Avicii’s On His Way Out — Here Are Seven Swedish Acts On The Way In
Earlier this week, Scandinavian DJ and veritable hit-maker, Avicii, announced that he’d be retiring from music at the age of 26. Noting that he’d “become an adult while growing as an artist,” but realized that he ultimately needed to “make the change [he’d] been struggling with for a while,” Avicii, né Tim Bergling, took to his website to announce an indefinite hiatus from live performances. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, the DJ is one of several pop hitmakers the Scandinavian country has churned out. As Avicii makes his departure, keep an eye out for these seven Swedish-born pop acts on the rise.
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Icona Pop
You’re probably already well aware of the Swedish duo’s hits — try to avoid “I Love It” on a night out and you’re in for a rude awakening — but the band’s deep cuts and more recent singles (see: “Emergency” and “Someone Who Can Dance”) are pure Dance-Pop bliss.
Listen to: “Someone Who Can Dance”
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Léon
Named as an artist to watch by the likes of Idolator, InStyle, and Buzzfeed, the Swedish songstress is not only equipped with stunningly soulful pipes, but a knack for creating genuine, quality pop songs. Though she’s only released a total of four songs (included on her debut EP, “Treasure”), they’ve already amassed over 20 million collective Spotify listens.
Listen to: “Nobody Cares”
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Noonie Bao
With achingly beautiful songs like “Oceans Deep” and “Criminal Love,” Noonie Bao brings a unique depth to the pop game, creating songs that are at once upbeat and slightly dark. Add that to the stunning imagery and craftsmanship characteristic of her music videos, and you’ve got a certifiable pop star on your hands.
Listen to: “Pyramids”
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Zara Larsson
Whether you’re a fan of underrated banger “Lush Life” or the singer’s radio-friendly collab with singer MNEK, “Never Forget You,” Zara’s pop talents make her poised to become a top 40 staple in the next coming months.
Listen to: “Lush Life”
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Tove Styrke
Though Tove Styrke placed third in the 2009 cycle of Swedish Idol, the Scandinavian singer’s produced nothing but winners. From her funky covers (see: “…Baby One More Time”) to her genre-bending collaborations (“Aftergold,” featuring Big Wild), to her blissful originals, Tove’s shaping up to be one of the pop game’s most exciting artists on the rise.
Listen to: “Borderline”
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Erik Hassle
Hassle recently received the seal of approval from superstar Taylor Swift, who placed the Swedish singer at the top of her “New Songs That Will Make Your Life More Awesome” list. The recommendation was not in vain — Hassle’s music is infectious and brimming with poignancy.
Listen to: “No Words”
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Elliphant
Elliphant’s music is both bright and unapologetic, flexing fiery beats and brazen lyrics (“Spoon Me” and “Step Down” are both song titles and commands) that’ll leave you searching for the nearest dancefloor. Her sophomore album, “Living Life Golden,” is no exception — and features a long list of esteemed collaborators, including Major Lazer, Skrillex, and MØ.
Listen to: “Love Me Long”
Image Credit:
Léon image: Columbia Records / Sony Music Worldwide
Noone Bao image: 2many Freckles AB
Erik Hassle image: Island Records
