After the break up of Those Dancing Days, where does one go to for young, catchy female pop out of Stockholm?
Look no further than Amanda Mair. She’s seventeen and possesses the pipes to sing.
Amanda Mair recently released her self-titled debut album on Labrador Records and a lot of blogs are barking. Well beyond her years, Mair sings of things that many listeners, with the years that she lacks, could not fully emotionally grasp.

In grabbing songs like “Doubt,” Amanda manages to swoon her audience while her tinkling black keys become forceful aural objects to reckon with, and yet, those same keys of ivory welcome and make the listener feel at home in the song “House.”

In the music video “Sense”, Mair declares that it doesn’t make sense and many would agree that it makes none whatsoever why she isn’t Sweden’s female answer to Bieber for the babes with brains.

Get her debut album here

By Graham Tucker

Sa Sa Samoa, by Korallreven feat. Julianna Barwick
Directed by Filip Nilsson. Produced by Antoine Piechaud Cinematography by Fredrik Backar

Big Productions, Paris / Folke Film, Stockholm

www.korallreven.se
www.folkefilm.se


photos by Felix Swensson

Electric, poetic, and with a breeze of African beats, would summarize the feelings of Korallreven’s performance at Strand in Stockholm December 3.

A boy with a flower behind his ear. Vulnerable, slightly hidden, yet completely present. Black and white moving images of palm trees, cityscapes and birds are projected on the screen behind him, and the patterns throw their shadows across the singer’s white tee and pale face. The monochrome hues are mixed out with florescent strobes and the music is of that rare kind that makes you both want to slow dance, cheek to cheek on a deserted dance floor covered in confetti, and rave until lunch time the following day.

Two pretty boys warmed up the crow with dancey tunes, although Henrik of Air France, was up until now unfamiliar with the concept of having djs before a show. Korallreven live set is tight, with no encores. The crowd is happy, at least for now, filled with beats to keep the heart in tune, come winter.

By Ebba Åkerman

Serenades – Oceans (White Sea Remix) by serenadesofficial

Kornél Kovács – Down Since ’92 (BARN 006)
Studio Barnhus, 2011
Video shot in Stockholm, late autumn 2011

Kornél Kovács – Down Since ’92 (Studio Barnhus, BARN 006) by Kornél Kovács

Get it here

Fort Fairfield – Patience (With Cosima Lamberth) by fortfairfield

ceo – illuminata (d lissvik remix) by modularpeople

The Swede Beat Magazine met Summer Heart for a chat before his gig at the Nordic Wind Festival, hosted by Nordic by Nature in Berlin November 25.

When we met he had just arrived from a gig in Istanbul. Summer heart (a.ka. David Alexander) is a Swedish musician from Varberg a small town located on the west coast of Sweden, but now days he lives in Malmö bigger city in south of Sweden.

He grew up in a house with a father who also is a musician and music has always been a part of his life. His plan was not to release his work; it was when a friend of his listened to his music and told him that this was too good to not be released.

In a DIY fashion everything on the record is made by Summer Heart himself. From the very beginning to the last finish (including the beautiful album covers!).

He likes to be a part of the whole “making-a-record-process” and because of that everything he does becomes a piece of himself – something you can definitely hear when you listen to his music.
It’s Been A While by SUMMER HEART
Summerheart’s work is mixture of romantic chill wave and dream pop, with lyrics that turns the most melancholic music lover to melt away! When we asked him about the lyrics he tells us that it is important for him that every single listener get his/her own feeling about it and he doesn’t want ruin that, but then he adds that his lyrics is about hope, a nostalgic feeling, desire and love in all categories, not necessary the happy ones, but always with hope!

He tells us that he tried to take the hope from the lyric in more gloomy music and the sound from the dream pop and mix it all together. To make music that is touching and inspire. Which he does it with a great success!

Summerheart’s music is perfect for these cold winter days; comfortable and very kind.
The music symbolizes happiness, good memories, a sun that never goes down, freedom and hope; everything that the Swedish summer is associate with, not just for himself but for all of us. And that’s what the name Summer Heart is all about.

Please Stay by SUMMER HEART

For the spring 2012 Summer Heart is going to add three members to play with him on a Europe tour that will take place from April. So check out his website for further information about where and when you have the pleasure to see him live!

