
The track emerged from an intense period of creative isolation during which Härdig wrote hundreds of songs. "I wrote on my own in solitude for almost two years. I read a lot, wrote a lot, and recorded more than hundred of songs," Härdig recalls. "I was in this cave of writing.” The magic of 'Pale Fire' crystallised when Risenfors, who spontaneously joined Härdig for a performance in Malmö, added his distinctive touch to her original demo. "I remember opening the song on my phone and listening on headphones while sitting in a park. I started crying and listened on repeat. The best birthday gift ever," says Härdig of first hearing Risenfors' contributions.
'Pale Fire' showcases Härdig's signature sound, which draws influence from alternative rock, post-punk, and New Wave, while maintaining her distinct artistic voice. The track is part of a larger body of work that represents what Härdig describes as "the tip of the iceberg of a long cycle of lyrics, often a novel/short story that I have built in solitude." Anchored by brooding piano work and haunting chord progressions, 'Pale Fire' unleashes the full force of Härdig's commanding vocals while highlighting her masterful touch as both producer and songwriter. The single is accompanied by striking visuals created in collaboration with a close friend and photographer Jessica Nettelblatt, who was so moved by the demo that she immediately envisioned the cover art, listening to the track on repeat during the photoshoot. For fans of Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and Anna Calvi, 'Pale Fire' further cements Sofia Härdig's position as one of Sweden's most compelling alternative artists.
Her upcoming album Lighthouse of Glass, self-produced by Härdig, represents a bold step forward in her artistic evolution. Recorded between her home studio and a three-week residency at Visby Center for Composers, the album features an impressive roster of collaborators. The recording process became a unique blend of creativity and community, with Härdig's kitchen and tin roof serving as unconventional meeting points for the musicians. "Working with Bebe was such a treat - he really got what I was after," Härdig explains. The album also features contributions from two of Sweden's finest guitarists, Robert Johnsson (Robert Johnson and the Punchdrunks) and long-time collaborator John Essing (Bob Hud), with Grammy-awarded Nille Perned handling the mixing duties.
From childhood, Sofia Härdig demonstrated an extraordinary musical sensibility, composing songs using unconventional sound sources like car engines, vacuum cleaners, and boat motors. Her early experimental approach—singing over household appliances and hammering on an ancient, untuned piano—foreshadowed her distinctive artistic trajectory. Härdig has earned widespread critical acclaim, being nominated for Composer of the Year in Sweden and gaining recognition from legendary artists like Stevie Jackson of Belle and Sebastian and members of Sonic Youth. Her music has resonated internationally, with extensive radio play including BBC 6 Music's Steve Lamacq Show and German Radio Eins dedicating two hours to her release. Her impressive collaborative history includes working with Grammy Award winners The Hellacopters and Bob Hund, as well as renowned producers Jari Haapalainen and Nille Perned. Swedish hall of fame artist Jenny Wilson has supported her music, even remixing her single ‘Collision,’ while Härdig has also performed alongside artists like Lydia Lynch and collaborated with Yoshimi from Boredoms. Renowned for spellbinding, high-energy live performances, Härdig challenges musical boundaries, transforming everyday sounds into extraordinary artistic expressions.
‘Pale Fire’ is out January 17th, whilst her upcoming album Lighthouse of Glass is hailed for release April 11th via Bark At Your Owner.