Since June, REXEN has released the singles ‘My Heart’, ‘Hollywood’ and ‘I Can See You’ – three songs that have received airplay on Danish radio. Produced by Silas Tinglef and mixed by John Parish, the releases have established a warm, minimalist and organic sound, centred around an intimate and present vocal expression – an aesthetic that also defines the upcoming album.
With ‘Hoik Up’, REXEN expands this universe through a mysterious, almost ritualistic duet with acclaimed singer Mette Lindberg, known to many as the frontwoman of Asteroids Galaxy Tour.
‘Hoik Up’ is an energetic and ceremonial track. Anders Christensen’s double bass – built on a bassline originally composed by Kasper Tranberg – lays down a pulsating foundation for REXEN’s recitative vocal delivery, which may evoke associations with Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave.
Mette Lindberg enters as a melodic counterpoint, creating a clear contrast to REXEN’s spoken-word approach. Together, they form an intimate and organic duet that further unfolds the warm, minimalist universe of the forthcoming album.
A call to movement and transformation
The title ‘Hoik Up’ is an expression REXEN himself uses as a call to rise, to take a step forward, to move upward. That energy runs like a pulse beneath the entire song.
‘Hoik Up’ is a poetic call to an inner struggle – not a violent one, but a struggle for transformation, courage, and fully stepping into the moment,’ he explains.
The upcoming album ‘The Chauffeur’
‘The Chauffeur’ is released on 23 January via Stunt Records and marks a new chapter in REXEN’s musical journey. The album unites the raw and intuitive with an intensely present vocal and a minimalist, organic sound.
The music moves between the ceremonial and the intimate – an exploration of human presence, movement and inner landscapes. In connection with the release, REXEN will be touring Denmark.
About REXEN
REXEN (Michael Rexen, b. 1985) is a Danish singer, composer and performer with roots in the United Arab Emirates. His musical expression bridges Western and Middle Eastern philosophical traditions, and his vocal and lyrical universe has positioned him as one of the most distinctive voices on the Danish music scene.
He holds a Master’s degree in Composition from the Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen and has performed at Roskilde Festival, SPOT Festival and Copenhagen Jazz Festival, among others.