Scan Magazine
|
Culture |
Columns
Scandinavian pop on an Olympian scale Finnish pop icon Jenni Vartiainen is currently on a huge summer tour of her country, and she’s just released a brand-new single to wow the crowds with. Featuring Etta, Viimeinen Pisara is a string-laden, synth-fuelled tune with a chorus so catchy, that if you’re not a native you’ll be craving a better grip of the Finnish language so as to be able to sing along. Already envying all those adoring audiences that will be getting to see it performed live all summer. Swedish artist XOV is out with an electrifying new song as his latest single. How Does It Feel starts off with a bang – introducing us to a throbbing electro production that commands attention while evoking fond musical memories of both Donna Summer and New Order. Those final 30 seconds are particularly special when every element of the track seems to ascend even higher.
By Karl Batterbee
Icelandic pop gent Daniel Oliver is out with a sun-kissed summer soundtrack for us to soak up. Titled Holiday, he sings of his need to pause all thoughts and get away. Relatable, right? His shopping list of rest requirements in the lyrics is paired with a chilled-out, blissed-up pop production – that makes it sound like he’s just arrived at his destination. It’s a whole vibe that will have you pining for your next vacation. Swedish popstar LIAMOO has enjoyed a nicely packed release schedule since competing in the Melodifestivalen final in March with Dragon. He’s put out the dance track Love On Repeat with Lucas Estrada, as well as the rock reckoning Flame with Smash Into Pieces. Now he’s out with a tune of his own – and he’s doing it for all of Sweden. Hjärtan is the official song for Sweden’s participation in
the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and he’s cheering the athletes on with a suitably anthemic, beat-driven bop with plenty of – as the title suggests – heart! www.scandipop.co.uk
Monthly Illustration
The most discontented privileged person I have said it before. The transition between countries you belong to is really difficult. There is so much to love in both places. However, I will always choose a Swedish summer over a British one. There is just so much space in Sweden and hardly any people, and when you are on your holiday, that's exactly what you want. A forest lake and just some birds and hedgehogs to keep you company. For the rest of the year, I have been happily surrounded by chatty, friendly, witty people, but in the summer I want some silence. I want to go for a morning swim all by myself, I want to pick blueberries all by myself, I want to lie in a hammock with a book, all by myself. And for that, Sweden is perfect. Nobody bothers you, because pretty much everyone wants the same. But in Glasgow, I have no interest in being all by myself. If I have too much time 78 | Issue 169 |
August 2024
By Gabi Froden
To feel displaced and confused about where you belong is probably a very common feeling if you have ever ventured outside your hometown. I was always jealous of those who were contented to stay. I needed to go. And even if it is difficult at times, I hope I am richer for experiencing life in another country, even if I will always return for summers in Sweden.
to myself here, I go crazy. I want to meet friends in pubs, chat with coworkers and blether with folks I hardly know. I don't know what that is about. Do the two places simply lend themselves to different ways of being? Am I perhaps the most discontented privileged person to complain about having two very different places to spend time in, and be part of?
Gabi Froden is a Swedish illustrator and writer, living in Glasgow with her husband and two children. Her children’s and YA books are published in Sweden by Bonnier Carlsen and Natur&Kultur. www.gabifroden.com