Will Danish Gustav and his 1st single travel beyond the horizon?
In the small cultural backwater town of Hadsund in Denmark lives a young man with a dream. A vision. A calling. He has had that calling from when he was just a kid - and he has nurtured it ever since. We are talking about writing and performing original music.
Many of his piers share that early epiphany – the deep inner feeling of being drawn and driven by a desire to make the dream come true one day. But only very few succeed. Why? Numerous reasons: lack of genuine talent, life (education, job, etc) and its conventions sabotaging it, a fear of disappointment, not enough stamina when resistance, defeat and hard times hit.
In Gustav’s case we get the feeling that he is actually there, singing his songs in a living room – and that makes us put down our guards and actually embrace and engage in the songs
In the case of Gustav, he may very well be one of the few who navigates through it all, lives his dream and conquers the souls of an audience. Internationally. Because he has that rare combination of being humble, patient, persistent and a creative and emotional breed, who is not afraid to write personal lyrics. Also, he has a voice that is sincere and unforced.
That means that listeners will actually listen to his stories and messages. It is not just staffage, autotune and heavily layered productions, which is the case in a lot of today’s pop music. In Gustav’s case we get the feeling that he is actually there, singing his songs in a living room or on a stage – and that makes us put down our guards and actually embrace and engage in the songs.
The beautiful exceptions: Rising stars from small towns
Hadsund has only 5300 citizens and is not recognised for producing loads of artistic phenomena or being hometown to artists who make it big and obtain broad reach or iconic status. However, there are a few exceptions. One of them is Emmelie de Forest (link). She won the European Song Contest in 2013 with the brilliant song “Only Teardrops”. She was just 20 years old at the time. Gustav is 21 now.
Though Emmelie did not write the track herself, her performance – in bare feet and a fairytale white dress, a seductive vocal profile and a guy playing a lyrical flute theme – was very convincing.
Another exception to the prejudice that great artists are solely from metropolitan areas is the Danish songwriter Nicklas Sahl (link). Like Gustav, Sahl has a distinct and clever pop style of his own, his sound is “international” without being over-produced, and the dares to tackle and share personal stories.
Gustav: “Since then, whenever life was beautiful, harsh and tough, I would immerse in – and free my spirit – via music”
Wonder if Gustav would consider trying the ESC or musical contest show route? Not necessarily due to affection for those formats and genre conventions – but as a tactical shortcut to rise to fame and opportunities? It is not my impression that he will chase that road – but you never know. And I would personally never rule him out if he did. The end justifies the means.
But such scenarios are pure speculation at hits point – because Gustav is going to do it his own way. That is the clear impression I get. Not because he appears posh or arrogant – in fact his aura present the total opposite to those attributes – but because he has chosen to do things his own way long ago, and now it is on the verge of kicking off.
Beyond the horizon: Gustav’s 1st single will air in spring 2027
Gustav will release his first single in spring 2027. It bears the title “Beyond The Horizon”, and it is a gem of song that just want you want to dance in the sand on a warm summer night with friends, your lover – or even alone.
I ask Gustav when his passion for music and personal calling started.
– I have always known that music is my reason for being. At age 4-5 years old I would dance to songs by Michael Jackson. A liberating feeling. Since then, whenever life was beautiful, harsh and tough, I would immerse in – and free my spirit – via music.
In fact Gustav has never played an analogue instrument. His songs start with melody lines, lyrics and a deliberately chosen beat that fits and supports the songs. So, how about musical inspirations? Gustav’s answer and references here are interesting, because they represent quite different genres and cultures.
– Well, I would say Michael Jackson, Queen and Bob Dylan.
So, is Gustav aiming at airplay, pure streaming or digital releases, live concerts – are they prioritised or all on an equal agenda and wish list?
– I am hungry and hunting all that your mention there. My biggest target is to make it in America.
Concert halls, clubs, stadium shows or festival venues?
– For sure, Wembley is my ultimate target. I saw Michael Jackson on that legendary stadium on his Bad tour when I was six or seven years old. Obviously online, because the show took place in 1988, some 17 years prior to my arrival into this world.
Comparable artists – but Gustav is still Gustav
This is not new tendency. Basically it has ruled since early days of cave paintings and Baroque music: For some reason we human beings have need or tendency to compare stuff, draw parallels and categorise congenial or just comparable entities, expressions and artistic style. Especially whenever a new artist within music appears.
Gustav is an intense pop lyricist who is not afraid to touch sensitive borders and grounds
So, I suggest to Gustav that some listeners would perhaps find Gustav comparable to Danish Christopher – and Justin Timberlake?
– I can relate to that, and to some extent I also agree. They are both really fine artists. Talking about relatable music, I would be ok adding a bit of OneRepublic.
Gustav is an intense pop lyricist who is not afraid to touch sensitive borders and grounds. Here is an excerpt of the lyrics from “Beyond The Horizon”:
I’ve finally accomplished my burning fight
I’m floating in the sky, with rivers in my eyes
I’m oceans deep, eyes with no sleep
At times I reap the tears I weep
Thankful hearts and graceful lungs are beating strong
Along with the voices carrying this song
Hear a billion hearts beating as one
So everybody, please sing along
God’s will & the dream of America
Where does a 21 year-old guy with musical ambitions see himself in 5-10 years from now?
– I try living a balanced live. However, music is my calling and my power vehicle. In imagine myself wherever God wants me to be, but I know and feel deep down that America is the place for me
Denmark or the world?
– Definitely the world
With that final statement and the beautiful lyrics above we conclude this feature. It shall indeed be exciting to follow Gustav in the future, starting with the kick-off of his 1st single in spring 2027
