New Music: Tobias Arbo

Fans of Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens will most likely fall in love with Swedish musician Tobias Arbo (aka Tobias Ekelund), who has just unveiled his latest single, ‘Within’.

In its quintessential Nordic style of sound, the song presents listeners with a production that is sparse, simple and minimal – yet somehow still feels warm, thoughtful and beautifully contemplative.

“A few years ago, I found a box of video cassettes that my dad had recorded throughout my childhood. I started watching them and was reminded of the cheerful and vibrant child I was. But at the same time, it made me experience a kind of sadness, as memories of the shy and sensitive person that I’d also been clouded the image. During my childhood, I experienced a lot of anxiety, at times having trouble being in school and hanging out with friends. I was five years old at the time my sister was born and it wasn’t until I’d grown up that I started to reflect on how it might have affected her – having an older brother who periodically pulled away.”

The track is taken from Tobias’ upcoming ‘Powerlines’ debut EP, which will be released on 31st March 2023.

“The EP is a contemplation on the self and its different parts, voices, and moods. It’s about listening to the noise of these voices’ endless dialogue and trying to connect with the many parts of oneself that want to be heard. For example, facing the inner child, whose early experiences shape us so much more than we tend to believe, or struggling with the inner critic, who raises self-doubt and prevents us from getting where we want to go.”

Tobias Arbo

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Sofia Monroy – Control

It wouldn’t a normal weekend at Alfitude without featuring some premium Swedish music, and today it’s the turn of Sofia Monroy.

Serving as the last single from her forthcoming ‘Telenovela’ EP (out in the spring), new single ‘Control’ presents listeners with a perfected fusion of future-forward pop, alternative R&B and soul.

The resulting sound is one that feels sleek, finessed and refreshingly experimental in tone.

“‘Control’ is about the fear of losing control in connection with the longing to be someone else’s everything. All of a sudden you find yourself there, tied behind and perplexed, perhaps in love or maybe just stuck.”

To date, this rising Stockholm-based starlet has accumulated more than 300k career streams on Spotify alone.

Sofia Monroy

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Asy Saavedra – Masterpiece

If you’re unfamiliar with Swedish-American artist Asy Saavedra, then today’s release of ‘Masterpiece’ could be your perfect introduction.

Refreshingly original in its approach to pop, ‘Masterpiece’ treats listeners to an avant-garde style of sound that feels eccentric and experimental, yet still maintains a playful essence.

As a vocalist, songwriter, producer and composer, Saavedra creates her own solo work while also serving as lead singer and keyboard player with acclaimed electro-pop outfit Chaos Chaos.

Asy Saavedra | Chaos Chaos

New Music: Edgar Homeros

An artist already on the rise in Sweden, Edgar Homeros looks set to take on the rest of the continent by storm in 2023.

Following on from the release of his debut song ‘Centerfolds’ last year (which became an instant hit, amassing well over 80k streams on Spotify alone), Homeros returns with new single ‘Heartless‘.

Through its gorgeously emotive fusion of indie and electronic pop, the song presents listeners with a sound that feels both melancholic and energising in equal measures.

“When I released “Centerfolds” several people told me that it felt like a song for autumn, which was great to hear. In the same way I think ‘Heartless’ fits perfectly now after new years, where you have one foot still in the darkness of winter, but we still move towards brighter times.

Even though it’s more upbeat and dynamic in comparison to ‘Centerfolds’ it keeps the same theme, and it’s one of my favourite tracks from the EP.”

With such a strong start to the year, Homeros is one Scandinavian artist to keep on your radars.

Edgar Homeros

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New Music: DOTO

Representing Sweden’s next generation of music talent is DOTO, whose new single ‘Peace of Mind’ serves as a masterclass in melancholic soul-pop.

Thoughtfully constructed in both it’s lyricism and composition, the song looks at our need for calm in the troubled world that we live in.

While still a relative newcomer (‘Peace of Mind’ is only DOTO’s second release), this talent has her eyes set for global domination, and is collaborating alongside acclaimed songwriters Jade Ell and Joakim Buddee on new material.

DOTO

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Izza Gara – You’ve Done / Came To Dance

We recently came across Swedish-Turkish artist Izza Gara’s new single, ‘You’ve Done’, and realised that we’ve never actually featured this emerging starlet before… so now we are!

A talent of many crafts, Gara is not only a singer and songwriter but also a dancer and painter.

Songs like ‘You’ve Done’ demonstrate Gara’s unique approach to music production, which fuses elements of alternative pop with R&B, resulting in sounds that are distinctly unique yet still carry mainstream appeal.

Speaking on previous single ‘Come To Dance’, Gara eplains:

“Everything started with a jam after a pause from a session. We had so much energy and no one could focus. We programmed the beat and composed the chords and the bass through an old analog synth. After that we recorded it through the voice memo on the phone, so every instrument sound is from the iPhone mic.”

