We’ve got a very exciting Swedish talent to share with you today, called Elise Elvira. While not a total newcomer (Elise released a debut EP last year), we’ve only just come across this promising singer and songwriter today.
Elise’s new single ‘Charlie, Don’t Do It!’ was written by the artist herself to one of her friends, as a response to the way that he was behaving towards women. The track is dreamy, soulful and enchanting in its production, and (in our view) feels sonically similar to Janet Jackson’s ‘Velvet Rope’ era.
Impressively, Elise has already achieved more than 100k catalogue streams to date on Spotify alone, and we think that’s only just the start for this gifted Nordic starlet.
Every once in a while, you come across a new outfit that is so completely unique that it takes you by surprise.
Laundry Boys is a new project that was formed by two songwriting friends, whose sole purpose was to create music in its purest form – without needing to worry about rules, restrictions or commercial viability.
“We played in a stoner rock band when we were 17. Since then, we’ve made all kinds of music. In this project, we want to use our musical palette without feeling like we’re breaking any rules because that’s the magical thing about music, unlike almost everything else in life. You get to do whatever you want.”
Debut single ‘Drunk On Love’ presents listeners with a genre-bending fusion of sounds that is warm, melodic, atmospheric, and deeply captivating to experience. It’s not an easy song to describe or define – but then again, that is the aim of the duo’s work.
The track serves as a taster to a forthcoming EP called ‘Yatzy Music Vol. 1’, which is released on the band’s own label, Popped N Screwed Records.
We only featured Swedish talent Flora Summers (aka Ida Johansson) last month, but she’s already back with another showstopping release that deserves your attention.
‘Sweet Summer Feels’ delights us with an intoxicating mix of shimmering alt-pop and hazy indie. To us, the production feels reminiscent of Lana Del Rey’s early work, and perfectly balances a classic and vintage style of sound with something contemporary and fresh.
“‘Sweet Summer Feels’ is about that kind of chemistry that’s burning with the heat of a summer day. It’s flirty, carefree and totally sun soaked. It’s the soundtrack of an endless summer. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.”
The song was written and produced by Summers herself, and follows on her well-received debut single ‘Obsessions’ (listen here). An upcoming EP is on the way, so be sure to keep an eye on this talent!
Today is a very special day for Stockholm artist Oskar Jennefors, who has just unveiled his new project, called Echo Thrills.
If you’re a fan of outfits like Tame Impala and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, then the chances of loving Echo Thrills are almost certain to be high.
Jennefors experiments with the sounds of soul, disco and rock to create new pieces of music that feel timelessly classic but also refreshingly current.
As its title suggests, debut single ‘In a Dream’ presents listeners with a gorgeously constructed soundscape that is blissfully hazy and psychedelic in character. Elaborating further on the song’s inspiration, Jennefors explains:
“The track started out when I was on vacation, at my parents summerhouse in the Swedish archipelago. The sun was beaming down and was chilling by the ocean. Being in a blissful state combined with the beautiful surroundings gave me inspiration for the chords, and the slow disco beat just felt right on that warm, lush summer day. The lyrics are inspired by dreamstates and the beautiful places that you can visit in your dreams. All in all the track, for me, is more about being in a certain state of mind. A state of exploration, awe and a sense of magic.”
Swedish-born creative Boko Yout (aka Paul Adamah) first caught our attention last autumn with his sensationally arresting song,‘ANXIETY’.
Since then, this multi-talented artist has built up a strong base of followers and picked up support from tastemakers as respected as Fashionably Early and Mystic Sons.
Today sees Adamah releasing his highly anticipated concept EP, ‘AS SEEN ON TV’ (available here).
The songs on the record represent ‘the channels of a fictional TV network called Boko Communications’, and reflect upon the life experiences and emotions that Adamah has so far experienced in his life.
“From my perspective as a black gay man in Sweden, TV, and entertainment have been an escape from reality since I was a child. This project is therefore a celebration, as much as a critique, of the culture shaped by these stereotypes. This is a TV network where I get to decide what I want to see – a manifestation of a younger version of myself and the stories I wish I had heard. It’s a way to look up to myself in retrospect.”
