Norwegian Electronic Folk Music – Kenneth Lien & Center of the Universe

Following the success of the critically acclaimed album Snu hver stein (2023), Kenneth Lien and Center of the Universe return with a new release that continues their unique project: creating electronic folk music deeply rooted in Norwegian tradition.

With this album, the duo takes a significant step forward after performing their distinctive sound on stages across the country. The result is a record that makes it sound as if Norwegian folk music has always been electronic—and perhaps it could have been?

Through traces of electro-halling, disco-gangar, and springar drum’n’bass, Lien and Center of the Universe explore a fascinating idea: What if electronic folk music had been an unbroken tradition, stretching all the way from the 1960s experiments of Folque, Saft, and Sigbjørn Bernhoft Osa—through Annbjørg Lien’s early releases—and into today’s flourishing interest in Norwegian folk, roots, and tradition?

The duo’s new album combines traditional slåtter and dance rhythms from gangar, springar, and halling with traditional instruments like the jaw harp (munnharpe) and Hardanger fiddle (hardingfele), paired with electronic staples from house and techno such as the TB-303 and Roland 909. It’s music not only to listen to, but to dance to—seeking to extend tradition rather than break with it. This is no nostalgic journey, but a living experiment in how electronic production can enhance and revitalize Norwegian folk music.

Kenneth Lien is a multi-instrumentalist with roots in black metal and improvised rock. He plays a wide range of traditional folk instruments including fiddle, Hardanger fiddle, willow flute (seljefløyte), and most notably the jaw harp. He is best known from the trio Ævestaden and has made his mark on the folk competition scene with several jaw harp victories.

Jørgen Skjulstad is a musician and DJ also known as Center of the Universe or DJ Sissyfus. He has released around 20 albums under his own name and contributed to perhaps hundreds more as a remixer and producer.

This album serves both as an entry point for new listeners and a deep dive for those who already love Norwegian folk music—in an entirely unique form.

The album is produced by Jørgen Skjulstad and mastered by Christian Obermayer.