Oh Land
Nanna Øland Fabricius (born May 2, 1985), known professionally as Oh Land, is a Danish singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and former ballet dancer from Copenhagen.[1] After training at the Royal Danish Ballet and Royal Swedish Ballet, her career in dance ended abruptly due to a severe back injury—a slipped disc and fractured spine—prompting her to pivot to music.[2][3] She self-produced and released her debut studio album, Fauna, in 2008, marking the start of a career defined by eclectic pop blending electronic, indie, synthpop, and dance elements.[4] Oh Land's music often draws from her multifaceted background, incorporating theatrical influences from her ballet training and a DIY ethos evident in her early recordings. Her self-titled second album, Oh Land (2011), gained international attention with singles like "Sun of a Gun" and "White Nights," leading to tours opening for artists such as Katy Perry and Sia.[4][5] Subsequent releases include Wish Bone (2013), Earth Sick (2014), Family Tree (2019), and her most recent, Loop Soup (2023), the latter exploring experimental loops and personal themes.[4] She has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like The Salvation (2014) and Eternal (2023), and composing for soundtracks including Abduction (2011).[1] As a songwriter, Oh Land has collaborated with high-profile figures such as Pharrell Williams, Sia, John Legend, and Tricky, contributing to tracks for artists across genres.[4] Her achievements include winning the Brink of Fame: Music Artist award at the 2011 NewNowNext Awards, as well as nominations for Danish Music Awards and GAFFA Awards, reflecting her impact on both Danish and global pop scenes.[6][7] Based in Brooklyn, New York, since the early 2010s, she continues to evolve her sound, emphasizing themes of resilience, nature, and introspection in her work.[8]Biography
Early life
Nanna Øland Fabricius was born on May 2, 1985, in Copenhagen, Denmark, to Bodil Øland, a mezzo-soprano opera singer with the Royal Danish Theatre, and Bendt Fabricius, a church organist and classical composer.[9] Her family was deeply immersed in music, providing her with constant exposure to classical music, opera, and church music from a young age.[9] Fabricius has described her childhood as both idyllic and unconventional, often spending evenings backstage at the opera house with set designers and dressers while her mother performed, though she noted the challenge of her mother's absences during those times.[2] As a child, Fabricius took piano lessons and was expected by her family to develop a strong vocal talent, influenced by her parents' professions.[2] In her teens, she transitioned to ballet, initially training at the Royal Danish Ballet School before leaving home at age 16 to study at the Royal Swedish Ballet School in Stockholm for three years; she pursued a ballet career for about 10 years total due to her perfectionist nature.[3][2][10] At age 19, in 2004, Fabricius suffered a severe back injury—a slipped disc and fractured spine—resulting from over-training, which abruptly ended her ballet career despite her passion for the art form.[2][11] During her recovery, she began experimenting with music composition, creating songs in her head and later self-teaching production skills in a makeshift bedroom studio, marking her shift toward a professional music career.[2] This period of experimentation laid the groundwork for her self-produced debut album Fauna in 2008.[4]Personal life
Oh Land married visual artist and designer Eske Kath in 2013 at an outdoor ceremony in Denmark.[12] The couple welcomed their son, Svend, in New York on February 14, 2016.[13] Following the birth of their son, Oh Land and Kath relocated from New York to Søborg, a suburb north of Copenhagen, in 2016.[14] The pair divorced in 2017 after five years of marriage.[15] This period of personal upheaval, including the divorce, informed the introspective themes of family, loss, and renewal in her 2019 album Family Tree.[16] Around 2019, Oh Land began a relationship with musician and composer Adi Zukanović. The couple welcomed their son, Ernst, in 2020 and married in 2023.[17] In August 2023, Oh Land was appointed as an ambassador for UNICEF Denmark, focusing her advocacy on gender equality, girls' education, children's mental health, and support for refugee children.[18] She has contributed to the organization's efforts through music, such as donating proceeds from her 2020 single "Wild Girls, Wild Boys" to UNICEF initiatives.[18]Career
