Espen Lind

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Espen Lind
Country Norway
Years active 1995–present
Genres Pop, Rock
Labels Universal

Espen Lind (born May 13, 1971) is a Norwegian songwriter, producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist.

Contents

[edit] Solo work

Espen Lind released his first solo album, Mmm...Prepare To Be Swayed, in 1995 on MCA Norway, under the moniker Sway. Only released in Norway, it sold a mere 5,000 copies but received ecstatic reviews, praising Lind's songwriting abilites as well as the fact that he played every single instrument on the record himself. His major breakthrough came in 1997 with the single "When Susannah Cries" from his second album, Red. The song was a Top 5 hit in several European and Latin American countries, including Norway where it was number 1 for six weeks and ended up being the most played song on Norwegian radio in 1997. Red went on to sell more than 100,000 copies in Norway, and 600,000 copies worldwide, earning Lind three awards at the 1998 Norwegian Grammys (Spellemannprisen) including Artist of the Year.

2000 saw Lind releasing his third album, This Is Pop Music, and the singles "Black Sunday" and "Life Is Good". The album also contained a duet, "Where The Lost Ones Go", with Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjebø. The album reached gold status in Norway, but was generally perceived to be a commercial disappointment compared to its predecessor. After a four year break writing for other artists, Lind released a new single, "Unloved", in December 2004, followed by his fourth album April, released in January 2005.

His fifth solo album is expected in 2007.

[edit] Writing and producing

Espen Lind has enjoyed considerable success as a songwriter/producer, most recently as co-writer of the worldwide smash hit Irreplaceable by Beyoncé. Irreplaceable has been the US number one single for 10 weeks, making it the biggest hit in the US in 2006, and Beyoncé's biggest solo hit ever. Together with writing partner Amund Bjørklund he has also written and produced songs for artists like Jessica Simpson, Elliott Yamin and ex-Take That singer Mark Owen, as well as numerous local Norwegian acts.

[edit] Side projects

2006 saw Lind hook up with fellow artists Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes and Askil Holm for what was originally intended to be no more than a handful of low key concerts. By popular demand the original 30 day tour was extended throughout all of 2006, breaking attendance records across the board. The resulting concert album, Hallelujah Live, turned out to be the fastest selling record in Norwegian history with over 250,000 units to date. It is certified 6 x platinum.

[edit] Selected songwriting credits

[edit] Solo discography

  1. Mmm...Prepare To Be Swayed (1995) - as Sway
  2. Red (1997) - as Sway
  3. Red (1998) - 2nd version
  4. This Is Pop Music (2001)
  5. April (2005)
  6. Hallelujah Live (2006) (with Lind, Nilsen, Fuentes & Holm)

[edit] Solo singles

  • "Yum Yum Gimme Some"
  • "American Love"
  • "When Susannah Cries"
  • "Baby You're So Cool"
  • "Lucky For You"
  • "It's a Damn Shame About You"
  • "American Love"
  • "Black Sunday"
  • "Where The Lost Ones Go", duet with Sissel Kyrkjebø
  • "Life Is Good"
  • "Unloved"
  • "Look Like Her"
  • "Million Miles Away"
  • "Hallelujah" (with Lind, Nilsen, Fuentes & Holm)
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