While every song on the EP is distinct in character, there are two notable tracks which have caught our attention; those being ‘TIKTOK’ and ‘MORNING’.
With its captivating lyricism and rich sonic textures, ‘MORNING’ showcases Adamah’s self-described ‘Afro Grunge’ style of sound.
Meanwhile, ‘TIKTOK’ presents listeners a with a hazy and lo-fi, almost psychedelic style of production that is as intriguing as it is captivating.
Fans in Sweden can catch Boko Yout performing live this summer at various events, including Storsjöyran, Trädgården Live Sessions, Powerpose FM Festival and at Daniel Ek’s Brilliant Minds Conference.
Our introduction to JO universe proves that Denmark is currently one of Europe’s leading nations for emerging musical talent.
As the creative project of artists Johanne Marie Theill (singer & writer) and Nicolai Absalon (co-writer & producer), these two musicians are creating some of the most exciting and interesting sounds to emerge from Scandinavia in quite some time.
In equal parts, the duo’s infectious new single ‘Sweet Deal’ is an eccentric, camp, quirky and high-drama slice of alternative pop that you’ll likely have on repeat for the rest of the day.
This is a sound that is bravely playful and utterly captivating to experience – and marks a promising taster to the band’s upcoming releases.
It wouldn’t be a normal weekend at Alfitude if we didn’t share with you some fresh Scandinavian pop, and this time it’s the turn of singer, songwriter and producer Wilja.
Despite being sung entirely in Swedish, ‘Håll mig Hårt’ (which translates to ‘Hold Me Tight) has a style of sound that makes it universally appealing. Through its stripped-back blend of mellow pop and alternative R&B, Wilja’s airy vocals sing lyrics that tell of the loneliness that follows a breakup.
“‘Håll Mig Hårt’ is about the feeling of being alone after having a relationship with someone who has been both good and bad for you. You are willing to drop everything for that person just to have and feel that closeness once more, no matter how long it lasts.”
While the song marks Wilja’s solo debut, she is no stranger to the industry. This accomplished musician also runs hugely successful EDM project JEN, which has amassed millions of streams through its collaborations with the likes of Sevek and Man Cub.
London-based trio amilost is a musical collaboration between Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen, Ross Craib and Charlie Fowler. Together, these three artists create cinematic and immersive pieces of pop that are both captivating and emotive to experience.
New single ‘The Good Kind of Love’ is lifted from the group’s upcoming ‘Introspective Souvenirs’ debut EP, and features none other than Parallax Orchestra themselves. Lyrically, the song looks at the dynamic between two lovers who seem to have a missing connection with each another.
“We want other people to channel their pain and their questions through listening to our songs.” – Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen
Aside from amassing thousands of catalogue streams to date, amilost’s music has picked up support from outlets as respected as NRK P3 and Amazing Radio, while also being featured on prominent playlists like Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’ and ‘Fresh Finds: Pop’.
Rising singer and songwriter Sanna Martinez’s ‘I Like It’ might be the first real summe anthem of the year. With its perfected mix of electro-pop and R&B, this song is certain to leave you feeling like you’re on top of the world.
The track was written alongside fellow songwriters Maria Marcus and Tobias Näslund, who are already renowned for their work on some of K-Pop’s biggest artists.
While still a young musician, Martinez has already accomplished some very impressive feats. She’s already co-written and performed songs that have ended up in national selections for Eurovision, seen her music featured on primetime shows like Love Island USA, and has even written a track for K-Pop icons Everglow.
NiwrianCreature is an emerging alternative musician who is currently crafting some of the most interesting and experimental sounds to emerge from Sweden.
‘Hummingbirds’ is a gripping piece of dark pop which sets a haunting soundscape that is filled with intensity and tension. On the lyricism, Niwrian explains:
“The lyrics is steeped in metaphors, but is about friendship with bad intentions. The purely physical anxiety when people you trust don’t want you well. It is the voice of the person who experienced the text, so it is only reasonable that it is heard on the recording.”
Interestingly, the production for the song was completed just before the start of Niwrian’s testosterone treatments, meaning the voice that you hear on the track is one that no longer exists.
