MOLDE turns endangered species into a folk song
Released Digital Sept. 18th 2026
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On their new single Artspoesi (“Poetry of the Species”), Danish folk band MOLDE does something extraordinary: They transform the names of 50 endangered species into a powerful acoustic folk anthem.
Inspired by the poetic beauty of the species’ names, and concerned by the alarming fact that many of them are disappearing before most of us even realize that they exist, Artspoesi is both a celebration of biodiversity and a solemn protest against its loss.
Built around the band’s folky vibe with acoustic strings, rich harmonies and an energetic live sound, the song combines lyrical originality with Scandinavian folk traditions and American bluegrass influences.
“When I came across the long list of endangered species, I was struck by the two things: the poetry of their names and the fact that I barely recognized any of them. Around the same time, I learned that references to specific species in literature have declined dramatically since the 19th Century. And how can we protect what we no longer have words for?” asks Maria Molde, the band’s songwriter, singer and mandolin player.
Out of this realization came Artspoesi – as a manifest celebrating the flora and fauna of creation. The song brings back the forgotten names to our consciousness in an impressive display of verbal artistry. Throughout the verses, Maria sings the names of no less than 50 threatened species. The song reaches its culmination in a final verse, set in the year 2049, where the world’s rich diversity has disappeared:
Now everything is empty and quiet
Now every place is barren and looks the same
Now it’s the end of all that wild, poetic extravagance
Like all of MOLDE’s recordings, Artspoesi is performed live in the studio with the full band performing together entirely on acoustic instruments, creating an intimate yet vibrant sound that feels both timeless and acutely relevant.
About MOLDE:
After spending time in New Yorks’ bluegrass community, Maria Molde – MOLDES songwriter, singer and mandolinplayer – returned to her hometown of Aarhus, where she formed MOLDE. The band released their first EP Udefra (From Outside) in 2022, followed by the acclaimed debut album Jorden Kalder (The Earth is Calling) in 2025.
Molde – Artspoesi GO1426-1
Artists
Maria Molde: Vocals, mandolin,
Uffe Holmsgaard Eriksen: Guitar,
Mikkel Bøggild: Resonator guitar
Henrik Kunz: double bass
Michael Barrett Donovan: Violin
All text and music by Maria Molde
Arrangements: MOLDE
Recording and mix: Søren Zahle
Mastering: Sigurdór Guðmundsson
Coverart: Julia Stenberg
Photo : Rasmus Bundgaard
ISRC DK6KA2601401
Cat no GO1426-1
Released September 18th 2026 by GO’ Danish Folk Music
