Swedish Music For Dummies

Swedish Music for Dummies --> Now on Facebook

2011-12-15T21:24:00.001+01:00

Did you know that Swedish Music for Dummies now also have a facebook page? Well, it's true, it's brand new! Here it is: facebook.com/SwedishMusicForDummies

I need some friends, so "like" the page and interact with me and other readers and make sure to post your own favorite links and videos for others to see.

2011-12-04T11:00:00.000+01:00

Someone sent me this acoustic cover version of Robyn's Be Mine, performed by British Ellie Goulding and Swedish Erik Hassle. I thought you might enjoy it.

Ellie Goulding and Erik Hassle – Be Mine

Du Gråter Så Store Tåra

2011-12-03T18:54:00.001+01:00

I know, i know... Ane Brun is not Swedish, she is a "Stockholmare from Norways north-west coast" as said by Skavlan. I can't help myself so i have to tell you that she now also sings beautifully in Norweigan.

Don't miss this video, it's Youtube fresh and right of the national Swedish TV. Below you can compare it with the English version if you like.

Ane Brun – Du gråter så store tåra [Norweigan]

Ane Brun – Du gråter så store tåra [English]

Buzz... buzz! New cover!

2011-11-02T21:05:00.000+01:00

The latest social media buzz in Sweden is the vocal group Erato, who made a cover on Robyn's Call your Girlfriend, with – Did I see that right? Nothing other but cottage cheese cans. Great version!

Erato – Call your girlfriend [cover]

Robyn – Call your girlfriend [original]

Lion's Roar

2011-11-02T20:45:00.000+01:00

Oh, i can't help but LOVE this new video with First Aid Kit!

First Aid Kit - Lion's Roar

This blog is sleeping

2011-09-16T11:38:00.000+02:00

There is not much time for music blogging these days, so this blog is sleeping now. Maybe i will be back one day :)In the meantime you can check out what i listen to at last.fm.

Psst! Säkert is being released in English, check it out at Razzia.

Så mycket bättre!

2010-11-19T12:42:00.004+01:00

A new Swedish tv show is bringing loved Swedish artists from different generations and genres together and let them cover each others songs. It's pure love and an instant success! A real feelgood reality show.

Check out some of the clips [+ original versions] below.

Petter - Stockholm i mitt hjärta [Lasse Berghagen cover]

Lasse Berghagen - Stockholm i mitt hjärta [original version]

Lill-Babs - Såklart [Petter cover]

Petter - Såklart [original version]

September - Vem ska jag tro på? [Di Leva cover]

Di Leva - Vem ska jag tro på? [original version]

Polar Music Prize

2010-11-09T09:12:00.001+01:00

This year Björk won the Polar Music Prize, a prestigious Swedish music prize founded by Stig "Stikkan" Andersson [the manager of ABBA]. A few of her songs was brilliantly covered by some of the best artists in Sweden right now. Take some time and check out the videos below.

Ane Brun - Jóga [cover]

Robyn - Hyperballad [cover]

Wildbirds and Peacedrums - Human Behavior [cover]

Säkert! á 2010

2010-11-07T16:46:00.003+01:00

Did you know that Säkert! [aka Annika Norlin] came out with her second Säkert! album in September. The album is called Facit and the first single Fredrik has been frequently played in the radio. Fredrik is a song about one of Annika's friends.

I have been listening to all of Annika's music, both as Hello Saferide and Säkert! and the more time that passes the more I prefer her Swedish music. Her lyrics is very sad-sharp-funny and brilliantly sung in her dialect from the northern parts of Sweden. One of my favorite tracks from the new album is Dansa, fastän and takes place at a wedding party.

Säkert! is going on a tour around Sweden next year, when winter turns to spring again [I can't wait!] and I'm sure I will be there, and I'm sure it will be great :)

If you want to read Pitchforks review of the new album, check it out here. More information can be found on Razzia Records website.

Säkert! - Fredrik

More First Aid Kit...

2010-10-16T10:57:00.005+02:00

Speaking of First Aid Kit, did you hear the Fever Ray cover the sister has recorded [B-side of the Ghost Town single]? It's a mellow acoustic version of one of 2009's most interesting tracks, When I Grow Up. Karin Dreijers electronica works this way too.

Listen to the track in the video below or in Spotify. Read more on the First Aid Kit Myspace or and on Fever Ray's website. Thanks to Paul, for the tip!

First Aid Kit - When I Grow Up [cover]

New video | First Aid Kit

2010-10-14T07:19:00.001+02:00

In September First Aid Kit released their new video for the song Ghost Town. It's a great song and I love the warm light and the outfits inspired by the early 1900's. The video is directed by one of my favorite music video directors at the moment, Mats Udd. He has also directed videos for Familjen, Elias & the Wizzkids, Joel Alme and Monty.

The song is featured on their debut album The Big Black & The Blue that was released earlier this year. If you want to keep up with the First Aid Kit news, check out their Myspace.

Summer Hits á 2010

2010-10-13T14:51:00.006+02:00

Now when the leaves are falling and we pull the coats tighter around us we can summarize which were the big summer hits of the 2010 summer. Robyn and Oskar Linnros were played on the radio over and over (together with Rhianna and Lady Gaga of course...).

Robyn - Dancing on my own

Robyn - Hang with me

Robyn has released two of her three album series of this year, and she has once again been raised and praised for her work. I agree with most of the praise and her albums Body Talk pt1 and Body Talk pt2 has frequently been played in my house when ever I'm in the mood to dance. The biggest hit of them all has been Dancing on my own. Given hit and a great song! Also check out the track Hang with me (video above).

Check out Robyn's website for more information about her music!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Oskar Linnros - Ack, Sundbyberg

Oskar Linnros - Annie Hall

Oskar Linnros was one half of the old duo Snook. Oskar is now on his own and his album Vilja Bli was released in the spring. The song Ack, Sundbyberg has been a hit all summer but it's not the best track of this debut album. Instead I urge you to check out the songs 25, Från och med du, Ballad från en loftsäng and Annie Hall. Good Swedish pop for all!

Find out more about Oskar and his music on his website!

River en vacker dröm

2010-10-10T13:16:00.005+02:00

Håkan Hellström is back with his sixth album, Två steg från Paradise, on October 13. It's being released exactly 10 years on the day of his first album Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg. Håkan's first album is considered to be a Swedish classic by now, and my generation have sweet memories of dancing to the song all through the drunken nights of our youth :)

The first single River en vacker dröm is lovely, you can see it below. If you want to know more about Håkan, check out his website HåkanHellström.se.

Håkan Hellström - River en vacker dröm

Fun fact: When the video above was recorded on the streets of Gothenburg i ran into Håkan and his camera man on Järntorget. It was a lovely, sunny autumn day and Håkan walked by and said hi, always being the friendly himself :)

Back with Kent!

2010-07-06T11:05:00.003+02:00

I'm back again, connected but with no clue what has been happening in the last month or so...

As soon as my internet was put back on I decided to have a listen to Kent's new album En plats i solen. In the reviews I have been reading they get mostly 4 out of 5 and that gave me hope. Kent's last few albums has been a bit uninspiring, but this time they seem to have found back to a happier place, and a place you want to share with them :)

Kent will be touring Sweden during the summer, so if you happen to be here you should go see them. As one of Sweden's biggest bands they are relatively unknown outside of Sweden, although they made a couple of their albums in English as well [Isola and Hagnesta Hill]. Without any bigger success it seems, but their popularity in Sweden stays intact.

Kent will be spinning on my Spotify for the rest of the summer! If you want to find out more about Kent you should check out kent.nu, their official website or the Kent channel on Youtube.

Still unplugged :'(

2010-06-23T15:34:00.003+02:00

Hello everyone! Unfortunately, I'm still unplugged despite several phone calls to the internet distributor. Apparently i have to wait up to four weeks... Therefor i can only give you this short proof of life post for now.

I will check back as soon as possible.
Cheers!

A little break [for now]

2010-05-27T23:29:00.003+02:00

May is almost ending and soon the summer is here officially :) I wanted to share this First Aid Kit video with you guys. Because it's so great you deserve to see it again!

The updates might be a bit thin for a while, because I'm between internet providers at the moment. I hope to be back soon! Cheerio!

First Aid Kit - Tiger Mountain Peasant Song [Fleet Foxes cover]

Dancing on my own | Robyn

2010-05-25T15:05:00.003+02:00

Did you have the opportunity to watch Robyn's new video for the song Dancing on my own? If not, check out the video below. Robyn is a favorite and I smell summer hit when I hear this song... or maybe it's just the good weather of the past week that is influencing my thoughts ;)

Stop by Robyn's official website for more information about her music!

Robyn - Dancing on my own

90ties Nostalgia Day

2010-05-20T16:24:00.005+02:00

I stumbled on a playlist on Spotify with some of our great 90ties pop classics. We had a great period of a lot of new music during the 90ties, the indie pop years :) It's a pretty good collection of the music that shaped me during my teenage years.

I could say a hundred things about it, but im gonna let the music speak for itself. If you have any questions, put them in the comments.

Pssst! I couldn't embed this one, but it should be in here too. Kent - Kräm [så nära får ingen gå]

Popsicle - Make Up

Pineforest Crunch - Cup Noodle Song

Cardigans - Sick and Tired

Atomic Swing - Stone me into the grove

Jumper - Tapetklister

The Wannadies - You & Me Song

Stonecake - Tuesday Afternoon

Bo Kaspers Orkester - Hon är så söt

New video | Melissa Horn

2010-05-19T17:19:00.002+02:00

Melissa Horn has released a video for her song Falla Fritt. Check it out below!

Melissa Horn - Falla fritt

New album | The Ark

2010-05-17T06:45:00.000+02:00

The Ark has released a new album, no wait! a magazine called In full regalia. They take album selling to a whole new level by selling the album together with a 100 page magazine about the band. That way they take back some of the space that has been lost to digital downloads and put it in a new package on the magazine shelf's.

What do you think of this new way of selling albums? Read more about The Ark on their official website!

