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Feb 18, 2014 By Laura Studarus Kate Boy

Confession: we’re not perfect. And we don’t own crystal balls. Or a TARDIS. (Shocked yet?) At the end of every festival, there’s always that moment when we realize that we missed seeing something crucial.

When it comes to by:Larm, that danger is doubled. Since its inception in 1998, the festival, has featured a shockingly high number of artists who have gone on to become internationally noted. Taken by Trees, Niki & the Dove, Sondre Lerche, Kings of Convenience, Jose Gonzales, Casiokids, Susanne Sundfør, El Perro Del Mar, Loney Dear, Ólafur Arnalds, NONONO—the list of by:Larm alumni reads like the Who’s Who of the Scandinavian music scene.

So given that, here’s our picks for five not to miss artists at by:Larm. We know we’re probably missing something. It’s the danger of not being able to see into the future. But where we’re sitting the present looks pretty bright.

If you’re going to by:Larm, you can work you your schedule here. Be sure to let us know if there’s a band we need to see.

Jenny Wilson (February 28 and March 1)

Like your dance tunes best in the dark? Stockholm, Sweden’s Jenny Wilson has you covered. Her music encompasses pretty much everything that was great about the 1980s electro/Goth scene. Not many artists can handle a Debbie Harry-style rap breakdown, spoken word, and emotion-laced crooning, often over the course of a single song.

Kate Boy (February 28 and March 1)

Kate Boy splits the difference between the theatrical pop Niki & the Dove and the left-of-mainstream art appeal of Charli XCX. Lead by charismatic Australian singer/songwriter Kate Akhurst, the group is likely to dance its way into a few hearts.

Sin Cos Tan (February 26 March 1)

Sin Cos Tan makes icy electronic music that does both Pet Shop Boys and Bryan Ferry proud. The sun sets early in Oslo this time of year, but the Finnish duo’s newest album Afterlife gives off the kind of glow that can light up a whole evening.

Naomi Pilgrim (February 28 and March 2)

Scandinavian melancholy, meet Barbados tropicalism. Equally comfortable in both worlds, Naomi Pilgrim’s silky R&B features tight groves and unexpected electronic flourishes—think Lauryn Hill with a Nordic flourish. A former backup singer for Lykke Li, it’s a sure bet that Pilgrim’s days out of the spotlight are quickly drawing to a close.

Team Me (February 28)

We’re just going to say it: Mew. Norwegian six-piece Team Me work with the same falsetto choruses and emotional instrumental swells. Given Under the Radar’s intense love of Jonas Bjerre and the gang, this is a very good thing indeed.

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