2008–2011: Debut, Fauna and Oh Land
In 2008, following her recovery from a career-ending back injury as a ballet dancer, Nanna Øland Fabricius, performing as Oh Land, self-produced and released her debut album Fauna in Denmark on November 10 through the independent label Fake Diamond Records.[19][2] Recorded primarily in her bedroom with additional sessions in local studios, the album blended electronic production with experimental pop and subtle folk influences, earning initial critical praise in Denmark for its introspective and innovative sound.[20][21] Seeking broader opportunities, Oh Land relocated to New York City later that year, where she performed at the 2009 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. This appearance caught the attention of Epic Records executive Amanda Ghost, leading to a signing with the label in 2009 and marking her entry into the international music scene.[2][22] In 2010, Fauna became available digitally in the United States via platforms like iTunes, allowing Oh Land to build a growing audience through early promotional efforts and live shows.[23] Her major-label debut, the self-titled album Oh Land, was released on March 14, 2011, in Denmark by Fake Diamond Records and Epic, featuring polished electropop tracks produced by Dan Carey and Dave McCracken. Lead single "Sun of a Gun," released in October 2010, gained traction with its remix featuring Santigold, while follow-up "Wolf & I" highlighted her emotive vocals and thematic depth; the album peaked at No. 5 on the Danish Albums Chart.[24][25] The record received widespread critical acclaim for its blend of pristine pop accessibility and emotional nuance, with reviewers drawing comparisons to Björk for Oh Land's distinctive voice and experimental edge.[2] She supported the album's promotion with performances at SXSW in 2011 and other festivals, solidifying her rising profile in the indie and electronic music communities.[22]2012–2013: Wish Bone
In 2012, Oh Land began collaborating with Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio on her third studio album, which he co-produced alongside the artist herself, Dan Carey, and Grant "WNDRBRD" Michaels.[26][27] The project marked a shift toward a more organic, live-recorded sound compared to her previous self-titled effort, emphasizing raw instrumentation and minimal overdubs during sessions in New York and Copenhagen.[28] Sitek also signed Oh Land to his newly founded Federal Prism label, through which the album was released on September 17, 2013, in the United States, with international distribution via Tusk or Tooth and A:larm Music.[29][30] Wish Bone was preceded by the lead single "Renaissance Girls," released in August 2013, which showcased the album's bold, feminist-leaning pop with its rapid-fire lyrics tracing women's historical roles.[31] The full album debuted at number four on the Danish Albums Chart, marking her highest charting release in her home country to date and underscoring her commercial breakthrough there.[32] Internationally, it received broader exposure through Federal Prism's partnership with Epic Records, a Sony Music imprint, allowing for wider promotion in North America and Europe.[30] Lyrically, Wish Bone delved into themes of personal growth, resilience, and the interplay between nature and urban life, drawing heavily from Oh Land's experiences navigating independence in New York City after years of relocation and artistic evolution.[33] Tracks like "Bird in an Aeroplane" and "Cherry on Top" evoked ethereal wish-making rituals—symbolized by the album's title, referencing the wishbone bone—while blending organic imagery with reflections on self-discovery and emotional fragility.[28] This conceptual focus created a cohesive narrative of transformation, contrasting the more stylized electro-pop of her prior work. Following the release, Oh Land launched an extensive tour in late 2013, headlining shows across Europe and the United States, including performances at venues like the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn and various festivals that highlighted her live band's dynamic energy.[26] The album's eclectic sound—mixing twitchy synths, piano-driven ballads, and indie rock edges—earned critical acclaim for its inventive pop accessibility, with The Guardian praising its "distinctive lyrics" that unified a diverse stylistic palette.[27] NME commended the production's "well-reduced sonic stock," positioning Wish Bone as a polished yet playful entry in the electro-pop genre.[29] This period represented Oh Land's commercial peak, solidifying her reputation as a versatile Danish export.2014: Acting, Voice Junior and Earth Sick