Discography:

December 2011 My Forever Smile

July 2011 Hold On

May 2011 Never Let Me Go

http://summerheart.bandcamp.com/

By Lovisa Fris Åsum

Felix Swensson ©

Fresh off the release of their much lauded debut EP Come Home, Serenades brought their elaborate pop sound to a sold out crowd at Debaser Medis. Fronted by Swedish indie stand outs Markus Krunegård and Adam Olenius (Shout Out Louds), Serenades has experienced a great deal of attention, something that has been bolstered by singles like Birds and Earthquakes.

Felix Swensson ©

Accompanied by an eight piece band that included two violins, a cello, keyboard, drums, tambourines and several vocalists; Serenades demonstrated their versatility in approaching pop music. On the dreamy and subdued Criminal Heaven, the chemistry between Olenius and Krunegård was palpable. Sung in unison, as is the case in all of their songs, the wistful piece underlined the connection they share, though it would benefit from greater lyrical depth. Oceans, a sun-drenched effort with roots in the 1980’s, showcased the band’s talent for soulful harmonies, something augmented by the backup male vocalists, a refreshing twist. With Christmas fast approaching, Come Home, a song about longing, hope and loneliness during the festive season, and easily a new indie holiday favorite, touched a chord with the audience. The grandiose Birds best highlighted the epic pop sound that Serenades can create. With the full force of the band behind them, Krunegård and Olenius offered a heavily layered piece steeped in drama, to the good fortune of those in attendance.

Felix Swensson ©

Coming in at just over forty five minutes and without an encore, the set was short. For the most part, this was made up for through the quality of the music and the experience that Serenades brings to the stage. It also emphasized the need for more material, something that should be satisfied with the 2012 release of their self-titled debut album via Cherrytree Records. Serenades is currently Stateside, catch them in Los Angeles and New York before Christmas.

Felix Swensson ©

Serenades – Birds

Just in time for Christmas.
Serenades – Come Home

By Mickey Reardon and Felix Swenson

Mother Protect (Goldroom Remix) by Niki & The Dove

Through hard times comes great music. A band with an old soul, yet still young at heart classify their sound as “folk flower power”. They have named their latest single “Where did John Lennon go?” in honor of the great John Lennon and have released it on the day he died thirty one years later. Their inspiration comes anywhere from the beauty in simple things to finding it within each other. The beautiful quartet; Crying Day Care Choir has gone through a fantastic journey, and have chosen to share some of  it with us.

Your name is very peculiar, does it have any particular meaning? And how did you come up with the name.
We initially chose the name due to a great love of word play, as well as due to the phenomenon of a group of children crying together and randomly hitting the same note; musical magic. But recently we have found that our band name perhaps means so much more; and that it is actually reaching out to us; because in these “Crying Days”, any one could surely need a “Care Choir”.

You have some history together. How long have you known each other and what drove you to start a band together?
We have known each other in different constellations for some five years or so. Two years ago, the four of us were traveling Argentina together and we all were moving from or hometown Stockholm to Malmö upon our return to Sweden, moving away from some of our musical life in Stockholm. As people get bored and sad without a fair amount of music in their lives, we decided to not let that happen to us and TA DA, meet Crying Day Care Choir.

You’re originally from Stockholm, Sweden? What drove you to move down to Malmö?
We all needed a change and word on the street was that the farther south one gets, the more relaxed are the people you meet. Parts of that might be true, we don’t really know, none of us made it further than to Malmö.

How would you define your music? Do you feel like it identifies with a previous music genre?
Personally, we would like to think of our music as flower-folk. As the name implies, we find some common traits between our music and the folk flower power wave during the 60’s and 70’s. The people and musicians of that movement were very politically involved at the same time as the level of “We can do it” spirit were building blocks of the flower wave. It is the music, the songs of that time; the ones filled with “We can do it” that affect us, that inspire us. We strive to do the same, and that is probably why we identify our music with that genre.

Could you tell us a bit about your songs. Where does the inspiration for the lyrics come from?
Our songs are; gentle on the ears, they carry an important message, and at the same time strive to make you feel as happy and blissful as a child inside. When it comes to inspiration; Sara finds it everywhere around her, and look for beauty in the simplicity of everyday life. Whereas Jack, (the one who always knows what to say) finds it solely within his beautiful wife Sara.

In regards to the release of your new single this week, could you tell us a bit about it?
We are releasing a single titled “Where Did John Lennon Go?” for free digital download on Thursday, the 8th of December.

