Aqua’s careers began in Copenhagen in 1995 when the Danish members – multi-instrumentalists Søren Rasted and Claus Norreen, along with vocalist René Dif, enlisted Norwegian singer Lene Nystrøm to form a group called Joyspeed. In 1996 after Joyspeed’s debut tanked, the band left their label and changed their name to Aqua, signing a bigger deal with Universal Music Denmark as well.

Their first two singles from 1997 debut album ‘Aquarium’, ‘Roses Are Red’ and ‘My Oh My’ were both Number Ones in Denmark, but third time was the charm when ‘Barbie Girl’ dropped. The Eurodance beats thumping behind Dif’s low rumbling vocals and Nystrøm’s saccharine, girly pop singing made the song an instant classic, both on the radio and in clubs. ‘Barbie Girl’ peaked at Number One in the UK, Ireland, Australia and Norway among others, selling 8 million units. Its follow-up ‘Doctor Jones’ brought the same sound and energy, and also topped charts in the UK, Europe and Australia.

The year 2000 saw Aqua release second album ‘Aquarius’ before Barbie toymakers Mattel engaged the band’s label in a high-profile lawsuit over ‘Barbie Girl’, claiming it damaged the brand’s reputation. The trial went in the band’s favour, but following worsening chart performances, the group split in 2001. They came back in 2007, released third album ‘Megalomania’ in 2011, split again in 2012, and reformed for the last time in 2016 minus Norreen. Their last big hurrah came with Greta Gerwig’s movie ‘Barbie’ in 2023 – while ‘Barbie Girl’ did not make the soundtrack (despite lead actress Margot Robbie’s insistence), a reimagined version named ‘Barbie World’ was produced for the score, which sampled Aqua’s classic with vocals by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice.

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After 30 years in the industry, Aqua signed off for the last time this week. Their post from the 19th of May on Instagram reads “Dear everyone. After many incredible years, we have decided to close the chapter of AQUA as a live band. AQUA has been such a huge part of our lives, and together we’ve had the chance to experience more than we ever dared to dream of.” It’s closed with a message from the three final members of the group “From the bottom of our hearts: thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the past 30 years. Thank you for the love, the energy, the support, and for all the moments we’ve shared together. Nothing but love and gratitude from here on. Endless love – Lene, René & Søren.”

The Scandinavian songstress rose to popularity after garnering support from fellow Bergen creative and art-pop artist, Aurora. Storm joined the singer in Mexico for ‘The Gods We Can Touch’ tour, live at Pepsi Centre in April this year. Both musicians were discovered by one of Norway’s leading music management companies ‘MADE’ which has bases in Bergen, Oslo and London, and has an impressive roster of artists including pop sensation, Sigrid.

Watch her perform in The Diana Theatre, Guadalajara, Mexico on “The Gods We Can Touch” Tour

With an eclectic mix of influences, the artist takes inspiration from both classic and contemporary sounds citing household names such as Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse and The Beatles as well as current female singer-songwriter and producer, Susanne Sundfør.

A treat for the ears, the singer produces an organic, melancholic tone that melds beautifully with the driving instruments and production beneath her – creating a wall of indie-pop lushness. With her natural musical talent combined with a stratosphere of influences flitting from old to new, it’s no wonder her sound has been described as “timeless and immediate”.

Storm started crafting songs at the prime age of seven. Surrounded by music in both the choir and within her family home, the Oslo-born composer was driven to study music and went on to hone her skills at LIMPI (Lillehammer Institute of Music Production and Industries) as well as within the jazz department at Toneheim Folkehøgskole. 

In autumn 2022, she made strides in her career: signing with Petroleum Records and playing widely known festivals Vill Vill Fest and By: Larm where she amazed critics and audiences alike. This led to being booked for one of Norway’s biggest and most important music festivals based in Oslo: Øya. 

The singer is ready to follow in the footsteps of her Scandi contemporaries. Showering London with her catchy melodies and smoky vocals, she commits to her promising career as a recording artist stating “As long as I can keep making lots of music and live the life I am living now, it will be the best I could have imagined.” 

The unmissable event will be held at 7 p.m. on the 25th of October at The Blue Basement, Third Man Records in the bustling streets of Soho, London. Head to thirdmanstore.co.uk for tickets.