LearnSweden Blog

It's a Swedish Explosion

 

Swedish music is hitting the airwayves like never before. It seems everytme I turn on the radio or open up my browser there is either a song or an interview with the next Swedish artist. After many years of hard work several Swedish bands and singers are signing onto international labels. Trailblazing the road this summer are Peter,Bjorn, and John's 'Young Folks" and from a previous blog post, Robyn with her incredible hit 'With Every Heart'.

The indie rock band Love Is All  will tell you that it isn't enough just to work hard and write great music; you must have an international label and attention outside Sweden to garner the attention you deserve inside Sweden.

Same is the story of the rock band Dungen.  They didn't become 'legitimate' in Sweden until fans abroad gave their staggering approval. The Concretes, also managed by Robin Sumpton, are having an explosive career now thanks to signing a contract with EMI. Once a local gig band, the newspapers took notice when an international label signed them.

This all said. It isn't enough just to be "Swedish".  To get airplay on radios you need to get the attention of the programing managers, which means your music must be original, interesting , and good.

Sweden in still producing new and innovative music with melodies being sung the world over.  Sweden is the third largest exporter of music in the world.

To find out more about what is happening with Swedish music this summer, why not check out these links:

www.peterbjornandjohn.com      Peter Bjorn and John

www.cardigans.com     The Cardigans

www.robyn.com   Robyn

www.dungen-music.com   Dungen

www.loveisall.se   Love Is all

www.theconcretes.com  The Concretes

www.metacritic.com

Glad Midsommar

                                                  Midsommar  is Here !

The longest part of the year seems to be the wait between January and Midsommar.  As cities and towns empty with their inhabitants heading for their summer cottages or camping places Sweden is preparing for its all night party.  I can’t think of a better reason to stay up all night than to enjoy the midnight sun. 

First things first, however, there is a Majstång  (maypole) to be decorated with flowers and wreaths. There is the food to be prepared and the musicians need a place to warm up their fiddles.  It is a week’s worth of hustle and bustle to make sure everything is ready. 

                                                               

All is prepared. Three or four different types of herring, newly picked small potatoes, strawberry cake and schnapps.  The fiddles have tuned and are ready to lead the procession of the majstång.  As the pole rises we all join in a round dance and sing about a frog.  We sing. We dance. We eat.  Summer is here.

                                                         

Enjoy the following photos from last year’s Midsommar.  We will have photos, a video , and some recipes of this year’s midsommar on Saturday. Glad Midsommar !

The majstång is raised.

                                           

In focus: Swedish R&B star Robyn

                                                                           

This week live in the msn 'In concert' series,Swedish R & B star performs live from the Wiltern in Los Angeles.  Robyn's soulful 1997 single 'Show Me Love' established her as a world wide popstar. After many twists and turns, Robyn started her own record label, Konichiwa Records.  Looking to her friends Karin and Olof, she observed how they financed and released their own work.  Robin bought herself out of her contract and 6 months later released the single,'Who's that Girl'.  Reminiscent of her teenage years robyn wanted her music to be sparse, simple, but hard with really big emotions.

You can now see this international star for yourself, Live on MSN.  Enjoy the Live concert, a photo gallery, plus interviews and websites.

http://music.msn.com/robyn

Late Villa goal leads to Spanish Victory

It looked like the match would end in a draw between Sweden and Spain. David Villa cinched a goal during injury time which perhaps has inched Spain a place in the quarterfinals of the European championship.

After Spain had controlled early in the game, Sweden remained diligent and patient. Isaksson played a great goal keeping game as he caught and kicked ball after ball out of the box zone. Ibrahimovic , taking the ball from Stoor at the far post , placed it in for the perfect goal.

Sweden had a couple of injured players in both Ibrahimovic and Christain Wilhelmsson.  Sweden has until Wednesday , Jun 18th to get their heads back in the game , where they will play against Russia.

To know more about Euro-Cup 2008 go to www.euro2008.uefa.com

Euro Cup Today

Hej Allihopa

I don't know what everybody is doing today but I know what I'm doing . In just an hour and a half Sweden will be playing in the Euro Cup against Spain. The match starts at 16:00 Austria time and noon EST on satellite and cable networks. There have already been some big upsets in the UEFA matches like Croatia beating Germany. ???? Sweden is playing so well and we will keep our fingers crossed for a great success today.  We will have highlights from the game later. Play On , Game On !!!!!

Swedish National Day follow-up

All around Sweden celebrations took place for National Day. Swedish Television has a 2 part series. Both of these are in Swedish but don't let that stop you. Come and see what happened. These links are good for 30 days.

Part 1 & 2

http://www.svt.se/svt/road/Classic/shared/mediacenter/index.jsp?&d=93706&lid=lista_792616&lpos=9

Nationaldagen

By Per Svangren

June 6th is Sweden's Independence Day. It is also called Swedish Flag Day. Since 1916, Independence Day has been celebrated in memory of Gustav Vasa's coronation on June 6th 1523. On this date in 1809 constitutional law was also passed. Independence Day became a public holiday as late as 2005. It is celebrated in many different ways throughout the country. The royal family will be participating at Skansen, in Stockholm. Celebrations can also be found in Kungsträdgården, where music and food will usher in the occasion.

This year the weather in Sweden, especially in Stockholm, promises to be warm, sunny, and beautiful. For many this is a great moment to gather family and friends and have a picnic or a barbeque. Following is a recipe for asparagus with saffron. You will want to include this in your picnic basket.  We wish you a very happy Independence Day. Enjoy !!

Asparagus with Saffron Dressing

3 pounds fresh asparagus, washed and trimmed

Dressing

1/2 cup water

1/4 teaspoon saffron powder

2 large garlic cloves, minced or crushed through a press

2 eggs yolks

1and 1/4 cups olive oil

Salt and freshly ground peper

Wash and trim the asparagus. Plunge into boiling ,salted water for 1 to 2 minutes, or when the asparagus turns bright green. Drain and place in a bowl of ice water immediately.

For the Dressing:

Combine the water and saffron powder. Mix in the garlic and egg yolks. Whisk in the olive oil until well blended. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour dressing over the asparagus, cover, and chill until ready to serve. This makes 10 servings.