I Am Karate are part of an influx of Scandinavian pop artists who have been popping up in the UK over the past few years (Robyn, Tove Lo, Zara Larsson to name just a few) and we are LIVING for it. Their newest single News addresses the dual search for fame and love and is sparkly synthpop at its finest. The Stockholm duo in question are Erika Soldh Ahlström and Marta Petterson and they’ve showcased their talent for both fairy-like vocals and slick production. The track was self-released on their own record label I Am Karate Music and was co-written alongside Karl Erkenborn and Gabriel Von Essen, who clearly know which nouns and verbs make a groovy pot of soup.

Whilst their honey sweet vocals seem to suggest this track is all rainbows and sunshine, there is an undeniable dark edge to these lyrics which is somewhat haunting, “I’m gonna be on the News/Throw myself off a roof/ I’m gonna be in every paper/ Cause I’m looking for you”.



Either way, this is still an absolute tune for the dfloor and sure to have people grooving all night long. Tipped by The Guardian and The Times for their 10/10 artistry skills, I Am Karate are on the verge of slaying the pop scene with hot rhythms and smooth hooks.

Speaking about the new single, the Swedish pop duo said:

“This song is about someone chasing a dream and the spotlight, but if you take a closer look it’s also a love story. We’ve played ‘News’ live at our latest concerts, and the response has been amazing. We hope that’s an indication that people will like the single!”

It’s no surprise News has received such a great reaction and we hope it’ll be a driving force for I Am Karate to chop up more effortlessly cool sounds.

Check out these groovy gals here!

George Millington