In 2014, Oh Land parted ways with Epic Records after the release of her previous album Wish Bone and established her independent label, Tusk or Tooth, to maintain greater creative control. She self-produced and released her fourth studio album, Earth Sick, on November 11, 2014, via Tusk or Tooth in partnership with A:larm Music. The record delves into themes of frustration with the complexities of modern life, alienation, and personal self-reflection, drawing from her experiences of vulnerability during a transitional period.[28][34][35] The album's lead single, "Head Up High," was released on October 8, 2014, as an empowering electro-pop anthem encouraging resilience, followed by "Nothing Is Over" on November 4, which captures introspective heartbreak through layered vocals and minimalistic synths. Earth Sick features a DIY aesthetic, recorded primarily in her Brooklyn apartment and Denmark, incorporating organic elements like string arrangements by her father, operatic vocals from her mother, and everyday sounds such as dog barks and scissor snips, blending electro-pop with symphonic textures.[36][37][21] Expanding beyond music, Oh Land made her acting debut in the 2014 Danish Western film The Salvation, directed by Kristian Levring, where she portrayed Marie Jensen, the wife of the protagonist played by Mads Mikkelsen. That same year, she served as a coach on the second season of the Danish reality TV series Voice Junior, mentoring young contestants and performing tracks like "Head Up High" during episodes. She also made several television appearances, including a live rendition of "Head Up High" with strings on the Danish morning show Go Morgen Danmark.[38][1][39] On the live front, Oh Land toured to promote Earth Sick, with notable performances at venues such as the Bowery Ballroom in New York on October 21, 2014, and the Super Bock Super Rock festival in Portugal on July 19, 2014, where she showcased tracks from the new album alongside earlier hits. Critics praised Earth Sick for its rawer, more vulnerable production compared to the polished indie-pop of Wish Bone, highlighting its intimate, home-recorded feel and emotional depth, though some noted it took fewer risks in its electro-orchestral blend; reviews from outlets like NBHAP described it as "light and enjoyable pop music" with a dreamy atmosphere.[40][41][21][42]2015–2021: Soundtracks and Family Tree
In 2015, Oh Land contributed to Danish media projects, including ongoing involvement with the TV series Rita, for which her 2012 track "Speak Out Now" served as the theme song across multiple seasons airing through 2017.[43] That year, she also began exploring compositional work for performance arts, culminating in 2016 with the release of Askepot (Musikken fra forestllingen i Tivolis Pantomime teater), a soundtrack album she composed for a ballet adaptation of Cinderella at Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, in collaboration with Queen Margrethe II.[44] The project blended orchestral elements with her pop sensibilities, marking her entry into classical crossover scoring and receiving attention for its theatrical integration.[45] During this period, Oh Land expanded her collaborations in Denmark's creative scene, including writing additional ballet scores and site-specific installations, such as a 2017 multimedia production transforming Randers Harbor into an immersive soundscape.[46] In 2019, she debuted as a judge on the twelfth season of X Factor Denmark, alongside Thomas Blachman and Ankerstjerne, mentoring contestants through the competition that aired from January to April.[47] Her role highlighted her growing influence in Danish entertainment, where she provided feedback on vocal performances and song choices during live shows. Oh Land's fifth studio album, Family Tree, was released on May 3, 2019, via her own Tusk or Tooth Records label, marking her return to original pop material after a five-year gap. Produced by Thomas Bartlett (known for work with St. Vincent and Sufjan Stevens), the album was recorded primarily in Denmark and features an acoustic, piano-driven sound with strings and harps, diverging from her earlier synth-heavy style.[48] Themes center on personal introspection, including motherhood—following the birth of her son—and the emotional aftermath of her divorce, presented through raw, confessional lyrics on tracks like "Human Error" and "Brief Moment."