Kygo

Welcome to our deep dive into the life of Kygo, the Norwegian DJ and record producer who’s taken the world by storm. Known for his unique blend of tropical house music, he’s a force to be reckoned with in the global music scene.

From his early beginnings in Bergen, Norway, to his meteoric rise to international fame, we’ll explore the journey that has shaped Kygo into the artist he is today. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beats, the melodies, and the extraordinary story of this music maestro.

So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this thrilling journey, discovering the man behind the turntables, the genius behind the hits, and the journey that’s made Kygo synonymous with contemporary electronic music.

Early Life & Background

Born as Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll in Singapore on September 11, 1991, the world knows him as Kygo. His Norwegian parents brought him back to their homestead in Bergen when he was just two weeks old. It’s in this harbor city on the west coast of Norway, Kygo started mastering piano at the tender age of six.

In Bergen, our subject found an interest in electronic music when he was a teenager, consuming his potential music hero, Avicii’s work as his main source of inspiration. At 16, he abandoned classical piano, focusing instead on digital composing. With time he forged his music style, an amalgamation of the classical piano training and electronic music fascination, resulting in a unique artist.

Kygo’s education didn’t remain limited to music. He pursued and graduated with a degree in Business and Finance from Edinburgh Napier University. During his student days, his music infatuation didn’t fade, on the contrary, it’s during his time at University he decided to give his passion a tangible form.

Kygo’s unique sound, a blend of synthesized and acoustic instrumentals, falls under the genre of Tropical House. An offshoot of Deep House and Chill-out, his music serves as a perfect remedy to contrast the cold climate of his homeland.

From his childhood fascination with music to the endless hours mastering the art in front of a computer, it’s palpable the kind of commitment Kygo has shown towards his chosen course. His early life and background have, beyond doubt, sculpted him into the distinctive music pioneer he is today, allowing him to ascend swiftly in the contemporary electronic music scene. His life story serves as a testament to how a passion nurtured can transcend into remarkable success.

This is an encapsulation of Kygo’s early journey, shaping him into an influential figure in the electronic music landscape. His story remains a strong pillar we can learn from, reminding us, it’s not the destination; it’s the journey.

Breakthrough in the EDM Scene

Kygo’s entry into the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) hemisphere represents a milestone. After spending countless hours perfecting his piano skills and crafting unique sounds, he chose to share his talents with the world in 2014. His remix of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” on Soundcloud, reaching over 50 million hits, served as the catalyst for his success in the EDM scene.

A partnership with manager Myles Shear, led to his signing with Sony Music Entertainment. Shortly thereafter, in 2015, his remix of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” positioned him firmly on the international music stage. The collaboration with Parson James on the single “Stole the Show,” climbing to the top of numerous charts, confirmed his star status. His ability to remix and recreate songs, making them appealing to a large audience, became a befitting signature.

Kygo’s status as a leading tropical house DJ became indisputable after his performance at the 2015 Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Replacing the renowned Avicii due to health reasons presented him a golden opportunity. His unique style impressed fans globally, illuminating how his classical training seamlessly fused with the energetic vibes of EDM. After this performance, he released his first studio album, “Cloud Nine.” It opened at number one in Norway, secured top ten positions in several other countries, and received a platinum certification.

Kygo has, over time, refined his musical style while maintaining the essence of his distinct sound. Collaborations with other notable artists, such as Selena Gomez on “It Ain’t Me” and Ellie Goulding on “First Time,” have further enhanced his worldwide appeal. This journey from a classically trained pianist to an internationally known DJ underscores his persistence, evolving creativity, and undeniable talent.

Signature Sound & Production Techniques

Diving into Kygo’s music reveals his unique signature sound and innovative production techniques. His tunes shed light on a fascinating intersection of artistry, technical skill, and creative imagination.

What Type of EDM is Kygo?

Distinguishing Kygo in the realm of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), he’s most identified with Tropical House. It’s a subgenre of EDM characterized by slower tempos and relaxed presentations, often incorporating tropical instruments like marimba. Kygo’s remixes, original tracks, and collaborations, echo the idyllic vibes of a summer haven, a hallmark of the Tropical House genre.

Understanding Kygo’s Signature Sound

Unraveling the specifics of Kygo’s signature sound entails a blend of stylistic elements and technical applications. Primarily known for uplifting melodies, his compositions frequently include piano and synthesizer sounds, interweaved with sampled vocals. Additionally, he maintains a consistent tempo of around 100-105 beats per minute in his tracks, a defining feature of his laid-back, tropical style.