The Ark - Superstar [Swedish Television]

Anna von Hausswolff

2010-05-15T12:20:00.000+02:00

People have been talking about Anna von Hausswolff since last years Way out West festival. And it's true, you can't walk away unaffected by her voice. Sometimes it's like a whisper, sometimes like a scream and most of the time it's agonizing good. So far Anna has released the EP Track of Time and just recently the album Singing from the Grave [though i haven't listened to the album yet]. The reviews have been overwhelmingly good, and I predict more greatness in the future.

I think this dark beauty will be a new of my favorite, spine tingling moments indeed.

She is touring Scandinavia during the summer, so keep a look out for her, she might come to a city close to you. If you want to find out more about Anna, check out her Myspace and the Kning Disk website. The EP is available on Spotify.

Anna von Hausswolff - Track of Time [live]

10 years of Håkan Hellström

2010-05-14T09:01:00.006+02:00

This year Håkan Hellström has his 10 year anniversary as a solo artist and he is celebrating it by releasing a collection of his singles on June 23d. When you look at the track list [below] it's a good collection of his best songs for the past decade. I don't know about you, but I'm definitely getting it this summer. Some of my personal favorites is Kär i en ängel, Gårdakvarnar och skit, Kom igen Lena! and the classic Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg.

HÅKAN HELLSTRÖMS SAMLADE SINGLAR 2000-2010
01. Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg
02. Ramlar
03. En vän med en bil
04. Nu kan du få mig så lätt
05. Kom igen Lena!
06. Den fulaste flickan i världen
07. Mitt Gullbergs kaj paradis
08. En midsommarnatts dröm
09. Dom kommer kliva på dig igen
10. Gårdakvarnar och skit
11. 13
12. Klubbland
13. Jag hatar att jag älskar dig och jag älskar dig så mycket att jag hatar mig
14. För en lång lång tid
15. Kär i en ängel
16. Jag vet inte vem jag är men jag vet att jag är din
17. Visa vid vindens ängar

Pssst! It has also been said that Håkan is releasing a new album on October 23d, exactly 10 years after his debut album Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg. Lets keep an eye out for it! If you want to find out more about Håkan, check out his website.

New album | The Radio Dept.

2010-05-08T12:00:00.000+02:00

So, finally it's here, The Radio Depts. new album - Clinging to a Scheme, the one we've been waiting for so long [at least I have]. It's been released today, and since I'm out travelling I will be listening to it on my Spotify all day, and when I come home I will be having a CD waiting for me too :)

I will check back when I have some more feedback. Cheerio!

Update! I'm hooked. Bad. This album will be on my Top 5 this year, definitely. It's not music made for big stages with huge audiences. But it's beautiful and introvert pop that should be listened to in your headphones. I love it!

Anna Bergendahl | Eurovision 2010

2010-05-08T01:28:00.004+02:00

Anna Bergendahl is Sweden's contribution to the Eurovision Song Contest this year. She is going to Oslo later this month.

Anna is a young woman [18] with a very grown up voice. Not what you expect when a little girl walks up on stage in her sneakers and a guitar. But it works, its pretty good for music coming through the Eurovision competition.

She is not a beginner despite her young age, she has been singing since she was a child and has also competed in music shows like Super Trooper and Idol. Maybe that gives her an advantage on stage, being used to be watched by millions of people, competing in music [which some people say it's impossible to do, but that is a whole other discussion]. She released her first album Yours Sincerely earlier this spring, and I'm pretty sure it wont be her last.

I like Anna and I hope she does well for herself. I hope that the sometimes scary music industry doesn't eat her up and spit her out. What do you think, can Anna win the Eurovision?

If you want to know more about Anna, you can check out her official website.

Anna Bergendahl - This is My Life

There's a Razzia going on!

2010-05-02T17:08:00.011+02:00

One of my favorite Swedish record labels is Razzia Records. They represent many of my personal favorites and some of the biggest names in pop Sweden today, such as: Hello Saferide, Timo Räisänen, Säkert!, Maia Hirasawa, Firefox AK, Jonna Lee and Tomas Rusiak.

They have released a few compilation albums, often mixes of known and not so well known artists and sometimes tracks that hasn't been released before. Check out the track listings for There's a Razzia going on vol 1 and 2 below. It's perfect for all of you who is looking for a new Swedish favorite!

There's a Razzia going on vol 1.
01. Hello Saferide – I was definitely made for these times
02. Adiam Dymott – Memory loss
03. Konie – My Life Is Shit But I Am Funky (remix)
04. I ARE DROID – Blood & Ether
05. Firefox AK vs Laid – Once I was like you
06. Maia Hirasawa – Melody
07. Tripoli – Walk on
08. Säkert! – Det var tre månader sedan idag
09. They Live By Night – Meaningless repair
10. Timo Räisänen – Spill your beans
11. Svenska Kürkan – Besatt
12. The Plan – Stay Awhile
13. Jonna Lee – I wrote this song
14. Mange Schmidt feat. Thomas Rusiak & Eye N I – Håll käften del 2
15. Thunder Express – Switch
16. Tellevika feat. Firefox AK – Eric
17. Ebbot Lundberg & Mattias Bärjed – Coming down cold

There's a Razzia going on vol 2.
01. Hello Saferide – I fold
02. Joel Alme – You remember the goodtimes but the goodtimes don't remember...
03. David Sandström Overdrive – Song is holy
04. Theodor Jensen – BAPADA
05. I ARE DROID – With lowered arms
06. Konie – I'm just another boy
07. Dundertåget – Låt mej va
08. Jonna Lee – Violent Playground
09. They live by night – Ctr+Alt+Del My Heart (Fredrick Carlsson Remix)
10. Säkert! – Min hemstad
11. Maia Hirasawa – Because of you

Jonna Lee - I Wrote This Song

I ARE DROID - Blood and Ether

Timo Räisänen - My Valentine

These compilations and much more can be found in the Razzia Records MP3-Shop, get your own copy today!

Guest Writer | Five Swedish Songs on a Rainy Day

2010-04-24T18:53:00.007+02:00

It doesn't sound much to ask for; some wistful music for when the
weather outside is setting a grey tone. But when I thought about it
most of the Swedish music I enjoy is usually warm and sunny pop, much
too full of cheerful vitality if I'm in the mood not to be. So what's
the solution? If its songs with introspective lyrics, a haunting voice
and a good selection of minor chords, then I will probably reach for
the album 'Halfway To Fivepoints' by Anna Ternheim every time. Even
the cover is cloudy.

Beyond that I had to dig a little deeper, and found that sunnier
Swedish bands have their rainy moments too. Occasionally.

1. The Radio Dept. - It's Personal
2. Kent - Before It All Ends [Innan Allting Tar Slut]
3. The Cardigans - Feathers and Down
4. Fredrik - 11 Years
5. The Soundtrack of Our Lives - In Your Veins

Here is a link for the Spotify playlist.

Guest writer
Paul

The Radio Dept. - It's Personal

Kent - Before It All Ends [Innan Allting Tar Slut]

The Cardigans - Feathers and Down

Fredrik - 11 Years

The Soundtrack of Our Lives - In Your Veins

-------------

Would you like to contribute too? Maybe you want to tell us about the greatness of your favorite Swedish band, or give us your top 5 Swedish songs on Thursdays, or anything else that you can think of. Email me for more information.

Junip

2010-04-20T12:40:00.003+02:00

Junip is José Gonzales current project and consists also of Elias Araya [drums] and Tobias Winterkorn [organ, synth]. Junip has that special sound of José Gonzales voice and his guitar, but with the fuller sound of a band.

A new album is set to be released in September, but before then they will tour both Europe and the U.S. during the summer, including the Way out West festival in the home town Gothenburg in August.

If you wish to find out more about Junip, check out their official website or their Myspace. At the moment you can download one of their new songs for free at their website!

Junip - Black Refuge

Fembot | Robyn

2010-04-19T13:05:00.000+02:00

Body Talk Pt.1 is coming! from Robyn on Vimeo.

Hi everybody! I'm back with some cool Robyn news. Robyn released the new single Fembot from her upcoming album Body Talk PT 1 the other day. Robyn has been busy recording for a while and therefor she can release three (!) albums this year. Amazing!

The first one, Body Talk PT 1 will be released on June 14th, and so will the second single Dancing On My Own. You will find the track listing below. Robyn has been working with people Kleerup, Klas Åhlund and Röyksopp among others when creating these albums. Earlier this year we were able to get a sneak peak in the creative process behind this album, in the SVT documentary series Dom Kallar oss Artister. Did you know that she listens to her own music in the car, to determine what changes needs to be done?

Body Talk PT 1
1. Don’t Fucking Tell Me What To Do
2. Fembot
3. Dancing On My Own
4. Cry When You Get Older
5. Dance Hall Queen
6. None Of Dem
7. Hang With Me (acoustic)
8. Jag Vet En Dejlig Rosa

You will find Robyn's single on Myspace and Spotify, you can also buy it in the usual online stores. If you want to find out more about Robyn's upcoming plans, visit her official website!

Life of a Swedish Music Dummy

2010-03-28T18:12:00.000+02:00

Time to get personal. I go through my day with many different tunes and moods. You might think it's only time for Swedish music, but in fact I listen to lots and lots more than that. This is how a soundtrack of my day can sound like.

When I wake up in the morning I don't think about music, I think about going back to bed again ;) [I'm not really a morning person] but when I get out into the fresh air and walk to the bus my brain wakes up and I dig out the iPod from my jacket pocket. A couple of years ago I got myself one with lots of gigabytes so I can fit a lot of music and pictures. I usually put it on random, because I'm not very good at making decisions in the early morning hours... often featured in the morning is Jens Lekman, Loney Dear, Cat Power or Feist.

At work I start up my Spotify, the savior of my day! I put my headphones on and dig into my work as a Final Art/Graphic Designer. The day of a freelancer is never the same. Sometimes I work from my home office all day and sometimes I'm doing consultant work at companies. So the assignments vary, but the music is always with me. I start the day with something for a good mood, like Billie the Vision and the Dancers, work myself through some current playlists, [at the moment] The XX, Beach House, Moto Boy, Vashti Bunyan or Monsters of Folk... and later during the afternoon I might put on something from my of old favorites J. Tillman, Band of Horses, Rosie Thomas or Kings of Convenience.

