Showing posts with label Honey Is Cool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Honey Is Cool. Show all posts

Thursday, 4 September 2008

Håkan Hellström


Im proud to present Håkan Hellström, an established pop icon in Sweden and also fellow "Göteborgare" (citizen of Gothenburg). He is probably not that known outside of Sweden, since he sings in Swedish. Through the years he has been criticized for not being able to carry a tune and for borrowing too much from other songs. Inspiration or theft? Its up to you to decide.

Despite the critique he is loved by many and adored especially by his fans in Gothenburg. He sings about the streets and places where we walk every day in a poetic way. I can only feel sorry for all of you who doesnt understand the songs. When you go to one of his live performances in Gothenburg its a sheer love-fest between Håkan and his fans! Definitely an experience to remember!

Håkan is also a former a member of Broder Daniel and Honey is Cool (both bands from Gothenburg) but had his personal breakthrough in 2000 when he released "Känn Ingen Sorg För Mig Göteborg" (Feel no sadness for me Gothenburg). He has since then become a national hero after his flirts with other genres (folk, salsa etc) which gives him a variation of fans from kids to old ladies. And here he is, five albums and countless of songs, someone for you to discover!

Picture / Single Cover

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Find out more about Håkan Hellström
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Wednesday, 3 September 2008

The Knife


The Knife is a duo that consists of the siblings Karin & Olof Dreijer (Karin a former member of Honey Is Cool). They formed in 1999 and released Deep Cuts which became a loved album among the Swedish listeners. Their mystical aura and outspoken unwillingness to appear in pictures or other marketing probably added to the hype with the Silent Shout tour in 2006. For many (including myself) it felt like the only chance of seeing them live. It was a great experience, but not as much a live concert as a performing art moment where images, sound and light came together. Karin and Olof where, as always, dressed in masks.

In 2005 José Gonzales version of the song Heartbeats was featured in a Sony commercial, which made the rest of the world aware of both José Gonzales and The Knife. Since then they both have had a great commercial success. Who would have known that the sometimes unlikely combination of beats, oil-drums (which you mostly find in reggae or world music) and Karins sweet voice would have such an effect on us?

The Knife has featured in many Tv series and won awards over the years for their work. They have released three albums and one soundtrack to the movie Hannah med H. Silent Shout was the latest release from Karin & Olofs own label Rabid Records, except for a DVD with tour material. We are looking forward to see what the siblings next move will be.

Press picture from Luger / Photography Elin Berge

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Read more at last.fm and the official website
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