Bergen Wave

The Bergen Wave (in Norwegian: Bergensbølgen) was a term used by the Norwegian press for the emergence of successful bands from Bergen in the late 1990s and the early 2000s. Several of these artists gained international breakthroughs, which was uncommon for Norwegian music at that time. Much of this success came from the focus that particularly British music press put on bands such as Röyksopp and Kings of Convenience and on the small record label Tellé Records. Many of the artists were connected to this label, owned by prominent Bergen Wave figure Mikal Telle. Common denominators between the artists are the independent approach - relying more on networking and word-of-mouth reputation than on the aid of major music labels for their breakthrough. Many of the bands also share a low-key melancholic tone, regardless if it is electronic dance music or conventional guitar based pop.