Gara aims to tour across Europe in 2023. In the meantime, fans can enjoy debut album ‘Lonely Too’, which is out now.

Izza Gara

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Ellen Krauss – This Time Of Year

Swedish starlet Ellen Krauss returns today with a powerful new single that serves as a refreshing alternative to the festive sound that we are all accustomed to.

‘This Time Of Year’ is an emotionally-driven pop ballad that was inspired by those who feel lost and rootless during the season, and is a reminder that Christmas affects people around us in very different ways.

“‘This Time Of Year’ is a song I wrote from my ‘aunts’ perspective. She’s not really my aunt but she’s always been in my family because she no longer has a family of her own. Christmas is always a tough time for her as she’s reminded of those she’s lost and it’s all very moving to me.”

As one of Sweden’s most prominent musical exports to emerge in recent years, Krauss has not only become a critic’s darling, but also accumulated millions of streams and performed over 80 live shows to date.

Ellen Krauss

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New Music: Sarah von Reis

Photo / Johanna Pettersson

Sharp-eyed fans of Scandinavian pop may already recognise singer and songwriter Sarah von Reis as a former member of Swedish pop phenomenon Dolly Style.

Since breaking with the band in 2018, von Reis has focused on her work as a solo artist, and is now setting her sights on becoming one of Sweden’s newest stars.

Written alongside Maja Francis and produced by Andreas ‘Hyena’ Söderlund, ‘All My Ghosts’ treats listeners to a dark yet playful sound that feels both haunting and intriguing in character.

“It’s the first love song I ever wrote. Maybe it’s not a classic love ballad, but it’s more about feeling naked, closing your eyes and hoping you’re good enough. The text is based on a love letter I wrote to a girl. When I realised I am gay, love suddenly felt a lot scarier. Like suddenly there was more at stake. I have something to lose if she doesn’t want me.”

Upcoming debut EP ‘Melancholia High Season’ is scheduled for release in March 2023. 

Sarah von Reis

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Felish – Can I be sad too?

An artist to watch from Scandinavia next year will be Afro-Swedish singer, songwriter and producer Felish.

A former recipient of the LACM Linda Perry Scholarship, this talented musician has been working alongside hitmakers and releasing songs since her 2016 debut, ‘A Dream’.

New single ‘Can I be sad too?’ further continues to showcase Felish as a pop star in the making, and treats listeners to a sleek fusion of melodic soul-pop and funky disco.

Felish

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New Music: Varas

While Varas may be a name new to many of you, this emerging 25-year old talent has been gaining momentum across the Nordic region since the release of his 2020 debut EP, ‘Set One’.

Hailing from Sweden, Varas is the musical moniker for self-taught Chilean producer, singer and songwriter Benjamin Muñoz Varas.

Signed to the legendary TEN Music Group, Varas constructs a style of alternative indie-pop that feels understated yet melancholic, sincere and emotive in tone.

Elaborating on the inspiration behind his latest release, Varas explains:

 “‘New Light’ got created out of surprise and by getting to know new sides of myself. It was equally scary and relieving when I realised I’d always replace me with another me. I was convinced the person I identified as was a constant thing, a solid rock. I change each year and each day.”

“It doesn’t matter if I’ve convinced myself into a certain direction, all it takes is romances, friendships, losing and getting jobs, letting go of dreams or creating new ones to lose the sense of it. It’s dumb. But don’t get me wrong, it’s a positive and vital ability. Although when I think about it, scratch what I said. It could also just be a song about falling in love at the wrong time. Ask me again tomorrow!”

The track serves a taster to Varas’ forthcoming EP, which is set for release early next year.

Varas

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Janice Prix – Stone Love

Acclaimed Swedish indie outfit Janice Prix are back today with a new single entitled ‘Stone Love’.

Dark, haunting and atmospheric in tone, the song attributes its intensity to being written and produced during the pandemic. Elaborating on the lyrics, guitarist and producer MK explains:

“[The song] definitely revolves around destroying something beautiful and turning it into something awful. It happens in both love and friendship.”

Since releasing debut album ‘Waking’ in 2020, Janice Prix have gone on to tour across Europe and South Korea, while also garnering critical praise from the likes of The Line of Best Fit and Hype Magazine.

Janice Prix

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New Music: Deki Alem

Consisting of brothers Sammy and Johnny Bennett, Deki Alem is a new musical project emerging from Sweden that incorporates elements of drum’n’bass with hip hop, electronica and punk.

The resulting sound presents listeners with tracks that are refreshingly invigorating and energising in tone.

Rapidly gaining traction across Scandinavia, Deki Alem have already garnered praise from the likes of GAFFA Sweden and Kingsize Magazine.

Deki Alem

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Ellen Krauss – Tie Me Down

Acclaimed Scandinavian singer and songwriter Ellen Krauss unveils a new single today entitled ‘Tie Me Down’.

Inspired by the inner conflicts that come with commitment, the song continues to showcase the beautiful fusions of indie and alternative pop that Krauss has mastered so well.

