[Quirky Pop] Recommended Swedish Artists: Singers and Bands to Watch

PrisonerSteve Angello ft. Gary Go

Steve Angello – Prisoner ft. Gary Go

A track by Steve Angello, a DJ and producer also known as a former member of Swedish House Mafia.

It features vocals by British singer-songwriter Gary Go.

The music video depicts the brothers’ passion for and love of sports.

God KnowsMando Diao

Mando Diao – God Knows (Official Video)

Mando Diao is an alternative rock band based in Borlänge, Sweden, that also enjoys strong popularity in Japan.

Their sound is heavily influenced by 1960s mods culture and garage rock, and they are highly popular not only in their home country but also in German-speaking regions and Japan.

They debuted in 2002 with the album “Bring ‘Em In,” and achieved international success with the 2004 album “Hurricane Bar.” By 2023, when they were inducted into the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, they had sold over 150 million albums and performed more than 1,500 live shows in over 30 countries.

The band’s musical range spans from the garage rock sound of their early days, influenced by bands of the British Invasion era, to contemporary pop incorporating synthesizers.

They are highly recommended for fans of 1960s beat music and garage rock.

FembotRobyn

Robyn – Fembot

A pop anthem track by Swedish electropop singer-songwriter Robyn.

Released as a promotional single from her fifth album, Body Talk Pt.

1, in 2010.

It reached No.

3 on the Swedish charts.

ReloadSebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash

Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash, John Martin – Reload (Official Video)

Originally produced as an instrumental track by former Swedish House Mafia member Sebastian Ingrosso and Australian DJ Tommy Trash, this version featuring vocals by John Martin was released as a digital download in 2013.

You & Me SongThe Wannadies

The Wannadies – You & Me Song (Official Video)

Formed in northern Sweden in 1988, The Wannadies have long delivered the charms of alternative rock and power pop.

Their songs, woven from fresh, vibrant melodies and energetic guitar work, resonated with the Britpop movement and earned high acclaim across Europe and the US.

Since their 1989 debut EP “Smile,” the group—centered around Pär Wiksten and Christina Bergmark—has honed a distinctive musical identity.

Their 1994 album “Be a Girl” made waves on the UK indie scene, and a track from their 1997 album “Bagsy Me” reached No.

20 on the UK charts.

After reforming in 2016, they’ve continued to perform actively and have enjoyed a resurgence on TikTok, standing as a true treasure of the rock world.

If you’re looking for songs that balance breezy melodies with a touch of wistfulness—reflecting influences from The Go-Betweens and Pixies—this is the perfect band for you.

AmberStarmarket

Starmarket – Amber

Starmarket is a leading figure in ’90s Nordic emo and an essential band based in Piteå, a city in northern Sweden.

Their music blends powerful guitar sounds with delicate melodies, achieving a fine balance of emo and alternative rock elements.

They made their mark with their 1995 debut album Starmarket, and earned high acclaim both in Sweden and abroad with the follow-up, Sunday’s Worst Enemy.

Signing with prestigious labels such as Dolores Recordings and Deep Elm Records, they remained highly active through the 2004 album Abandon Time.

With emotionally rich lyrics and dynamic performances, their music left a significant impact on the Nordic emo scene.

Combining subtlety and power, they’re a band highly recommended for anyone captivated by ’90s indie rock.

I Know There’s Something Going OnFrida

Frida – I Know There’s Something Going On

A song released as a single in 1982 by Anni-Frid Lyngstad, the former ABBA singer who performed under the name Frida.

It was written by Russ Ballard, the lead singer of Argent.

It became her only hit, reaching No.

1 on the charts in Belgium, Costa Rica, and Switzerland.