Norwegian artists Stian “Staysman” Thorbjørnsen and Carina Dahl have teamed up for their first collaborative single, “Drekke dæ fin” (roughly translated as “Drink you fine”), a track already making waves on the Norwegian music scene. The song debuted at number nine on Spotify’s Norwegian charts over the weekend, a result Thorbjørnsen calls “satisfying.” The collaboration, years in the making given their shared history on the festival circuit, leans into the high-energy party anthems both artists are known for, but with a playful self-awareness.
Thorbjørnsen, a mainstay in Norwegian popular music known for his comedic timing and catchy tunes, explained the genesis of the project was surprisingly simple. He and Dahl have known each other professionally for years, frequently sharing stages at various festivals across Norway. “We’ve played the same festivals countless times,” he said. “It was Carina who really sparked the idea.”
The spark, it turns out, was a shared interest in a particular musical style. “When she suggested something Rednex-inspired, it was easy to jump on board,” Thorbjørnsen explained, referencing the 1990s Eurodance group known for their blend of techno and bluegrass. That inspiration, but, runs deeper than just a recent revival. “A lot of my own music has been influenced by Rednex,” he admitted. “But the roots go even further back.”
A Nod to Tradition
Thorbjørnsen points to the origins of the sound in traditional American folk music. “‘Cotton Eye Joe,’ the song Rednex famously sampled, is actually a particularly old American folk song,” he explained. “It’s so old it’s in the public domain, which is perfect.” The use of public domain material allows for creative freedom while acknowledging the song’s historical context. The song’s playful energy, however, is distinctly modern.
The collaboration feels natural, according to Thorbjørnsen, because both artists understand the importance of not overthinking the process. “It’s a bit like ‘the shoemaker should stick to his last’,” he said, using a Norwegian proverb. “You shouldn’t overthink things too much, just have fun – and that energy spreads to the listeners.” And, judging by the chart performance, it clearly is.
Festival Season Ahead
The timing of the release is also strategic. Both Thorbjørnsen and Dahl have a busy summer festival schedule, with appearances at many of the same events. This provides a natural platform to perform the new track live and connect with audiences. “We’ve guest-starred on each other’s stages before,” Thorbjørnsen said, “but now we have a song to perform together when the opportunity arises.”
Thorbjørnsen’s career has been marked by a willingness to experiment with different genres and styles, often incorporating humor into his music. He first gained widespread recognition in Norway with the song “Rom og Rom” in 2014, and has continued to release popular singles and albums since then. His official website details his extensive discography and upcoming tour dates.
Carina Dahl, similarly, has established herself as a prominent figure in the Norwegian music scene, known for her energetic live performances and versatile vocal style. She has released several albums and singles, and has toured extensively throughout Scandinavia. Her official website provides information about her music and upcoming events.
The contrast between their established styles, Thorbjørnsen suggests, is part of the appeal. “Everything about this is fun,” he said with a laugh. “It’s fun to create such a shameless party song, and then to do the promotion in a suit at The Thief [a luxury hotel in Oslo].”
The success of “Drekke dæ fin” suggests a strong appetite for lighthearted, energetic music in the Norwegian market. The song’s blend of traditional folk elements, modern dance beats, and playful lyrics has resonated with listeners, and its chart performance is a testament to the artists’ combined appeal. The song is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
As both artists prepare for a summer filled with festival appearances, “Drekke dæ fin” is poised to become a staple of the Norwegian party scene. Fans can expect to hear the song performed live at numerous events throughout the country in the coming months. The artists have not yet announced any plans for a music video or further collaborations, but the success of this initial venture suggests that this may not be the last time Staysman and Dahl join forces.
The duo will be performing at several festivals throughout the summer, including the Norwegian Wood festival in June and the Hove festival in August. Further details about their tour dates and appearances can be found on their respective websites. The next confirmed event is a performance at a private event in Oslo on April 15th.
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