Why is Sweden so successful musically?

[Apina]

Compared to all other Scandinavian nations and probably all of Europe, they seem to particularly successful when they release music. E.g. Abba, Basshunter, Agnes Carlsson, Robyn, Eric Prydz etc. What is it about Sweden that helps these artists obtain international success?

[Hurrem sultana]

asked my self the same question

[Osprey]

Abba had German genetic component.

Maybe because they have more nordids than Cro-Magnons, who are more mediterranean and thus they take on some Indo European musical aptitude.

[Contra Mundum]

Cause it's a refreshing change from the nigger crap coming out of America and the UK.

[Osprey]

I liked English Bands of 80s and 90s.
Plus some traditional Irish and Gregorian Music.

[safinator]

Abba had German genetic component.

Maybe because they have more nordids than Cro-Magnons, who are more mediterranean and thus they take on some Indo European musical aptitude.
I like your reasoning.

[Pallantides]

Those are shitty artists, Sweden do actually have good music but none that have been mentioned in this thread.:cool:



Abba had German genetic component.

Maybe because they have more nordids than Cro-Magnons, who are more mediterranean and thus they take on some Indo European musical aptitude.

Norway have much greater and stronger folk music tradition than Sweden though.

[finþaų]

Hello, I am Swedish and I do the music thing. I agree with your general postulations.

[Ushtari]

Romania is mor successful

[Incal]

Those are shitty artists, Sweden do actually have good music but none that have been mentioned in this thread.:cool:

I agree, I came to this thread with Kent, Mando Diao, El Perro del Mar, Fever Ray, etc in mind. Though not a metal fan I've heard Sweden is big on metal too.

I think the reason is Swedes cultivate arts and particularly music more than other countries and from an early age.

[Pallantides]

Kent are good at what they do, but not usually my type of music.:)


Sweden have many great metal and Rock & Roll bands.



I think the reason is Swedes cultivate arts and particularly music more than other countries and from an early age.

Swedes emphasis a lot less on folkish traditions and music than Norwegians do.

[Contra Mundum]

zkLEdC-Jn28

[sturmwalkure]

I wonder the same thing. Most of my favorite bands and artists are Swedish. I would take an entire paragraph to list them all though. :D

[Osprey]

Romania is mor successful

Rumania is moar succshfil foar the lulz?

[The Alchemist]

England is better. And also Germany. The Sisters of Mercy and D.A.F. are not swedish. Sweden just made little groups like The Hives and that wave of garage punk. Also some dark groups, but not that interesting imo.

[Contra Mundum]

Can this also double as the Swedish music thread? If there isn't one already.
51V1VMkuyx0

[Pallantides]

Some good Swedish bands:

CGTZ8Oivm9A
CaAb421KUhk
jeXChfKnh3I
iqE4mvRFcqo
_Xn3BnYaFSk
kgOn9VP9Gtk
nhSKdZ3g1nM
yL8mTNh-c84

[Pallantides]

HhReQl39iaM

[sturmwalkure]

England is better. And also Germany. The Sisters of Mercy and D.A.F. are not swedish. Sweden just made little groups like The Hives and that wave of garage punk. Also some dark groups, but not that interesting imo.

I can agree on Germany at least... bit England is not as impressive in my eyes. Germany is the only country on equal to Sweden as far as great bands go. Rammstein, Unheilig, Von Thronstahl, Project Pitchfork, Diary of Dreams, Funker Vogt.. and so on. Sweden has some GREATER darker bands IMO... Draconian for one.

[Han Cholo]

Sweden left a huge mark on Death Metal. But I don't think it's a particular Swedish phenomenon: Norway had lots of Black Metal and Finland had a good share of both. I guess the only ones lacking a bit in North Europe were Denmark or Iceland, I don't really know any remarkable Metal band from such countries.

[The Alchemist]

I can agree on Germany at least... bit England is not as impressive in my eyes. Germany is the only country on equal to Sweden as far as great bands go. Rammstein, Unheilig, Von Thronstahl, Project Pitchfork, Diary of Dreams, Funker Vogt.. and so on. Sweden has some GREATER darker bands IMO... Draconian for one.

