There’s a moment on “Rehab,” the focus track from 8lanco‘s new EP “Hills N’ Back,” when August Hvide‘s voice cuts through the production with startling clarity: “Take all my exes and put them bitches into rehab.”
It is such a strong line that you might miss the irony and fragility that is concealed beneath it. That duality is what makes this amazing new album so special.
8lanco, whose real name is August Hvide, has quickly become one of Norway’s most exciting musical artist. A committed fan base has grown around the 20-year-old from Bergen, whose previous song “Hell Of It” was named “Song of the Year” by Puls Magazine.
On the surface, it’s a catchy pop confection with production polish that wouldn’t sound out of place on mainstream radio. Dig deeper, and you’ll find something more complex: a meditation on blame-shifting and the stories we tell ourselves to avoid uncomfortable truths.
This EP is interesting because it shows an artist going through a change. Hvide started his career fully in the rap and melodic rap space, but his sound has slowly moved towards a more pop-oriented approach without giving up his hip-hop roots. As a result, the sound is fresh as well as vintage, reminiscent of acts such as The Kid Laroi.
The production throughout “Hills N’ Back” reflects 8lanco’s international connections. After being handpicked by legendary production team Stargate for their prestigious LAAMP program in Los Angeles and collaborating with producers through Capitol Records, Hvide has absorbed global influences while maintaining his distinctly Norwegian perspective. The result is a collection of tracks that sound radio-ready without sacrificing authenticity.
His voice carries weight beyond his years, likely shaped by experiences shuttling between Los Angeles and London, collaborating with Grammy-nominated producers and Billboard-charting artists.
That international exposure shows in his approach to melody construction and hook placement. There’s an American pop sensibility here, but it’s filtered through distinctly Scandinavian restraint.
The songs production balances modern pop sensibilities with subtle hip-hop undertones, creating a perfect backdrop for 8lanco’s vocal performance, which shifts effortlessly between vulnerability and bravado. This thematic depth runs throughout the EP.
8lanco has matured as a songwriter, moving beyond surface-level topics to explore more nuanced emotional territory. His lyrics now carry the weight of someone who has experienced both professional success and personal growth.
The most interesting thing about “Hills N’ Back” is how it all fits together despite the different styles. From one song to the next, 8lanco shows how versatile he is without ever losing his own style. This is the work of an artist who knows what he does well and is not afraid to try new things.
Currently on his first national tour across Norway, with performances at venues like SALT in Oslo and festivals including Sommerslipp in Bergen and Vuelie in Trondheim, Hvide has clearly developed an understanding of how his music translates to live settings.
The songs on “Hills N’ Back” feel designed to connect with audiences, with memorable hooks and emotional peaks that will undoubtedly resonate in concert venues.
He’s part of a vibrant Norwegian music scene that continues to gain international attention, and his success with Get Fat music group demonstrates the strength of independent music infrastructure in Norway.
The artist’s digital presence has also played a crucial role in his ascent. With tracks accumulating millions of streams and over 40 million plays on Snapchat for his collaboration “Bestie” with CCA Jonas, 8lanco has leveraged social media to build a connection with fans that extends beyond traditional music distribution channels.
Having already demonstrated both commercial appeal and critical acclaim in Norway, this EP positions him for the international breakthrough that industry insiders have been predicting.
The project showcases an artist who has found his voice while continuing to evolve, balancing commercial accessibility with artistic integrity.
For listeners discovering 8lanco for the first time, “Hills N’ Back” offers an ideal entry point – a collection that highlights his strengths while hinting at future directions. For existing fans, it represents a satisfying next chapter in the story of an artist who continues to grow with each release.
8lanco has made a space for himself in the competitive world of modern pop music, and this EP makes it sound like he is just starting to see what else he can do with it.