You can experience more of this artist’s work through his ‘From My Wounds’ EP, which can be found here.
No song sums up the midweek blues as well as ‘Stop Dreaming’ by Danish singer and songwriter Astrid Cordes.
Aside from its beautifully raw and introspective lyrics, the track’s flawlessly blended fusion of soft disco and dark indie-pop has convinced us that this is one of the most impressive Scandinavian releases so far this spring. Elaborating further on the song, Cordes explains:
“It seems like yesterday, I pulled my beloved idol posters and the luminescent stars off the walls of my teenage bedroom and moved out of my dad’s house. But here I am; happily stuck in a new role and part of life. I found myself reflecting on the success and lives of others, inevitably feeling insecure and losing faith in who I am as an artist and what I can achieve as a human being.”
“‘Stop Dreaming’ is a mental and artistic state of emergency. It’s also kind of a paradox ’cause I’ve never been more creative than I am right now. Inspired by the frustrating emotions I was going through, I sat down by the piano and wrote the song in less than 30 minutes. ‘Stop Dreaming’ is a bittersweet salute to anyone who has felt like giving up on their dreams and goals in life.”
‘Stop Dreaming’ is part of a trilogy of EP’s by Astrid, which will all come together to form her upcoming album, entitled ‘Hurry Up and Kiss Me While the Baby’s Still Asleep’ (out later this year).
Orphée Noah has to be the most exciting newcomer to emerge from Sweden so far this spring. As the son of a Swedish pianist and a French jazz singer, it comes as no surprise to learn that Noah’s sonic artistry is nothing short of spectacular.
‘Attack On Us’ was written, performed and produced by Noah himself, and fuses elements of jazz with soul and alternative pop. Lyrically inspired by the human desire for efficiency (and the dire consequences it can lead to), the song presents listeners with a stark warning on the state of the world.
The track has already picked up more than 60k cumulative streams and views since its release just over a week ago. As far as Scandinavian talent goes, they don’t get much more interesting than Orphée Noah.
If you’re looking for a cheeky slice of Scandinavian pop to bounce along to today then you’ve come to the right place.
As the title implies, ‘jealous af’ is all about jealousy – and the times when we realise that we can’t hide our envy no matter how hard we try. The track is the latest release from rising Swedish singer and songwriter Claudia Kelley, and is sure to put a smile on your faces.
Interestingly, ‘jealous af’ is part of a series which sees Kelley unveiling music that she wrote, but never ended up in the recording studio:
“As a songwriter you write a lot of songs for pitch, with other words; for other people, labels. A lot of the time they get stuck with the label saying: we love this, the artist wants it. One year goes by, you ask if they still want it, they say: yes we love it don’t give it to anyone else and then one more year goes by and so on. So I decided to release all the songs that are stuck in limbo under my project called: songs that nobody wants. With no specific artist project, no red thread. Just some songs that I still like after all this time.”
To date, Kelley has amassed more than 170k cumulative streams on Spotify from the release of just three singles, making her one Scandi pop talent to keep on your radars.
Swedish starlet JÁNA (aka Johanna Andrén) is back today with a soulful slice of R&B-pop to brighten up our mornings.
Created alongside producer Isac Hördegård, melodic new single ‘Gia’ was inspired by the story of iconic American supermodel Gia Carangi, and looks at the human desire of wanting to feel loved unconditionally.
“It is definitely a homage to Gia Carangi. I was so touched by the movie and went deeper into Gia’s life story after seeing the movie like ten times. This song is reflecting on unconditional, real love and the search for it. About living life to the fullest. It’s also about seeing beyond beauty. I think the scariest thing for a woman is to be ugly and I think that it is both very sad and very interesting.”
A talent on the rise, JÁNA has been steadily building momentum thanks to her unique style of music-making, which seamlessly blends alternative pop with soul and R&B.
JÁNA’s catalogue of releases have already amassed more than two million career streams to date, and the artist has picked up support from tastemakers as noted as BBC Radio 1, Lyrical Lemonade, Fader Magazine and COLORS.
If you feel as though you’ve already heard of Icelandic artist Klemens Hannigan then it might be from his work as a member of internationally renowned outfit HATARI.
