Röyksopp HHV Records 12 Items

You always see each other twice in life

Svein Berge and Torbjørn Brundtland met as teenagers in Tromsø, Norway, in the early 1990s. They began experimenting with electronic instruments and making music together, eventually forming the techno group Alanïa. In 1994, they released their debut EP, Travellers’ Dream. However, the group disbanded shortly thereafter, and Berge and Brundtland went their separate ways. In the mid-1990s, Berge and Brundtland met again in Bergen, Norway. They began working together again and formed the electronic music duo Röyksopp in 1998. The duo’s name is a reference to the Norwegian word for smoked reindeer, which is a traditional dish in their homeland. Inspired by the ambient and techno movements of the time, Röyksopp spent their early days finding their own sound. They developed intricate melodies, mixing ethereal synthesizers with pulsating rhythms. Before their rise, Röyksopp released a series of limited edition vinyl singles that gained attention in underground electronic music circles. Their tracks featured lush arrangements and a palpable sense of cinematic storytelling.

Experimental realms

Röyksopp’s discography is a diverse mix of electronic styles, from ambient to house to techno. The duo is known for their innovative use of samples and their ability to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes. Formed in the late 1990s, their breakthrough came with the 2001 album Melody A.M., which featured the iconic track Eple and established them as pioneers of downtempo electronic music. In 2005, they ventured into more experimental territory with The Understanding, combining ethereal vocals with intricate production. The duo continued to evolve, turning to a darker sound with Junior (2009) and Senior (2010), released within months of each other. Their collaboration with artist Robyn led to the critically acclaimed Do It Again EP in 2014, which fused Röyksopp’s electronic prowess with Robyn’s distinctive vocals. Their last studio album, The Inevitable End (2014), marked a poignant departure that explored themes of finality and transformation. Their latest album, Profound Mysteries, was released in 2022. The album is a conceptual project that explores themes of love, loss and the human condition. It has been praised by critics for its beautiful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.

Refreshing change from the mainstream

With their blend of electronic, ambient and downtempo, they transcended conventional boundaries and ushered in a new era of experimental sound.Their intricate melodies, layered with dreamlike textures, offered a refreshing departure from mainstream trends and captivated audiences and critics alike. The album’s success solidified Röyksopp as pioneers of the emerging electronic music movement. Their second album, 2004’s The Understanding, showed further evolution of their sound and featured complex vocal collaborations and lavish production. The single What Else Is There? with its haunting vocals and surreal music video became emblematic of their artistry. They have also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Robyn, Lykke Li and Jamie xx. Their music has been used in movies, television shows, and commercials, and they have won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2009. Röyksopp continues to tour and release new music, and there are no signs of them slowing down anytime soon.