← Back to artists
Kasper Bjorke
Bio
There is a distinct thread that runs through Kasper Bjørke’s vast body of work. Whether it’s an instrumental club track, a radio friendly affair, one of his forays into the more ambient side of things - or everything that falls in between - the DNA is unmistakably Bjørke’s. Finding that perfect balance of emotion and groove has always been his trademark. And though the musical scenery might change over time, Kasper Bjørke’s sound and vision is clearly evident throughout. As a DJ, Kasper has performed at some of the most important and legendary clubs and festivals. Panorama Bar (Berghain) in Berlin, Rex Club in Paris, Robert Johnson in Frankfurt, D-Edge in Sao Paolo, Fabric in London, Output in New York, Electric Pickle in Miami - and festivals such as Sonar Barcelona, Roskilde Festival, Montreaux Jazz Festival, Iceland Airwaves and Calvi on the Rocks. Kasper´s debut album, 2007’s ‘In Gumbo’ was followed by ‘Standing on Top of Utopia’ in 2010, and included his cover version of The Rolling Stones hidden gem “Heaven”, which was remixed to great effect by Nicolas Jaar. Other albums followed, ‘Fool’ in 2012, and the darker ‘After Forever” in 2014, as well various EP’s and singles. 2018 saw the release of ‘The Fifty Eleven Project’ on Kompakt Records. A two-hour ambient/neo classical work, the album was highlighted as the fifth Best Contemporary Album of 2018 in The Guardian and featured on Best of 2018 lists from i-D Magazine and XLR8R - while Music Week named it "A shimmering, nocturnal masterpiece" and Uncut wrote "sketch lines between the modern chamber music of Ólafur Arnalds and the collapsed-star ambience of early Tangerine Dream". 11 short films, which were created to accompany the 11 compositions, directed by LA based visual artist Justin Tyler Close can be watched at the5011project.com. The 11 films have also been shown at exhibitions in Copenhagen and Milan - and online at the International Art Center, Copenhagen Contemporary. In 2019, Kasper released the double EP Nothing Gold Can Stay, another highly collaborative effort, which stepped away from his newly discovered ambient path to once again dive into a rhythmic approach to electronic craftsmanship – including a cover version of the Alessi Brothers cult classic “Seabird” which was remixed by Tensnake. A double remix EP with reworks by Perel, Each Other (Justin Strauss and Max Pask), Bawrut and many more followed in the spring of 2020. In 2021 he contributed with the 23-minute-long ambient piece “The Beast. The Tree. The Man.” on the acclaimed australian online listening gallery Longform Editions - followed by the album Sprinkles (2021), recorded and produced while spending extensive periods of time in the family’s cabin by a secluded beach. Kasper returned to the Quartet project with the album Mother (Kompakt, 2022). Six compositions explore what the evolution of our planet sounds like, from its formation, to its likely conclusion and spans a timeframe from 4.5 billion years ago up to humankind’s impending demise. It hints at earth’s resilience, and the promise of another chapter. In 2023 Kasper established his own imprint Sensitive Records while also recording and releasing two club focused EP´s: Junctures in collaboration with Cooper Saver on Live At Robert Johnson and Night Soul together with El Agua Es Profunda on the Japanese label Mule Musiq. Kasper´s new album “Puzzles” will be released April 5th 2024 on hfn music. The album includes collaborations with a wide range of musicians and vocalists. California based indie-disco troubadour Woolfy (DFA/Permanent Vacation) the Icelandic dream-folk trio Systur aka Sisy Ey (who also featured on Kasper´s 2014 single Apart - where the Michael Mayer remix since then became a timeless club hit), as well as other longtime collaborators and artist friends including Toby Ernest, Jacob Bellens, WhoMadeWho´s Tomas Høffding on bass, Posh Isolation affiliate Frederik Valentin on guitar and the young, rising jazz star Oilly Wallace on saxophone and flute. The majority of the instruments are played and recorded live, including the drums by Rasmus Littauer (School of X, MØ). “Puzzles” is a new step for Kasper as a producer and artist, showcasing his ability to move and flow freely between genres and expressions, however still deeply rooted in his love and affection for the classic disco groove - which is only natural after more than two decades as an active DJ. Another piece has been added to the musical puzzle of Kasper Bjørke. “The past decade has seen Bjørke steadily rising amongst the ranks of artful, eclectic electronic producers…” XLR8R "Kasper Bjørke definitely makes art. Each production feels assured with the Scandinavian impacting a genuine sense of the cerebral into his music" Clash Music
