Agnes Obel is a Danish singer-songwriter and musician known for her ethereal, melancholic sound. Growing up in Copenhagen in a musical family, she was introduced to classical composers like Bartók and Chopin by her mother and found inspiration in the jazz-infused folk melodies of Jan Johansson. She began playing piano at an early age and later explored music further by performing in a band as a child, where she sang and played bass guitar.

Before launching her solo career, Obel co-founded the Copenhagen-based band Sohio with Danish musician and producer Elton Theander. However, it was her debut album Philharmonics, released in 2010 through PIAS Recordings, that marked her breakthrough. The album, which she wrote, played, recorded, and produced entirely on her own, was widely praised and earned gold certification in early 2011. Building on this success, she released her second album, Aventine, on September 30, 2013, further establishing her as a distinctive voice in contemporary music.

Obel’s work is deeply influenced by a mix of folk, classical, and alternative music. She cites artists such as Roy Orbison, Joni Mitchell, and PJ Harvey as inspirations, alongside French composers like Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Erik Satie. Her compositions are known for their atmospheric quality, often blending delicate piano melodies with haunting vocals. With complete creative control over her music, she has carved out a unique place in modern songwriting, captivating audiences with her introspective and cinematic sound.