The Danish duo Svaneborg Kardyb consists of pianist Nikolaj Svaneborg, known for his gentle and nuanced touch, and drummer Jonas Kardyb, recognized for his creative and organic sense of rhythm.
Their music blends nordic folk traditions, Scandinavian jazz and delicate minimalism with subtle electronic textures and rhythmic energy.
“With instrumental music there are no words, so there's nothing separating everybody – everybody is on the same page, so we can really connect with people. We have a song called ‘Freudesang’, which means ‘The Whistling Tune’. We play it at every show, and we conduct people into whistling along, and everybody can do it.” Svaneborg explains, describing the duo's music and their live performances.
The duo’s debut album Knob, released in 2019, quickly established them among the leading names in Denmark’s jazz scene. The album received widespread critical acclaim and led to sold-out shows both in Denmark and abroad. That same year, Svaneborg Kardyb won the Danish Music Awards Jazz for New Artist of the Year and Composer of the Year. Since then, the duo has continued to gain recognition as pioneers of a new wave of Nordic jazz.
Their latest release, Superkilen (2024), is described as the duo’s most expansive work to date. The album takes its name from a multicultural park in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district, symbolizing community, openness, and cultural dialogue— themes that resonate deeply within their music.
