Espen Lind is a Norwegian record producer, songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is one half of the production team Espionage. Espen was also a mentor on the Norwegian version of The Voice.
Solo records
Espen Lind released his first solo album, Mmm...Prepare To Be Swayed, in 1995 under the moniker, 'Sway'. Only released in Norway, it received mixed reviews and sold approximately 5,000 copies. His commercial breakthrough came in 1997 with the single "When Susannah Cries" which was a hit in several European and Latin American countries, including Norway where it was number one for six weeks. His second albumRed went on to sell more than 100,000 copies in Norway, and 350,000 copies worldwide, earning Lind three Norwegian Grammy awards in 1998, including Artist of the Year. 2000 saw Lind releasing his third album, This Is Pop Music, and the singles "Black Sunday" and "Life Is Good". The album also contains a duet, "Where the Lost Ones Go," with Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjebø. The album reached gold status in Norway but was generally perceived to be a commercial disappointment compared to its predecessor. After a 3-year break Lind released a new single, "Unloved," in December 2004, followed by the albumApril, in January 2005. In 2006 Lind, together with fellow Norwegian artists Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes and Askil Holm released the concert albumHallelujah Live, featuring songs from the foursome's solo records as well as several songs by other artists, most notably a cover version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Lind released a new single, "Scared Of Heights," in May 2008. His fifth album titled Army Of One was released on 23 June 2008. In January 2009 he received the award "Årets Spelleman" at the Norwegian Grammy Awards.
Writing and producing
During the past few years Espen Lind has done a lot of writing and producing, most notably as co-writer of "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé and "Drive By" and "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train. Together with writing partner Amund Bjørklund in the production team Espionage he has also written and/or produced songs for artists Lionel Richie, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown and Leona Lewis. Morten Harket covered Lind's "Scared of Heights" for his album Out of My Hands.