I'm more on the postpunk/dark wave side, so it was impossible not to mention England ;) Music is english, painting is german, imo.

[Pallantides]

Denmark got Mercyful Fate
http://www.bioo.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/MERCYFUL-FATE.jpg

[jerney]

The Knife was one of my favorite groups for awhile. Not sure what they're doing nowadays though or if they even exist as a group anymore.

gKhjaGRhIYU

As for good music in Europe, Swedes can make pretty decent stuff, but the UK and then Germany are the top two on the list imo.

[Contra Mundum]

The Knife was one of my favorite groups for awhile. Not sure what they're doing nowadays though or if they even exist as a group anymore.

gKhjaGRhIYU

As for good music in Europe, Swedes can make pretty decent stuff, but the UK and then Germany are the top two on the list imo.

How about per capita?

In America, the Swedes enjoy a lot more musical success than the Germans.

[jerney]

How about per capita?

In America, the Swedes enjoy a lot more musical success than the Germans.

How many Swedish bands/singers are successful in America? Only a handful I'm sure. I think the same can be applied to German bands too.. but besides, I wasn't referring to what is popular in America, but more what music I listen to most and find to be good quality

[Contra Mundum]

How many Swedish bands/singers are successful in America? Only a handful I'm sure. I think the same can be applied to German bands too.. but besides, I wasn't referring to what is popular in America, but more what music I listen to most and find to be good quality

Are you kidding? There have been many Swedish bands and solo artists who have had hit records in America, but very few German ones.

ABBA
Europe
Roxette
Neneh Cherry
Ace of Base
The Cardigans
Rednex
Eagle-Eye Cherry
Peter, Bjorn and John
Bathory
Yngwie Malmsteen
Blue Swede
Frida
The Hives

and probably more I am not aware being that I don't follow pop music as much these days.

Considering it's a country with under 10 million people, it makes it more impressive.

[Corvus]

It`s not only Punk and Metal bands.
They are succesful in nearly all genres.
I think it is due to a high value of music in general and
talented people who are able to speak and sing fluent English.

[Heart of Oak]

Because there special with Decks n Bass, something I'd whishfor all....
Sweads we played as children in the Beat.....,
Sugar beat....
A smack on the wad makes you sleep???????

[Richard]

In the air tonight by Union Carbide Productions:thumb001:

[Comte Arnau]

I don't think they are more succesful than other countries, although it's true that proportionally they've had some more world-wide known mainstream bands than others.

The reasons? Well, a tendency for easy-listening rock-poppy styles and an almost natural use of commercial English.

[Apina]

Many English people who I have spoken with say that many Scandinavians, when they speak English, have almost no accent. Maybe this can be a factor?

Here is another famous Swede:
7CUppvIv7Ak

I definitely notice more Swedes than e.g. French, German, Norwegian or Danish, in English/American mainstream pop

[Aces High]

Many English people who I have spoken with say that many Scandinavians, when they speak English, have almost no accent.

Ohhhu Yus theuy du.

[Aredhel]

Opeth
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bb5NJn98IU/UOEY4jqmIiI/AAAAAAAABvk/wrYpqqh4ZOE/s1600/opeth1.jpg

Arch Enemy
http://www.bestrockpics.com/data/media/15/arch-enemy-2_1024_768.jpg

Therion
http://degotico.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/therion.jpg

Bathory
http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/300x300/16346609.jpg

Watain
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_m8bbzNqdiNk/TOXdISG10fI/AAAAAAAAAn8/RtkPNKE6VfA/s400/watain.jpg

Amon Amarth
http://voyalconcierto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Amon-Amarth-en-Mexico-20121.jpg

[Virtuous]

Hello, I am Swedish and I do the music thing. I agree with your general postulations.

I fart in your general derection, you snobby basterd.

[bladieblah]

Many English people who I have spoken with say that many Scandinavians, when they speak English, have almost no accent. Maybe this can be a factor?

