Written in summer 2017 for The Line of Best Fit - view it on their website here.
Just west of Copenhagen, the Danish city of Roskilde hosts its eponymous 47th festival this weekend
The 130,000 punters in attendance will be treated to a truly global pick of 180 music acts from 32 countries at the entirely non-profit event. Big-hitters including Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire, Justice and The XX head up the weekend's bill, and they're just the tip of the multi-genre iceberg.
Among the Nordic talents and established acts joining international giants across nine stages, here are our tips for the best sets to catch this year.
aYia
The dark wave electro trio native to Reykjavik is signed to Iceland's prominent Bedroom Community label. Fronted by poet Ásta Fanney Sigurðardóttir and her haunting vocals, their set is bound to be filled with mysterious synths and hushed tones. Catch them on Thursday at 8pm on the Gloria stage.
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Icona Pop
Since Roskilde showcased the Swedish pop duo back in 2012 on their up-and-coming talent stage, Icona Pop's major breakthrough came with their collaboration with Charli XCX on 'I Love It'. The chart-topping single catapulted them into pop's elite echelons, having held support slots for Katy Perry, One Direction and Miley Cyrus. They can also cite Barack Obama as a fan. Head to the Arena stage on Friday at 2am and you never know, you might see him there.
Young M.A
The 24-year-old Brooklyn MC is taking over the US rap scene with her brash bars. An independent artist since self-funding her own recording studio with local record producers, her RIAA two times Multi-Platinum Award record 'OOOUUU' has been remixed by Nicki Minaj, The Game and ASAP Ferg. Keep your fingers crossed you'll catch her freestyling or rapping a cappella at the Apollo stage on Wednesday at 5:15pm.
Jagwar Ma
Bringing their contemporary take on psychedelia to Roskilde, we can't wait to catch the Australian trio's woozy vocals, jangly guitars and synth pop loops. Whatever the Danish weather brings, Jagwar Ma will deliver a glimpse of Aussie sunshine to their set on Friday at 11pm on the Avalon stage.
Mammút
The Icelandic five-piece recently released their third album, Kinder Versions, although it was their debut in English language after signing with Bella Union. With their shimmering, shapeshifting rock numbers, it isn't a surprise to learn that Mammút's singer Katat is the daughter of a Birgir Mogensen, a former bandmate of Björk in her pre-Sugarcubes incarnation KUKL - See them on Friday at 8:15pm at the Pavilion stage.
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Lorde
The Grammy-winning New Zealander just released her second album, Melodrama, which she co-produced and co-wrote, four years after her debut. Taylor Swift's new best pal puts a darker spin on traditional pop with her lyrics often critiquing mainstream culture. Her festival season included huge stages at Glastonbury and Coachella, so snap up the chance to see her on Friday night at 11:30pm on the Arena stage.
Emil Stabil
A stand-out of Roskilde's showcase of the Nordic countries' vibrant hip hop and rap scene is platinum-selling Danish rapper Emil Stabil. He launched into SoundCloud fame in 2014 and has since started up his own hip hop label, Lil Label, as part of a collective. Emil is becoming renowned for his charisma on stage, and joining him on Saturday at 2pm on the Arena stage will be an array of guests including Norwegian trap duo $ushi x Kobe, Estonian rapper Tommy Cash and Dutch rap sensation Lil’ Kleine.
Angel Olsen
Olsen has lent her mesmerising vocals to Bonnie "Prince" Billy records before releasing two solo albums through Jagjaguwar. Her love of "very dingy sounding things" and sarcastic wit perfectly balances out her ethereal tone and Dolly Parton-esque controlled vibrato warble. Her full-band show is on Friday on the Avalon stage at 5pm.
Princess Nokia
Taking over Europe's festival circuit by way of the NYC underground, Princess Nokia is 25-year-old Destiny Frasqueri. The multifaceted DIY rapper and singer has two mixtapes and an EP under her belt, as well as hosting a podcast, Smart Girl Radio, which she calls a 'safe space for wonderful women'. See her on Thursday at 2:15am at the Pavilion stage.
Alex Cameron
Signed to Secretly Canadian, the high-concept Australian explores underachievement through layering his artistic 'failing entertainer' persona with vintage synth and electronic drum beats. After witnessing his stage shows and aesthetic, it should come as no surprise that he was discovered in a club owned by David Lynch. Catch his unmissable 80s Bowie-era moves on Friday at 6:30pm on the Gloria stage.
