever since then she’s been something of a Norwegian national treasure, with her follow up to “The Brothel”, “The Silicon Veil” hurtling into the album charts at number one. She’s not just Norway’s secret anymore either, her back catalogue has been released all over Europe and at this rate, it’s only a matter of time before the whole world falls for her charms. Highly recommended.
Live reviews
It’s sometimes hard to believe that Susanne Sundfør is from Norway because live, it sounds as though her music might have come straight from the heavens. Her powerful yet angelic voice is framed within a sea of synths and electronic drums making for an other-worldly experience. The mix of Kate Bush worthy vocal drama and a sci-fi light show make for a spectacle like no other, one that is so overwhelmingly cinematic that it makes her shows less of just a ‘gig’ but more of an experience.
An obvious fan of classical music, there is something almost neo-baroque to her sound and performance, giving her futuristic synth compositions a strangely traditional feel. This sees them finding a home on even the biggest of stages, an environment where Susanne absolutely thrives, prepared to dazzle no matter how big the audience. With a new album on the way we may see Susanne taking her sound even further into another dimension but you can still guarantee one of the most out of this world musical experiences on the planet right now.
CATFROMJAPAN
Susanne Sundfør's performance was absolutely wonderful. Her unique and powerful voice was on display here in its full glory ... even more so than on her records.
She played for over an hour and, while focusing heavily on the new record, she also included several familiar older songs.
There were signs all over the club stating that "per artist request" people should refrain from taking photos and videos. Most people complied with that request. People who didn't were immediately reminded by staff in the club. This resulted in an intimate performance where people were focused on Susanne and her music for the entirety of her set.
If you're on the fence about seeing her for any reason, I can promise you that you won't regret it. It's impossible to convey how good she sang and performed live. I will definitely never miss her when she comes around again.
dhoff0314
Susanne's voice is incredible, I never thought I would hear something so beautiful for real. I was afraid she wouldn't be able to do the same magic tricks with her voice that you hear on the records, but she does. I was utterly impressed.
Her show was a very pleasant surprise. It made me enjoy the songs of her new album even more, and made me discover some of the old songs that I didn't know very well. She was alone on the stage with her synth, piano and guitar and yet she felt like a whole orchestra.
Bonus : she's adorable and funny and the atmosphere was very cosy.
My only regret is she didn't sing many pieces from the previous album, Ten Love Songs.
caroline-reuillon
A new album just released and to my pleasure Susanne and band got down to Amsterdam for a somewhat short, but intense and perfectly performed gig. A well balanced full hour of het latest work from 'Ten Love Songs' and the previous album 'The Silicone Veil'.
The sold-out 'kleine zaal' at Paradiso - nearly half of them Norwegians! - had a great night. To get an impression of the great performance, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7kM_aMhKCk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdYxana0MVw.
Hopefully back in the Netherlands soon...
HenryK70
The Budapest show was a very intimate and pleasant, yet deep experience. The quieter parts mixed with Susanne's crystal clear and powerful voice made the night unforgettable. The two musicians of her also a good choice to support the concert and they was really musical in every aspect.
Susanne's kind personality just the point on the whole thing.
Thanks for coming and do come back soon! :-)
sandor-kis
Beautiful folksy, bluesy singer, reminiscent of Joni Mitchell. Susanne's voice and piano and guitar are unique. Needs to improve her small talk to the audience, though!
The venue, the CCA could do with some seating in an informal style. Susanne would excel in a continental cafe setting.
Great to get good quality music to offset more popular bland stuff!!!
steveblack
Delightful! Susanne sung most of Music for people in trouble (though notably not Mountaineers, as is understandable because half of the song is sung by Grant) at her concert just a couple of days ago. Her voice is just lovely; powerful, striking, touching.
Dulcibel
Absolutt et must å se. Et lyrisk og musikalsk geni. Ufattelig fantastiske visuelle effekter hevet en musikalske opplevelsen til nye høyder. Utrolig bra!!! Skulle bare ønske det var flere konserter med henne.
EmmaLinn
I thought the concert was just wonderful, but I would have loved to hear Susanne sing Darlings, Kamikaze and Fade away. I really missed those 3 fantastic songs.
But Susanne Sundfør is truly amazing live :)
denise-valentin
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