The Swedish artist Fredrik Norlindh has been teasing this for over a year, releasing the first track, ‘HeadRoll / Liberty’, in June of 2024. Now, it is finally time, Norlindh’s expansive, intricate, cinematic masterpiece Contrasting Notes.
Across eleven tracks, Fredrik moves across the full range of his pop craftsmanship, dipping into synth-pop, indie, electronic and symphonic along the way. It’s laced with grandeur and luxury, soundscapes climbing to emotional highs.
The production thrives on this vivid, kaleidoscopic nature, able to carry the deeply personal weight of the lyricism but maintain an infectious, shimmering tonality. Fredrik is introspective, but audacious and provocative, the self-written work walking a line between drama and playfulness.
In his own words, “‘Contrasting Notes’ is a name that perfectly captures the way I approached my lyrics and music. With the risk of sounding as over-the-moon confident as Pelle from the Hives, I imagined my album as if it had been written by a dream songwriting team: John Williams conducting the symphony, Jim Steinman leading the choirs, Martin L. Gore crafting unexpected synth harmonies, Michael Jackson adding percussive magic, Timbaland laying inventive beats, Andrew Lloyd Webber weaving storytelling melodies, Max Martin crafting irresistible hooks, Muse embracing fearless extravagance, and Lady Gaga able to topline any vocal style.”
The Stockholm-based artist has long brought the intimate within the theatrical. Earlier works have been written in Swedish and have made waves across the industry, featuring collaborations with Erik Arvinder, Martin Landström, and the Stockholm Studio Orchestra. Fredrik was the winner of Best Contemporary Instrumental at the 2025 Intercontinental Music Awards in Los Angeles. Contrasting Notes looks to be another breakout moment for Fredrik, expanding his audience and his sonic ability.
Listen here…
