Todd Terje

Biography

Terje Olsen, born in 1981 in Mjøndalen, Norway, is a Norwegian DJ, songwriter, and record producer professionally known as Todd Terje, a name chosen as a homage to house music pioneer Todd Terry. Rising to prominence in the mid-2000s through a series of influential remixes and re-edits, Terje quickly became a central figure in the nu-disco and Scandinavian dance scenes. Dubbed the 'King of the summer jams' by Mixmag, 'one third of the Holy Trinity of Norwegian disco' by Spin magazine, and a prominent force by AllMusic, he broke through with tracks like 'Eurodans' (2005), 'Ragysh' (2011), 'Snooze 4 Love' (2011), and his signature hit 'Inspector Norse' (2012).[1][2][3][4][5]

Terje's career peaked with his debut album It's Album Time in 2014, a vibrant collection of bubbly synths, soft percussion, and celebratory electronica that blended Balearic sensibilities with disco, 80s influences, and modern dance energy, earning widespread acclaim as a masterpiece of the genre. He has headlined major festivals like Sónar, Coachella, Lowlands, and Pitchfork, often performing live with his brother Olaf Olsen on drums and percussionist Martin Windstad. Notable releases include collaborations like the single 'Lanzarote' with Lindstrøm (2013), a cover of 'Johnny and Mary' featuring Bryan Ferry, the 2016 EP The Big Cover-Up under Todd Terje and the Olsens, and co-writing Robbie Williams' chart-topping 'Candy'.[1][2][3][5]

Terje's legacy endures as a nu-disco innovator, with rankings like #17 on Rolling Stone's '25 DJs That Rule the Earth' and a 2013 BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, influencing the global electronic music landscape through his joyful, summery sound and prolific remixing work.[1][2][5]

Fun Facts

• His brother Olaf Olsen, drummer for the Norwegian rock band Bigbang, frequently joins him on stage for live drums.[1][2][5]
• The track 'Alfonso Muskedunder' was featured in an episode of the third season of TV series Better Call Saul.[2][5]
• The intro to his album It's Album Time is regularly referenced in a segment on BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens' late-night show.[2][5]
• He was nominated for Record of the Year for 'Wilderness' at the 2017 Electronic Music Awards.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Todd Terry - stylistic inspiration; stage name homage (house music production influence) [early 2000s onward]

Key Collaborators

• Lindstrøm - frequent collaborator on mixing, singles, and tours (Smalhans album (mixing/editing), 'Lanzarote' single (2013), Sónar festival performances) [2012-2013]
• Bryan Ferry - vocal feature on cover track ('Johnny and Mary' (2014, on It's Album Time)) [2014]
• Franz Ferdinand - co-producer on album tracks (Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action (two tracks, 2013)) [2013]
• Olaf Olsen - brother; live drummer (live performances including Coachella (2015)) [2000s-present]
• Martin Windstad - live percussionist (festival performances (2014-2015)) [2014-2015]
• Robbie Williams - co-writer on hit single ('Candy' (Top 10 in Europe, #1 UK)) [2012]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #disc-jockey, #disco, #electronic-dance-music