The song will be released on the day he died, is there a special meaning behind this? Do you feel a special connection to John Lennon and his music?
The fact that we are releasing a single titled “Where did John Lennon Go?” on the day he died, 31 years ago, is very well thought through. However, the song was written long before any thought of this had popped up in Jacks head. We thought it was a great opportunity to get or song heard, as well as reminding people of what that great man represented. He was a musical genius as well as a very influential peace activist, and even though we adore his music, it is mostly due to his spirit we want people to notice this day.

Your latest gig was in Stockholm, how does it compare to playing in Malmö?
When playing in Stockholm, it is more family and old friends coming to the shows, whereas in Malmö new friends are watching and you can be a bit more anonymous. Both cities have their perks. It can be comforting to play for people you know love you, as well as it can feel like you have more to prove than to strangers. But it is always fun to play regardless where we are playing.

What are your thoughts on the Swedish indie music scene today?
It’s like a Swedish smorgasbord! If your from anywhere in the world outside of Sweden it’s exotic and delicious; if you’re a Swede, you’re not sure what most of it is.

What favorite bands have inspired you throughout the years?
We spent most of our youth listening to music and still do, any kind of music. Therefore we find it very hard to identify certain bands that have inspired us more than others.

What’s next for Crying Day Choir? Could you tell us about anything we should be looking out for? Gigs, EP’s, Singles etc?
The single is available for free download today at our campaign website wheredidjohnlennongo.com

We’re planning a little something come Christmas as well, and so on and so on… we don’t want to ruin all the surprises! but just make sure to keep in touch on the intraweb.

http://www.cryingdaycarechoir.com

By Vanessa Gil

Devil’s Work by miikesnow

Newtimers – Falling by Newtimers

Four Swedish funk masters unites in new track Na Na Nah!, a brilliant of hybrid of Swedish hiphop and pop to kick of this Wednesday. Or actually any given day. The collaboration with veteran Timbuktu and Norrland’s jazz funkists Movits! is taken from the trio’s sophomore album Ur Min Skalle released earlier this year.
The video features behind-the-scene action from Movits! video shoot for single “Sammy Davis Jr.” with Jason Diakte aka Timbuktu crashing the shoot to jam with the guys.

Movits! are now out on a mini European tour , make sure to catch them if they hit your town.

10 NOV – Wiesbaden, Schlachthof

11 NOV – Zürich, Exil

12 NOV – Zug, Chollerhalle

13 NOV – Cologne, Bahnhof Ehrenfeld

25 NOV – Borås, Rockborgen

26 NOV – Ängelholm, Bahnhof

02 DEC – Huskvarna (m. Kapten Röd)

10 DEC – Lund, Mejeriet

Listen to Ur Ur Min Skalle on  Spotify

By Lydia Kellam

Navet – Leave And Let Go (Niva Remix) by theswedebeat

Ingeting – Punkdrömmar (Enochson RMX) by theswedebeat

– Hi, my name is Jens Lekman.

The Swedish popmaster enters the stage smiling, his starry eyes meeting the audience in Williamsburg Music Hall. By his side is his new drummer Addison, that’s it. It’s his second sold out night in New York, an extra show already scheduled for the next evening. The audience falls silent as he begins his mostly acoustic set.

But by the third song, ”A sweet summer’s night on Hammer Hill”, everyone is singing along, his dedicated fans knowing every word: Bomp-a-bomp-a-bomp-a-bomp-a-bomp-a-bomp-a-bomp!

In ”An argument with myself”, from his new EP, he takes the audience on a Paul Simon-inspired trip to Melbourne, Australia, where he’s spent the last years. The audience is laughing. A lot. That’s the
thing with Jens Lekman; his concerts will generate more laughs than your average stand up comedy-show.
When he starts telling the story of stalking Kirsten Dunst in his hometown Gothenburg the audience (of which many wouldn’t think twice about stalking him…) not only laughs but awws. The song, “Waiting
for Kirsten” from the new EP, is a perfect mix of vulnerability and humor and the line “In Gothenburg we don’t have VIP-lines” goes straight to heart among the Williamsburg, Occupy Wall Street
supporting, hipsters.

– Did you guys see Melancholia yet?

That was the movie she was filming. I liked that movie. Maybe I just like end of the world-movies where you Americans don’t save the world. This is an end of the world song, he says before bursting into “The end of the world is bigger than love”, referencing Target on Flatbush Avenue to the audience’s great delight.
The cheers continue throughout “Black cab” and when he gets to “The Opposite Of Hallelujah” the whole room is dancing. When time comes for the encore he brings his Melbourne friend Geoff O’Connor, of The
Crayon Fields/Sly Hats, back on stage for an upbeat and fun take on Ten City’s ”That’s the way love is”. The applause won’t stop, and he enters the scene for a second encore.

