Mads Gjetmundsen is a Norwegian singer-songwriter crafting heartfelt folk-pop, sung in his native Totning dialect. Inspired by Alf Prøysen, Mac DeMarco, and the rich songwriting traditions of the ’60s and ’70s, his music blends honest storytelling with warm, melodic soundscapes. After fronting the band Ma Jester, Gjetmundsen now steps forward as a solo artist with his debut album Ænda litt nærmere – 13 intimate songs about love, self-discovery, and everyday life. Recorded live to tape at Studio Paradiso in Oslo, the album will be released on March 7, 2025, via Tigerstate Records.
The new single from Gjetmundsen’s upcoming LP is about as hypnotically hazy as it gets. “Alter Ego” finds the middle ground between psychedelia and commercial, lending to the unfamiliar infectiousness that hits the listener upon pressing play. There are a lot of nuanced influences that help shape this tune, and it may take a few listens to digest everything that is at work. Thankfully, “Alter Ego” is the type of song you want to put on replay anyway. Bluegrass-style fingerpicking is greeted with head-nodding drums as they blend together to create a stunning canvas for Gjetmundsen’s soaring vocals. The pop-leaning vocal melodies keep the otherworldly arrangement grounded, and while all of these elements are individually intoxicating, it’s the way the artist marries them that is so enticing. “Alter Ego” feels like the amalgamation of endless sonic toiling and deep personal evaluation, giving the song a palpable warmth and welcoming spirit. With a new album right around the corner, Gjetmundsen releases a statement piece of a single. “Alter Ego” is a subtly groovy folk-pop anthem that positions the artist as a fearless creative hellbent on creating a sonic universe he can call home, and he’s inviting everyone along for the journey.
“‘Alter ego’ tells the story of someone willing to do anything to please their partner, but who unfortunately loses themselves in the process,” explains Gjetmundsen.
