SONG PICK: Carmen Villain - Borders (ft. Jenny Hval)

The words “Featuring Jenny Hval” in a song title has become a sure indicator that you are up for a sonic journey, no matter in what genre the original artist works. Carmen Villain aka Carmen Maria Hillestad, usually more a creator of quiet guitar-driven pop songs, goes in this collaboration for her latest song “Borders” in a more experimental, noisy direction, which benefits from Jenny Hval’s ability to introduce hooky choruses into the weirdest soundscapes.

Carmen says about the song:

I built the instrumental version from these vocal loops, and sent it through to Jenny, and she delivered this fever dream trip with knockout choruses. Her lyrics brought out memories of a real life nightmare of my own, so I added my own story of post 9/11 borders and the rage and fear I felt after witnessing so much racism.

Carmen Villain will release her second album “Infinite Avenue” on September 8.

Listen to “Borders” on Spotify:

(Photo: Signe Luksengard)