During periods of insomnia I listen to Sigur Rós, Múm, Ólafur Arnalds and Jónsi and Alex at bedtime, it makes me sleepy and dreamy in the dark hours of the night...

Oh, and there is probably not a day that goes by without me listening to The Radio Dept. That is music that works with every mood :)

How does your soundtrack sound like?

Hari and Aino

2010-03-27T08:31:00.003+01:00

Felipe sent me an email and told me he made this video for a Swedish indie pop band called Hari and Aino, so i checked it out. Weee! I like it! The video and the twee pop songs went straight to my heart. I know nothing more about them yet, but please check them out, I promise you will like it :)

Hari and Aino have a Myspace and a official website, so take a look if you want to find out more! Their music is available on the big online music stores.

Btw. Felipe is a fellow music blogger, so check out his blog too! --> Chaotisch und Charmant

Hari and Aino - All That Remains

Röyksopp [loves] Robyn

2010-03-12T18:26:00.004+01:00

Let's start the weekend with some dancing with Röyksopp and lovely Robyn! Röyksopp and Robyn is working together on a song for Robyn's upcoming album later this year :)

New album | Moto Boy

2010-03-06T16:23:00.001+01:00

Oskar Humlebo aka Moto Boy just released his second album Lost in the Call. Moto Boy released his first album in early 2008 and it was something new with his romantic yet so simple songs and androgynous image. I love it!

You can listen to Moto Boy on Spotify, but you can also find out more and buy his new album on the official website for only 50 SEK | 5 EUR | 6 USD. Get your own copy today!

Moto Boy - Lost in the Call [album teaser]

Moto Boy - Early Grave [live on Swedish Television]

New video | Joel Alme

2010-03-01T17:50:00.004+01:00

Joel Alme just released a video [with a sweet ending] for the second single If You Got Somebody Waiting of his second album, Waiting For The Bells. This song gives me 60ties vibes, but i don't know why. Do you? I think it might be how he emphasize certain words... Hmm.

The video is shoot on an island outside Stockholm in February and is directed by Mats Udd. Enjoy!

Joel Alme - If You Got Somebody Waiting

Oscar Danielson

2010-02-16T19:20:00.001+01:00

If you need some inspiration in your dull every day life, you should listen to Oscar Danielson's music. He writes about beautiful and sad little truths in life. I found him for the first time around the time he released his first album Schysst & Populär [1996] and fell in love with his jazzy singer song writer pop :) You could even say that his album was a major part of my youth, and will always stay with me as a loved one.

Since then, Oscar has released another three album, but is still pretty much unknown to the public [except for a small and devoted group of fans]. I hope you will fall in love with his music too!

"Du var som fem soliga dar, som kommer efter varandra på rad."

Oscar Danielson - Top of The Foodchain

Oscar Danielson - Gitarren Är Mitt Svärd

Find out more about Oscar on his official website or Myspace. You can also listen to all of his albums on Spotify. Photo above Mikeadelica.

Illegal downloads on decline?

2010-02-13T10:06:00.002+01:00

I read an interesting article the other day [thanks to honorary Dummy Jeroen] about the possible decline of illegal music downloads. Read the article at NY Times.com. It made me think of my own behavior and if it has changed, and i realized that it has. A year ago one was more inclined to turn to illegal downloads than today...

The reason it has changed is the growth of music services like Spotify. They make it easy to find new music and the cost for it is little compared to what it would cost to buy all the albums you listen to [99 SEK | 10 EUR | 13 USD for 30 days or free of charge with commercials at Spotify]. Well spent money my friend. For someone like me its ideal, I can listen to a lot of new music, and if I fall in love with an album I will buy it on CD [yes, i still buy CDs]. The best part is that the artist get's a little something every time you listen to their song :)

So, are you still downloading illegally? Please comment [you can be anonymous] below. Thanks!

So far Spotify is only available in Sweden, Norway, Finland, the UK, France and Spain. It will grow to new countries eventually, but in the meantime, try to find a similar service in your own home country.

Inbox News | Desireé Duvringe

2010-02-11T10:15:00.002+01:00

Another talented musician found its way to my inbox :) Desireé wrote me an email and told me that her dreams is about to come true.

She sent her music to the Music Supervisor of Skins [a popular British tv-series] and they ended up using her song Automation in one of the episodes. It's opening up doors for her and gives her a chance to make a living on her music. Read Desireé's own words about her music below.

Check out the scene from Skins with her song here --> Skins SE03EP04 - Pandora.

When did you start making music, and decided that it was what you wanted to do with your life?
I have always made my own melodies and improvised texts as far as I can remember but I started writing lyrics and songs on a regular basis when I was fifteen, and wanted to enter the music high school Rytmus in Stockholm, Sweden. I have always known that I would be doing music, my dad is a musician and when I was four I got to sing with him on a gig. Since then I decided that I wanted to be a singer.

Which bands/artists are your main influences? Do you have any Swedish influences and who might they be?
My greatest inspiration is film music because I'm fascinated by the many layers it contains and how through film music you can communicate with the listener's feelings. I'm inspired by composers like Yann Tiersen, Philip Glass, Thomas Newman and Alan Silvestri, but I'm also very inspired by singer/songwriters and more low-key pop as Damien Rice, Paulo Nutini, Maria Mena and Kings of Convenience. A Swedish inspiration is Lars Winnerbäck which I think has great lyrics and I also like Tingsek with his perfect productions and ingenious melodies. Otherwise I'm inspired by all that is good, lately I've been listening to a lot to Jamie Cullum's latest album!

A lot of people try to be successful in music, why should the listeners listen to your music? What uniqueness can you add to the music world?
I always speak from a feeling in my music, I want to tell a story or to touch the listener. If I do that I can give the listener a unique experience in the moment. I sing every word and play every note from the heart and I want to believe that it reaches the listener's ear. I want to hit you straight through your heart.

Why do you think Sweden has so many more talented musicians per capita than the rest of the world?
If it is true, which it may well be because there are many extremely talented musicians in Sweden, I think it is because we have a great and effective municipal music school. We get an early taste of different musical instruments and we have access to dedicated and competent teachers!

Desireé Duvringe - Automation

Read more about the song on Skins or find out more about Desireé on her Myspace!

New video | First Aid Kit

2010-02-09T13:49:00.002+01:00

The talented First Aid Kit sister's has released another video. I Met Up with The King is a song from their debut album The Big Black and The Blue that was released a few weeks ago. You can also watch the video for Hard Believer, another song from the album.

I'm really looking forward to the gig I'm going to in March, or as Paul [honorary Dummy] would say my spine is tingling when i think about it :)

First Aid Kit - I Met Up with The King

First Aid Kit - Hard Believer

Inbox News | Good Morning June

2010-02-07T10:10:00.000+01:00

Good Morning June is consist of five young and talented musicians from Stockholm. In a near future they will release their first five track EP. I asked them a few questions:

When did you start making music together?
Late 2006, so around three years ago.

Which bands/artists are your main influences? Do you have any Swedish influences and who might they be?
We’re five members with very different influences. But I could mention Radiohead, Bob Dylan, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Deerhoof. Swedish influence… E.S.T. and Koop are two examples!

A lot of people try to be successful in music, why should the listeners listen to your music? What uniqueness can you add to the music world?
I don’t know. I don’t think it’s very easy to put a “winning concept” like that on paper. People should listen to our music if they feel that there’s something in it that somehow speaks to them!

Why do you think Sweden has so many more talented musicians per capita than the rest of the world?
Because it’s a small country in which making music is a very trendy thing to do!

Check out their Myspace to find out more about the band and when their EP will be released!

New single | Petter

2010-02-05T07:15:00.000+01:00

What do you think of the cover for Petter's new single Fast För Evigt? I think its great :) but apparently Petter had to explain to people that its ironic. Hehe.

The song is from the upcoming album called Räddaren i Nöden. The name of the album happens to be the Swedish translation of J.D Salinger's book The Catcher in the Rye. The name of the album does not however seem to have anything to do with the recent news of J.D Salinger's death, since the name was released before those news. But who knows? Maybe Petter was inspired by the book when he made the album :)

The single can be found in the usual places like iTunes and Spotify. Find out more about Petter on his Myspace.

Petter - Fast För Evigt

New single | Moto Boy

2010-02-03T06:33:00.000+01:00

One of my favorites, Moto Boy has released a new single called The Heart is A Rebel, from the upcoming album Lost In The Call. The new album will be Moto Boy's second album and is set for release on March 3d on the label Songs I Wish I had Written. Im eager to hear this new stuff! Check out one of my Moto Boy favorites on Youtube below.

Find more information about Moto Boy at his Myspace and official website. You can download his new single for free at MotoBoy.se and you can also find it at Spotify.

Moto Boy - Beat Heart

New EP | Maia Hirasawa

2010-02-01T06:55:00.002+01:00

Maia Hirasawa is back with a new EP release, this time in Swedish! The EP contains four tracks, of which one is a cover of Björn Afzelius famous song Tusen Bitar [check out Björn's version in the video below]. Hopefully she will release a whole album in Swedish soon :)

Track listing for Dröm bort mig igen:
1. Tusen bitar
2. Dröm bort mig igen
3. Leva nu
4. Fredag

More news about Maia can be found on her official website and on her Myspace.

Björn Afzelius - Tusen Bitar

Joel Alme & Alexander Durefelt

2010-01-28T20:57:00.006+01:00

Here comes two new releases from the musical capital of Sweden, Gothenburg [Göteborg] :)

Joel Alme [bottom picture] is back with his second album Waiting For the Bells and shows us that he can do it once again. The first album A Master of Ceremonies [2008] was a big success for Joel and the song The Queen's Corner became a hit. I have a soft spot for dramatic and romantic pop songs with strings and piano like When Old Love Keeps You Waiting. It's a brilliant song. Joel delivers, he really does. The song You Will Only Get it Once is another definite song on the 2010 soundtrack.

