Norwegian artist Terje Gravdal pays tribute to generations of laborers with Industrial Workers, the second release in his 16-song catalog. A heartfelt homage to the industrial workforce that shaped modern society, the song draws inspiration from Gravdal’s own roots in Odda, a historic industrial town nestled on Norway’s west coast.
Gravdal’s deep connection to Odda’s industrial legacy runs through his family history. His great-grandfather and grandfather were both industrial workers, and their stories—of resilience, hard work, and the fight for workers’ rights—form the foundation of this powerful track.
“Odda was a key site in Norway’s industrial revolution, where the labor movement grew alongside industry,” says Gravdal. “The struggles of these workers mirror the battles fought by organizations like the Industrial Workers of the World in the U.S., securing rights we often take for granted today.”
Beyond its industrial roots, Odda today blends tourism, small farming, and industry against a breathtaking natural backdrop. With Industrial Workers, Gravdal captures this unique intersection of history, labor, and culture, offering a moving anthem for those who built the world as we know it.
