Norwegian DJs and producers Blichfeldt and Tibert have been pivotal in shaping Oslo’s underground electronic music scene. Their collaboration has yielded tracks like “Oslo” and “Ketosphere,” showcasing a fusion of minimal tech house and deep house elements.

In this interview, they discuss their creative synergy, contrasting individual styles, and the organic evolution of their partnership. They delve into the production of their latest single, “Bølge,” inspired by the serene yet powerful imagery of waves during a writing camp in Tjøme. The track embodies a pulsating bassline, modulating arpeggios, and textured chords, aiming to capture the essence of constant motion and reflection.

The duo also reflects on Oslo’s intimate electronic music community, emphasizing its role in fostering authenticity and experimentation. They highlight the support from Basement Records, a label committed to promoting emerging artists and pushing musical boundaries, which has been instrumental in their artistic growth.

How did your paths first cross within Oslo’s electronic music community, and what led you to take the step from individual artistry to a collaborative project?

We first crossed paths through Oslo’s electronic music scene, where I (Tibert) came across Blichfeldt’s DJ sets and was really impressed by his style. His deeper, minimal approach stood out to me, and it felt like something I wanted to explore further. So, I sent him a DM asking if he’d be up for working together, and things clicked right away. We realized our styles complemented each other perfectly, and from there, the collaboration grew naturally. It was a chance to bring our individual strengths together and create something new.

When you’re in the studio, how do your creative approaches differ, and how do you manage to align them to shape a cohesive track?

Our approaches are definitely different—Tibert is more groove-focused, while Blichfeldt brings a more minimal, driving edge to the studio. We work off that contrast, using it to spark new ideas. We often start with something simple—like a bassline or drum groove—and build from there, finding a flow where our ideas naturally align. Communication is key; we always let the track evolve organically rather than forcing it in one direction.

How do you decide when a track is finished? Are there moments where your ideas diverge, and how do you resolve creative differences?

Deciding when a track is finished is always tricky, especially since we’re both perfectionists! Usually, we know it’s done when everything feels good, and nothing extra is needed. When our ideas diverge, we treat it as a chance to push the track in different directions—experimenting until we find a sound that feels right for both of us. Those moments of creative experimentation often lead to new discoveries in the studio.

Your music captures a balance of subtlety and energy. How do you go about designing these intricate soundscapes while ensuring they resonate with both listeners and dancers?

It’s all about sound selection and paying attention to details. We almost always start by building a strong rhythmic foundation—something that will hold up in the clubs—and then we add textures, chords, and modulation to bring depth and character. The goal is to create something that feels driving and evolving, so it works just as well in headphones as it does on the dancefloor.

Oslo’s underground house scene has been steadily evolving—what do you think sets it apart, and how does the local culture influence the music you create together?

Oslo’s underground scene is small but very focused, and we see that as an opportunity to create something new and unique. There’s a great sense of community and a strong appreciation for good music over trends, which pushes us to stay authentic and experiment with our sound. The scene’s intimacy allows us to connect more deeply with the crowd, influencing how we approach both production and our DJ performances.

Are there particular challenges or opportunities you face as producers working within Norway’s electronic music ecosystem? How has your work been shaped by the venues and communities here?

One challenge is that the scene here in Norway is smaller compared to other European countries, which can make it harder to gain international exposure. But that also gives us an opportunity to create something unique. Venues like Jaeger, Skaugum, and Smelteverket foster a culture of experimentation and provide a great platform to test our ideas with an exciting, open-minded crowd.

How has collaborating on tracks like Bølge and your earlier releases expanded your understanding of each other’s artistic identity?

Collaborating on tracks like Bølge has deepened our appreciation for each other’s strengths. I’ve come to value Blichfeldt’s approach to minimal productions, building on what’s already there, while he’s embraced my focus on groove and texture. These projects have pushed us both outside our comfort zones and created new ways for us to blend our styles into something fresh.

Can you talk us through the creative journey behind Bølge—what ideas or emotions were you aiming to convey, and how did the concept of ‘wave’ shape its production?

Bølge was inspired by a writing camp in Tjøme, where we watched the sunset reflecting off the waves. That calm yet powerful energy shaped the track, from the sustained, pulsating bassline to the modulating arp and textured chords. The idea of a wave influenced both the sonic movement and the overall flow of the track—it’s about capturing that feeling of constant motion and reflection, blending natural inspiration with club-ready energy.

Basement Records is an integral part of Oslo’s underground. How has the label supported and shaped your work, and what role do you think it plays in the local scene?

Basement Records has been a big part of our journey. The label’s focus on helping up-and-coming artists while pushing boundaries has aligned perfectly with our approach to music. The Basement community nurtures and uplifts the local scene while connecting it to a broader audience with its international bookings. Being part of Basement has allowed us to grow as artists while contributing to Oslo’s evolving underground.

Bølge is out 13 December on Basement Records