Following the passing of clarinetist Elith “Nulle” Nykjær in 2023, drummer and bandleader Emil de Waal faced a difficult question: what becomes of a band so closely tied to one of Denmark’s most distinctive musical personalities? The answer arrives in Novelties, the fourth release under the Emil de Waal Old News banner – a record that honours the ensemble’s history while opening a new chapter.

Since forming in 2013, Old News has carved out a unique place in Danish music, blending tradition, improvisation and collective exploration. Across three albums and more than a decade of performances, the group became closely associated with Nykjær’s singular presence as a clarinetist, actor, composer and cultural figure. Even after their last studio album appeared in 2016, the band continued touring regularly until shortly before his death at the age of 86.

Rather than bringing the project to a close, de Waal reunited longtime collaborators Jacob Anderskov and Gustaf Ljunggren, inviting clarinetist Henriette Groth to join the ensemble and help carry the music forward. The result is a group that retains the spirit of Old News while establishing a distinct new identity.

That sense of renewal is reflected in the album’s title. While earlier Old News releases largely centred on interpretations of existing material, Novelties consists entirely of original compositions. Each member contributes two pieces, creating a programme that balances individual voices with a strong collective character.

The album also welcomes vocalist and composer Randi Laubek as a featured guest. Her contributions add a lyrical dimension to a set of music that moves freely between composition and improvisation, drawing on a wide range of influences while remaining firmly rooted in the ensemble’s collaborative approach.

For de Waal, that balance has always been central to Old News: music with deep roots in tradition, approached with curiosity, openness and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Novelties captures that philosophy perfectly – honouring the legacy of a remarkable collaborator while allowing the band to evolve naturally into its next phase. The record stands as both tribute and reinvention, celebrating a musical community shaped by friendship, history and creative exploration.

Emil de Waal | Drums and Percussion
Henriette Groth | Clarinet
Gustaf Ljunggren | Contra Alto Clarinet, Viola, Arco Contra Bass, Guitars
Jacob Anderskov | Piano and Spinet
Randi Laubek | Vocals on I Am Nobody and Forgotten Anne and Guitar on I Am Nobody

Tracklist:

Side A
1. Hellen
2. Scrap Rag
3. I Am Nobody
4. Flod
5. Last Millenium When We Were Young

Side B
1. Lim
2. Forgotten Anne
3. Tightrope
4. Forgotten, Not Forgiven
5. Nuntii Veteres