Production Techniques Used by Kygo

Zooming into Kygo’s production techniques, it’s notable how he fuses classical aspects with modern synthesis. He meticulously layers sounds, beginning with a base melody typically composed on the piano. From there, he adds electronic elements and samples, crafting an aurally rich tapestry of sound. Kygo also utilizes sidechain compression to create the pulsating rhythmic effect often heard in his tracks. It’s a technique that binds the components of the track together, symbolizing his holistic approach to music production.

Popularity of Kygo’s Tropical House Music

Kygo’s Tropical House music resonates with a global audience, cementing his status as a prominent EDM artist. Echoing breezy rhythms, his tracks sprinkle a sense of escapism and joy. Hits like “Firestone” and “Stole the Show” showcase his ability to blend catchy melodies with dance-friendly beats. Numerous fans appreciate this balance, invigorating his popularity in diverse markets from Europe to America, Asia, and beyond.

Similar Artists to Kygo

Following the Tropical House sound popularized by Kygo, several artists have emerged, converging on a similar musical wavelength. Listeners who find resonance with Kygo’s music might also enjoy these artists:

1. Thomas Jack: Previously positioned as Australia’s answer to Kygo, Thomas Jack’s music maintains the Tropical House charm. Infusing elements of flute, saxophone, and piano into his productions, Thomas adds more organic instruments than Kygo, grounding his music closer to nature.
2. Matoma: Coming from Norway like Kygo, Matoma cleverly combines tropical rhythms with pop elements, resulting in a fresh and vibrant sound. His popular tracks, including hit remixes of songs by artists like One Direction and Eminem, attest to his skill.
3. Felix Jaehn: Originating from Germany, Felix’s rise in the music industry occurred almost simultaneously with Kygo’s. Sharing Kygo’s affinity for melodic, danceable tracks, Felix’s music features more vocals, enhancing the emotional depth.
4. Lost Frequencies: Known for hits (such as ‘Are You with Me’), Lost Frequencies, aka Felix De Laet, crafts music of similar texture to Kygo. From Belgium, his house-infused tracks reflect a European flavor, coupled with a tropical beat.
5. Sam Feldt: A Dutch DJ and producer, Sam, shares Kygo’s Tropical House sensibility. Unlike Kygo, Sam’s music leans towards indie pop, creating an interesting fusion. His notable remix of Robin S.’s “Show Me Love” encapsulates his distinctive sound.

These music artists, gaining inspiration from Kygo’s tropical sound, offer a unique spin, creating diverse experiences within the same genre. Fans of Kygo might find these artists’ music not only familiar but also enticing, expanding their musical panorama in the realm of Tropical House music.

Discography

Kygo first made a splash in the music scene in 2013 with remixes of popular songs. His version of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” amassed over 65 million views on YouTube and Soundcloud, laying a firm foundation for his musical career. Remarkably, his first original single wasn’t released until 2014. Titled “Firestone,” it quickly became a hit, garnering more than a billion streams globally.

In 2015, his music compilation ‘Cloud Nine’, presenting a combination of deeper house and electronic vibes, earned enormous acclaim. A standout album, it includes hit tracks featuring artists like Conrad Sewell and Parson James. A year later, Kygo released his first-ever Christmas-themed album, named ‘Stargazing EP’. Seamlessly blending holiday tones with his signature tropical beats, the album effortlessly captivated listeners.

Fast forward to 2017, audiences were treated with his second studio album ‘Kids in Love’. This album occupied a unique place, integrating a wider array of genres resulting in a distinctive tonal variety. Guest artist stints by John Newman and Oliver Nelson further strengthend its appeal.

Below is a table breaking down the major releases in Kygo’s discography.

Year	Title	Type
2013	Remix of “I See Fire”	Single
2014	“Firestone”	Single
2015	Cloud Nine	Album
2016	Stargazing EP	Album
2017	Kids in Love	Album

In retrospect, Kygo’s discography displays an impressive evolution in his music, consistently delivering unique experiences to listeners. His influence extends beyond his discography, inspiring a new wave of artists in the Tropical House genre. Yet, he remains a standing icon with his ability to combine a range of musical influences into a cohesive, signature sound.

Tours & Live Performances

Kygo’s electrifying performances worldwide contribute significantly to his global success story. Each concert pulsates with energy, his musical genius shining through as he meshes various genres. Consistent, dynamic, and crowd-pleasing, these live performances are the perfect showcases of Kygo’s talents.

One memorable instance was his debut performance at the 2014 Ultra Music Festival, Miami. Replacing Avicii at the last moment, Kygo captivated the massive crowd, his unique Tropical House style a breath of fresh air. His performance included the premiere of his single, “Firestone,” elevating the event’s thrill quotient.