Joel Alme Myspace

– – – – – – – –

Alexander Durefelt [top picture] creates Americana rock with inspiration from names like Ryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen. He released the album Hearts On Repair late last year. I appreciate this type of music, sometimes it feels like the soundtrack of my life, music that i can live with for a long time and never grow tired of. I like it a lot, even though the sound isn't that unique. A couple of my favorite songs is Hearts On Repair, Heavy Heart and Stay.

Alexander Durefelt Myspace

Dom kallar oss Artister

2010-01-25T01:00:00.001+01:00

Recently SVT [Swedish public television] started to air the second season of Dom kallar oss Artister [They call us artists] a series of 28 minute programs featuring different Swedish artists. The first program follows Markus Krunegård during a day in his life, when he travels back to his home town Norrköping to play at the local record store.

I wish all of you could understand Swedish, but i know that's not the case. If you can you should check it out anyway, because it features a lot of great music :) ---> Dom kallar oss Artister - Markus Krunegård.

Markus Krunegård - Hela Livet var ett Disco

In the upcoming season we will also meet Björn Skifs, Amanda Jenssen, Mustasch and Jenny Wilson among others.

Pssst! If you want to read up on who was featured in the first season, check out Wiki!

New album | The Radio Dept.

2010-01-24T19:23:00.002+01:00

I know that you have waited eagerly, just like me, for The Radio Dept's new album. You email me and ask, when will it come? And now i can tell you that it will arrive in March! :) Clinging To A Scheme will be released on Labrador Records, and you can get it in their online store after the release.

Check out the track list below and listen to the preview Heaven’s On Fire on TheRadioDept.com.

1. Domestic Scene
2. Heaven’s On Fire
3. This Time Around
4. Never Follow Suit
5. A Token Of Gratitude
6. The Video Dept.
7. Memory Loss
8. David
9. Four Months In The Shade
10. You Stopped Making Sense

If you want to know more about this great band, check out their Myspace and TheRadioDept.com. On the website you can find rare releases, singles and bootlegs available for download :)

Preview | First Aid Kit

2010-01-18T22:35:00.006+01:00

Why don't you check out the preview of First Aid Kit's debut album over at Gimme Indie? I know i will! The album will be released on January 27th.

--> The Big Black and The Blue

Update! I have been listening to the preview at work all week and love it :) I loved it so much that i had to get tickets for their next live performance in Gothenburg. Yeey!

Weeping Willows

2010-01-17T15:36:00.003+01:00

Listening to Weeping Willows on a Sunday afternoon is like opening up a can of nostalgia from a different life. I used to listen to this them a lot in my past, and Magnus Carlsson's distinct voice is like a time portal and therefore it mostly stays in the past... but we all have the tendency to return to the music of our youth don't we? ;)

Weeping Willows were early with the Country/Americana sound in Sweden that has come to be popular in recent years and had a very specific Rockabilly style [which has change over the years]. They have a solid fan base but apart from that you don't hear much from them these days. Their last album, Fear & Love came in 2007 but the rumor has it that they will try to release something new during 2010.

If Weeping Willows is laying low it usually means that the band members are busy with other side projects. The most active one must be Magnus Carlsson [not to be confused with Magnus Carlsson from Alcazar] who recently released a jazz album with The Moon Ray Quintet. He is also an active DJ on the Stockholm club scene. Some of the other band members are professional musicians for artists like Lars Winnerbäck, Thåström, Stefan Sundström and the Club Killers.

Check out Weeping Willows website and Myspace if you want to know more. Their music catalog is also available on Spotify.

Weeping Willows - Touch Me

Weeping Willows - Stairs

Weeping Willows - Falling

Weeping Willows - Last Night I Dream't That Somebody Loved Me
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Agnes

2010-01-11T13:10:00.001+01:00

I think 2010 will be a successful year for the 21 year old Agnes. Agnes won the Swedish version of Idol in 2005 at the age of 17 and is now on the way of being a mayor name on the dance scene with the hit song Release Me. During the spring the album Dance Love Pop will be released world wide.

Find out more about Agnes on her official website and check out her videos below!

Agnes - Release me

Agnes - On and On

Agnes - Love Love Love [on Swedish Eurovision]

Bröderna Lindgren and the meaning of life

2010-01-08T12:20:00.007+01:00

Bröderna Lindgren [the brothers Lindgren] came into my life a couple of years ago [2007] when they made the album Vuxen Barnmusik [Adult music for kids]! together with some of the greatest voices of Sweden: Ebbot Lundberg [Soundtrack of our Lives], Martin Hederos, Patrik Arve, Asha Ali, Nina Ramsby, Kristofer Åström and Mattias Alkberg. The concept was to make indie-pop that works for kids as well as their parents. Great concept!

This worked so well that they decided to do it again. The new album is called [Bröderna Lindgren] Presenterar meningen med livet [presents the meaning of life]. This time the guest artists are: Britta Persson, Hajen, Ebbot Lundberg [Soundtrack of our Lives], Olle Ljungström, Swedish Tiger, Nina Ramsby, Kristofer Åström among others. This is one of the moments i wish you all knew Swedish, because the lyrics are wonderful :) Check out the track list below!

Annan Sort - Britta Persson
Superhjälten - Hajen
Det Är Jag Som Bestämmer - Swedish Tiger
Dom Bästa - Those Dancing Days
Aldrig Hem Igen - Nina Ramsby
En Helt Ny Värld - Ebbot Lundberg
Kasta Iväg Mig - Olle Ljungström
Nu - Britta Persson
Här Kommer Ambulansen - Nina Ramsby
Snabba Som Raketer - Mattias Alkberg
Om En Skalbagge - Caroline Wennergren
Jag Vet - Kristofer Åström
Vilse - Hajen
[bonus track] Bästa Vän - Swedish Tiger & Mathias Lindgren

välkommen till djungeln

Bröderna Lindgren | MySpace Music Videos

If you have the possibility, check out the album on Spotify, or on Bröderna Lindgren's Myspace.

Ane Brun on SVT Play

2010-01-04T15:22:00.005+01:00

Back from a long and well needed time off i start with watching an Ane Brun concert on SVT Play [available until February 3d]. It's recorded at her concert in Stockholm's concert hall and she has brought many guest artists!

I'm not sure if its possible for you to see it outside of Sweden, but I think you should try :)

Hoping that 2010 will be a great year for all of us!

Cohen - The Scandinavian Report

2009-12-16T07:35:00.001+01:00

One of the benefits of having Spotify is that it's possible to stumble on new music all the time. One of my recent discoveries is the collection of Swedish and Scandinavian artists that performs Leonard Cohen covers. The collection was made to "honor Leonard Cohens 75th birthday and his lifetime achievements" which is great of course :)

Check out the track list [impressive]!
1. Cookies n Beans - First We Take Manhattan
2. Rebecka Törnqvist - Here It Is
3. Moto Boy - If It Be Your Will
4. Jan Malmsjö - Dansa mig till kärlekens slut
5. Ane Brun - Ain´t No Cure For Love
6. Bo Sundström - Everybody Knows
7. Sara Isaksson - Hey That´s No Way To Say Goodbye
8. Lars Halapi - Sisters of Mercy
9. Mikael Wiehe - USA är redo för demokrati (Democracy)
10. Anders Widmark - Hallelujah
11. Eva Dahlgren - Bird On The Wire
12. Vidar & Peter - In My Secret Life
13. Jenny Wilson - The Partisan
14. Olle Ljungström - Chelsea Hotel # 2
15. Sophie Zelmani - Waiting For The Miracle To Come
16. Christel Alsos - Suzanne

Find out more about the album on the website CohenScandinavianReport.com or have a listen on Spotify as soon as possible!

Cohen - The Scandinavian Report [5 min]

Promise and the Monster

2009-12-14T19:23:00.001+01:00

I want to tell you about Billie aka Promise and the monster, you need to check it out. I stumbled on her a couple of years ago when i went to a performance with José Gonzáles. Promise and the monster was the opening act, and i instantly fell in love with her voice.

Apart from the obvious, her amazing music, not much is to be found about her. Billies music has two sides, both light and dark, sensitive and frail. The special voice in combination with great guitar makes it almost dream like at times... I'm hoping she will release a new album soon, i will make sure to tell you. Meanwhile, check out her debut album Transparent Knives from 2007.

Promise and the Monster is available on both Spotify, Klickttrack and iTunes. If you want to learn more about her, check out her Myspace for more information.

Promise and the Monster - Sheets

Promise and the Monster - Light Reflecting Papers

Promise and the Monster - Night out

Happy Lucia Dummies!

2009-12-13T10:29:00.002+01:00

Today is the day when Saint Lucia comes with lights, gingerbread cookies and song for us up here in the north :) Happy Lucia!

Top 5 album list of 2009

2009-12-12T12:47:00.001+01:00

This time of year I scan the music magazines and read their year-lists. Everyone is eager to make a list in the spirit of High Fidelity, to summarize yet another great musical year :) So here comes my top 5 list of Swedish albums that stood out from the crowd. At least for me.

Without any specific order:
* El Perro Del Mar - Love is Not Pop
* Anna Järvinen - Man var Bland Molnen
* Brothers of End - The End
* Fever Ray - Fever Ray
* Melissa Horn - Säg Ingenting till Mig

Other artist that has released albums that has been on my mind more or less during the year, has been: Hello Saferide, Asha Ali, Kent, [ingenting], Taken by Trees, A Camp, Maia Hirasawa and Markus Krunegård.

For the year 2010 I'm eagerly awaiting the albums of First Aid Kit, Hajen and The Radio Dept. Im also hoping for world peace and the spread of Spotify to the rest of the world, so more people can access great music :)

Inbox News | Great Videos

2009-12-01T00:08:00.005+01:00

It's time for some more Inbox News! Three news in my inbox that i think you should check out some more. Three very different videos, but all so great!

Magnus Weideskog - 20 år

Oh, what a lovely pop song! Magnus debut album will be released i January and it was recorded with Josef Zackrisson, Magnus Tingsek and Ken Ring. The video is made by director Mats Udd.

