We seem to be infiltrated with Swedish music as of late – just as SHM’s reign is coming to an end, Prydz has moved to the US to fill the Swedish void. You’ve read it as many times as I’ve written it: another Swedish sensation graces the dance music world with yet another groundbreaking production. Not to mention, the countless number of influential producers from Avicii and Dada Life to Dahlback and Alesso, etc. In fact, Sweden is the third largest exporter of music in the world behind the US and UK. It’s perplexing how such a tiny country – a population total of only one million more than New York City – can churn out so many success stories. What is Sweden’s secret to musical success?
I’ve been living in Stockholm for seven months now, which has allowed me to begin to understand the culture surrounding music. Below are my observations which have been Swede-proofed for validity.
Want to see what the Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso were up to in 2007, before the hype of Swedish House Mafia began? Stockholm’s notorious F12 Terrassen outdoor club is where many of the famous Swedes’ careers took off. It’s small and intimate setting that allows for an up close and personal feel as captured by this video – just a little different from the shows they’re playing now. The pair play Prydz’ “RYMD,” a testament to the fourth, “lost member” of SHM — Prydz parted ways with the group around the same time. Wish SHM still had intimate gigs like this?
Supported under UK-based label House of Disco, Monitor 66 is on the forefront of a new wave of Swedish ‘sunset-disco’, a smooth mix of deep house fused with funky basslines. The young Swedish trio Hannes, Hanne,s and Calle have been opening for the likes of Miss Kitten & Tale of Us at Stockholm’s famed F1-6 underground parties, not to mention touring Europe from Denmark to Poland. The three Swedes have nicknamed their music “blissco” which can only be understood after listening for yourself. The live set starts out with their own groovy remix of Tempogeist’s, “Romeo,” flowing into favorites like Mat Joe’s, “Heart to Find,” Robosonic’s, “The Edge,” and their remix of Emeron & Fox’s, “Nightmares.” Have a listen and embrace yourself in the next wave of Swedish house music.
To help you snap you out of those winter-time blues this morning, we have an uplifting nu-disco mix from Swedish trio Drop Out Orchestra. Known for big releases such as Daft Punk sample, “International Track” (released as Drop Out City Rockers in 2010), and most recent single, “Your Girl” feat Kinema, this mysterious trio made up of a music teacher, studio engineer, and music tech writer delivers a carefully orchestrated set of only the finest in modern disco. It’s obvious from this mix why disco has been making such a great comeback across the globe, an imminent sign this niche-genre will be sure to pick up speed in the US. Check out the full tracklisting after the break and watch out for their EP The Power of Music coming next month.
