Although Dark Season Blues 2025 is still some time away, we can already present the first three artists – ready to lift the festival atmosphere with everything from traditional, raw blues to experimental indie rock.
Mike Vernon & Cat Squirrel (UK/ES)
Mike Vernon, a stalwart of the music industry with over 60 years at the helm, has produced for Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie, among others. Now he’s returning to the heart of the blues in the Cat Squirrel project, along with guitarist Kid Carlos, harmonica master Mingo Balaguer, bassist Oriol Fontanals and drummer Pascual Monge. Together they serve up a heady mix of new tunes and classic blues, inspired by legends like Big Bill Broonzy and John Lee Hooker.
Ask Carol (NO)
The alternative indie rock duo Ask Carol, from the small mountain village of Auma, delivers a powerful sound with two guitars, drums, synths and Carol’s unique bass/guitar setup. They have toured internationally, including Asia and SXSW in the US, and released a critically acclaimed debut album. Their music ranges from the energetic and intense to the melancholic and atmospheric, with clear references to The Kills and White Stripes, always with a dark Nordic twist.
JG Hansen (SJ)
Jon Gunnar “JG” Hansen has lived in Svalbard for over 25 years and writes songs inspired by Jason Isbell, Bruce Springsteen and Steve Earle. His raw blend of blues, Americana and rock has made him a local favorite, and his concerts in Longyearbyen are often sold out. With a genuine ability to communicate and a stage presence that touches, he draws in elements from mining history and life in the Arctic.
More artists for Dark Season Blues 2025 to be announced soon
