At this point, the Norwegian duo Smerz might be their own genre. File under: Smerz. Since their first EP in 2016, the group, who are currently based in Copenhagen, have operated in many stylistic modes, but the imprint of Catharina Stoltenberg and Henriette Motzfeldt’s combined creative voices have lent the project a singular cohesiveness. So, what would be better than asking them about their personal Best Songs for hyper-specific situations? Give the article a read, and listen to their new single, “You Got Time and I Got Money,” which is taken from Big City Life, their forthcoming album on Escho, below.

Best song by a 2000s Norwegian pop artist?

“Remind Me” by Röyksopp

The whole of Melody AM evokes a very special feeling. “Remind Me” is romantic and almost too jovial, but there is an undertone of something cheeky or ironic. Or maybe we just perceive it that way because of the time that has passed since its release.

Best song to listen to while you are walking around an airport after your flight has been delayed?

“Up in Flames” by Koko Taylor

A song to elevate the situation and make you forget that you are you and not Koko Taylor when she sings “My head is full of smoke / my heart full of pain.”

Best song to play before you hit the stage?

"Non sono una signora" by Loredana Berté

Something to aspire to: Loredana in the music video leaning against different walls and pouring her heart out.

Best song to play when you feel like having fun?

“Perfect (Exceeder)” by Mason vs Princess Superstar

This was a hard category, because it can be hard to simulate having fun, but when we press play on this, it works.

Best song to play when you are really sick of having fun?

“Adrift” by Cranes

Everything in the song is pulling you down, it creates a different kind of intense energy than fun.

Best song that makes you think about Copenhagen?

“Tidligt Op” by Gilli

Biking to Refshaleøen with a JBL on the backseat.

Best song to listen to while the coffee or tea is brewing?

“Mixomax” by Yrdloop

Makes time stand still, which is something coffee brewing can do too.

Best song that has taught you something about the art of songwriting?

“Strung Out Deeper Than The Night” by Les Rallizes Dénudés

The songwriting seems inadvertent somehow, it sucks you in but does not make a show of itself. A repetitious noisy Beatles with fantastic basslines.

Best song for raving?

“Som En Sol” by Toxe

Melancholy that makes you jump up and down.

Best song about friendship?

"I’ll Be Your Mirror" by Nico and The Velvet Underground 

Sweet and pure about the light of friendship.