Jouska – the moniker of Marit Othilie Thorvik – has announced a new album, How Did I Wind Up Here?, which will be released October 18 via Koke Plate. The follow-up to 2023’s Suddenly My Mind Is Blank is led by the new song ‘Pierced.’, a raw and tender piece of dream-pop that digs beneath the surface. Check it out below.

“This one grew out of a shame tied to being seen at all,” Thorvik said of the new song in a statement. “I’ve always struggled with visibility. Part of me wants to be seen and heard; another part just wants to disappear. Artistry brings that tension to the surface. I often feel like I’m stepping into a role that doesn’t quite fit, exposing parts of myself I’d rather keep hidden. It feels too personal, too raw, and often uncomfortable.

She added: “This song captures that feeling. I wrote it with my partner Hans Olav Settem, who also plays guitar, bass, and synths. The drums are a blend of live and programmed elements, performed by Elias Tafjord (Sassy 009, Why Kai), with Bård Kristian Kylland (Giddygang) on Rhodes. Sonically, the track moves through a darker, hypnotic space, drawing from the music I grew up with like Massive Attack, Portishead, layered with elements of shoegaze and noise rock. The arrangement is stripped back and repetitive, almost meditative. It’s heavy, but also strangely sensual.”

How Did I Wind Up Here? Cover Artwork:

How Did I Wind Up Here? Tracklist:

1. Courageous : Shy
2. Pierced.
3. Flower Moon
4. Why Won’t You Talk To Me?
5. Liquid Red
6. Season Of Dread
7. California
8. 2003
9. I Let It Happen
10. Should Have Seen It Coming