BITOI (an acronym for Bass Is The Original Instrument) is an experimental music group formed in Sweden and Denmark in 2022. The ensemble combines electric bass with vocal music, drawing inspiration from birdsong and phonetic vocal techniques.[1]
BITOI | |
|---|---|
 BITOI in 2025 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Malmö, Sweden |
| Genres | Experimental music, folk, electronic |
| Years active | 2022–present |
| Label | Supertraditional |
| Members |
|
Career
editBITOI was founded by Swedish–Ethiopian electric bassist and composer Cassius Lambert, together with vocalists Alexandra Shabo, Lise Kroner, and Anja Tietze Lahrmann.[1] The group is based in Malmö and Copenhagen, and its music blends elements of experimental music, folk traditions, and electronic soundscapes.[1]
The group made its live debut at the Intonal Festival in 2023,[2] and has since performed at festivals including Le Guess Who?,[3] Roskilde Festival, Clandestino Festival, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, and Passaggi Sonori in Italy. In 2024, BITOI toured Japan and collaborated with Okinawan musician Aragaki Mutsumi.[4]
BITOI released its first EP, -O-, as a digital self-release in 2024. The debut album, Sirkulu, was issued in March 2025 on the Swedish label Supertraditional and received positive critical reception.[5][6][7]
Music and style
editBITOI’s music explores the interplay between the human voice and the electric bass.[1] The lyrics are based on phonetic interpretations of birdsong, and performances incorporate techniques such as throat drumming, whistling, and wind-like sounds.[4] The group’s work has been described as meditative, innovative, and emotionally engaging, combining vulnerability with strength.[4]
Reception
editBITOI has received positive attention in both Swedish and international music press. Sydsvenskan wrote that the group “satisfies basic needs you did not know you had,”[4] while Ystads Allehanda highlighted its connection to both Nordic and African sound worlds.[8] In its review of Sirkulu, LIRA described BITOI as “a free-thinking and open musical project that impresses with its intimate and atmospheric expressions.”[5]
In international media, BITOI has been featured by outlets such as Dansende Beren[6] and Written in Music.[3] Crack Magazine described the group’s performance at the Intonal Festival as “soul-cleansing,”[2] while The Wire characterized their music as “a folkloristic soundscape that is as timeless as it is unfamiliar.”[9] In 2026, the band's album Sirkulu received a nomination for a Grammis in the category “Årets folkmusik”.[10]
Discography
editAwards
edit- 2025 – Newcomer of the Year at the Folk & World Music Gala (Folk- och världsmusikgalan)[11]
- 2025 – Årets Nye Danske Rootsnavn at Danish Music Awards Roots[12]
Members
edit- Cassius Lambert – electric bass, composition
Alternating singers:
- Alexandra Shabo – vocals
- Ella Cronberg – vocals
- Lydia Cronberg – vocals
- Anja Tietze Lahrmann – vocals
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 5 "Interview with Cassius Lambert". SHAPE Platform. 28 August 2023.
- 1 2 "Intonal Festival 2023". Crack Magazine. 28 August 2023.
- 1 2 "Le Guess Who? 2023". Written in Music (in Dutch). 28 August 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 "BITOI ser till basala behov". Sydsvenskan (in Swedish). 12 March 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Sirkulu". LIRA (in Swedish). 1 March 2025.
- 1 2 3 "BITOI – Sirkulu". Dansende Beren (in Dutch). 10 March 2025.
- 1 2 "Three Albums You Should Listen to This Month". Nebraska Music Fest. 1 March 2025.
- ↑ "Från Abbekås till Afrika". Ystads Allehanda (in Swedish). 4 March 2025.
- ↑ "The Wire mars 2024" (PDF). The Wire. 1 March 2024.
- ↑ "Här är årets Grammisnomineringar – hela listan". Sveriges Radio. 24 February 2026. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ↑ "Här är vinnarna på Folk & Världsmusikgalan 2025". Sveriges Radio (in Swedish). 6 April 2025.
- ↑ "Danish Music Awards Roots 2025". Tempi. 2025.