Embla and the Karidotters - The Fool (LP) PRE-ORDER

Embla and the Karidotters are going for it in 2026. Not only has Embla just launched “Embla’s Hoedown,” a unique blend of farmers’ market, amusement park, and country club concept—complete with line dancing classes and concerts—but she is also releasing her third studio album, The Fool, this year. The album is not just a musical triumph from start to finish; it is also (as far as we know) Norway’s first queer country album.

On The Fool, Embla and the Karidotters playfully explore the country genre, drawing on rowdy 90s country, indie-tinged alt-country, and honkytonk with tears in the beer. Lyrically, they play with country clichés (“Rhinestoned Cowgirl,” “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee”), while also helping establish a queer Norwegian country scene—already a solid subculture in the US—with tracks like “Imogen” and “Wanna Ride?”

Embla Karidotter and the band project that carries her name, radiates creativity, humor, and shamelessness. In several places on the new album, you might catch yourself thinking, “how dare they!” A song that sounds like Shania Twain/“Mutt” Lange circa 1997? Yep. Calling a song “Cuntry”? Sure. Tarot cards as artwork? Why not?

It’s clear that the band had a blast together in the studio and that Embla trusts her flock, giving them room to shine: Marie Moe (bass), Benjamin Rø Haavelsrud (guitar), Nils Jørgen Nilsen (drums), and producer Simen Følstad Nilsen (guitar and pedal steel) all get their moments to shine.

Embla is fearless in other, more important ways too. She has always spoken her mind, both in person and through her songs. She’s on the barricades for LGTBQ+ rights, is vocal in her support for Palestine, fights for animal rights, and actively advocates for veganism. Embla is passionate about these causes and more—regardless of strategy or perceived controversy—and above all, she is passionate about the music.

With Embla and the Karidotters’ previous album—Off Leash from 2024—we announced that beast (the band) was off the leash. The album was, eclectic, fun, bold and liberated—supposedly, anything went. Little did we know what was to come a couple of years down the line. If anything went back then, everything is on the line now.

 
The Fool will releases on Die With Your Boots On Records on September 4th, 2026.