Known for his remarkable voice and critically acclaimed performances in full artistic expression, artist Nils Bech is a one-of-a-kind artist. This star shines just as brightly in a sweaty club as on theater and festival stages, both in and outside Norway. But the Norwegian singer is also full of shame, anger, and jealousy.
In 2014, his third album, “One Year,” was released. It was about the first year of a relationship with the man he was with. “There’s an awful lot of me, my inner emotional life, in this album, shame, anger, jealousy. But when I talk about it, it doesn’t become so dangerous,” Nils Bech said at the time.
Nils Bech has long been a clear voice for diversity and acceptance in Norwegian society. Through his music and openness, he has helped to put essential topics on the agenda, both within cultural life and in public discourse.
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But what is it that Nils Bech has not done? From the royal golden wedding in Oslo Cathedral, the Venice Biennale, duets with Bjørn Eidsvåg and Dutty Dior, “O helga natt” in Skam, collaborations with the Norwegian National Ballet, commissioned works, and award nominations – all delivered with an uncompromising expression.
In 2009, the prestigious celebrity magazine Interview, which Andy Warhol founded, described Nils Beck as «a 28-year-old camp performance artist with teen idol looks.”
Later, Ryan McGinley invited him to sing at his club night in New York. AA Bronson opened other doors, calling him one of the best he’s seen, to Office of Contemporary Art director Marta Kuzma, which led to a regular night at the OCA.
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Related: Passionate Norwegian Singer/Songwriter
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However, the artist struggled with shame for years. Last year, he opened up about what it was like growing up gay and about being subjected to homophobia. Musically, Bech has made it his trademark to complement his unique musical expression with strong visual tools. He can combine high and low culture, stock exchange and cathedral, contemporary music and pop songs – in a way that no other Norwegian artist can.
Composer and performance artist Nils Bech was born in Hønefoss in 1981. He studied music at St. Halvard in Drammen. He released his first album, “Look Back,” in 2010. This was followed by “Look Inside” (2012) and “One Year” (2014) on the label Fysisk Format. In 2011, he received the Statens Arbeidsstipend under visual arts, even though he is a singer. He has also been a campaign model for the clothing brand Cos.
When Nils Beck performs, it’s always surprising, always heartfelt, and always with his distinctive communication and artistic ambition at the center. Hold on to those you stand beside – because Nils Bech is likely to provoke fits of laughter, tearful eyes and endless affection, every time he appears!
Norwegian Singer Full of Shame, Anger, and Jealousy, written by Tor Kjolberg.
Feature image (top) © Olavsfest.