It's not very often that you hear about Denmark's contributions to world music, let alone EDM. There was the sickly sweet '90s bubblegum Eurodance of Aqua, an act that eluded even our guiltiest pleasure. And more recently, the dark electronica forays of Trentemøller.
Then there's Danish DJ-producer Kasper Bjørke, who has also done plenty to put his country on the dance music map in recent years. And his accolades at home are as good as they come, with Grammy-equivalent Danish Music Awards for Best Producer and Best Dance Release, and high-profile remixes for the likes of Shakira and Brandy under his belt.
But Bjørke has also started making waves internationally with quality releases on house labels like Compost, Mirau and Plant. And as A&R man for Denmark's leading indie imprint Fake Diamonds, he's lent his vision and good taste to discovering and championing local leftfield acts like Oh Land and Peder.
However, it is Bjørke's own signature sound that sets him apart -- a smooth yet intense blend of nu-disco, deep house and techno, chock-full of whimsical melodic themes and emotive vocal hooks.
Kasper Bjørke with residents. Saturday, May 7. Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The party starts at 10 p.m. Call 305-456-5613 or visit electricpicklemiami.com.
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