Jenny Hval Launches New Single "The Artist is Absent" Alongside North American Tour for Upcoming Album

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Artistic Journey of Jenny Hval
4. Iris Silver Mist – What's Ahead
5. The Broader Context of Hval's Work
6. Looking Towards the Future
7. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Jenny Hval announces the upcoming release of her album Iris Silver Mist, which features the new single "The Artist is Absent."
• The single arrives with two versions, including an extended remix, and a captivating music video directed by Jenny Berger Myhre.
• Hval will embark on a North American tour starting in September 2025, culminating in a performance in Brooklyn, NY.

Introduction

In an industry often defined by commercial noise, Jenny Hval’s artistry stands out as a beacon of authenticity and exploration. As the Norwegian artist prepares to release her highly anticipated album Iris Silver Mist, she unveils a captivating new single titled "The Artist is Absent." The rhythmic pulse of the accompanying dance beat captures the duality of presence and absence in the contemporary artist's journey. Reflecting not only musical prowess but also a profound conceptual framework, Hval's latest work interrogates themes of identity, visibility, and artistic intention. Following up on this release, she has announced a North American tour, igniting excitement among her global fanbase.

This article will explore the significance of Hval's new single and album, delve into the themes they address, and provide context for her upcoming tour, mapping an intriguing landscape of modern music.

The Artistic Journey of Jenny Hval

Jenny Hval's evolution as an artist has been quite remarkable. Known for her innovative melding of genres—ranging from avant-garde pop to experimental sounds—Hval has carved out a distinct niche since her debut album in 2010. Her past works, including Blood Bitch and Apocalypse, Girl, have navigated topics from sexuality and feminism to the intricacies of the human condition, facilitated through both profound lyrics and sonic experimentation.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and new avenues for Hval. With many artists retreating into isolation, Hval's introspective nature allowed her to reflect on her creative processes. Her 2022 album Classic Objects, which garnered critical acclaim, suggested a deepening of her explorations into personal and universal themes alike. Hval states, "I find the act of creating to be both solitary and profoundly connected to the world around me. 'The Artist is Absent' encapsulates this experience."

"The Artist is Absent" - A Sonic Exploration

The single "The Artist is Absent" serves as a profound commentary on the role of art and the evolving relationship between creators and their audience. The pulsating beat and Hval's ethereal vocals invite listeners to dance while simultaneously provoking thought.

In an age where social media often dictates the visibility of an artist, Hval plays with the juxtaposition of presence and absence, echoing modern existential dilemmas. The song's subtext suggests that artists can be both present in their work but absent in public perception: "I am here, but do you see me?" Through this lens, Hval is not merely crafting music but initiating a conversation on the nature of art in contemporary society.

The extended version, dubbed "89 Seconds Rewrite," challengingly alters the listener's experience, offering a fresh take while maintaining the song's core message. This version and its accompanying visual narrative expand the thematic richness that characterizes much of Hval's work. The music video, featuring striking visuals from director Jenny Berger Myhre, amplifies the song’s exploration of the tension between self-perception and external expectation.

Iris Silver Mist – What's Ahead

Scheduled for release next month, Iris Silver Mist promises to delve deeper into Hval's themes of identity and artistic integrity. Tracks from the album have already stirred anticipation among critics, and “The Artist is Absent” is only a glimpse of what is to come.

Hval's collaborator Orfee Schuijt noted, "Working with Jenny is a constant process of discovery; her vision for Iris Silver Mist brings an emotional intensity that's unparalleled." The album is expected to span various sonic landscapes, again merging electronic influences with her traditional roots in folk music.

Significance of the Upcoming Tour

The announcement of Hval's fall North American tour is an opportunity not only for fans to experience her music live but also for the artist to engage directly with her audience. Kicking off on September 5 in Los Angeles and culminating on September 17 in Brooklyn, the tour will no doubt showcase her innovative soundscapes and theatrical stage presence.

Tour stops include major cities such as San Francisco, Chicago, and Toronto, allowing Hval to connect with a wide audience eager to explore her evolving artistry firsthand. The tour promises to be a celebration of creativity as much as it is a showcase of Hval's latest works.

The Broader Context of Hval's Work

For a deeper understanding of Hval's latest endeavors, it is essential to consider her contributions to feminist discourse and contemporary art. Throughout her career, Hval has coupled her music with literary exploration, attending to the intertwining of the personal and political.

Feminism and Contemporary Art

Hval's artistic philosophy resonates with the foundations of second-wave feminism, emphasizing the importance of women's experiences in art. By intertwining personal narratives with broader social critiques, she has positioned herself as not just a musician but a voice for representation. This commitment to feminism has been salient in her work, and she continues to challenge systemic norms through her art.

Moreover, her performances often blend multimedia elements, integrating spoken word and installations that further expand her artistic narrative. This approach creates a space where art becomes a communal experience—a theme that resonates with many in today's rapidly changing cultural landscape.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Artistic Expression

As the music industry grapples with the impacts of COVID-19, Hval's reflections provide critical insights into resilience and adaptation. Many artists found themselves reassessing their creative impulses during lockdown, and Hval used this time to explore self-reflection and renewal, resulting in work that speaks directly to these shared experiences of isolation.

Looking Towards the Future

As Jenny Hval's Iris Silver Mist approaches release and her North American tour unfolds, there remains a palpable excitement for where her artistry will take her next. Hval has continuously pushed boundaries, developing an oeuvre that's both relevant and timeless. With her commitment to exploration, fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate how she will evolve these conversations in her future projects.

FAQ

When will Jenny Hval's new album Iris Silver Mist be released?

Iris Silver Mist is set to be released next month.

What is the theme of Jenny Hval's new single "The Artist is Absent"?

The song explores the dynamics of presence and absence in the artistic process, questioning how artists are perceived in the modern world.

What can fans expect from Hval's North American tour?

Fans can expect a mix of new music from Iris Silver Mist as well as selections from Hval's past works, presented with her signature multimedia approach.

How can I purchase tickets for the tour?

Tickets will go on sale on April 4 at 10 AM local time, with an artist presale beginning on April 2.

What cities will Jenny Hval be performing in during her tour?

Hval's tour will cover key cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Toronto, among others.

As Hval continues to delve into the complexity of human experience through her music, her latest works promise to resonate profoundly with both existing fans and new listeners, making her upcoming album and tour not just events, but cultural dialogues worth engaging in.