By Marie Hvingelby, volunteer journalist.
“It was hard standing on Orange Stage and not being allowed to shout ROSKILDE!”
Betty Bass laughs as she recalls the summer of 2023. Back then, she was singing backing vocals for Danish rapper Kesi, looking out over a sea of people from Roskilde Festival’s biggest stage.
“It’s every artist’s dream to shout it. And I’m going to do it so many times during the 45 minutes I’ve got,” she says.
When 27-year-old singer and songwriter Betty Bass takes the Eos stage tonight at 19:00 as part of the First Days programme, it will be, in her own words, “the biggest milestone so far.”
“I’m bringing my band and dancers – and there’ll be glitter! We’re going to shake some ass, cry a little, and make people feel like, ‘I’m the shit! I’m so sweet, I’m so hot – let’s go!’”
FACTS: BETTY BASS
Betty Bass is a Danish singer with roots in soul, R&B and pop. She released her debut album Grown in 2021 and followed up with Dreamgirl in 2024 – a more personal record exploring themes such as self-acceptance, strength and love.
Her sound nods to both Mary J. Blige and SZA, blending classic soul, ballads, and heavier beats. She’s previously sung backing vocals for artists like Jada and Emma Sehested Høeg – but now, she’s stepping into her own spotlight.
Catch her live on Sunday 29 June at 19:00 on Eos.
Even if you don’t know Betty Bass by name, you may well have heard her voice or seen her on stage. Alongside her solo career, she’s been a powerhouse backing singer for some of Denmark’s biggest acts – from Pil, Saveus and Soleima to Jada and, of course, Kesi, who brought her up on the Orange Stage two years ago.
“I’ve learned an incredible amount from being part of other people’s shows. My inspiration has grown, and I often find myself thinking, ‘If this was my show, what would I do?’ It’s made my dreams grow bigger.”
That experience has given her confidence – but also a clear sense of what’s at stake when everything rests on her own choices.
“I get nervous in a completely different way when it’s my own show. I’ve made all the decisions, and if people don’t like it, it’s hard not to take it personally. Performing feels like sharing pages from my diary.”
Which is why it’s all the more impressive how much she’s taken on this summer. Alongside her own shows – including slots at Smukfest and Heartland – she’s still singing backing vocals for Pil and Emma Sehested Høeg. A packed schedule, yes, but Roskilde is the one that matters most. It’s the show she’s looking forward to the most.
“The Roskilde crowd is my people – and now I get to play for my own. There’s something really special about how people come together around music here. The atmosphere is always electric.”
After the show, she won’t be heading to a hotel, the backstage bar or the next gig. She’s going straight back to party with her camp.
“I’m going to sleep in the camp after my set. I’ve always lived there – I’m a true camp warrior. And when I play at Roskilde, it feels like coming home. Honestly, I think it’ll be the best night of my life.”
