Oh Laura

An alternative country-rock ensemble known for its languid and seductive textures, Oh Laura formed in Stockholm, Sweden, and reached the wider European audience in 2007 on the strength of its breakout single “Release Me.” Originally operating under the name Laura, the project began as a collaboration between Jörgen Kjellgren and Jocke Olovsson before expanding to incorporate vocalist Frida Öhrn, bassist Rikard Lidhamn, and drummer Magnus Olsson; Olovsson had recruited Öhrn after hearing her sing at an early performance and becoming enamored with her voice. Cosmos Records signed the group at the start of 2006, and its debut album, A Song Inside My Head, a Demon in My Bed, appeared in Swedish stores later that year. Twelve months afterward, the record’s lead track “Release Me” attained platinum certification in Sweden and soundtracked a widely broadcast Saab television commercial shown across Europe, later earning Song of the Year honors at the MPA awards. The Mess We Left Behind followed in 2012.