[49] The lead single "Human Error" debuted on January 4, 2019, followed by "Brief Moment," both emphasizing vulnerability and relational fracture.[50] Family Tree received acclaim for its emotional depth and intimacy, with critics praising its shift to chamber pop as a mature evolution that captured Oh Land's life transitions without overproduction.[51] The album charted at number 35 on the Danish Albums Chart, reflecting solid domestic reception amid her scaled-back touring schedule due to family commitments.[52] Throughout 2019–2021, Oh Land prioritized home life in Denmark, limiting live performances to select appearances while focusing on songwriting and family-inspired projects.2022–2025: Xtra EP, Loop Soup and recent activities
In November 2022, Oh Land released the EP Xtra through Tusk Or Tooth and Universal Music Denmark, featuring four tracks sung entirely in Danish.[53] This project represented a notable linguistic shift for the artist, as her previous releases had primarily been in English, and it coincided with her reconnection to Danish cultural roots after relocating to Copenhagen.[54] In June 2023, Oh Land announced her sixth studio album, Loop Soup, set for release on September 29 via her imprint Tusk Or Tooth and distributed by Universal Music Denmark.[55] The album was preceded by the singles "Bleeed" on April 14, "My Freak" on June 23, and "Bucket List" on August 25.[56] Loop Soup explores themes of recurring patterns in personal conflicts, societal pressures, and self-acceptance, drawing on metaphors of cyclical thoughts and creative loops to address identity and existential struggles.[57] Critics praised the record as experimental pop, highlighting its genre-bending fusion of synth-driven soundscapes, unconventional structures, and ethereal vocals.[58] In November 2023, Oh Land composed original music for a ballet adaptation of the Danish Christmas calendar series Julefeber, which premiered at Aarhus Teater from November 9 to 21 as a family production directed by Julie Petrine Glaargaard.[59] In 2025, Oh Land announced on September 10 that she would not return as a judge for the next season of X Factor Denmark after serving in the role for the 2025 edition, citing personal reasons and the need to pause commitments. In 2025, she released a single version of "Deep Sleep" from Loop Soup for the motion picture Eternal on January 31.[60] Amid these activities, Oh Land has scheduled ongoing tours for 2025–2026, including a performance with Aalborg Symfoniorkester and Tim Christensen at Musikkens Hus in Aalborg on November 27, 2025.[61]Artistry
Musical style
Oh Land's music is characterized by a blend of art pop, synthpop, and electronic elements, often incorporating dance-pop, R&B, and bubbly electronica to create catchy yet experimental soundscapes.[62] Her work frequently features orchestral flourishes alongside driving 4/4 beats and madrigal-style vocal harmonies, drawing on trip-hop influences for atmospheric depth.[63] This fusion results in a versatile style that spans left-field Scandinavian pop, straightforward pop hooks, and acoustic balladeering, as evident in tracks that balance intricate electronic production with organic textures.[27] In terms of production techniques, Oh Land often employs self-production, particularly in later works, allowing for personalized layering of vocals and unconventional sonic elements.[35] Her albums showcase cinematic arrangements with subtle sound effects, such as implied shackles in rhythmic builds, and sweeping instrumentation including pianos, strings, harps, and synth orchestras.[63] Layered vocals, inspired by gospel and artists like Imogen Heap, add emotional richness, while minimal beats and quirky details maintain an intimate, handcrafted feel across her discography.[51] Thematically, Oh Land's songs emphasize nature, personal introspection, and emotional vulnerability, exploring dualities like life versus death and nature versus supernature.[63] Lyrics often delve into self-doubt, fear, resilience in relationships, and raw heart-wrenching experiences such as motherhood and separation, conveyed through uplifting melodies that contrast inner turmoil.[64][49] Her vocal style is ethereal and versatile, often compared to Björk for its otherworldly quality and use as an instrumental layer in experimental contexts.[51] Oh Land's sound has evolved from the bedroom-recorded indie pop and electronic intimacy of her 2008 debut Fauna to the more polished, electronic-driven production of her 2011 self-titled album, then toward a rawer indie essence in Wish Bone (2013) and ballad-heavy introspection in later releases like Family Tree (2019) and the indie pop of Loop Soup (2023).[20][28][51][65]Influences
