FRUM, aka Faroese artist Jenný Kragesteen, recently unveiled her latest album, Whirlpool, on Tutl Records – a project that ‘dives deep into the ever-spinning motions of life and the universe’.
Crafted over a several years, the eight-track album (check it out here) was shaped by Kragesteen’s time spent in in Iceland and Norway, which have infused her warm electronica sound with a cinematic quality – recent singles Rise, Whirlpool, Cycle and, most recently, Sun Aura, are layered, atmospheric compositions deeply connected to nature and movement.
909originals caught up with FRUM to discuss her Nordic blend of electro-pop and the personal journey that led to the creation of her new album.
For those unfamiliar with your music, how do you describe FRUM? Do you view FRUM as a character or an extension of your personal identity?
FRUM feels like something that exists across time — from the past, the present, and even the future. That’s always how I envisioned it: a connection between moments. In many ways, FRUM is a character, but it’s also an extension of myself — and of the people I meet, the experiences I have, and the emotions that shape me.
How does your Faroese background influence your music, and your outlook on life and art?
Because FRUM is so tied to who I am, my background inevitably plays a role. I grew up in the Faroe Islands, so that foundation is part of my creative DNA. But I’ve also lived and traveled in many places, and those experiences have broadened my perspective. I don’t see myself as just Faroese — I feel like a citizen of the world.
The feelings I express through my music are universal. They’re emotions people have felt across time, across cultures, and will continue to feel in the future.
The name of the album, Whirlpool, can be defined in many ways. What does it mean to you?
To me, Whirlpool represents the swirling complexity of existence — everything that’s constantly in motion. On a cosmic level, we live in a galaxy full of spirals and orbits; our solar system, our Earth, and even our lives all move in cycles.
So for me, Whirlpool is about the circulation of life — the patterns and rhythms that shape our experience.
The album is set across eight segments, with an intro and an epilogue – similar to the chapters of a book. Was this the idea behind the project, and if so, is it somewhat autobiographical?
Yes, from the start I knew I wanted the album to have eight songs. The number eight has this beautiful symbolism — it suggests infinity, cycles, and continuity. It’s not strictly autobiographical, but each song captures a specific feeling or moment I had while writing.
At the time, I was reading a lot about cycles and circular systems, and I wanted that idea to guide the album. I also wanted the process to be playful and intuitive — to follow the flow creatively. Wrapping it in with an intro and an epilogue just felt like the right way to frame the journey.
What are the most significant production techniques or tools used on Whirlpool that mark a departure from your earlier work?
I experimented a lot more with vocal effects and field recordings — using sounds from my environment as part of the writing process. I also let go of any fixed formula and allowed the songs to evolve organically. That freedom helped shape a more immersive and instinctive sound.
The vocal echo effects throughout the album create an otherworldly feel. How did you create this effect?
I used a mix of pedals and digital plugins to achieve those echoes and textures. I’m really happy you felt they created something otherworldly — that was definitely part of the vision.
What is one creative risk you took on this album that you’re particularly proud of?
One big risk was producing the album myself at first, before bringing in other producers. I also made a conscious effort to trust my intuition throughout — really listening to my gut and letting it guide me. That was a new way of working for me, and it felt powerful.
The stand-out track on the album for us is probably Rise, with its dramatic, pulsing crescendo. Is this song about anyone in particular?
Yes — I wrote Rise for a friend who was going through a tough time and had lost her spark. It was meant to be a kind of empowerment anthem for her. But in many ways, I think it was also for myself. I’ve had periods where I felt disconnected from life and forgot how to feel alive. Rise is a reminder to keep reaching for that feeling.
You’ve made a point of working with female producers where possible — why is that important to you, and what did it bring to the process?
In the past, I hadn’t really worked with female producers — and I’m not even sure why. I think we’ve just been conditioned to assume producers are usually men. This time, I really wanted to collaborate with women. It helped me feel more understood and more relaxed — we could talk about things that felt personal, emotional, even ‘girly’, and that felt really freeing and beautiful. It brought a different kind of intimacy and energy to the process.
Thanks to FRUM for chatting to us. Check out her latest album, Whirlpool, here.
Check out the top tracks that the 909originals team has recently discovered through Musosoup here. To feature your music on 909originals, click here. 🙂
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