When you think of Swedish pop, does Abba come to mind? I know it does for me. However, this Scandinavian country has come a long way from "Dancing Queen" and other perky pop tunes, breaking into a more creative realm of music making. Here's a look at a few contemporary groups making waves in the music scene in Sweden and abroad:
The Hives
Though a leading name in garage rock revival, The Hives have enjoyed little commercial chart success on the international stage. Yet this Swedish rock band has been praised for its live shows, complete with matching outfits. After collaborating with hip-hop heavyweight Timbaland on "Throw It On Me" and talk of an upcoming joint effort with The Raconteurs, The Hives are sure to gain more recognition from the general public.
Though a leading name in garage rock revival, The Hives have enjoyed little commercial chart success on the international stage. Yet this Swedish rock band has been praised for its live shows, complete with matching outfits. After collaborating with hip-hop heavyweight Timbaland on "Throw It On Me" and talk of an upcoming joint effort with The Raconteurs, The Hives are sure to gain more recognition from the general public.
The Hives and their matching black-and-white outfits have been around since the garage-rock revival of the early 2000s, but are continuing to gain international acclaim. Photo Courtesy of thehives.nu.
The Sounds
Often confused with the 60s Finnish band of the same name, and frequently compared to Blondie, The Sounds are a new wave/electronica punk musical group that have had success both at home and on the international scene. Feisty lead singer Maja Ivarsson lends powerful vocals to infectious synthesized beats that I just can't seem to get enough of. If you haven't already, check out their hit-filled follow-up album, Dying to Say This to You.
Often confused with the 60s Finnish band of the same name, and frequently compared to Blondie, The Sounds are a new wave/electronica punk musical group that have had success both at home and on the international scene. Feisty lead singer Maja Ivarsson lends powerful vocals to infectious synthesized beats that I just can't seem to get enough of. If you haven't already, check out their hit-filled follow-up album, Dying to Say This to You.
Robyn
Think back to the late nineties and you might remember a young R&B singer who belted out hits such as "Show Me Love" and "Do You Know (What It Takes)." Disappearing for almost a decade on the international scene, Robyn has re-emerged with her hit single "Be Mine!" and a new self-titled album, which features a cover of Swedish rock band Teddybears' "Cobrastyle" and a collaboration with Kleerup on "With Every Heartbeat." Robyn has also recently provided backing vocals for Britney Spears' "Piece of Me" and Snoop Dogg's remixed "Sexual Eruption," as well as on Swedish newcomer Lykke Li's second single.
Think back to the late nineties and you might remember a young R&B singer who belted out hits such as "Show Me Love" and "Do You Know (What It Takes)." Disappearing for almost a decade on the international scene, Robyn has re-emerged with her hit single "Be Mine!" and a new self-titled album, which features a cover of Swedish rock band Teddybears' "Cobrastyle" and a collaboration with Kleerup on "With Every Heartbeat." Robyn has also recently provided backing vocals for Britney Spears' "Piece of Me" and Snoop Dogg's remixed "Sexual Eruption," as well as on Swedish newcomer Lykke Li's second single.
Lykke Li
Bursting out into the indie pop scene is 21-year-old Lykke Li with her smash single "Little Bit". I absolutely love this captivating song, as well as the video. Drawing from synthesized bossa nova roots, Li's geeky dance moves and subtly provocative lyrics are interesting, to say the least. Have a listen to her donation of vocals on Kleerup's "Until We Bleed."
Bursting out into the indie pop scene is 21-year-old Lykke Li with her smash single "Little Bit". I absolutely love this captivating song, as well as the video. Drawing from synthesized bossa nova roots, Li's geeky dance moves and subtly provocative lyrics are interesting, to say the least. Have a listen to her donation of vocals on Kleerup's "Until We Bleed."
No comments:
Post a Comment