The Vildes Releases “Manicure for the Strangers”
Norwegian pop-electronica collective The Vildes, consisting of Ingvild Tafjord, Hilde Wahl, and Glenn Tvedt, are set to release their second single, “Manicure for the Strangers”, on January 9th, 2026. Building on the success of their debut single “Serpents”, the trio continues to captivate audiences with emotionally driven songwriting enveloped in lush electronic production. Crafted collaboratively online and produced in Bergen, the heart of Norway’s electronic pop scene, “Manicure for the Strangers” exemplifies a contemporary approach to music creation, characterized by intimacy, remote collaboration, and profound intentionality.
“Manicure for the Strangers” by The Vildes delves into the concept of beauty rituals as a shield for emotional self-defense, where gloss, polish, and perfection serve as symbolic armor in daily life. The track navigates the themes of performance, vulnerability, and the subtle detachment we maintain while sharing fragments of ourselves. Known for their fusion of candid, emotionally charged lyrics with modern pop-electronica elements, The Vildes strike a delicate balance between closeness and detachment, crafting tunes that inspire introspection while maintaining a catchy, melodious appeal. Through this release, The Vildes solidify their position as a songwriting-centric ensemble with a robust emotional foundation and a characteristic Scandinavian electronic flair.
Tell us about the key contributors to this project.
Norwegian pop-electronica collective The Vildes — consisting of Ingvild Tafjord, Hilde Wahl, and Glenn Tvedt — release their second single, “Manicure for the Strangers”, on January 9th, 2026. Following their debut single “Serpents”, the trio continue to explore emotionally driven songwriting framed by lush electronic production. Written collaboratively online across different locations and produced in Bergen — widely regarded as the heart of Norway’s electronic pop scene — “Manicure for the Strangers” reflects a modern way of creating music: intimate, remote, and deeply intentional. The track uses beauty rituals as a metaphor for emotional self- protection, exploring how gloss, polish, and perfection become armor in everyday life. Through images of manicured surfaces and fleeting connections, the song examines performance, vulnerability, and the quiet distance we maintain while giving parts of ourselves away. The Vildes are known for blending honest, emotionally resonant lyrics with contemporary pop- electronica textures. Their music exists in the space between intimacy and distance, softness and control — crafting songs that invite reflection while remaining accessible and melodic. With “Manicure for the Strangers”, The Vildes further establish their voice as a songwriting-driven project with a strong emotional core and a distinct Scandinavian electronic sensibility.
What's the story behind this release?
Manicure for the Strangers is a pop-electronica track exploring emotional self-protection and modern disconnection. Using beauty rituals as a metaphor, the song reflects on how perfection, polish, and surface-level intimacy become ways of hiding vulnerability while quietly giving pieces of ourselves away.
Tell us what makes this release stand out and why it's significant
The Vildes are a Norwegian pop-electronica songwriting collective blending emotionally honest lyrics with lush electronic production. Their music exists in the space between intimacy and distance — where softness meets control, and beauty becomes both expression and armor.
Where did the recording take place?
Working collaboratively online and producing their music in Bergen — the heart of Norway’s electronic pop scene.
What was unique about the recording process?
The Vildes collaborate online, from their bedrooms in Oslo, Aalesund and Bergen, sending ideas and recording from home.
