The Swedish Bulletin - Archives: Music for the Masses

Music for the Masses

By now you have no doubt heard of the music export explosion that has come out of Sweden over the past few years. But do not fear that the best is leaving the country, as the Stockholm area is alive and kicking with all genres of music for all sorts of musical tastes, including home-grown talent as well as visiting artists from around the world. Here is just a sampling of the sounds you can experience in the coming months and into the summer.

Don’t miss your chance to experience Swedish music at its best (or worst if you listen to some critics). Melodifestivalen 2004 is Sweden’s national song contest leading up to the Eurovision Song Contest, and the finals are at the Globen in Stockholm on March 20. Several of Sweden’s popular artists, both established and new, will sing the year’s newest songs.

Headbangers will have their share of rock concerts shows to choose from in March and April. It was the voice of Sebastian Bach that made Skid Row famous for their melancholy rock ballads, and now they are coming to the Fryshuset in Stockholm. Rock legends Glenn Hughes and Joe Lynn Turner from Deep Purple fame have formed the Hughes Turner Project (HTP) and will bring the roof down at Klubben. Other rockers coming soon to the area include Iced Earth, In Flames, Bad Religion, Edguy, and Chicks on Speed. Visit www.fryhuset.se for more information.

Those looking for something unique will not be disappointed with American Bobby Conn, who has been compared to David Bowie, Beck and Prince, and includes rock and pop in his repertoire as well as jazz and funk. He’s at the Kägelbanan in March. Another one-of-a-kind artist is Bob Log III. This ‘band’ from the U.S. is actually a one-man show. He keeps time with two busy feet, kicking a cymbal and a bass drum and tow-tapping two drum machines. The first thing you'll notice about him, though, is the bubble-mask motorcycle helmet he wears, which is wired with a microphone - hiding his face and warping his voice. This is one unique show that is not to be missed and plays at Debasser.

Need something easy on the ears? Belle & Sebastian are a Scottish duo plays a combination of 60s surf and pop and they’ll be at the Münchenbryggeriet in March. Or try The Jayhawks, the group that invented the alternative country sound in the early 80s. The band has been around for 20 years, and many lineup changes later, Gary Louris remains the leader of the group and the largest creative force behind a sound that mixes Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Byrds and The Burrito Brothers, and they are playing at Nalen in March.

In late May you’ll have the chance to experience the real thing at the Stockholm Gospel Choir Festival. This year will feature the Soul Children of Chicago, a youth choir with a unique sound and overwhelming energy. This festival also gives you a chance to sing in the mass choir, 1000 voices strong, and receive instruction from the Swedish instructors as well as the U.S. guest instructors from Chicago.

And don’t forget to plan ahead for the summer months that are overflowing with fantastic music festivals and concerts in the Stockholm region. There is, of course, the well-established Stockholm Jazz Festival in the height of the Swedish summer, attracting top names and talent from around the world. American pianist Dave Brubeck headlines the 2004 festival. The month of June welcomes in the series of Music in the Castles and Manor Houses of Sörmland. For a truly unique musical experience, call 0155-24 70 90 and inquire about their schedule which includes everything from Baroque music on the brightest days in June to jazz in the warm dusk of an August evening. The Järna Music & Dance Festival begins in late June and creates a meeting place for the arts. The Cultural Center in Ytterjärna is famous for its very special architecture, anthroposophical color scheme and fantastic acoustics, and it is the setting for this unique family festival. Sandviken has their own international jazz festival that begins at the end of June, the Bangen Jazz Festival 2004, which is one of Sweden’s best! The entire festival area is filled with the sounds and sights of jazz at its best. And one of Sweden’s premier festivals is the Music at the Castle royal festival, featuring classical music with established artists as well as up-and-coming stars. Visit www.royalfestivals.se for more a full schedule in English.

So, while Sweden is busy exporting some of their brightest musical talent, make sure you enjoy the music from both local and international bands right here on Sweden’s soil.

-Michael Helander