This week has been off to an exciting start with new music by some of my favorites. Les Big Byrd has released an awesome new track called “Anywhere but Here” It has the hashtag of boogie and that is rather fitting. I am loving the groove of this song.
Author: swedesaresweet
Wildbirds and Peacedrums – The Offbeat
I am excited to feature the new Wildbirds and Peacedrums single “The Offbeat.” This song brings soul and deep beats to pop music with just the use of vocals and percussion. I’m really enjoying this!
Special Feature – Hampus Nessvold – Thinking Out Loud
So sorry I did not send some awesome posts your way yesterday. I took quite the tumble on Saturday and pretty much slept all day. Today I bring you something extra special. My first ever interview!!!
I was lucky enough to have the chance to interview the new arena pop artist Hampus Nessvold. Like I’m beginning my musical blogging journey, Hampus has recently released his first single! I was able to ask him a few questions and get a little insight into his musical journey. He is off to a great start with his amazing single “Thinking Out Loud”
See his answers to my questions below and make sure you check out his song!
Swedesaresweet: You have been working with music for quite some time, what pushed you to release your own single? How long have you been working on your music project?
Hampus: I’ve been working with music and songwriting for a few years. However, I’ve not been able to find the sound that connects with me. Now when I finally found it; releasing a single was the obvious thing to do.
Swedesaresweet: Your song is about looking back and wanting to go back to your childhood. What are your fondest musical memory from childhood?
Hampus: I don’t have so many musical memories from my childhood, my interest in music came later. The only thing I remember is that my dad always listened to a Swedish indie band that I considered being ‘crap’. I’m now listening to them myself and I love it. Funny how time changes our way of thinking.
Swedesaresweet: Lots of musicians speak of the bands and artist that influenced them. Who has been the most influential to you and why? Also, what have you learned from them?
Hampus: I’m inspired tremendously of female voices. I’ve, for as long as I can remember, been listening to primarily women artists. There’s something in a woman’s voice that affects in a way that most men are not even near. I find great inspiration in Amy Winehouse who is my musical god. I love her in the modern musical world with mindless music topping the charts. Overall she went on with her own style and showed the world an alternative that would work better, in my opinion. The greatest lessons learned by Amy is to always be myself in the music. That if you lose yourself among others you will become a product, I want to be an artist.
Swedesaresweet: Most music lovers can look back and think of the first album they bought on their own. Mine was Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins, do you recall what album you purchased for the first time on your own?
Hampus: I wish I had a cool answer to that question, but I was not so cool back when I bought my first album. ”Jag har ingenting att förlora” (I got nothing to lose) with Linda Bengtzing, who is a Swedish pop singer. No further comments about that…
Swedesaresweet: If there was one band or artist who you’d drop anything to go on tour with who would that be?
Hampus: Dead or alive? Amy Winehouse in all categories.
Swedesaresweet: What advice would you give to other young upcoming artists who are nervous about releasing their new music?
Hampus: My advise for new young artists on the way up is to not hesitate. Do you believe that what you do is good it’s worth fighting for? Never hesitate no matter what people say. Hurry up slowly.
Swedesaresweet: Last Question, non music related. If you could reincarnate as any being, (human/animal/mythical character) what would it be and why?
Hampus: What a good question! That’s one of those questions that turns into some kind of philosophy that I will walk around and think about all the time because the answer can always be improved. My spontaneous answer is probably a bird. Imagine being able to fly and see the world from a whole new perspective. Just wow!
Thanks Hampus for the opportunity and may your career soar like a bird!
Kate Boy – Self Control
So yesterday, I passed on the electro pop dance jam. Today I’ll make up for that with the amazing dance worthy Kate Boy. Synth pop magic to be featured on their upcoming album. Though I tried to practice self control at work while listening to this self, I couldn’t help but throw my hands up and start dancing. If you’re an electro/synth pop fan, I am sure this will be added to your collection.
Brothers of End – Baby Love
Usually on Fridays, I like to feature a dancey poppy song to take you into the weekend. But this Friday, I am not in the mood for that. Instead I will give you something that is absolutely beautifully put together. It’s been compared to the masterful T Rex “Get It On” and the more you get into the song it definitely shines through. Please enjoy this delicious treat.
El Perro Del Mar – Change of Heart
Sultry and sexy throwback to El Perro Del Mar. El Perro Del Mar’s sings the sweet sadness of love and live through beautifully vocals and melancholy lyrics. Other than Lykke Li, I can’t think of anyone else how has mastered this so gracefully. Check her out!
Asha Ali – Stop Talking
I thought I had featured this a few months back, but I guess I was wrong and I wish I would have posted this sooner because I love it. Asha Ali simple catchy lyrics with a lovely beat. She makes sexual demands sound so sweet, cute and pretty.
Sea Lion – Sanna’s Song
It’s like Mazzy Star met the Cranes and replaced Hope Sandoval with Alison Shaw and out of it came Sea Lion. From Göteborg, Sea Lion is a band I know a lot of my friends would enjoy. When I found them, it was like I had found my lost treasure. I’m mesmerized by Linn Osterberg’s voice. It’s absolutely beautiful and the melodies is simply divine. I also can’t put into words how great her covers are. It’s like you’re listening to a totally different song. When everyone’s raving about First Aid Kit, they need to give Sea Lion some attention! I love this!
Maasai – Forgive Me
Electro pop duo from Stockholm, Maasai is something you need to hear. Beautiful, dream whispery vocals combined with a lovely electro beat make this song hard to not like. Maasai is on their way to joining the rest of the Electro-pop greats out of Sweden.
Lady Banana – Wall of Cheese
A wall of cheese sounds rather delightful, and so does the song. I still don’t get why this song is called Wall of Cheese, but this is upbeat, rocky and great garage rock. Of course, this indie greatness comes out of Göteborg. As the end of the song says, I can listen to this “Again and again and again.”
Swedes are Sweet 