So there are two versions of this song, the synth poppy greatness that got first grabbed my attention a few months ago and a piano version. Just ethereal vocals and beautiful simplistic piano, Call Me’s new song change is magnificently glorious. For a whole week I debated what version I was going to post and finally decided to go with the piano version. It’s raw, lovely and hits me in my little heart.
Pop
Molly Nilson – Plaza Italia
Dark vocals, mixed with a happy synth beat make Molly Nilsson’s new release awesome. I imagine myself listening to this crossing the bridge from Manhattan into Brooklyn and looking out the window of the subway train smiling. Such a great heartfelt song.
Hello Saferide – I Was Jesus
I had Hello Saferide on my Throwback Thursday list, but you can’t imagine how excited I got last week when I was writing my blog to find she released a new song. Her six year hiatus was well worth it. This is a simply divine fun pop song!
The Sun Days – (Get Him) Off Your Mind
New twee pop goodness from Göteborg’s Sun Days. I get so excited when bands tease but then release new music. I can’t wait to hear a full ep or album. If this is what we’ve heard from them so far, we have a lot of goodness to expect!
Throwback Thursday – Vanessa – Upside Down
So last year my darling Brother Oblivious discovered a woman named Vanessa. Don’t ask me how, but she has taken over his life by storm. I think Olivia Newton John stole her “Physical” video idea from Vanessa. I have no idea which came first but Olivia got nothin’ on Vanessa.
Les Big Byrd – Anywhere but Here
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.
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.
Swedes are Sweet 