I think because all Swedes learn English in school, as it is compulsory, is one of the reasons they tend to not have much of an accent. My cousin even goes to an English secondary school, where most of his teachers are British, so when he speaks English I can hardly hear an accent. But the older generation often have strong accents as it wasn't compulsory back then.

[Balmung]

The only person i have heard of in your list is Abba. The rest i have to say who? unless you mean success in Europe. Because here? we don't know who in the blind hell Robyn or Agnes Carlsson is lol. Inflames was the last Swedish anything to make it here. I think people have forgotten about them now though. Haven't heard from them since that album a couple years back.

[Lux Aeterna]

Bathory
http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/300x300/16346609.jpg



I honestly don't see the greatness of Bathory, dude couldn't sing. My favourites are Sabaton and In Flames.

Great performance;
4LJOYxVuIyw

[Pallantides]

:eek:


In Flames is pure filth in comparison to Bathory!

[Hurrem sultana]

swedish house maffia ;)

[Lux Aeterna]

:eek:

In Flames is pure filth in comparison to Bathory!

Meh... :rolleyes: :D


swedish house maffia ;)

Go away.

[Neanderthal]

I honestly don't see the greatness of Bathory, dude couldn't sing. My favourites are Sabaton and In Flames.

Great performance;
4LJOYxVuIyw

C_S5cXbXe-4

[Hurrem sultana]

Meh... :rolleyes: :D



Go away.

you dont like swedish house mafia `?

[Vasa]

Some known..

-TTPGAy5H_E

1y6smkh6c-0

Besides Sweden has lots of good music in many genres to offer. Most not that known outside Sweden or most not particularly known outside its genre.

wcv3v6XfEvM

QbP--RsNj70

PC57z-oDPLs

A1aT8fNBts8

[Pallantides]

C_S5cXbXe-4

My reaction...


I think I almost had a heart attack.

[Lux Aeterna]

you dont like swedish house mafia `?

No.


My reaction...

I think I almost had a heart attack.

I suppose I'm excluded from the Apricity metal club now xD

[Balmung]

Are you kidding? There have been many Swedish bands and solo artists who have had hit records in America, but very few German ones.

ABBA
Europe
Roxette
Neneh Cherry
Ace of Base
The Cardigans
Rednex
Eagle-Eye Cherry
Peter, Bjorn and John
Bathory
Yngwie Malmsteen
Blue Swede
Frida
The Hives

and probably more I am not aware being that I don't follow pop music as much these days.

Considering it's a country with under 10 million people, it makes it more impressive.

Ive heard of Europe & Cardigans in your list, but i think you're listing a bunch of 1 hit wonders and bands that weren't that successful here.

Cardigans for example were one hit wonders like the Russian Tatu was. They came here made one song and a video of them doing some lesbo action. People went crazy over it, and just as quickly they vanished & Americans forgot all about them. It was the same with Cardigans, they were one hit wonders.

This is another Swedish band i can remember, they were also one hit wonders. After this song they probably got no more plays.

an6A-Wu6-B4

Most Swedish acts never had the lasting impact British bands & singers had and still continue to have today.

If Americans want to hear Swedish music, they would do it the same way they do for Japanese music basicaly through the internet. Because we won't hear of it outside of that.

Even on most Tv shows, if the soundtrack consist of a non American band it will usualy be British, Canadian, or even sometimes Australia.

As for your comment about German acts, they were more successful in the 80s they had lots of hair metal bands, and bands like Scorpions. They also practicaly paved the way for Thrash metal with Kreator.

However after the 80s American mainstream shifted attention further away from metal, and German acts being mostly metal bands faded away. Germany never had many "pop" acts here as Britain did.

[Annihilus]

Oh yeah!

PTqCwlQODxo

http://wiijzeman.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/cia-berg1.jpg

[pinguino]

Compared to all other Scandinavian nations and probably all of Europe, they seem to particularly successful when they release music. E.g. Abba, Basshunter, Agnes Carlsson, Robyn, Eric Prydz etc. What is it about Sweden that helps these artists obtain international success?

Besides ABBA, I don't thinK the world know many other artists at. Yes, Abba is known all over the world, but is a single case of extraordinary success.