Hannigan’s melodic new single ‘Never Loved Someone So Much’ is a beautifully intense, honest and vulnrable piece of music that fuses lo-fi pop with hints of indie and trip hop.
The track is taken from Hannigan’s forthcoming album, which will be produced alongside Leifur Björns from noted Icelandic rock group Low Roar, and also in collaboration with British electronica icon Howie B.
Faroese starlet jazzygold is back today with a sublime new single, and it might just be the best R&B banger that we’ve come across in a very long time.
Inspired by the feelings of sadness and anger that arise from having a broken heart, the song’s refreshingly honest lyrics present listeners with a topic that all too many of us are familiar with.
“We all feel like dying our hair red at some mental break point in our lives. The feeling is short but sweet and can feel like a new beginning, for a while.”
The song follows on from the artist’s widely acclaimed debut single, ‘boring like me’, which was released earlier this year. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again… this talent needs to be on everyone’s radar!
We’ve got a hugely exciting new Swedish talent to share with you today. Singer, songwriter and producer Flora Summers (aka Ida Johansson) crafts a kind of sound that is immediately captivating.
Nostalgia-tinged debut single ‘Obsessions’ blends alternative pop with hints of dark indie and hazy rock, treating listeners to a piece of music that feels heady and mesmerising. Elaborating further on the song’s lyrics, Ida explains:
“‘Obsessions’ is the kind of song that fell from the sky. All of a sudden I had summed up myself and my tendency to go way too hard into situations. I fall head over heels in love, I listen to songs that I love until I can’t stand them anymore and I get completely absorbed by characters in books and movies. It’s always all or nothing for me.”
The track serves as a taster to the artist’s forthcoming debut EP, which will is released soon. Aside from her own work as a soloist, Johansson is also part of award-winning, critically acclaimed pop duo Isle of You.
It’s been a short while, but emerging Danish starlet Rosa Raye finally returns today with a brand new single called ‘Forever Boy’.
Through its sleek yet playful blend of disco-infused pop and R&B, the song tells of the empowerment that comes with modern dating. Raye elaborates:
“I think sometimes our fear of missing out or making the wrong choice actually means that we are missing out. If we’re not fully present, and if we don’t go ‘all in’, we don’t get to experience those great feelings and things on the other side of that door. I think there’s power in making a choice and closing doors”.
The track was co-created in London alongside acclaimed musicians Teis Zacho and Louis Eliot, and continues to showcase Rosa’s natural flair for songwriting.
With only three other singles released to date, Raye has already picked up praise from heavyweight Nordic tastemakers like Soundvenue and Bands of Tomorrow, while also amassing thousands of streams online. Fans can look forward to a debut EP, which is on the way.
No matter how safe you feel in life, you can be sure that the world will find ways to turn things upside down and remind you that our time on this earth is ultimately just a long and unpredictable ride.
Danish-Corsican artist MALU’s soulful new single ‘Comfort Zone’ addresses the natural feelings of discomfort that arise when we are uncertain about the future, but also encourages us to embrace those moments, as they allow us to grow.
”Life is unpredictable. It’s full of surprises, people, experiences and moments that you never saw coming. The uncertainty about what’s to come can be frightening or even make you anxious and to some it helps to know what tomorrow or next week brings or even just what is going to happen in the movie you’re watching on Netflix. I’ve lived like that for years – safe and in control – but looking back, I never gave myself a chance to grow or develop, always living in my comfort zone.”
MALU is a talent who is already on the rise, having amassed more than a million career streams from the release of only a handful of singles. The artist headlines Vesterbro’s iconic VEGA venue later this year.
Norwegian artist, songwriter and producer Ben Alexander unveils an impressive new collaboration today alongside Italo-Venezuelan artist Arya.
With its finessed fusion of synth, pop, alternative R&B and mellow electronica, ‘Rush’ presents listeners with a dreamy and sensual sound that feels both timeless and future-forward in equal measures.
Recorded in Milan, the song’s inspiration comes from the feelings of euphoria and adrenaline that one can experience when they first fall for someone. So if you’re looking for a love anthem to play this weekend – this is the song for you!
