Norway’s most revered drummer, DUMMY THICC, known off-stage as Sigmund Vestrheim, is finally stepping into the limelight as a solo artist with his new double single “Exodus” / “The L’s” ft. Ivan Ave.
They come off his long-awaited debut album, DUMMY THICC & FRIENDS, out on 13th June through cult Norwegian label Mutual Intentions. A genre-defying journey into crisp snares, lush grooves, and vibrant collaboration, the album offers a rich 44-minute tapestry of sound that’s as inventive as it is deeply personal.
A veteran of the Scandinavian music scene, DUMMY THICC has lent his signature drumwork to some of Norway’s biggest musical exports, including Boy Pablo and AURORA, as well as his own R&B/soul collective Giddy Gang. Now, he emerges center stage, armed with a vision that blends the experimental edges of hip-hop, the warmth of R&B, and the dusty textures of psychedelic funk and jazz.
“A lot of the music was made during lockdown, and the album was completed in 2020,” says DUMMY THICC. “This project represents a time of experimenting and searching for new musical vibes, with some parts purely instrumental and others featuring rap. ‘DUMMY THICC & FRIENDS’ isn’t about fitting into any one genre but is about exploring and having fun with music. The singles offer a glimpse into that creative process.”
The album is a sonic love letter to the beat culture that inspired DUMMY THICC’s artistry—fans of DJ Harrison, Madlib, Ohbliv, and the iconic Ninja Tune label will find themselves right at home. Split into two distinct halves:
- Side A offers a raw, intimate experience with DUMMY THICC performing nearly every instrument himself.
- Side B brings a collaborative energy, with contributions from friends and frequent collaborators including acclaimed Norwegian rapper Ivan Ave, Zimbabwe born, Oslo based hip-hop artist Vuyo, and members of Giddy Gang—adding lyrical depth and new textures to the mix.
This debut release is more than a producer album—it’s a snapshot of an artist stepping into full creative ownership. It’s eclectic, emotional, and unafraid to take risks.
With a firm foundation in rhythm and a playful, boundary-pushing approach to sound, DUMMY THICC & FRIENDS is a fitting introduction to an artist we thought we already knew—and a taste of what’s to come from Sigmund Vestrheim’s next chapter.