– It’s nice to have some alone time with you,

he says before getting into “Pocket full of money”, arranging the audience in different harmonies. The Music hall is singing, the audience giving itself to him, and up on the stage Jens Lekman looks truly happy.

– This was beautiful,

he says when it all has to end. New York loves him. And the love is mutual.

By Katarina Matsson

Photo: Mickey Reardon

Dante is the solo alias of Dante Kinnunen, drummer of Swedish indie band The Concretes. The Stockholm artist released his self-produced debut single Next to You in February. The piece generated considerable attention, including that of Baseline Music, which signed him on the strength of a single song. Looking to build on the success of his initial solo work, a soul and R&B infused pop effort; the humble and soft spoken singer is preparing to release his new single, Runners out on Baseline Music.
Dante – Runners by baselinemusic

The Swede Beat had the chance to sit down with Dante at his studio in Stockholm.

You have an amazing studio, how did you end up here?

I got it just by luck. And the thing is, I went to school right here, so right by the studio, from when we were 11, we went and smoked during every break. It’s sort of strange to be back now. There’s no running water in the house, so we use the pump outside in the yard. We have a lot of barbeques in the summer. And with the train that goes by; I like the twist, this old house and the nature; then the train goes by.

You have a wide range of influences, what music has had a particular impact on what you do?

I’ve listened to a lot of old soul and I guess that has had an impact. I’ve also listened to a lot of reggae. I listened only to reggae from when I was 11 until I was 18, so I guess that that is the biggest influence actually. Right now, I listen to a lot of Ready to Die by Biggie Smalls. I really love his lyrics; it’s very brave to be as open as he is. It feels like he is very depressed and he describes it. And it’s mostly Biggie who makes me think about how to write songs, right now.

How do you go about making your songs?

It changes. I always sing while I walk, usually lyrics or tunes that I come up with; sometimes I sit by the piano; and sometimes I build a beat and go from there. The biggest challenge is that I do everything on my own. That’s pretty hard (laughs). My problem is the lyrics, I always get stuck there, but I think I’ve started to overcome that. I’m still learning how to use the language though.

Many musicians don’t produce their own music, what appeals to you about it?

When I hear songs and productions, I always think about how I would like to hear it. I always analyze what I hear. It gives you more control over the sounds that come out.

What are your current plans?

Just going to be in the studio; working on a few more songs. I’m also working with some other people. I’m going to produce Taxi, Taxi’s new album and I’ve got a few other things on the go.

Thanks man.

As can be expected from someone with a ranging and extensive musical history; a diversity of influences are evident in Dante’s releases. The outcome is an electro-pop sound that that is influenced by chart-toppers from the 1980s, with fluid, R&B and reggae grounded beats. With an expressive vocal range, Dante conveys a great deal of emotion through song. This is particularly evident in his slower pieces, where a greater reliance on his vocals emphasizes a quiet confidence that is more often found in early soul music.

Dante’s passion for music is evident in the ease with which he moves around his studio, a rust-red worker’s cottage; now a heritage site designated for cultural endeavors. Overlooking the Saltsjö, where the Baltic Sea meets the city, the small building, with its slanted floors and cracked windows, underscores Dante’s older soul influences, including Clarence Carter, who Dante covered for his debut single. In contrast to a musician from the Deep South, the studio also offered a fitting location for the Next to You video, which illustrates the best of Stockholm in the wintertime; a group of friends getting together in a warm space, an important part of surviving the longest Swedish season.

Watch Next to You Video on PSL on Svt Play

Listen to Dante on Spotify

http://dantedantedante.com/

By Mickey Reardon

First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar by Wichita Recordings

“ The Lion’s Roar’ was written during a U.K. tour when we drove through a very dramatic moorland in Scotland. During the tour, we listened a lot to Townes Van Zandt in the car. We were inspired by this mystic scenery, as well as Townes Van Zandt’s beautiful melodies. By far our darkest song to date. It was the first song we wrote for the new record, and we chose to name the record after it. ‘The Lion’s Roar’ marked a new stage in our songwriting, and the mystic feeling of this song came to characterize a big part of the new record. ” – Klara & Johanna Söderberg of First Aid Kit (Interviewed by NPR)

First Aid Kit on UK & US tour with Lykke Li

10/30     Glasgow, UK    – ABC

10/31     Manchester – UK   Academy 2

11-07 Pomona, CA – Fox Theater

11-09 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater

11-11 Denver, CO – Ogden Theater

11-13 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

11-14 Chicago, IL – Vic Theater

11-15 Toronto, Ontario – Sound Academy

11-17 Montclair, NJ – Wellmont Theater

11-19 Asheville, NC – Orange Peel

11-20 Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theater

The Lions Roar is out December 5th, album will follow January 23rd, 2012 on Wichita Recordings.

