[Quirky Pop] Recommended Swedish Artists: Singers and Bands to Watch
Sweden, a city of water with beautiful townscapes in harmony with nature.
Like Norway, it lies at a high latitude, and it’s so stunning that you can even see the aurora.
Let me introduce some wonderful artists born in Sweden!
Of course, there are world-famous artists beloved in Japan like ABBA and The Cardigans, but what’s also striking is how many songs make you think, “I’ve heard this in a commercial or on the radio!”
Let’s enjoy the catchy charm of Swedish music!
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[Distinctive Pop] Recommended artists from Sweden. Notable singers and bands. (11–20)
Though I’m Just MeMaia Hirasawa
Maia Hirasawa is a singer-songwriter who delivers stylish pop with a warm, approachable voice.
With a Japanese father and a Swedish mother, she is a Japanese-Swedish artist with close ties to Japan.
She began writing original songs around the age of 21 and launched her music career in earnest.
After steadily building her career as a musician in Sweden and releasing her first EP, she lived in Japan for about a year.
During that time, she continued her musical activities, and the song “It Doesn’t Stop,” produced in her home studio in Sendai, was featured in a Kao “Essential” commercial.
Her voice is striking and truly wonderful!
All That She WantsAce of Base
Ace of Base is a technopop group with a slightly dark worldview.
Their signature style mixes techno and reggae.
Above all, the most captivating element is the rich, deep vocal tone, which pairs perfectly with reggae’s languid rhythms.
While Swedish pop often feels bright and catchy, like ABBA or The Cardigans, it’s interesting to see bands like Ace of Base with a distinct, moodier aesthetic.
Recommended for those who enjoy downtempo-style music!
EUPHORIALOREEN
Singer Loreen, whose performances harmonize strikingly with rich natural landscapes, rose to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, an event featuring artists from across Europe.
She masterfully delivers melodies with an ambient atmosphere that matches Sweden’s beautiful nature, alongside passionate EDM sounds.
She is also actively engaged in political and social issues, serving as an ambassador for the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, among other roles.
Be sure to listen to her voice, which has garnered numerous music awards across Europe.
Release MeAgnes
Singer Agnes rose to stardom after winning the audition show Idol2005.
She has a background as an idol and is also known for her beauty and keen fashion sense.
It’s striking how effortlessly she handles everything from dance floor–ready EDM to soulful ballads.
Her clear, translucent voice carries a powerful core—that’s part of her appeal.
She’s a must-listen not only for house music fans but also for those who love pop and ballads.
PossibilityLykke Li
Singer-songwriter Lykke Li delivers a unique sound that embraces all kinds of music to her listeners.
Having lived in many regions, mainly across Europe, she releases borderless, globally appealing songs.
Her performances, which freely employ string and wind instruments, leave a strong impression.
Building on classical melodies, she offers airy tones found in dream pop and more.
Her expansive vocals, which pair beautifully with natural landscapes and picturesque cityscapes, also make her a captivating singer.
How Crazy Are You?Meja
An intro that everyone has heard at least once.
The singer is Meja, who performed “How Crazy Are You?,” released in 1996 and a big hit in Japan.
Meja debuted in 1993 as the vocalist for the dance music group Legacy of Sound.
Three years later, she released the album Maja and made her solo debut.
The track “How Crazy Are You?” became a huge hit in Japan, and she went on to appear on Music Station and even collaborate with Hitomi Yaida, gaining immense popularity.
[Quirky Pop] Recommended Swedish Artists: Notable Singers and Bands (21–30)
On Our WayThe Royal Concept
The Royal Concept is a four-piece indie rock band based in Stockholm, Sweden.
Their appeal lies in an energetic, melodic sound that blends a variety of genres, including alternative rock, indie pop, and synth-pop.
They debuted in 2010 and gained popularity through airplay on Sweden’s national radio station P3.
In 2013, they released the album Goldrushed, and tracks from it were featured in the video game FIFA 14 and the TV series Glee, earning them international recognition.
They have toured across the United States, Europe, and Asia, and have opened for acts such as The Wombats and Wolf Gang.
Their danceable, catchy songs are recommended not only for fans of indie rock but also for those drawn to synth-pop and dance music.