Bendik Giske is a Norwegian musician and composer renowned for his avant-garde approach to the saxophone and his unique blending of music, movement, and conceptual art. Born in Oslo, Norway, Giske developed a passion for music at an early age. His early years were shaped by exposure to jazz, electronic music, and traditional Scandinavian and Balinese sounds, an eclectic foundation that paved the way for his experimental and genre-defying career.

Giske first gained recognition for his saxophone work, which pushes the boundaries of the instrument’s conventional capabilities. He is best known for his use of circular breathing, a technique that allows him to play continuous, uninterrupted notes. This method not only challenges the physical limits of the musician but also creates an immersive auditory experience that blurs the lines between music, meditation, and performance art.

In addition to his technical prowess, Giske is celebrated for his innovative live performances, which often incorporate elements of dance, physical movement, and visual art. He views the saxophone as an extension of his body, and his concerts are as much about presence and gesture as they are about sound. This approach has earned him a reputation as one of today’s most boundary-pushing artists.

Giske’s debut album, Surrender (2019, Smalltown Supersound), introduced his minimalist and deeply physical sound world. It was followed by Cracks (2021) and the self-titled Bendik Giske (2023), both of which expanded his sonic language and deepened his exploration of vulnerability, transformation, and resilience. These albums solidified his reputation as a unique voice in contemporary music, straddling the worlds of jazz, electronic, and experimental art.

In recent years, Giske’s profile has risen sharply. He has collaborated with artists such as Beatrice Dillon, Caterina Barbieri, Sam Barker, and filmmaker Wu Tsang, underscoring his fluid approach to genre and medium. His work has also crossed into contemporary art, with presentations in galleries and museums that emphasize the multi-sensory experience of his practice.

In 2024, Giske was named Artist of the Year at the prestigious German Jazz Prize, received 3 nominations for the Norwegian Grammy, and embarked on a global tour spanning four continents, selling out venues in Tokyo, Sydney, New York, and Berlin. He also supported PJ Harvey at the Zitadelle in Berlin and performed at leading international festivals including CTM, Rewire, and Mutek. Esteemed artists such as Thom Yorke, Björk, and PJ Harvey have praised his sound, and his live performances have been hailed as transformative encounters that defy traditional concert formats.

By 2025, Giske has further established himself as one of the most innovative live performers in contemporary music. His ongoing international touring has brought him to landmark venues such as Berghain (Berlin), the Barbican (London), and Lincoln Center (New York), while his performances continue to sell out across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. His growing influence within both music and art circles confirms his position as a singular artist who transcends categorization.

Throughout his career, Bendik Giske has remained committed to exploring the limits of sound, movement, and emotion. His radical approach to performance—combining technical mastery with a deep exploration of physicality, queerness, and vulnerability—continues to challenge and expand the audience’s perception of what music can be in the 21st century.

“The Norwegian saxophonist continues to develop an entirely new vocabulary for his instrument”

                                               Pitchfork

“Instead of hiding the imperfections, glitches and inner workings of the instrument, he foregrounds them, like a sonic Pompidou Centre.”

The Guardian

“Atmospheric and absorbing”

Financial Times