By Lydia Kellam

I Break Horses – Load Your Eyes (Star Slinger Remix) by theswedebeat

Swedish indie electronic act Korallreven is releasing their anticipated debut album November 15 on Acephale Records. The past year or two we have listened and loved to tracks such as Loved Up, The Truest Faith, Honey Mine and Shine On which built up the excitement for the forthcoming album.

To kick off this release the label is also putting out a limited edition “12 pressed on orange vinyl and with remixes from Pandra Bear and Girl Unit. Pre Order here

Download first single “As Young As Yesterday” featuring vocals by Victoria Bergsman.

Korallreven As Young As Yesterday by theswedebeat

By Lydia Kellam

Stygg – Protective by theswedebeat

Summers are usually the season for outdoor parties. Including the infamous (New York-born) American-style block party. Don’t we all love the traditional block parties made up friendly neighbors, fresh lemonade, potato salad, grilled burgers and dogs.

Stockholm has definitely put a twist on the tradition. This August celebrated the fifth edition of the Grolsch Block Party. And this isn’t a party for the 80 year old lady next door.
Sticking with the quinquennial theme, the party was held on five different streets in the south Stockholm area : Södermalm and SOFO district.
Restaurants, bars, and clothing shops showcased DJs, live acts, art, fashion, and design. The music line up included a handful of new and old Swedish indie darlings. Some of The Swede Beat favorites were: Dante, Sail A Whale, Niva, Lo-Fi Fnk, Gnucci Banana, Lorentz M. & Sakarias, Mahoyo and more.

American block parties almost always take place on a beautiful sunny afternoon or on a hot summer evening. Dress code consequently matches the summer theme: Summer dress, denim shorts, bright colors, airy tops, sunglasses, etc. August 19th was rather wet and cold, most outfits in Södermalm did not resemble the block party tradition. That, however was certainly no stop sign for Swedes (or anyone else). The five streets were what seemed to be a kaleidoscope of music, art and vibrant youth. Through out the night friends met up with friends and made a bit of new ones. After a dance or two they continued on to a next place. Each place was completely different. Different styles and different music.

Vintage style clothing shop: Grandpa on the SOFO street Sodermannagatan was our personal favorite. All guests greeted by the glistening green bottle, as the made their way into mix of people, fashion and great music. The tracks of the moment were selected by Swedish Berlin based Trunkfunk Records, The Touch, and clothing company turned band Uniforms.
By ten o’clock the night was a success!

As all good things come to and end, so did the Grolsch block party. But luckily the festive day activities was followed by an after party.
The south Stockholm hipsters migrated over to the official Grolsch Block Party After Party at outdoor club venue Trädgården under a highway. From there The Studio Barnhus boys and Superpitcher took the night away!

The Grolsch Block Party has taken your friendly neighborhood gathering to a whole new level.
Honestly, we love it.

By Vanessa Gil
Photos by Grolsch Block Party

For The Show (Familjen Remix) by Navet

Taking advantage of the waning days of summer, August 16 Swedish singer-song writer Frida Hyvönen gave a free, outdoor concert as part of the Parkteatern (theatre in the park) series in Södermalm, Stockholm. Frida’s confident, yet tender voice captivated a diverse crowd with her distinct brand of storytelling.

Her lyric driven music; which often comes across as strikingly personal, exudes a quiet self assurance that allows her to convey powerful stories without an over-reliance on dramatic mechanisms. This shines through in songs like December, a touching first person piece about a young couple dealing with abortion. Feminine and empowering, her pursuit of clarity is underlined in the direct and unassuming manner in which she sings about events, both real and fictional.

Supported by a versatile band consisting of six members on lead and bass guitar, keyboard, percussion and back-up vocals; Frida spent the majority of the show on the piano, which she has played for more than twenty years. Singing songs off both albums, her sweet voice rose above the talented ensemble, as the Licking Fingers and Secretly Canadian artist delivered a moving performance to the largest crowd at Parkteatern this summer.

By Mickey Reardon