Unsung Heroes

Every music has its unsung heroes, and contemporary Danish folk in no exception. Two people who have had a huge hand is breaking Danish music globally are Morten Alfred Høirup and Erling Olsen, and they deserve a mention.
Although Morten Alfred Høirup is still best known as half of Haugaard & Høirup, a duo that split up two years ago, his involvement with Danish folk music is far, far deeper than that. Of course, he started young, working with his father, the great Fin Alfred. But these days he’s pretty much everywhere. There’s his online radio show which spreads the Danish gospel, his work with Danish Roots for the World, as well as his own music, including the excellent duo with Sonnich Lydom, his journalism, and his own music.
To all intents and purposes he’s the ambassador for Danish music, and he’s an ideal one. A supremely generous person, both with his knowledge and his time (not to mention letting people stay with him), he’s a fount of knowledge about Danish music (and a lot more – try him on cooking) and always eager to share. But that sharing is a joy for him. This is his music, it’s part of him. Look at Danish CDs and so many artists thank him, for his advice and support. It’s all done quietly, but that’s the most effective way. Without his quiet brand of cheerleading Danish music wouldn’t be known the way it is.
Erling Olsen has lower profile, but what he’s done for Danish music has been vital to its resurgence. His label, Go, has released most of the folk music that’s appeared in the last 15 years. An unassuming man (and musician himself), he releases this music because he believes in it and loves it (well, it’s not for the vast profits!). He performs an important service to the music, working behind the scenes and releasing so much excellent music that deserves to be heard.
Neither of these two receives enough credit. Many won’t even have heard of them or have much idea how much they’ve contributed. But they deserve more of the spotlight.