The Knife

Concludes 20th Anniversary Celebration with New Edit of ‘Bird/Afraid Of You’

A PARTNERSHIP BORN OUT OF HAPPENSTANCE CONCLUDES 20^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIFT 

LISTEN TO A NEW EDIT OF THEIR FIRST SINGLE – “BIRD / AFRAID OF YOU” 

RELEASED WITH A LIMITED GREEN VINYL 7”, FEATURING NEW ARTWORK 

AVAILABLE NOW

The Knife continues its 20^th anniversary celebration as the duo of Karin and Olof Dreijer arrive back at the start with their first-ever single, “Bird / Afraid Of You.”

“Bird” can be found on The Knife’s 2001 debut self-titled album. A record that emerged more out of collaborative happenstance than a premeditated decision to make music, the recording sessions began with Karin seeking Olof’s help in bringing her song ideas to fruition. Karin, disillusioned with the format of her previous indie-rock outfit, sought to push the boundaries of conventional pop music. Olof’s penchant for dance music and a burgeoning interest in computerized music-making seemed a natural and convenient fit.

The duo experimented with samplers, an accordion, bass guitar and computer programs to realize their vision. In this manner, the debut album functions as an auditory document of the pair finding their way as a newly formed partnership. The final recordings introduced the world to the vocal manipulations, punchy beats, and icy production that would become calling cards of The Knife for years to come.

Further highlighting the unplanned nature of The Knife’s first recordings, the debut’s lead single was initially released with a reversed tracklist that was determined in a purely alphabetical fashion. As Karin recalls, “We decided ‘Afraid of You’ should be on the A-side because it started with an A, and ‘Bird’ should be on the B-side because it started with a B.”

To commemorate the beginning of one of modern music’s most iconoclastic pop groups, The Knife today announce the availability of the “Bird / Afraid Of You” on green 7-inch vinyl complete with new anniversary artwork designed by collaborator Martin Falck. The pressing is limited to 500 copies and is available now via Rabid Records and Mute. Alongside the single’s vinyl release, the band has also shared an updated digital version that includes a new edit. Listen here.

During their anniversary year, the band has been reflecting on their trajectory from humble beginnings in a barn to becoming one of the most celebrated and influential musical outfits today. Karin and Olof recently sat down with journalist Ruth Saxelby to discuss their history from “Bird / Afraid Of You” through to the release of their last album, Shaking The Habitual. After teasing snippets of this discussion throughout the anniversary campaign, it is now live in full at theknife.net.

Newly Available Releases

The Knife: Live At Terminal 5

Hannah Med H Soundtrack

Tomorrow, In A Year first-ever vinyl pressing

Silent Shout numbered blue vinyl pressing

Deep Cuts magenta vinyl pressing

“Pass This On” 7” vinyl

“Bird / Afraid Of You” 7” green vinyl

“För alla namn vi inte får använda (Europa Europa theme)”

Please note: Vinyl editions are expected to ship on August 20, 2021. Due to Covid-19, vinyl turnarounds are currently unpredictable and there is the possibility that product will be affected by delays. Customers will be updated in the event the shipping date changes.

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July 7, 2021