Under Byen is a Danish band founded in 1995 mainly by Katrine Stochholm and Henriette Sennenvaldt. The band today consist of eight members: Henriette Sennenvaldt (Vocals, Songwriter), Nils Gröndahl (Violin, Saw, Lapsteel, A variety of guitar pedals), Morten Larsen (Drums), Sara Saxild (Bass), Stine Sørensen (Drums, Percussion), Morten Svenstrup (Cello) and Anders Stochholm (Percussion, Accordion, Harmonica, Guitar. Does not play live).

Under Byen (Danish for “Below The City”) is known for producing their own unorthodox interpretation of rock. They rarely use guitars. Instead ... (+) expand

Under Byen is a Danish band founded in 1995 mainly by Katrine Stochholm and Henriette Sennenvaldt. The band today consist of eight members: Henriette Sennenvaldt (Vocals, Songwriter), Nils Gröndahl (Violin, Saw, Lapsteel, A variety of guitar pedals), Morten Larsen (Drums), Sara Saxild (Bass), Stine Sørensen (Drums, Percussion), Morten Svenstrup (Cello) and Anders Stochholm (Percussion, Accordion, Harmonica, Guitar. Does not play live).

Under Byen (Danish for “Below The City”) is known for producing their own unorthodox interpretation of rock. They rarely use guitars. Instead their soundscape is dominated by piano, cello, violin, electrically-distorted saw, organ, drums and percussion. A somewhat different vein of rock (or pop) spiced up with jazzy, folky and classical elements. An important part of the music are also the poetic Danish lyrics which are presented to the listener by female vocals.

The 1999 debut album “Kyst” impressed music critics, who applauded the band for creating their own style and tone. The second album “Det Er Mig Der Holder Træerne Sammen” (2002) was equally praised and has grown to become a hallmark for the band and helped reach a wider audience in Denmark and elsewhere. In 2004 it was re-released outside Denmark.

In 2006 the band released their album “Af Samme Stof Som Stof” to rave reviews.

Far from being a mainstream act Under Byen has nevertheless attracted a growing devoted fanbase following the release of their two albums and intense live shows.

Under Byen’s influences are very diverse. Leadsinger Henriette Sennenvaldt has been quoted as saying she was inspired by traffic. And if “Kyst” would be said to have a theme it would probably be water and harbours. They rarely cite any direct musical influences, but on occasion band members have expressed their fondness for artists such as Stina Nordenstam, Björk, Tori Amos, Sigur Rós, Tom Waits, Mogwai, Mark Hollis and Talk Talk. (-) collapse