Check out Magnus Myspace for more information!

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Symfoniorkestern - Tänd eld på dig själv [för det du tror på]

In their own words: A mostly instrumental journey from Gothenburg to the southern parts of Sweden. Five songs about late nights in Slottsskogen, mornings at Hisingen and the haunting feeling of repetition in life. All with a light smell of alcohol. Dreamy symphonic pop music from a collective where everyone who owns an instrument is invited. The video is directed by Pär Fredriksson.

As always, you will find more information on their Myspace!

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The Super Orchestra - No One Deserves a Winter

The Super Orchestra - No One Deserves a Winter from The Super Orchestra on Vimeo.

The Super Orchestra sent me their video for the song No One Deserves a Winter. It's lovely and soothing and beautifully filmed by Adrian Levander / Sektorfilm. The band call it; Innocent yet dirty, pure and growingly erotic.

Find out more about The Super Orchestra on their website or Myspace.

El Perro Del Mar [Love is Not Pop]

2009-11-30T17:42:00.000+01:00

Today I'm fighting the November rain with the latest El Perro Del Mar album, Love is Not Pop. El Perro Del Mar is Sarah Assbring and she has released four albums since 2005. Her breakthrough came with the song Candy from the album Look! It's El Perro Del Mar.

El Perro.. is having great success outside Sweden [especially in the US] with her melancholic lo-fi pop. I find that i have to be in a special mood to appreciate her music, but when the mood strikes me there is nothing like it. Love is Not Pop is a wonderful album, it takes me far away from this rainy city today.

During the autumn El Perro Del Mar released Love is Not Pop in the US and did a tour around the country. If you were lucky you were one of the people who saw her live :)

Keep track of what El Perro Del Mar is up to on her website and on her Myspace. El Perro Del Mar is also available on Spotify.

El Perro Del Mar - Change of Heart [2009]

Interview with El Perro Del Mar [English]

El Perro Del Mar - Glory to the World [2008]

New video | Fever Ray

2009-11-25T14:00:00.002+01:00

New video from Fever Ray! Thanks for the tip Suss!

Fever Ray - Keep the Streets Empty For Me

Billie the Vision and the Dancers

2009-11-24T14:04:00.002+01:00

Good news for all the Billie the Vision and the Dancers fans! The group has started the work on their fifth (!) album since 2004. BtV&tD has been busy touring intensively all year, but is now taking a creative break to be able to create some new material. The album is set to be released in the spring of 2010. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more info later!

You can download Billie the Vision and the Dancers earlier album on their website [make sure to donate some money] to familiarize yourself if you don't know them from before!

Billie the Vision & the Dancers - Summercat

Billie the Vision & the Dancers - I Miss You

Joel Alme and the love for Göteborg

2009-11-23T18:03:00.000+01:00

Another boy wonder, Joel Alme, is creating sweet pop from Gothenburg. Joel released his debut album A master of Ceremonies last year, and had a hit with the song The Queen's corner. Mix Håkan Hellström with Broder Daniel and you will get an idea how sweet it can be! Joel's voice is the definition of painful love topped off with strings, and i think it's great :)

Joel is working on his second album, due to be released in the beginning of next year. For you who can't wait, check out the single that he releases in the beginning of December; You will only get it once. Like a true fan of Gothenburg's football team IFK, he wrote the new cheering song for the supporters Änglarna, a song filled with love for the sport and the city!

You can listen to Joel's first album on Spotify and if you are curious about his new single you can check it out on his Myspace!

Joel Alme - The Queen's Corner

Joel Alme - Snart Skiner Poseidon [supporter song for IFK]

Cover [me]

2009-11-18T13:55:00.003+01:00

Great covers for ya'll on this grey and windy Wednesday.

Timo Räisänen - Creep [Radiohead]

Original version here ---> Radiohead - Creep

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First Aid Kit - Walk The Line [Johnny Cash]

Original version here ---> Johnny Cash - Walk The Line

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Also worth mentioning:
Ola Salo featuring Torsten Flinck - Dansa i Neon [Lena Philipsson]
Håkan Hellström - Jag ger dig min morgon [Fred Åkerström]

New Swedish Music

2009-11-12T17:40:00.002+01:00

Brothers of End

Here comes a three new releases that i think you should check out right away if you haven't yet.

Brothers of End - What's Wrong with That
From the debut album The End, released in October, a well made slow-drive album. Check out more on their website!

- - - - - -

Melisssa Horn - Lät Du Henne Komma Närmre
Melissa is a huge success in Sweden and is doing her first solo tour with her second album Säg Ingenting Till Mig at the moment. Read more about Melissa her her website!

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Kent - Töntarna
Kent is back with their 9th album Röd and will probably turn it into a huge success. Find out for yourself! Check out their website for more details.

Pssst! All of these new releases is available at Spotify if you wanna have a listen!

New season

2009-11-01T17:50:00.001+01:00

November is here and the darkness is upon us [the people of Scandinavia]. We set the clocks back an hour and it makes us sleepier than usual.

Here comes a few favorite videos with the theme of the new season.

Ane Brun - Changing of the seasons

First Aid Kit - You're Not Coming Home Tonight

Jens Lekman - Black Cab

Hello Saferide - Arjeplog

Carolina Wallin Pérez

2009-10-31T10:48:00.002+01:00

The wave of cover album is still over us, but this time there comes a discovery of a new talented singer with it. Her name is Carolina Wallin Pérez. A friend discovered her and told me to check it out [thanks Erik!]. It's an album with Kent covers.

Carolina is from the beginning a jazz singer and this album is her interpretation of Kent classics. Like so many of us, she has been listening to Kent since the start and made it her challenge to make their songs "her own" on this album.

Pssst! Carolina Wallin Pérez is playing live with my favorite sister-pair in First Aid Kit in the upcoming weeks. Listen to her at Myspace or Spotify.

Carolina Wallin Pérez - Pärlor [Kent cover]

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Check out Carolina's Myspace for more information.
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New album | Asha Ali

2009-10-25T23:20:00.000+01:00

Have you missed that Asha Ali has released her second album Hurricane? No worries, Asha is everywhere right now. She was one of the artist at the No More Lullabies performance and her song Time is Now is featured in the latest Saab commercial.

Saab commercial with Asha Ali song

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Find out more about Asha Ali on her Myspace and official website.
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Hajen

2009-10-19T00:02:00.002+02:00

I have been wanting to write about Hajen for a while... but i don't know much about her. Hajen aka Amanda Bergman is not very interested in talking about herself. But does it matter? No. The music speaks for it self.

Amanda has been hyped on blogs and music sites for about a year now and in August she made a legendary performance during the Way out West festival in Gothenburg [which im very sorry i missed]. Since then people can't stop talking about her. A new female vocalist, another young hope. And who doesn't want more? She makes wonderful piano ballads and has a voice filled with beautiful whiskey pain.

Her biggest Myspace hit has been the song Scapegoat and now she works on more music that is set to be released before the year has ended. It will an EP of her own and a couple of song for Bröderna Lindgrens second album with songs for children that adults can enjoy too.

EDIT: Now i have figured out why i like this girl so much. It's because she reminds me of Cat Power, but a young Swedish version. Great!

Hajen is touring in Europe this autumn, check out dates on her Myspace. You can also listen to a few of her songs on Spotify and she has three songs as free downloads on last.fm.

Hajen - Scapegoat

Jerry meets Hajen [Swedish]

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Check out Hajens Myspace for more information.
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Lykke Li + Bon Iver

2009-10-18T18:25:00.003+02:00

Sleepy Sunday after an intense week and i crawl up in the couch and watch this video that a friend of mine told me to check out. Hyped Lykke Li and American Bon Iver in collaboration. Two of my favorites of the past year. Love Lykke Li, love Bon Iver. Enjoy!

Lykke li + Bon Iver - Dance Dance Dance

Kent | Töntarna

2009-10-07T13:47:00.002+02:00

The biggest indie band in Sweden, Kent [which isn't that much "indie" anymore] released a new song earlier this week called Töntarna [the geeks]. Kent will always sound like Kent, but these days they sound like a Kent that flirts more than usual with electronic effects. The single is the first one from the new album Röd [Red] that will be released on November 6th [Sweden].

To understand Kent you have to start from the beginning, when they turned big in the mid 90ties. Back then they were young and hungry indie kids with passion. Today its high quality, good, but nothing spectacular. Still i always have a soft spot for Kent. Maybe its youth nostalgia coming over me again? ;)

You can listen to the new song Töntarna on Spotify and buy it at the usual download sites. On October 12th you can buy the single in stores [Sweden].

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Check out Kent's official website and Myspace for more information.
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Misty mornings and Jennie Abrahamson

2009-10-06T08:45:00.006+02:00

The season has definitely changed here. Its one of those mornings with dark and heavy clouds hanging in the sky and the cold air sneaks in under the jacket and makes me shiver.

Its a day for Jennie Abrahamson. She is new to me, but oh, she fits this weather perfectly. With her sweet voice she changes my mood and takes me to slightly warmer and lighter place. Another favorite female vocalist in my heart.

Jennie tours Scandinavian at the moment, check out her Myspace to find out more. You can listen to Jennie at Spotify, or buy her music at Klicktrack.

Jennie Abrahamson - Why did I leave home

Jennie Abrahamson - Late night show

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Check out Jennie's Myspace for more information.
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New Song | Anna Ternheim

2009-10-04T00:11:00.000+02:00

Anna Ternheim has released a new single; Make it on my own. Its available to buy on iTunes music store and to listen to on Anna's Myspace.

By the way, Anna is doing an American fall tour, together with Loney Dear, make sure to check out if they are coming to a city near you. More information can be found on Anna's official website.

Anna Ternheim - My heart still beats for you [Live, Swedish Television]

Music documentary weekend | Broder Daniel Forever

2009-10-03T15:37:00.000+02:00

Last night the national Swedish television network showed the documentary about the legendary Broder Daniel. The film shows the time before their last concert in August 2008. To me it became a mix of nostalgia, both my own [during my youth i was listening to Luke Skywalker in my teenage room] and the bands own. A lot of the movie gives space to the front man Henrik Berggrens thoughts, which is great, but i would have wanted to see more of the other members too.

