I
Mikael Simpson

About:

1974

Mikael Simpson was born in Holstebro, Denmark. In 1994 he formed the band Luksus together with Lise Westzynthius (vocals, piano), Georg Rune Andersen (bass) and Henrik Vibskov (drums ). The band managed to publish an ep ‘Luksus’m in 1997 and album called Repertoire (1998) before its dissolution in 2001. Lise Westzynthius started a solo career which let after some English sung material to an impressive album (in Danish) in 2012 called 'Tæt på en kold favn' (2012).

Simpson played briefly with Nikolaj Nørlund band Rhonda Harris, but it was not until 2002, with the release of a solo album Os 2 + Lidt ro in 2002. The album was recorded in Simpson's bedroom on his computer, which gave him time and space to manage the process from songwriting to recording. This process would become a standing procedure for all Simpson’s albums.

Simpson’s music walks the thin line between electronic music and alternative. In his career he would flirt regurarly with dance and techno artists like Thomas Bertelsen (aka DJ TOM) and Torsten Bo Jacobsen (aka DJ Buda), techno-duo Lulu Rouge, Frithjof Toksvig, Trentemøller, Asger Baden and his own band constellation Sølvstorm with Henrik Liebgott (guitar) , Niclas Tange (drums), Georg Andersen (bass) and Trentemøller (keys).

Mikael also joined Trentemøller on his 2007 – 2008 world tour. In 2008 he published ‘Vi sidder bare her...’ (We are just sitting here), a spoken word project where Simpson works with Jorgen Leth and Frithjof Toksvig. In 2014 he releases an album which features some reworks of old tapes he had.

On the web:

- Mikael's official website: http://www.mikaelsimpson.dk/

What do we think:

DB: Mikael's music is mostly laced with melancholy. His thin voice is sometimes reminiscent of that of Þór Jón "Jónsi" Birgisson of Sigur Ros but his music is very much modeled on the club scene. It is the dark edge of town where Mikael takes you to. To the moment in the night where time and space melt together. Where the moths down their last drink and wash away their loneliness while the wet streets glisten beneath the passing cars. Elements of reggae, techno and alternative guitar pop form the basis for a unique sound. Brought by a man who seems to be a distant descendant of medieval hermit in his appearance..

If you like this, you probably like.. / european counterparts

Flip Kowlier (Belgium)

Sigur Ros (Iceland)

Recommended:

- Os 2 + Lidt ro 2002 - 2002     
  
♪♪♪♪ - De ti skud - 2004

- Stille Og Uroligt - 2006      

♪♪♪♪ - Slaar skaar - 2009

♪♪♪ - Noget laant, noget blaat - 2011

♪♪♪ - Overspring (Samlet) - 2014

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♪♪♪♪♪ = outstanding album, an absolute must-have
♪♪♪♪ = great album, highly recomended
♪♪♪ = nice album
♪♪ = be careful, requires listening before buying
♪ = best to be avoided