Behind the artist name J. Ludvig III is the acclaimed drummer and producer Jonathan Jull Ludvigsen, who first made waves on the music scene as part of the groundbreaking jazz trio Athletic Progression. Ludvigsen's precision, hybrid style, and talent for performing breakbeats live have taken him around the world, touring with artists such as Erika de Casier and Liv.e. The J. Ludvig III project began to take shape during Jonathan's days at the conservatory in Aarhus, where he explored the interplay between complex drumming and anxious, introspective songwriting.
In 2021, he released his debut album, ‘Sadboy Fusion’, showcasing the results of this exploration: hectic and provocatively off-kilter beats cycling alongside Jonathan's bright, angelic, autotuned voice. It’s an extreme contrast between vulnerability and strength, also evident in his live performances, where he turns his back to the audience, exposing his bare back while battling with his instrument.
In 2024, J. Ludvig III returned with his second album, ‘EMOTAN’, a tribute to his former self and a desire to defy expectations. It’s a grand breakup album that throws the listener through a whirlwind of genre references, all held together by Jonathan’s anxious vocals, seemingly on the verge of breaking. On ‘EMOTAN’, J. Ludvig III uses his myriad influences as a tool to tell a bigger story, both musically and personally.