Still, its a wonderful way to spend a rainy saturday afternoon.

The movie is available on SVT Play [no subtitles] until November 1st: Broder Daniel Forever [SVT]. If you want to find out more about Broder Daniel, you can wiki it!

Broder Daniel - No Time For Us [Acoustic version]

New album | Melissa Horn

2009-09-29T16:25:00.004+02:00

On October 14th, my new favorite female vocalist Melissa Horn is releasing her second album Säg ingenting till mig [Say nothing to me]. Im really looking forward to it and the Sweden tour later this year. See you there?

Pssst! You can listen to the new song Lät du henne komma närmre and check out the tour dates on her Myspace.

Busy days and Taken by Trees

2009-09-27T13:44:00.006+02:00

Busy times in my part of the world. In less than two weeks Im featured as one of five Photographers in an exhibition here in Gothenburg. I don't have much time to listen to new music before the opening, so i turn to my old favorites when my head is crowded with creative worries.

Although...

If you should listen to something new this week, you should listen to Taken by Trees new album East of Eden that was recorded in Pakistan under adventurous circumstances [read the press release on the official website]. The album has clear eastern influences that we aren't used to take part of in pop music. Taken by Trees [Victoria] is known for her special singing voice in The Concretes and the big hit Young Folks with Peter, Björn and John.

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Find out more about Taken by Trees on the official website, and listen to the new album at Spotify.
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Inbox News | Nom de Guerre

2009-09-15T11:57:00.001+02:00

Check out the band Nom de Guerre, a energetic Stockholm based pop group that mixes genres on their album Love thy Neighbour. The song Everybody Knows feels inspired by Queens but George [see mini interview below] didn't mention them as one of their influences :) One thing is true, you can find influences from most genres on their album. Check them out and make up your own mind!

When did the band start to make music together, and how did you meet?
We met through our shared love of distorted electric bass about ten years ago, and ever since we wanted to form a band based around that wonderfully exhilarating sound. In 2005 we finally got round to forming Nom de Guerre, a band with an intense, close-knit feel, kind of like of a brotherhood, which is why we decided to take the same surname. We stand united against the use of guitars in pop music - our records and gigs are proudly guitar-free but always brimming with lovely fuzzed-up bass.

Which bands are your main influences?
I think I can truthfully say our tastes cover just about every genre of music. But I can't think of a single band or artist that all three of us likes!

Do you have any Swedish influences and who might they be?
Personally, I [George] am less into Swedish music than Hector and Louis. But I do like a bit of Eggstone and Nationalteatern.

Why do you think Sweden has so many more talented musicians per capita than the rest of the world?
Because with the winters being so long, dark and cold here it's no wonder musicians love to hang out in their warm, cosy rehearsal rooms so much. Plus I think the climate makes Swedes rather melancholy, which always makes for good music.

Nom de Guerre - So Long Sister

Nom de Guerre - Slick vs Lame

Press Photo Matilda Rahm

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Check out their Myspace for more information
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New Release | Markus Krunegård

2009-09-13T22:21:00.006+02:00

The man behind the hit Jag är en Vampyr, Markus Krunegård is back with not one, but two new albums on October 14th. The two new albums Prinsen av Peking and Lev som en gris dö som en hund is yet another proof of the ambitious work from the former singer in the band Laakso. Markus has the ability to make great pop songs in three different languages [Swedish, Finnish, English]. In the past Markus has collaborated with other artists like Säkert! [on the song Det kommer bara leda till något ont] and Andreas Kleerup. He also collaborated with the Swedish musical star Peter Jöback in the song Italy vs Helsinki.

Markus Krunegård - Hela livet var ett disco

Markus Krunegård - Jag är en vampyr

Markus Krunegård - Det är ett idogt jobb att driva ungdomen

Markus Krunegård - Italy vs Helsinki

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Find out more about Markus Krunegård on his Myspace.
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Inbox News | Kate and After

2009-09-09T23:53:00.002+02:00

Music is constantly pouring into my inbox and its sometimes hard to keep up with all the talent in this country. Today's inbox news is a band called Kate and After and comes from Gothenburg. I know a few of the members from back in the days when went to the university and all the university parties :)

Kate and After were finalists in the GP Scen [GP Stage] competition last month with Pop icon Messiah, a song with distinct Soundtrack of our lives influences. The competition is one of the biggest competition for unsigned bands in the city.

When did the band start to make music together, and how did you meet?
The band was formed on Valentines day 2008. Carl [Hammond Organ] and Jonas [Guitar] founded the band and shortly after recruited their old companion Jocke [Drums] from their former band The Milestone Corporation. In October 2008 Magnus [Lead Vocals], who the guys knew from university, joined the band. In mid December the band was finally complete when bass guitar player Kristoffer [Previously in Combat Rock] joined the band. In some way or another all the guys know each other from University.

Which bands are your main influences?
Franz Ferdinand, Band of Horses, Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles, Led Zeppelin, Jakob Hellman, The Soundtrack of our lives, Stone Roses etc.

Do you have any Swedish influences and who might they be?
As seen above Jakob Hellman and The Soundtrack of our lives are great influences, but also bands as Mando Diao and the sounds and solo artists like Moto Boy, Frida Hyvönen, Timo Räisänen and Christian Kjellvander in different ways contributes to what we do.

Why do you think Sweden has so many more talented musicians per capita than the rest of the world?
Beautiful women/men, music and booze have throughout time been main objectives for pleasure. The first and last we have plenty of in Sweden, so why not music? Jokes aside, we believe that success breeds success, so the music pioneers of Sweden should have a lot of cred.

Kate and After - Wrong Intentions [live]

Press photo John Sjölander

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Find more information about the band on their official website and listen to their music at Myspace.
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First Aid Kit <--- Young talent!

2009-09-08T18:42:00.001+02:00

The sisters Klara Söderberg, 15, and Johanna Söderberg, 17 is the duo First Aid Kit. And what a duo! Despite the fact that they hate being called sweet - that's just what they are. They are singing sweet folk-pop and you wouldn't guess their early age from their lyrics. They were discovered by Karin Dreijer from The Knife and Fever Ray and that's why their debut EP Drunken Trees is released on her label Rabid Records. The EP was named Drunken Trees after watching Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth that mentions how trees lean and look drunken when the permafrost is melting. Insightful title!

The story of First Aid Kit gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I feel proud when two young girls with a lot of creative joy can put together such a great debut EP on their own. It can only go one way from here and that's forward! This is two young women that takes their music seriously, so don't let their sweetness fool you ;-)

As you might tell, Im already a fan of First Aid Kit, and i think you should be too. So check out their music at Spotify, and the videos below, the Fleet Foxes cover is wonderful! And if you like it, buy it!

Pssst! They are doing a UK tour at the moment, make sure to check out the tour dates on their official website.

First Aid Kit - Hard Believer

First Aid Kit - Summer Session no 1: Universal Soldier [Buffy Saint-Marie]

First Aid Kit - Summer Session no 2: Simple Man [Graham Nash]

First Aid Kit - Cover: Fleet Foxes Tiger Mountain Peasant Song

Press Photo Josefin Klavus

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Find out more about the sisters on their official website and on their Myspace!
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Wildbirds & Peacedrums

2009-09-07T09:23:00.003+02:00

If you are in the mood for something different and experimental this week, you should listen to Wildbirds & Peacedrums. Its been called experimental folk, freak folk, psychedelic and jazz and the reason why is that you never know what's coming next. I feel hints from bands like Cocorosie, Mars Volta and others. Both sweet and hard at the same time [just like their name].

David Coleman at No Ripcord has interviewed them and if you want to find out more i suggest you keep reading there ---> Interview Wildbirds & Peacedrums

I have a feeling that Wildbirds & Peacedrums work really well as a live band, and that's why they keep on touring successfully over the world. Have you seen them live? Let us know what you thought of it! Also, check out the videos below, the track [and video] My Heart is great!

You can listen to Wildbirds & Peacedrums at Spotify and you can also buy their music at iTunes music store!

Wildbirds & Peacedrums - My Heart

Wildbirds & Peacedrums - There is No Light

Wildbirds & Peacedrums - Doubt/Hope

Press Picture

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If you want to find out more about Wildbirds & Peacedrums, check out their Myspace.
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Melissa Horn

2009-09-05T14:33:00.001+02:00

Recently i fell in love with Melissa Horn. Her sweet voice in combination with those sad lyrics of love speaks to the melancholic and romantic part of me that seems to take over my mood on rainy days like this. I think she's wonderful and is amazed that i didn't hear that much about her before. She has talent, and hopefully she will be one of our great female vocalists in the future.

Melissa sound to me like the female version of Lars Winnerbäck, so it seems only natural that she has recorded the duet Som jag hade dig förut with him. She released her debut album Långa Nätter in 2008 and the song by the same name is one of her best known songs. Melissa is also the daughter of the Swedish folk/jazz Maritza Horn.

You can listen to Melissa at Spotify and at Youtube [embedding is disabled...] and buy her music at iTunes music store.

Press Picture

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Find out more about Melissa at Myspace.
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Sofia Karlsson

2009-08-11T00:03:00.000+02:00

Sofia Karlsson is one of our great female vocalists in Sweden. With folk songs that travels straight to the heart. Its like that familiar and safe feeling of unconditional love and it makes me happy inside to listen to her clear and uncomplicated voice. That's how I want life to feel [instead it feels more like PJ Harvey most of the time...].

With multiple albums under her belt, the latest one Söder om Kärleken earlier this year, she is definitely one of the major names in Swedish folk/singer/song writer music. Sofia was brought up in a musical home in Stockholm and she mentions influences like Cornelis Vreeswijk [One of Sweden most popular fol singers of all time, of Dutch origin] Dolly Parton, Tracy Chapman, Gillian Welch and Monica Zetterlund [Swedish jazz singer].

Its possible to listen to Sofia Karlsson on Myspace and Spotify, but you can also buy her albums on Klicktrack.

