Best Norwegian Music: 10 Norwegian Artists to Listen to in 2021

A desk with an ipod showcase Norwegian music.

I love listening to music. Who doesn’t? So naturally, I love the idea of listening to music that helps me learn a new language at the same time. Enter: Norwegian music.

This list has been updated for 2021!

Since I’ve been learning Norwegian for a while, I’ve come across quite a few Norwegian artists that have since taken over my Spotify playlist. Hence this roundup of the best Norwegian music I could find (according to my music tastes, however 😉 )

If you’re reading this post, you probably already know the benefits of listening to your target language as much as possible. I don’t need to explain how listening to music in your target language not only helps keep you motivated but can also help create a sense of immersion despite you living on the other side of the world from Norway.

While audiobooks and podcasts have their place, there’s something simple, fun, and laidback about music. It doesn’t feel like *work* to listen to songs you love. Plus, there’s always the added bonus of breaking out a pen and paper, sitting down, and transcribing it to boost your foreign listening skills.

Or you can just listen to your tunes while you’re doing something else. The choice is yours.

The ten artists here are all musicians I personally enjoy listening to, and the list includes a variety of dialects. Take a look and give them a listen the next time you want to incorporate Norwegian music to help you learn the language.

I’ve tried to include a variety of genres here, ranging from hip hop to pop to indie. I’ve also added their Spotify links.

Note: As to the order of this list, they’re in no particular order. Happy listening!

The Best Norwegian Music to Listen to when Learning Norwegian: 10 Artists

Zupermaria

Genre: pop

Recommended song: Plaster

This song is bubbly, catchy, and fun. I hear a hint of west coast dialect, and her vocals are very clear and crisp.

Isah

Genre: Hip hop/Pop

Recommended song: Lollipop

Svømmebasseng

Genre: Indie Pop

Recommended song: Nabolaget

If easy going indie music is more your jam, Svømmebasseng should hit the spot.

Eirik Aas

Genre: Chill hop hop/pop

Recommended song: Vektløs

A personal favorite of mine, Eirik Aas uses a west coast dialect that is easily recognized in his songs. More laid back than typical hip hop, I’d call his music chill hip hop with a hint of pop.

Ka2

Genre: upbeat indie pop

Recommended song: Tror du at han bryr seg

EMIR

Genre: Pop/Hip Pop

Recommended song: Luftslott

Verdensrommet

Genre: indie/R&B

Recommended song: En time I en grå dag

Verdensrommet is a group whose music is hard for me to explain. Charlie Skien (or Andreas Høvset) has a uniquely (for Norway) deep and grainy voice, paired with a crisp Oslo dialect. This makes for songs that have an edge to them but are still chill, more pop-leaning than hip hop songs. A mix between indie and R&B. When I’m doing listening transcription, 9/10 times I’m listening to music by Verdensrommet or another one of Charlie Skien’s groups (He’s also in Softcore untd., which is another favorite of mine, and even has some solo music).