[Hurrem sultana]

Besides ABBA, I don't thinK the world know many other artists at. Yes, Abba is known all over the world, but is a single case of extraordinary success.


Only Abba,Swedish house mafia are international today


maybe the hives too

[Pallantides]

I suppose I'm excluded from the Apricity metal club now xD

Hmm, do you at least like Hypocrisy or Dissection?

kgOn9VP9Gtk
_Xn3BnYaFSk

[Vesuvian Sky]

Sweden partly succeeds due to sheer volume. But why even the volume?

As I understand, the arts are subsidized not only in Sweden but throughout Scandinavia. So whereas some countries populations would be less inclined to pursue music due to the risk factors ('not making it', generally sucking at it, etc.) it seems Sweden's subsidy to the arts helps fuels many to pick up the guitar or whatever and give it a shot.

Other aspect to this is Swedish metal. Not all that surprising that the country produces so much as the genre is culturally compatible with the whole viking-warrior history there plus how paganism persisted there longer then in the south. Also I did a break down of artists by country on my metal ownings at RYM and aside from the US and Britain, Sweden ranked high for releases that I own.

At the Gates 'Slaugher of the Soul' was a very influential album for its time and helped further jumpstart Swedish metal's development it seems.

[Balmung]

Easiest way for success in America for a non Anglo is to get your song on big movies or any entertainment, thats how Abba got big. Dancing Queen was played out everywhere.

A band i currently like from Sweden.
vGPUrdirnwA

They were originaly in this Doom band
9VG_KkELmlE

I still listen to metal, but i'm currently going through my Punk/Progressive rock phase, and as you can imagine most bands dedicated to those genres aren't Scandinavian.

[Lux Aeterna]

the OMG cat...

That's funny, that's exactly how I felt when you quoted a whole song by Jay Z... xD :picard1:


Hmm, do you at least like Hypocrisy or Dissection?



No I don't like Hypocrisy, and Dissection I don't know of.

A few Swedish bands I like;

Tad Morose

Nostradameus

Lake of tears

Cryonic Temple

Nocturnal Rites

Therion

[Pallantides]

No I don't like Hypocrisy, and Dissection I don't know of.

...
You are hopeless and beyond redemption :D

[Dandelion]

Because Sweden > rest EU.

(EU mind you, Norway isn't part of it)

[Dombra]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8upv8yjsC2I

The first and superior of the Swedish successful musicians. To bad most has not even even heard of him :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8upv8yjsC2I

[Bari]

Den bästa av dem alla:
zdAHueOU6CcMe4hQg7XqHs
:whoo:

[SkyBurn]

The only Swedish musicians I know are ABBA, Basshunter, and Swedish House Mafia...

I feel uncultured...

[Permafrost]

In Flames is pure filth in comparison to Bathory before Blood on Ice (when he became a sellout)!

Fixed.

[Caismeachd]

I liked the first At the Gates albums before Slaughter of the Soul. Old Swedish punk was cool as well like Asta Kask and Anti-cimex.

Read that Sweden stresses music courses from an early age. Elsewhere at public schools there aren't any music courses due to lack of funding.

[hisn]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7zNYSXPKtw

[turkojew]

Trentemöller is from Denmark so i oppose that.

[Aviator]

Germany probably wins in terms of number of great composers produced, but basically all European nations had their fair share of talented writers.

I really don't think modern music should be taken into consideration when talking about a country's musical talent, since most music today is severely lacking in many musical aspects.

[hisn]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvX-vwakHhg

[Borna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwdcFVsmYtU

[Neon Knight]

Candlemass, Yngwie Malmsteen.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fx8qBPgfrA

[Gustave H]

Aryan fucking superiority.

[FeederOfRavens]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNuQakpjnM0

[Borna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWYFS1XEBug

I seriously want to go out and headbang

[Elsa]

I enjoy Swedish music in general. I like these songs, among others.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqu132vTl5Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrjwqXwyzNU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KmG3SSqJsQ

[oh-nahhh]

Progg!!!1

[Oneeye]

Swedish is supposed to be a musical language.