Sofia Karlsson - Dina Händer [Live Swedish TV]

Sofia Karlsson - Smält Mig Till Glöd

Sofia Karlsson - Du Var Där

Press Photo

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Find out more about Sofia Karlsson on her official website or on her Myspace.
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[ingenting]

2009-08-10T20:31:00.001+02:00

The Swedish Stockholm based pop band [ingenting] has been hyped lately. Everyone seems to look forward to their show on the Way Out West festival this week. Straightforward pop performed in Swedish is always enjoyable :) The singles Punkdrömmar and Släpp in Solen has been played frequently on the radio and makes us want more!

The third album Tomhet, idel tomhet is released in September on Labrador Records. The theme [according to the band] is emptiness, life, death and religion. Until then you can enjoy them on Youtube or at the WoW festival in Göteborg [Gothenburg] this weekend.

[ingenting] - Punkdrömmar

[ingenting] - Släpp in Solen

[ingenting] - Dina Händer är Fulla av Blommor [live]

Pssst! Check out the fake band in the videos! :)

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Check out the official website and Myspace.
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The Sound of Independent Sweden [part II]

2009-08-02T00:08:00.002+02:00

David Coleman is back with the second part of the article about the Swedish music scene [based on location]. Im wondering if its possible to hear the difference between music depending on where its made in Sweden? Check out what David says about that. Oh, and remember to read the second part of The Sound of Independent Sweden!

Read the second part of the article here --->
The Sound of Independent Sweden [part II]

Is it possible to hear the difference between music depending on where its made in Sweden? For instance, is there a special Gothenburg sound, in your opinion?
I think it's difficult for an outsider to hear subtle differences between artists from different regions of Sweden in the same way as I can when listening to British or even American bands. That said, the 'Balearic' electronic pop thing seems to be very specific to Gothenburg. The Tough Alliance, Air France, The Embassy, Boat Club, perhaps even Studio – that's one version of a Gothenburg sound, but then you have bands from the same city like Wildbirds and Peacedrums who are doing something entirely separate.

I think the similarities between artists on specific labels are more noticeable. There's a distinct Labrador sound, for example, and the Sincerely Yours and Service artists seem to be approaching their work in similar ways.

You seem to have a very deep intrest and knowledge about Sweden and Swedish music, [some people call them swedophile's]. Where did your intrest come from? Was it your Swedish girlfriend that made you discover Swedish music?
My fiancée, Emma, comes from Halland. We met in October 2000 [in Sheffield] and she introduced me to a few of the more poppy artists [Sahara Hotnights, The Ark, Mando Diao, etc.], while simultaneously subjecting me to some less enjoyable sounds such as "schlager". Ugh.

She's certainly the reason why I've visited Sweden so many times, but if I'm honest I was already interested in Swedish music before we met. The two early triggers were my first 'proper' gig [a pop-punk band called Fungus, who had a deal with Parlophone in the mid-to-late nineties] and an amazing mixtape that I received from a No Ripcord reader called Magdalena, which introduced me to The Bear Quartet, The Soundtrack Of Our Lives and others. I guess the love affair started there and the great music I've discovered subsequently has only served to fuel it further.

Which one is your top 5 list of Swedish musicians/bands [and the favorite album by each artist]?
Ah, that's a difficult one. I struggled to narrow the list down to fifty for the feature! Ok, in no particular order:

Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
Wildbirds and Peacedrums - The Snake
The Embassy - Futile Crimes
The Knife - Silent Shout
Vapnet - Jag vet hur man väntar

Happydeadmen's Silent Sigh City and Bear Quartet's Human Enough are probably my favourite songs.

Official song 2009 | Stockholm Pride

2009-08-01T13:20:00.004+02:00

Marit Bergman is the creator of the official Stockholm Pride song this year. The song Casey hold on is now possible to download for free at the Stockholm Pride website, so take the chance while its possible! Its a classic Marit pop song, a perfect song for Pride :)

Marit has also released the album The Tear Collector recently, its available for download and on Spotify.

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Find out more about Marit Bergman at Myspace and the official website.
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Inbox News | Paul Mac Innes & T.B.O.I.

2009-07-26T18:22:00.007+02:00

Are you in the mood for some Swedish soul inspired by Jazz, Hip Hop and RnB? Then you should take some time and get to know Paul Mac Innes & T.B.O.I. They have been creating music together since 2005 and recently released their second album Paul Mac Innes & T.B.O.I.

Personally i feel that their single Even Though could be a future radio hit, it stays with me all day :) I sent Paul and Björn some questions about their work and you can read their answers below.

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When did you (Paul) and T.B.O.I start to make music together, and how did two you meet?
T.B.O.I. (Björn) and I first met when he was sharing a rehearsal room with my singing coach when I was 17. We didn't really get to know each other. It was mostly hi and bye as we finished and he came to rehearse. Then some years later he is asked to join and play saxophone in a Live Hip Hop group that I was a part of.

It is really here we discover we share a similar love and taste in music and we figure we should write together. So we start writing in sometime in 2005.

On the website you list soul, hip hop and gospel as your main influences, is there anything in particular, in these genres, that you recommend the readers of this blog?
No Doubt - Donny Hathaway's work. The mans voice is pure soul and the music is beautiful.

I have as long as I remember loved soul music, I used to listen to my dads Stevie Wonder records growing up, and as most people in my age, I could not avoid loving Michael Jackson and Prince music. So those are my first strong soul influences. My love for soul music grew passionate, I could be in the record shops for hours, searching for and listening to new music.

When I found Donny Hathaway in the shelves I was blown away! That was SOUL! I am Influenced by so many, the above mentioned, Marvin, Curtis, Aretha, D'angelo, Maxwell, Bilal, Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill and many, many more. Hip hop and Gospel have also had huge impact on me.
T.B.O.I. is inspired by many of the same artists however being a sax player that has spent much of his life in jazz, he brings that influences he mentions the following as strong influences Jim Pepper, Eddie Harris, Miles Davis (all of it but most early 80s), David Sanborn, Michael Brecker, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, Pharoah Sanders, Keith Jarrett, Chaka Kahn, Mary J Blige, The Roots, Common, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Faith Evans… so there is also a lot of Jazz influence in our music.

Do you have any Swedish influences and who might they be?
I'm sorry to say I don't have many clear Swedish influences. I really used to listen to Per Erik Hallin. He is definitely a soulful man and had a early influence on me.

Why do you think Sweden has so many more talented musicians per capita than the rest of the world?
This is a commonly asked question. I think it is that we have great opportunities through our school/culture school. We are offered to learn instruments at an early age. There are also a lot of places for young people to rehearse. I think this has been very healthy for the music.

Paul Mac Innes & T.B.O.I. - Even Though

Press photo by Pamela Cortés Bruna

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To get more information about Paul Mac Innes & T.B.O.I; check out their Myspace and official website
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Fever Ray

2009-07-25T09:14:00.001+02:00

Earlier this year, Karin Dreijer released her solo project Fever Ray and has since then been hyped all over the world. This summer she is taking her new music on the road to the festivals of Europe, with impressive visual effects by Andreas Nilsson.

Despite her mystical aura, she is a person who gives interviews from time to time... and here is a good one from Pitchfork ---> Fever Ray feature

Fever Ray - Triangle Walks

Fever Ray - When I grow Up

PS. I'm sorry about the fact that i can't make the videos fit, Bloggers templates are too narrow and my editing skills are limited.

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Check out FeverRay.com for more information about the tour.
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Inbox News | City

2009-07-24T09:13:00.002+02:00

Björn Nilsson [Slagsmålsklubben] and Tommi Levin [The High Fives] have started a new electro pop band together called City. They have been playing live during the spring and is visiting festivals during the summer. The music has been described as a mixture of Håkan Hellström and Slagsmålsklubben. Listen and decide for yourself!

Their debut single called Tack För Denna Sommaren is available for download at iTunes and Amazon from July 29th.

Press Photo

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Find out more and listen to their single on Myspace.
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New Feature | Inbox News

2009-07-24T00:11:00.002+02:00

Through this blog i receive music news from different artists and bands, often new bands that are unsigned and unknown to the public. Therefor i will start a new feature on the blog that i will call Inbox News. New Swedish talented artists that deserve a break in the world.

Hopefully you will find a new favorite or two among the stuff that comes into my Inbox :)

Keep a look out for Inbox News in the future!

Street Music in Gothenburg

2009-07-23T20:44:00.003+02:00

From July 1st street music is regulated and banned in certain central parts of Gothenburg during business hours. A political decision that has been met with both anger and sympathies. Personally I understand the annoyance of people but find it disturbing that our public spaces is getting regulated by politicians. Aren't the streets suppose to be free for everyone?

The Local's article about the ban [English] ---> Gothenburg's new rules strike bum note with street musicians

The decision has been criticized by many and several of Gothenburgs musicians and public figures stood behind the debate article in GP [Göteborgs Posten] earlier this month [read it here, use Google Translate].

A lot of people also used civil disobedience on the first day of the ban, and never has Gothenburg seen so many street artists in the same time, playing in every street corner.

What do you think? Give me your opinion in the comments.

Hello Saferide | Arjeplog

2009-07-23T09:37:00.005+02:00

When the summer is in full bloom outside my window, its hard to believe that this Hello Saferide video was made in the same country... but its a reminder of whats to come.

Is it just me that find it relaxing to watch Annika in her skiing pants, taking a walk next to the skiing tracks and the pines trees on a sunny and snowy day? Maybe I'm just very Scandinavian :)

You: Oh but Annika what is it about?
HS: It’s about the north of Sweden, about going to the city and missing the countryside, and about going to the countryside and missing the city. It’s about love, and it’s about spooning without one arm getting numb.
You: Oh but Annika will there be a video?
HS: Yes, be patient child. There will be a link for the video in the end of this post.
You: Oh and Annika, where is it filmed?
HS: We filmed it at Vittjåkk. Time spent: 5 minutes. Budget: 0 Skr. I love it.
(From www.hellosaferide.com)

Hello Saferide - Arjeplog

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Find out more about where Hello Saferide is playing live this summer, or download her Spotify playlist at HelloSaferide.com
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GBG Belongs To Us

2009-07-22T10:40:00.006+02:00

The song GBG Belongs To Us is part II in a three part love letter to Gothenburg, made by the duo Air France. The track was made together with Christina Roos from Cat 5 [another electronica duo from Gothenburg].

