About Tutl

About Tutl

As the leading representative and distributor of Faroese music, TUTL is the number one record label and music hub on the Faroe Islands. Collectively owned by musicians and composers, TUTL is very much about safeguarding the rights and interests of its content creators, i.e. the artists.

Since it began in 1977, as a collaboration between Havnar Jazzfelag (Tórshavn Jazz Club) and the Faroese folk group Spælimenninir í Hoydølum, TUTL has grown steadily, and today the TUTL catalogue comprises over 500 releases of significant national as well as international acclaim. Composer, musician and organizer Kristian Blak has since the very beginning been the driving force behind Tutl.

The TUTL name derives from the same Faroese word, meaning whisper or murmur.

TUTL releases a wide range of musical genres, spanning everything from ethnic, folk, jazz, pop, rock and heavy metal to classical, choral, children’s music, country, gospel, and more.

Approximately 100 artists have so far released their works on TUTL with about half of these active on the international music scene, in particular in Europe, North and South America. The majority of signed artists are Faroese, but TUTL also has artists of Icelandic, Danish, Estonian, Italian, German, Swiss and other nationalities in its varied and eclectic roster. Recent years have shown significant growth in artistic activity on the Faroe Islands.

TUTL aims to raise to the profile of Faroese music across the globe, prodiving a point of reference, support and advice on all aspects of the Faroese music industry, including our artists from abroad, as well as actively encouraging its professional and economic development through investment.

Music, in particular, has always played a major role in Faroese culture. Today, the Faroese music scene is buzzing with artists of all genres delivering world class performances and recordings. During summertime, live music events are on the schedule on a daily basis in the Faroes. Venues range from the modern Nordic House in the capital of Tórshavn to traditional churches on remote islands to the spectacular natural settings of the “Concerto Grotto” concerts in island caves, only accessible by boat.

Having gained a reputation as being among the best places in Europe for alternative music events, the local Faroese music scene has exploded in the last few years, and is today very vibrant with local artists well-known well beyond our neighbouring countries. TUTL, along with the major music festivals in the Faroe Islands, has a played a central role in fostering young artists, offering them a platform on which to develop and grow. Here, you can be sure to find musical experiences that reach far beyond your imagination.

As recommended by Rough Guides: https://www.roughguides.com/article/a-first-timers-guide-to-faroe-islands/

The Tutl team

Kristian Blak, CEO

Kristian (77) stands as a cornerstone in the foundation of Plátufelagið Tutl, being one of its esteemed founders. Since its inception in 1977, he has held the helm of Tutl as its director, guiding its trajectory with unwavering dedication.

During the vibrant musical landscape of the 1970s and 1980s, Kristian actively engaged in the orchestration of musical endeavors across the Faroe Islands. His involvement spanned various esteemed associations such as Havnar Jazzfelag, Fólkatónleikarafelagið (folk musicians), Felagið Føroysk Tónaskøld (composers/songwriters), and Føroya Tónleikarafelag (musicians). As the decade turned, his commitment endured, extending into the 1990s with significant contributions to Felagið Føroysk Tónaskøld and the renowned Summartónar composers’ festival. Through these Faroese conduits, Kristian forged invaluable international connections, enriching the global musical landscape.

Beyond his administrative endeavors, Kristian is a prolific composer and accomplished musician. His compositions, characterized by a harmonious fusion of ethnic melodies and innovative compositional techniques, encompass a diverse spectrum. From solo instrumental pieces to chamber music, jazz suites to choral works, operas to symphonies, Kristian’s oeuvre is as multifaceted as it is profound.
In addition to his compositional prowess, Kristian has left an indelible mark as a performer. With numerous recordings under his belt, he has graced stages worldwide, showcasing his jazz and folk music ensembles to enraptured audiences. Foremost among these groups are Kvonn and Yggdrasil.

Within the annals of Faroese music history, Kristian Blak occupies a revered position, esteemed as a luminary whose influence reverberates through the cultural fabric of the islands. His enduring legacy underscores his pivotal role in shaping and enriching the musical landscape, cementing his status as a towering figure in Faroese musical heritage and making him the winner of two Faroese Music Awards in 2024 for the work that Tutl Records has done for Faroese artists and for the festival Summartónar.

Sólvá Svartafoss, daily manager, HR manager

Sólvá Svartafoss (34) has been working for TUTL since 2009 and is now the label manager of the record company. As label manager she oversees all of the day-to-day activities and coordinates the activities of the additional staff of the label and delegates tasks to employees in the relevant departments. Sólvá coordinates and oversees all operations at the record label from product management and sales to marketing and A&R, and is also the HR manager.

Marianna W. Nagata – A&R, Social Media, Release plans, and international relations

Marianna Winther Nagata (24) is a dynamic force in the Faroese music industry, currently excelling as A&R and co-head of marketing at TUTL Records. Her role extends beyond traditional A&R responsibilities, encompassing release strategy and artist management, ensuring meticulous planning for both new and established artists amid the ever-evolving digital streaming landscape. Recognized for her expertise, Marianna served as a panelist at Trondheim Calling 2023, offering insights into navigating the music industry from a small, sometimes isolating country. She was selected as a delegate for the Reeperbahn International Trade Mission to New York Indie Week, where she expanded her international network and knowledge.

Drawing from her experience as a musician, songwriter, and artist, Marianna is dedicated to supporting emerging talent in the Faroe Islands. Committed to advocacy, she works to improve musicians’ rights as a committee member of the National Musicians Association, Tónleikasamband Føroya, where she’s also the main organizer of the Faroese Music Award show, FMA. 

Actively contributing locally, Marianna took part in the G! Festival booking team in 2023 and serves as head of the local jazz organization, Havnar Jazzfelag, organizing the annual Vetrarjazz Festival and pioneering female representation in the Faroese rhythmic music scene.

Dania O. Tausen – A&R, Social Media, Distribution and radio plugging

Dania O. Tausen (25) has been working for TUTL since 2019. Originally, she got the job because of her interest in the record store and her love for vinyl records. She then started showing her skills with computer programs and is now mainly working as an A&R and doing social media for the label, as well as release strategy, artist management, and in social media – helping the label & store with their visual identity – as well as their artists with their well-deserved exposure. Her work involves a lot of online communication and meetings with the releasing artists. Managing them when it comes to digital as well as physical releases. She uploads their music to streaming platforms, sends it to radio stations, and makes sure it’s being promoted on TUTL’s website and social media platforms. Dania’s main focus lately has been making sure that the Faroese language is being protected and used on social media, and that the lyrics of the Faroese artists’ songs are available on the internet as well as their music, for school use and more. Therefore Dania is also a part of the Faroese Jazz Association and Author Association, where she arranges concerts and poetry readings in the local community, and makes sure the events have a strong visual identity too, that may help the Faroese music and poetry scene bloom with new people.