The Danish alt-pop star Asbjørn has released his highly anticipated fourth album, “The Secret Our Bodies Hold,” today through Body of Work. With “The Secret Our Bodies Hold,” Asbjørn confirms why he remains our favourite Danish artist, his music is not just a reflection of personal experiences, but a beacon of hope, challenging us all to embrace our vulnerabilities and find strength in our authenticity.
On November 7th, Asbjørn will grace Berlin with an exclusive album listening session at Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus. The liberation of humanity has always been a driving force for Asbjørn. With “The Secret Our Bodies Hold,” he channels the power of his own body to conjure songs that weave themes of vulnerability and the courage to stand firm in one’s identity. Asbjørn intimately understands this journey; as a DIY artist, he has taken the reins of his career and uses his platform to perform for thousands of teenagers in public schools each year.
An inspiring anecdote reveals how a simple moment shaped his artistic direction. While waiting for a bus, Asbjørn found himself dancing to the rhythmic sounds created by a nearby construction team. “My body moved in a completely new way. And I wanted to move in new ways. When I got home, I tried to translate it into music,” he shares. This moment of artistic epiphany led to the creation of the track “Vulnerably Happy,” setting the foundation for his forthcoming album.
This new album signifies a visionary step from an artist who, at just 19, forged his path in the music industry. He founded his independent label, produced viral music videos, and skillfully balanced performances on grand festival stages with intimate classroom concerts that encouraged audiences to reflect on different ways of living.
“The Secret Our Bodies Hold” emerged from a close collaboration with Steffen Lundtoft of the internationally acclaimed band Lowly. Their collaborative process was open-ended, allowing Asbjørn to express when a song needed movement with the phrase, “I just need to dance a bit.” This dynamic approach resulted in unexpected outcomes, particularly in the track “He’s Dancing So Well (I’m Better),” which begins with raw emotion, builds with vibrant strings, and flows like a body engaging in spontaneous, emotional movement.
“I had some unlearning to do after my last album ‘Boyology,’ on which I explored a more cathartic approach to pop music. Everything was quite intentional and resolved,” Asbjørn reflects. “On ‘The Secret Our Bodies Hold,’ I let my body dictate the outcome, translated movement into sound, and danced the music to life.”
He embraced an instinctual and experimental approach, shaped by formative years at a Danish art school where he was surrounded by diverse rhythms and inspired by pop icons like Madonna and Britney Spears on MTV. Later, artists such as David Bowie, Robyn, James Blake, Björk, and Rosalía would leave a significant mark on his creative expression.
Lyrically, the key theme reveals itself in the opening line of “Sound of Heartache”: “Am I strong enough to be this vulnerable?” Asbjørn artfully navigates the balance between strength and vulnerability, acknowledging that courage is not a constant, and personal growth is filled with detours and setbacks. Through dance, he found the bravery to embrace his vulnerability.
Asbjørn is joined on this journey by another bold artist, Brimheim, who dares to reveal her vulnerability. Together, they sing the duet “New Moon, Same Old Me,” exploring how two individuals can grow in different directions yet still support one another.
Taking full responsibility for his artistic development, Asbjørn released the album on his label, a decision that granted him the freedom he craved. His unique approach to the music industry shines through—not only does he pursue a conventional career with radio hits and concerts, but he also performs nearly 100 school concerts each year, engaging with the youth directly. While he often encounters misconceptions about who he is and what he represents as both an individual and a queer artist, his commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue in these spaces undoubtedly rewards him.
@asbjornmusic
asbjorn.lnk.to/sound
Photos by Sebastian Thorsted @sebastiantthorsted