Air France is a Gothenburg based duo with Joel Karlsson and Henrik Markstedt. The music has a summery aura, with light tunes, mixes of sounds of nature and sweet female voices [I find resemblance to Australian The Avalanches]. Air France have released two EPs so far, but The Love Letter to GBG feels like a teaser of more to come. I'm hoping for more collaborations and great mixes soon.

Check out the love letter to GBG here ---> GBG belongs to us
Also, an interview made by Pitchfork here ---> Air France feature

Photo by: Teresa Jaksectic

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More information about Air France can be found on their Myspace.
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Kristofer Åström & The Rainaways

2009-07-16T10:45:00.001+02:00

Last night me and my friends went to see Kristofer Åström at Liseberg. Liseberg is the oldest amusement park in Sweden and every summer they have a full schedule of live concerts for their visitors. Since the amusement park is close we can drop by for some music and an ice cream every week.

Last night Kristofer and The Rainaways came to play for us on the little stage. It was a sunny and humid summer night and the songs played are mixed with the sound of the visitors in the park. A lot of iiiih and aaaaaah from the rollercosters. That's the charm of going to concerts at Liseberg; the sounds, the smell of cotton candy and the great mixture of people in the audience [hipsters, teenagers, Moms with strollers, seniors and German tourists].

Kristofer has always been a very productive artist, he was a member of one of the best rock bands in Sweden, Fireside, for ten years. After that he has been recording a new singer/songwriter album almost every year since 1998. Most of them has been recorded with the band The Hidden Truck, but the last one, Sinkadus, was made together with The Rainaways. He also recorded a song with his friend Britta Persson [see below].

You can find Sinkadus at Spotify.

All Lovers Hell

The Wild [featuring Britta Persson]

Conjure Me

One Good Moment

Poor Young Mans Heart

Until Tomorrow

Press Photo

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Check out his Myspace for more information!
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Poor Jens!

2009-07-16T09:31:00.004+02:00

Off topic news! You might have heard that Jens Lekman picked up what is commonly known as the Swine-flu when he went to South America to play live. In Jens's own words: "I picked home one last souvenir from South America, it's called the H1N1 virus."

He is now recovering in quarantine and hoping that he will get well soon! Jens: "I can see the summer through my window and it's just perfect. Summer is always best through a window."

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More information about Jens is found on his website.
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Moneybrother

2009-07-10T10:43:00.000+02:00

Moneybrother [aka Anders Wendin] is a energetic indie artist who combines rock, pop, soul, punk and reggae into his own unique sound. He already has six solo albums under his belt since 2002. Before he went solo he used to be a part of the indie group Monster who had a great deal of success during the 90ties.

Anders named his solo project after the only two words his little brother could say in English :) In 2006 he made a 180° turn and made an album in Swedish called Pengabrorsan [Moneybrother in Swedish]. Hopefully he will come back to singing in Swedish in the future.

The latest album Real Control was released earlier this year with some help from a friend and a great deal of tomato soup! Anders and his friend Maximilian Lundin tried out a new marketing/merchandise idea and is selling the ecological and bio dynamic soup at concerts. Anders also said goodbye to his group of old friends that has played with him from the start and started a new collaboration with Johan Brändström [Randy] and Mikael "Vigilante Carlstroem" Karlsson [Hives].

Moneybrother - Born Under A Bad Sign [2009]

Moneybrother - Dom Vet Ingenting Om Oss [2006]

Moneybrother - They're Building Walls Around Us [2005]

Press photo

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Find out more about Moneybrother on his official website Moneybrother.net
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New Video & Article | Maia Hirasawa

2009-07-09T11:40:00.004+02:00

This week we can read an interview with Maia Hirasawa made by The Local [Swedish news in English].

Maia's second album GBG vs STHLM was released here in Sweden earlier this year by Razzia Records and now she is touring Sweden over the summer [Starting with the Hultsfred festival tonight]. According to Maia the album will be released in the US later this year. For you who can't wait, check out Bengan's online store.

Maia Hirasawa - The Wrong Way

Press photo

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Check out MaiaHirasawa.se and the Razzia Records website for more news about Maia.
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Broder Daniel Forever

2009-07-08T00:08:00.001+02:00

On July 2d the documentary about the legendary rockband Broder Daniel had its gala premier at the Draken movie theater in Gothenburg [Broder Daniels hometown]. The band was there, meeting all of their fans together with the creators of the movie, Kristian Bengtsson, Fredrik Wenzel and Henrik Hellström. The movie will be shown in a few theaters in Stockholm and Gothenburg and then tour over the country during the rest of the summer.

Few bands in Sweden get to be as popular as Broder Daniel has been for the past ten years. They still have a religious status among some of their fans, even though their golden era was in the turn of the century. After the bands guitarist Anders Göthberg tragically took his own life in march 2008 they decided it was time to put the band to rest. Their final performance was made at the Way out West festival in august the same year and the movie is portraying the time leading up to that final moment. Read more about the movie at the SF website.

"If anything rock history taught us, it is that we should be ourselves and be proud of who you are. We should not wish to be someone else, or that it we were from another country or time. We are the ones that others may wish that they would be. We are the golden age"

Translated quote by Henrik Berggren, Broder Daniel

Broder Daniel Forever [official trailer]

Press photo: Carl Hjelte

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Listen to their music at Myspace.
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The Sound of Independent Sweden [new article]

2009-07-07T12:13:00.008+02:00

A few days ago i stumbled on an article that is focusing on the Swedish Music phenomena. David Coleman of noripcord.com is publishing his own guide to Swedish Independent music in a two piece feature, divided by city of origin instead of alphabetical. Read the first part here, and stay tuned for the second part.

Its been mentioned many times before. Why does Sweden have such a high density of great artists in such a small country? I didn't have a good answer for that but some people have tried to explain it (someone was mentioning the water in the comments).

In a dutch article published recently they mentioned both the climate (stay inside all winter and write great music), the Swedish public radio, SR, is very good and focus a lot of their attention on new talents and Swedish music in general (especially P3). Plus our high taxes is giving the government a chance to sponsor youth organizations that focus on music and gives the kids somewhere to practice.

It all seems very likely to me :) but what do you think? Write your thoughts in the comments.

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Also check out Swedish Public Radio and the Scandinavian music blog Its a trap! for more info about Swedish music.
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The Radio Dept | New Single Release

2009-06-25T12:05:00.002+02:00

For all you Radio Dept. fans there are good news! The new four track single David has just been released. Pick it up at the Labrador website today!

Track list:
1. David
2. Messy enough
3. David (Rice Twins remix)
4. The idle urban contemporaries

Single artwork from the Labrador website

Daytrotter Sessions

2009-06-01T21:56:00.004+02:00

As you might have noticed i love the websites with special features like videos or special recordings. That's why i love Daytrotter.com. There is a lot of good music to find, among the Swedish we find Loney, Dear and Dungen. You might also find fellow Scandinavian Ane Brun interesting. Become a member to be able to download free mp3's.

In the future i hope to find more Swedish music on Daytrotter, but in the meantime i enjoy a lot of other favorites on the website.

Interview with "Mr Daytrotter" Sean Moeller

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Visit Daytrotter.com for more information.
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The Radio Dept | New EP in June

2009-05-28T07:08:00.003+02:00

Press Photography by Said Karlsson

For the first time in months I can give you news about The Radio Dept's upcoming album. Its release have been postponed for a long time but now i can finally tell you that the latest news from Labrador tells us that they will release a new EP with the name David on June 24.

It you want a taste right away you can find a free download link to the song David via Acid House Kings Twitter and on The Radio Dept's official website. The album release doesn't have a final date yet, but stay tuned for more information.

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Find more information about The Radio Dept on TheRadioDept.com and on the Labrador website.
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Music in Swedish

2009-05-21T07:34:00.001+02:00

Often I get the question Who is the best artist that sings in Swedish? The "Swedofiles" out there is very interested in listening to music sung in Swedish. I don't know why, since the lyrics must get lost in translation... [maybe it sounds exotic, like when I listen to French music]?

Well, if you are one of these people who enjoy an afternoon with some Swedish singing, you should look up the following artists.

Why do you like to listen to music sung in Swedish?

--> Anna Järvinen [video with Annika Norlin]

--> Håkan Hellström [official video for För En Lång Lång Tid]

--> Markus Krunegård [the song Jag Är En Vampyr]

--> Lars Winnerbäck [the song Elegi]

--> Säkert [the song Vi Kommer Att Dö Samtidigt]

--> Vapnet [the song Plötsligt Händer Det Inte]

Who is your favorite?

2009-05-21T00:02:00.002+02:00

Who is your favorite Swedish artist, and why? The world, and I, want to know more about the people reading this blog. Therefor i now open the blog for guest entries!

Email me at swedishmusicfordummies[at]gmail.com and i will publish your story.

Asha Ali

2009-05-20T16:20:00.001+02:00

Today im enjoying wonderful Asha Ali and her single Hurricane that was released last month. This Swedish singer-song writer with pop influences was born in Ethiopia, but lives in Stockholm. Her first EP was the song Warm Front and she released her debut Asha Ali in 2006 was nominated for several Swedish awards, among other the Swedish Grammy.

According to the information i can find about her, her influences include Jeff Buckley, Nina Simone, Dolly Parton, David Bowie and Kate Bush. According to her Myspace she will be going on a European tour this summer. The Song A Promise Broken is featured on the soundtrack to the movie Underbar och Älskad av Alla. Keep an eye out for Asha Ali from now on!

Asha Ali - Warm Fronts

Asha Ali - Hurricane

Asha Ali - Fire, Fire [Swedish Television]

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You can listen to a few of the new songs on last.fm and find out more about Asha on her Myspace!
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