Kygo continued to garner notable attention through his ‘Endless Summer Tour’ in 2014. This tour spanned North America, with 18 performances across various cities, spreading the infectious charm of his Tropical House music far and wide. The star DJ also has the distinction of being the first House music artist to perform at an Olympics event, creating a spectacle at the 2016 Rio Olympics Closing Ceremony, taking the global stage by storm.

The Norwegian sensation kept up the momentum, with ‘Cloud Nine Tour’ in 2016 followed by “Kids in Love Tour” in 2018 took his live performances to a new level. Each tour was marked by high-spirited crowds, infectious energy, and undeniably foot-tapping music.

Throughout his touring history, Kygo has graced several renowned music festivals, including Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Electric Daisy Carnival. He paired these appearances with impressive stage designs and collaborations with various artists. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large festival crowd, Kygo’s live shows are memorable, pulsating with the vibrant energy of both the artist and the audience.

Let’s illustrate this with a brief outline of Kygo’s most significant tours and performances in a markdown table:

Year	Tour/Event	Notable Highlights
2014	Ultra Music Festival, Miami	Premiered “Firestone”
2014	Endless Summer Tour	Spanned across North America with 18 performances
2016	Rio Olympics Closing Ceremony	First House music artist to perform at Olympics
2016	Cloud Nine Tour	Global tour in support of debut album
2018	Kids In Love Tour

Personal Life & Off-stage Persona

Aside from his flourishing career, Kygo, born Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll, embodies a distinct persona on and off-stage. He was born on September 8, 1991, in Singapore to Norwegian parents, evidencing a cultural blend from birth. Though globally recognized, he maintains a low-key personal life, opting for a private existence when not producing hits or performing.

His passion for music piqued when he received a piano tutorial book from his parents at the tender age of six, initiating his long journey towards musical mastery. Kygo’s early artistic influences include classical musicians such as Mozart and Chopin, inspiring his melodic style. Meanwhile, the breathtaking vistas of Bergen, Norway, provided a nurturing and idyllic backdrop for his creative exploration.

A fervent fan of nature, Kygo scoops inspiration incorporated into his music from the serene environments, as evidenced in his hits that often resonate with tranquillity. Interestingly, he doesn’t just produce nature-inspired music; he’s actively involved in environmental activism. In 2018, Kygo teamed up with the ‘Pure World’ campaign to make a meaningful impact on environmental awareness and action, illustrating his commitment to Earth’s preservation.

On the relationship front, Kygo has been in a long-term relationship with Maren Platou. Known for their subtle yet sweet public appearances, the couple offers a glimpse into Kygo’s love life without over-stepping their private boundary.

An avid sports enthusiast, it’s common to spot Kygo in sports events. Participating in the ‘2017 Rio Paralympic Games’ closing ceremony marked a high-point in his sporting passion. Moreover, he took up a managerial role in his brother’s gaming company, underscoring his influence beyond music.

Thus, beyond his impressive discography and electric live performances, Kygo leads an intriguing, multi-faceted life. An artist, lover, environmental activist, and sports enthusiast – Kygo exemplifies a persona enriched by diverse experiences, interests, and aspirations.

Follow Kygo

Instagram: instagram.com/kygomusic

Facebook: facebook.com/kygoofficial

Twitter: twitter.com/KygoMusic

SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/kygo

TikTok: tiktok.com/@kygomusic

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kygo?

Kygo is a world-renowned music producer and DJ from Bergen, Norway. Best known for his Tropical House style, he has significantly influenced the music industry with his unique sound, innovative production techniques, and exciting collaborations.

Who are the other artists in the Tropical House genre?

Thomas Jack and Matoma are two other notable artists in the Tropical House genre. Like Kygo, both artists have also made a significant impact on the overall progression of this music movement.

How has Kygo’s discography evolved over time?

Kygo’s discography has notably evolved over time, innovating within and beyond the Tropical House genre. This evolution is highlighted through his electrifying live performances and his blending of multiple genres in his music production.

What are some aspects of Kygo’s personal life?

Off-stage, Kygo is known for his environmental activism, relationship with Maren Platou, his involvement in sports, and several business ventures. His early musical influences also showcase a broad interest in music from a young age, shaping him into the multifaceted individual he is today.

How is Kygo an environmentalist?

Kygo has used his global platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable solutions. His activism reflects his deep care for the environment and emphasizes his commitment to making a positive impact in the world beyond his music.