Dark Season Blues 2026 opens the artist program with four strong names ranging from new Norwegian blues stars and soulful power to Notodden groove, raw pub rock and Swedish electric blues from the deep forests of Värmland.
Adama Janlo (NO)
Adama Janlo is one of the most exciting new names in Norwegian blues and soul, making her Svalbard debut at Dark Season Blues 2026. With roots in soul, R&B and blues, she combines raw energy, strong presence and vulnerable delivery. In April, she won the European Blues Challenge in Poland with her band, and her debut album A Free Woman has established her as an artist to watch.
T-Bear & The Dukes (SE)
T-Bear & The Dukes of Rhythm was founded in Arvika in 2004 by Torbjörn “T-Bear” Solberg and Jan Lillsäter. The band delivers modern electric blues with clear traces of Albert Collins, Albert King, Freddie King and Luther Allison, spiced with funk and raw stage power. Frontman Solberg is described as a mix of B.B. King and Chuck Berry, with an Elvis growl in his voice. The band has released several albums, most recently Blue in 2022.
Sears Crossing (NO)
Sears Crossing from Elverum and Flisa bring raw, energetic blues rock and pub rock to Svalbard for the first time. The band debuted with the album Almost Full Play in 2012 and followed up with the hard-hitting Get Searsed in 2015. Musically, they are in the tradition of Nine Below Zero and Dr. Feelgood, with inspiration from Albert Collins, Fleetwood Mac, Allman Brothers Band and Fabulous Thunderbirds. This is music created for intimate club scenes.
Compagniet (NO)
From the blues town of Notodden comes Compagniet, an energetic band with roots in blues, blues rock and soul. The band mixes their own songs with music inspired by John Mayer, Delbert McClinton, Etta James and Little Feat, among others. Since the fall of 2023, they have released ten digital songs with over 700,000 plays. With experienced musicians from Telemark Blueslag, Notodden Bluesband and several other strong environments, Compagniet offers genuine joy of playing and solid stage experience.
More artists for Dark Season Blues 2026 to be announced soon
