Norway’s rising star 8lanco continues to prove why he’s one of the most compelling voices in Scandinavian music today. With his new EP HILLS N’ BACK, released May 16, 2025, he delivers a bold, emotionally layered project that blends irony, vulnerability, and sharp self-awareness—solidifying his growing reputation as an artist capable of resonating both nationally and internationally.
This EP isn’t just a follow-up to previous successes—it’s a step forward in maturity, sound, and creative direction. Known for previous hits like HELL OF IT, which was named “Song of the Year” by Puls Magazine in 2024, and the highly praised single ACTRESS (earning a 5 out of 6 rating from Dagsavisen), 8lanco enters this new release with real momentum. And he delivers.
The EP’s standout track, REHAB, is a razor-sharp reflection on denial and misplaced blame, wrapped in a pop structure that’s as catchy as it is cutting. The lyric “Take all my exes and put them bitches into rehab” captures the essence of 8lanco’s artistic tone—raw, ironic, and self-aware. It’s a track that makes you nod your head while also making you think twice. The production is crisp and modern, but never sterile. There’s warmth in the melodies and enough emotional tension to keep it grounded.
8lanco himself describes REHAB as a musical expression of the illusions we build around ourselves, and how easily we deflect responsibility. That complexity—balancing humor with introspection—is what makes his songwriting stand out in a crowded pop and hip-hop landscape. He’s not afraid to let listeners see the cracks beneath the surface.
While REHAB may be the focus track, the rest of HILLS N’ BACK holds its own. Each song is woven into a narrative of emotional highs and lows, echoing the EP’s title. It’s about resilience, relationships, and the messy truths that live in between. There’s a sonic richness here, built from the artist’s transatlantic work between Los Angeles and London, where he’s collaborated with Grammy-nominated producers and Billboard-charting artists. Those influences come through—not in mimicry, but in polish and ambition.
8lanco’s story is as compelling as his music. From being handpicked by Stargate for the LAAMP program in 2022 to signing a Scandinavian booking deal with Polar Artist and now embarking on his first national tour—his rise has been anything but accidental. His fanbase of over 60,000 followers has grown organically, boosted by features on NRK P1, P3, P3 Urørt, and even international airplay from France’s DHECTAR Radio. His music has also been featured in the NRK youth series Rykter, further embedding him in the national consciousness.
It’s no surprise that NRK P3 recently highlighted him as one of their recommended artists for 2025, calling him “Norway’s answer to The Kid Laroi.” It’s a comparison that makes sense—8lanco, like Laroi, blurs the lines between pop, rap, and introspective songwriting, all while speaking directly to a younger generation navigating love, identity, and chaos.
With HILLS N’ BACK, 8lanco isn’t just releasing music—he’s taking it on the road. His first national tour includes stops in cities like Stord, Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, with more dates to be announced. A headline concert at SALT in Oslo on May 28 is set to be a major moment, especially with momentum building from the EP’s release. If this tour mirrors the emotional range and energy of the EP, it’s bound to connect even deeper with fans old and new.
HILLS N’ BACK feels like more than just an EP—it’s a statement. It captures the emotional turbulence of youth and love in a way that’s both clever and authentic. 8lanco manages to speak about denial, blame, and personal growth without losing the catchy, melodic hooks that make his music so replayable.
As Norwegian music continues to reach new heights on the international stage, artists like 8lanco are leading the charge—not by following trends, but by setting them. With HILLS N’ BACK, he’s proven once again that he’s not just a name to watch—he’s already here, and he’s not slowing down.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
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March: 100 Dagar – Stord
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May 28: Headline Concert at SALT – Oslo
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June 20: Sommerslipp Festival – Bergen
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June 27: Ghana Exchange Program – Bergen
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August 23: Vuelie Festival – Trondheim
(More dates to be announced)
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