It’s always a thrill to see an artist forge their own path, and Danish musician GB, also known as Gustav Berntsen, is certainly doing just that with his upcoming album, Herzsprung. What immediately caught my eye is the rather ingenious way he funded his studio time: by appearing in a Jaguar ad campaign from 2024. Personally, I think this is a brilliant, albeit unconventional, testament to how artists today are navigating the financial realities of music creation. It’s a far cry from the traditional record deal, and it speaks volumes about the need for artists to be resourceful and entrepreneurial.
Even more intriguing is the source material for the album’s lyrics. Berntsen pieced them together from copies of Metro, a London daily newspaper. This choice, in my opinion, is incredibly potent. It suggests a commentary on the ephemeral nature of news, the constant barrage of information we consume, and perhaps even a search for meaning within the mundane. What makes this particularly fascinating is the transformation of disposable print into something lasting and artistic. It’s a profound act of alchemy, turning the fleeting headlines of the day into the enduring narrative of an album.
Now, the album itself, Herzsprung, is set to be released on August 21st via the highly regarded AD 93 label. For those who aren’t familiar, AD 93 has a reputation for championing forward-thinking electronic and experimental music, and they were even recognized as our Label of the Year for 2025. This signing feels like a natural fit, and I’m eager to see how GB’s unique lyrical approach will be amplified by AD 93’s discerning curation. It’s a partnership that promises something truly special.
Berntsen’s previous release, Gusse Music, came out on Copenhagen’s Posh Isolation as one of its final offerings. This, too, adds a layer of poignancy to his journey. Moving from a label that’s now a part of music history to a dynamic, forward-looking one like AD 93 signifies a new chapter. It’s a reminder that the music landscape is always shifting, with labels and artists alike evolving and finding new homes.
The lead single, “Adrenaline,” has already dropped, and from my perspective, it sets a compelling tone. While the specifics of the sound are yet to be fully explored, the title itself evokes a sense of urgency and excitement, which I suspect will resonate with the lyrical themes derived from newspaper clippings. It raises a deeper question: how does the frenetic pace of modern news translate into sonic form? I’m betting GB has some fascinating answers.
Looking ahead, GB has announced a European and UK tour this fall to support Herzsprung. This is fantastic news for fans who want to experience his music live. The tour dates, which you can find listed below, span from June 29th at Roskilde Festival all the way through October 4th in Bristol. It’s a testament to the growing anticipation for this album and GB’s presence in the international music scene. What this really suggests is a strong commitment to connecting with audiences directly, a vital element in today's music ecosystem.
What I find especially interesting is the contrast between the raw, almost accidental nature of sourcing lyrics from a free newspaper and the deliberate, curated release through a respected label like AD 93. It highlights a fascinating tension between the organic and the structured, the found and the crafted. This is the kind of artistic process that truly sparks my curiosity and makes me believe Herzsprung will be an album worth dissecting.
