Under byen

Infobox musical artist
Name = _da. Under Byen


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Origin = Aarhus, Denmark
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Genre = Post-rock
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Years_active = 1995–present
Label = Morningside, Paper Bag
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URL = [http://www.underbyen.dk/ www.underbyen.dk]
Current_members = Henriette Sennenvaldt
Rasmus Kjær Larsen
Nils Gröndahl
Morten Larsen
Sara Saxild
Anders Stochholm
Stine Sørensen
Morten Svenstrup
Past_members = Katrine Stochholm
Myrtha Wolf
Thorbjørn Krogshede
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_da. Under Byen is a Danish band founded in 1995 mainly by Katrine Stochholm and Henriette Sennenvaldt.

_da. 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 " _da. Kyst" impressed music critics, who applauded the band for creating their own style and tone. The second album " _da. 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 " _da. Samme stof som stof" to rave reviews.

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

_da. Under byen's influences are very diverse. Leadsinger Henriette Sennenvaldt has been quoted as saying she was inspired by traffic. And if " _da. 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.

Members

*Henriette Sennenvaldt – vocals, lyricist
*Rasmus Kjær Larsen – pianos
*Nils Gröndahl – violin, saw, lapsteel, a variety of guitar pedals
*Morten Larsen – drums
*Sara Saxild – bass
*Anders Stochholm – percussion, accordion, harmonica, guitar
*Stine Sørensen – drums, percussion
*Morten Svenstrup – cello

Former members

*Katrine Stochholm – composer, melodica, backing vocals, piano
*Myrtha Wolf – cello
*Thorbjørn Krogshede – composer, piano, bass clarinet

Discography

Albums

*" _da. Kyst", 1999
*"Remix", 2001
*" _da. Det er mig der holder træerne sammen", 2002
*" _da. 2 ryk og en aflevering", soundtrack album, 2003
*" _da. Samme stof som stof", 2006

EPs

*"Puma", 1997
*"Live at Haldern Pop", 2004
*"Siamesisk", 2008

ingles

*" _da. Veninde i vinden", 1998

External links

* [http://www.underbyen.dk/ Official Website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/underbyen Official MySpace Profile]
* [http://www.larsdideriksen.com/underbyen/ Fan site]
* [http://brooklynheathen.com/200707/under-byen-played-knitting-factory/ Photos] from Knitting Factory show, 2007

* [http://www.samorost2.net/plantage/ Animation with Under byen soundtrack]