Oh Land's musical inspirations draw from a diverse array of artists who shaped her experimental and pop-oriented sound. She has cited Björk as a key influence for her innovative vocal techniques and boundary-pushing compositions, blending ethereal and avant-garde elements into her work.[66] Similarly, Britney Spears contributed to her appreciation for high-energy pop structures and accessibility, while The Prodigy and Portishead informed her incorporation of electronic beats and trip-hop's atmospheric textures.[67] The Beatles, in particular, impacted her songcraft, emphasizing melodic precision and harmonic innovation in her songwriting process.[67] Beyond contemporary music, Oh Land's creative approach is rooted in non-musical and traditional sources, including her classical training from a family of musicians—her mother a professional opera singer and her father an organist—which instilled a foundation in vocal discipline and orchestral arrangement.[68] Gregorian chants and Native American music have also profoundly shaped her, providing rhythmic and spiritual layers that evoke introspection and cultural depth in her compositions.[66] Additionally, everyday environmental sounds, such as nature and overheard urban dialogues, serve as spontaneous catalysts for her ideas.[69] Her background as a trained ballerina at the Royal Danish Ballet Academy further influences her artistry, infusing her stage performances with theatrical flair and choreographed movements that create immersive, dreamlike experiences for audiences.[68] This dance heritage extends to the visual aesthetics of her music videos, where fluid, contemporary dance elements enhance narrative storytelling and emotional expression.[70] Oh Land's relocation to New York City from 2008 to 2019 cultivated an urban, eclectic edge in her music, drawing from the city's chaotic energy to produce layered electronic and pop explorations.[66] In contrast, her return to Denmark reconnected her with folk roots, emphasizing stripped-back piano-driven songs that reflect her cultural heritage and a more organic, introspective style.[48] Central to her creative process are habitual practices like carrying a portable recorder to capture fleeting inspirations from conversations, subway snippets, or ambient sounds, ensuring that everyday epiphanies directly inform her evolving artistry.[69]Discography
Studio albums
Oh Land's studio albums showcase her evolution from indie electronic pop to more experimental and introspective sounds, often self-produced or released through her own label, Tusk or Tooth. Her discography includes six full-length releases, with notable commercial success in Denmark and limited international charting. Fauna, her debut album, was released on November 10, 2008, in Denmark via the independent label Fake Diamond Records.[20] The album featured a blend of electronic and indie pop elements, marking Oh Land's initial foray into recording as a solo artist. The self-titled Oh Land, her second studio album, was released on March 14, 2011, through Epic Records in collaboration with Fake Diamond Records and A:larm Music.[71] It peaked at number 5 on the Danish Albums Chart.[72] Wish Bone, released on September 16, 2013, via Tusk or Tooth and A&M/Octone Records, represented a shift toward more organic production.[73] The album reached number 4 on the Danish Albums Chart.[32] Earth Sick, her fourth studio album, came out on November 11, 2014, under her independent label Tusk or Tooth.[74] Produced independently in Denmark, it emphasized raw, self-recorded aesthetics.[21] Family Tree, released on May 3, 2019, through Tusk or Tooth, explored personal themes of family and growth.[75] It debuted at number 35 on the Danish Albums Chart.[52] Her sixth album, Loop Soup, was self-released on September 29, 2023, via Tusk or Tooth.[4] The record adopts an experimental approach, incorporating genre-bending pop with drum machines and vintage synths.[76]| Album | Release date | Label(s) | Peak chart position (Denmark) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fauna | November 10, 2008 | Fake Diamond Records | — |
| Oh Land | March 14, 2011 | Epic / Fake Diamond / A:larm Music | 5[72] |
| Wish Bone | September 16, 2013 | Tusk or Tooth / A&M/Octone | 4[32] |
| Earth Sick | November 11, 2014 | Tusk or Tooth | — |
| Family Tree | May 3, 2019 | Tusk or Tooth | 35[52] |
| Loop Soup | September 29, 2023 | Tusk or Tooth | — |