“The song is about not wanting to commit to someone because you’re convinced you’ll find someone even better. But you still stick around just because it’s good and exciting. I wrote this song this fall, I was out and about, dating round and it was great but it was always like ”she’s not you”. 

Since her debut in 2019 (with LGBTQ anthem The One I Love’), Krauss has garnered praise from the likes of Billboard, Earmilk, Clash, Fault and 1883 Magazine, while her catalogue of work has exceeded 47 million streams to date.

Ellen Krauss

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The Sweet Serenades – Back in Your Arms

Swedish one man-band The Sweet Serenades (aka singer and songwriter Martin Nordvall) unveils his new single today, entitled ‘Back in Your Arms’.

Created alongside producer Johannes Berglund (who has worked with the likes of Fever Ray and Shout Out Louds), the song presents listeners with a beautifully emotive and captivating fusion of indie, alternative pop and folk.

Fans based in Germany will be pleased to know that The Sweet Serenades will be touring the country from 29th Oct to 6th Nov 2022 – tickets can be found here.

The Sweet Serenades

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New Music: Mikaela Stenmo

Mikaela Stenmo continues Sweden’s proud tradition as being the home of electro-pop with the release of new single, ‘Heart Attack’.

Unmistakably Scandinavian in character, the song’s melancholic essence contrasts beautifully against an uptempo electronic production, while the lyrics tell of the stresses that come with being in love.

“The lyrics explore how I realise that I am the culprit in a fight between my ex boyfriend and I and try anything and everything to get him back. The song highlights the stress one feels when desperately trying to get a hold of someone they love.”

The song was originally conceived in 2020 with the help of Wille Enblad and Lucas Albrektsson, and has undergone two years of revisions before its release today.

Mikaela Stenmo

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Janice – My Kind Of Woman

Not many talents can claim to have released a new single and EP while also launching their international acting debut at the same time. But that is most certainly the case for Swedish artist Janice.

Lifted from new EP ‘The Playlist’ (out now), ‘My Kind Of Woman’ expertly fuses nostalgic soul and alternative R&B with power-pop, ultimately creating a bold anthem for body acceptance:

“‘My Kind Of Woman’ is an anthem that celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. It’s about being the woman you want to be. Dare to throw yourself out there, flourish and believe in your own power. Don’t let anyone else define you.”

Janice also stars in Netflix drama series ‘The Playlist’, which was inspired by the origins of Spotify (streaming globally now).

Janice

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New Music: Namelle

Photo / Agnes Strand

One of Sweden’s most promising pop starlets right now has to be singer and songwriter Namelle.

Having already amassed well over four million cumulative streams on Spotify to date (including a successful collaboration with Dutch producer Piece Wise), this rising talent has marked herself as a Scandi artist to watch.

Speaking on the lyrical meaning behind her newly-released single ‘Goodbye Boy’, Namelle says:

“‘Goodbye Boy’ says ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ to all the Romeos out there who think you’re interested in them just because you’re being nice.”

Fans can look forward to Namelle’s forthcoming EP, ‘Salt’, which is scheduled for release later this year.

Namelle

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New Music: Boko Yout

Not much is known about Stockholm-based artist Boko Yout (aka Paul Adamah), but the music pretty much speaks for itself.

This is a sound that pushes indie music to the extreme. Bold, experimental, invigorating and refreshingly unique in tone, songs like ‘ANXIETY’ are as captivating as they are intriguing.

There is no doubt in our minds that this emerging talent will become one of Sweden’s newest musical exports in the coming future.

Boko Yout

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Sötnos – Care About Nothing

It’s barely been a month since we last featured Stockholm duo Sötnos, but today marks their return with the release of new single, ‘Care About Nothing’.

With its eccentric mix of indie, pop and rock, the song delivers a sound that feels care-free, fun and uplifting – and further cements Sötnos as one of Sweden’s most exciting newcomers.

“This was the first song we ever made together. Recording this song, we jumped up and down and screamed as loud as we could. It was a total blast and it went fast and we hope it translates for you out there listening.”

The track shares its name with the duo’s debut album, which is also released today and can be heard here.

Sötnos

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Juliander – We

Photo / Fredrik Etoall

Swedish singer, songwriter and producer Juliander unveils his latest single, entitled ‘We’.

With its refreshingly original approach to pop, the sound feels experimental and future-forward in tone, yet also carries a deeply emotive and meloncholic undertone which is truly captivating to experience.

Speaking on the single, Juliander says:

“‘We’ was born from a single sound and the lyrics came to me right away. It was written in a one take. Everything felt natural and it just flowed, the best feeling for a songwriter. I experimented a lot in the production and my favourite part is probably the instrumental after the second chorus, it just feels euphoric and I love it.”

Already an established artist in his native Sweden (with over 95k monthly listeners on Spotify alone), Juliander has released a string of successful hits and toured alongside the likes of Zara Larsson and Alan Walker.

Juliander

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