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The Danish String Quartet, at present the house quartet at both New York's Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society and BBC Radio 3, are taking the plunge as folk musicians with their new album on Denmark’s national record label Dacapo, Wood Works. They’re riding a wave of international success with classical quartet playing in the world’s leading concert halls – from Lincoln Center to Wigmore Hall. The quartet’s video of an old bridal piece from Danish Sønderho has spread like wildfire on YouTube with more than 50,000 viewings. They’re the darlings of the press with classical reviewers, and in February were proclaimed “a hit ensemble” in The New York Times, at the same time filling a whole page under the heading “a hot Danish foursome” in The New Yorker. Here, these four elite classical string players drop the sheet music and play traditional folk from small Nordic villages in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Norway and Sweden. No strangers to standard classical repertoire, the Quartet debuted on Dacapo with a prizewinning CD of string quartets by Carl Nielsen.

On March 23, 2023, Girls in Airports released their eighth studio album, How It Is Now, marking a new chapter for the band following their transition from a quintet to a quartet in 2020. This change in lineup has opened up more space for each of the four musicians, resulting in a tighter, more unified sound that reflects the band’s evolution. The album showcases a more imaginative, melodic, and dynamically varied approach than ever before, capturing where the band finds itself today. How It Is Now is a testament to the band’s exploration of lighter, more expansive sounds, with each track embracing endless possibilities. The album is centered on themes of courage—specifically, the courage to be authentic, to stand firm in one’s own identity, and to create space for oneself to exist freely. The music is full of undeniable melodies, infectious grooves, and beautiful moments that are emotionally captivating. While the album may not be flawless, it reaffirms Girls in Airports’ place at the forefront of modern Danish jazz. The group continues to blend indie-jazz with a wide range of genres, creating music that resonates deeply with listeners around the world. A unique aspect of the album’s creation was the process behind selecting its final tracks. The band invited a select group of listeners to hear 15 tracks prior to mixing and mastering, and based on their reactions, the final nine tracks were chosen. This refreshing, anti-elitist approach brings a sense of collaboration and openness to the album, which flows effortlessly for 45 minutes with few missteps. Standout tracks like “Plants” revisit themes from their debut album and reimagine them with stunning effect, while “Cabin” weaves together influences from electronic pioneers like Boards of Canada, creating moments of raw beauty and introspective calm. Other highlights include “Curtain of Life,” with its blend of melancholy and hope, and “Sachette,” which subtly jazzes with a delicate saxophone melody that lingers long after the track ends. While some tracks, such as “Ember” and “18,” may not reach the same heights as others, How It Is Now is, at its core, a remarkable achievement for the band. It reflects a group that remains unafraid to evolve and explore new sonic landscapes, all while staying true to their signature sound. This album captures a band in transition—boldly moving forward, and inviting their listeners to experience the journey with them. How It Is Now is not just a collection of songs; it’s a document of where Girls in Airports are today, standing confidently on their own path.

We wanted to make an explosion of sounds and ideas and had a lot of fun doing these tracks. It's on a real vinyl with a Sleeve and all that to!