- English
Music is a cultural expression that easily transcends national borders. Almost regardless of musical genre, there’s a Swedish act with international appeal. Sweden is one of the biggest exporters of music in the world, if not the biggest seen to per capita. During the month of February, we will take a closer look at this cultural phenomenon and try to sort out the secret behind Sweden’s musical success.
Hard-core fans aside, the general public don’t necessarily know that what they are moving to on the dance floor, listening to as they drive to work or downloading from the internet is Swedish. But a glance across genres will reveal a Swede or two at the top of nearly every chart imaginable: Avicii (dance), In Flames (metal), Robyn (pop), Ann Sofie von Otter (opera), Lykke Li (indie), Yohio (visual rock) and The Hives (rock), to name but a few.
And there is no shortcoming of new talents, many of whom quickly realize that if they want to support themselves with their music, Swedish audiences are just not big enough.
That success breeds success is one of many arguments used to explain the popularity of Swedish music. Budding musicians get a confidence boost having watched bands like ABBA, Roxette and Swedish House Mafia sweep the world off its feet, even if they are from a small and modest country like Sweden.
But Sweden is a country with a unique disposition to music, embedding it into everyday life. Visitors who spend time with locals will be hard hit to miss this Swedish idiosyncrasy. Ordinary Swedes don’t just sing at someone’s birthday, but at pretty much every festive occasion, whether it is a holiday carol or a short song to accompany a toast. Sweden also boasts the highest number of per capita choirs in the world.
The Swedish industry success is partially a result of an education system that provides instruments and music classes from an early age and specialized schools for those who develop an interest as they grow older. There’s also a supportive cultural policy that allows for smaller events where newcomers can work out their act and provides funds for music study circles. Swedish society encourages creativity and independent thinking. But we shouldn’t overlook the main reason for the international acclaim: the talent and hard work of the performers themselves.
In December of 2011 Swedish House Mafia was the first electronic dance act to sell out (or even play) the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. In September, 2012 Avicii countered by being the first DJ to headline Radio City Music Hall. He performed two sold out shows, the second of which sold out in less than one minute.
Swedes whose creative juices are at work off the stage create success stories of their own. Swedish producers and songwriters like Max Martin, Shellback, RedOne (Nadir Khayat) and Negin Djafari stand behind international superstars, while Jonas Åkerlund is an internationally celebrated music video director.
Whatever the reason, it’s safe to say that confidence among Swedish writers, producers, video directors and singers continues to soar high.