Helene Rickhard returns to the Snick Snack label with her latest project, Everlasting High, released May 8. The record serves as a natural evolution of the sonic palette she established on her debut, pushing her vocal work to the forefront while maintaining a sophisticated blend of ambient, techno, and synth-driven textures. By weaving experimental club structures into a cohesive album format, Rickhard continues to define her unique space in the electronic landscape.
Her creative process is deeply rooted in the underground scene of Oslo. This background informs her meticulous approach to pacing, tone, and contrast—elements that translate seamlessly from her studio production to her DJ sets. Whether she is curating a mix of Italo, high-energy synth records, or more unconventional club selections, Rickhard maintains a clear identity that bridges the gap between focused listening and functional dancefloor music.
The Ephemeral Nature of Club Culture
In our conversation, Rickhard reflects on the intersection of recording culture and the raw, uncaptured essence of the club experience. She notes that while technology has democratized the scene, it has also fundamentally altered how audiences interact with live music.
“I prefer clubs where phones are not allowed or just socially unacceptable. I think I relate to the whole club experience as quite ephemeral. It’s meant to be some hours of release of tension and shaping of moods, and you can’t really reproduce that to film or photos.”
Rickhard recalls her formative years in the UK during the mid-90s, specifically a night at the Whirl-Y-Gig in Shoreditch. She describes the atmosphere—filled with psychedelic decorations, lasers, and communal energy—as a moment that lived entirely in memory, unburdened by the constant documentation prevalent today. For her, the mystery of the club is not just a relic of the past; it is a vital component of discovery that remains accessible to those willing to seek it out.
While she acknowledges that social media has provided a platform for new talent to gain visibility, she remains wary of the “DJ-focused” culture that prioritizes technical showmanship over the collective experience. Ultimately, Rickhard’s work on Everlasting High acts as a testament to her philosophy: music is a tool for shaping moods and releasing tension, a process that is best experienced in the present moment.