B-Side Guys

In a year saturated with conventional pop and overproduced chart-toppers, it is a breath of cold Nordic air to experience the works of Steinsdotter. Drawing deeply from her Viking lineage, the avant-garde artist presents “Ginnungagap,” a sonic foray into the duality of existence, fire and ice, as well as the vast potentialities that lie between. Available from October 27th, this project, reminiscent of an ancient incantation, is both a cultural odyssey and a testament to Steinsdotter’s musical genius.

With a title derived from Norse mythology, referring to the primordial void that predates the cosmos, “Ginnungagap” is both a creation myth and a reflection on the infinite potentials of musical expression. This mixtape feels like an assemblage of curiosities, each unique yet bound by Steinsdotter’s ethereal touch.

One can’t discuss “Ginnungagap” without mentioning its instant classics. “Nightshift,” a standout, melds witch-glam aesthetics with an uncanny energy. The track feels like an invocation—its strings seem to whisper secrets from ancient tomes while the deep bass lines beckon listeners into a trance-like dance. Steinsdotter masterfully crafts a realm where the ethereal intersects with the club, where spirits of the old world flirt with modern rhythms.

“Read My Hips” continues this immersive journey with its darkly feminine sound, echoing both Steinsdotter’s Nordic heritage and her contemporary electronic sensibilities. Contrastingly, “Air” sheds the electric sheen to spotlight her haunting vocals, revealing an artist who is as at home in acoustic settings as she is amidst synths and beats.

Collaboration plays a significant role in the mixtape’s allure. Working alongside artists like Agon Branza, Occult Hardware, Sarah Kershaw, and Takatsuna Mukai, Steinsdotter’s multi-dimensional approach to creation becomes evident. The resultant soundscape is a rich tapestry of voices, ideas, and emotions. And with “Ginnungagap” marking her inaugural venture into vinyl, one can’t help but anticipate the tactile connection between listener and this tangible artifact.

One of the mixtape’s most notable features is its fearless divergence from the confines of the traditional album format. In Steinsdotter’s own words, the mixtape is more suited to her fluid and ever-evolving creative process. It’s a refreshing perspective in an age of rigid album cycles and commercial predictability. Her approach to “Ginnungagap” encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a contemporary artist—challenging norms, defying expectations, and carving out a unique niche.

Beyond the individual tracks, “Ginnungagap” shines as a cohesive project. From the eerily inviting “womb < intro >” to the pulsating rhythms of “Laguz StreakyMastered 1644,” the mixtape takes listeners on a journey that transcends time and space. It’s a world where London’s urban vibes intermingle with Viking sagas, where club remixes resonate with the age-old tales of warrior witches.

Steinsdotter is not just a musician; she’s a storyteller. Each song is a chapter, a fragment of a larger narrative woven with threads of her Nordic lineage and contemporary artistry. This mixtape, more than just a collection of songs, is an immersive experience, a ritual of sorts that invites listeners to explore the myriad facets of Steinsdotter’s universe.

As winter approaches, there’s an inherent allure to delve deep into the shadowy realms of our psyche. “Ginnungagap” provides the perfect backdrop—a mixtape that’s both a haunting meditation and an electrifying celebration. Steinsdotter’s ethereal voice, combined with the brutality of Norse sagas, is a testament to her unique artistic identity.

Whether you’re a fan of avant-garde pop or a seeker of profound musical experiences, “Ginnungagap” beckons. So, let the nights grow longer, let the fires burn brighter, and let Steinsdotter’s incantations guide you into realms hitherto unexplored.