The Best of Scandinavian Electronic Music
Contents
Scandinavia is home to some of the best electronic music in the world. From the driving beats of Swedish House Mafia to the atmospheric soundscapes of Ane Brun, there’s something for everyone.
In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best Scandinavian electronic music out there. So whether you’re a fan of dance music or want to explore something a little different, join us on this journey through the best of Scandinavian electronic music.
The land of the midnight sun has given the world some of the most beautiful scenery. It should come as no surprise, then, that the music coming out of Scandinavia is just as stunning. The electronic music scene in particular has been booming in recent years, with artists like Madeon, Lido, and Cashmere Cat leading the way.
The early days of Scandinavian electronic music were dominated by a handful of influential figures, including Klaus Schulze, Thor Baldursson, and Geir Jenssen. These three musicians were responsible for introducing the world to a new style of music that would come to be known as “ambient techno” or “intelligent dance music.” While their work was influential, it was not always well-received by the mainstream music press. In fact, much of the early criticism leveled at Schulze, Baldursson, and Jenssen’s work was that it was too experimental and difficult to dance to.
Scandinavian electronic music has been on the rise in recent years, with a growing number of artists and producers making a name for themselves on the international stage. While the sound of Scandinavian electronic music is often associated with the more chilled-out end of the spectrum, there are plenty of artists who are pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds and styles. Here are just a few of the artists who are leading the way in Scandinavian electronic music.
The Artists
The pioneers
The artists listed below were among the first to experiment with electronic music and helped to pave the way for the genre as we know it today. Many of them are still active today, continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with electronic music.
-Kraftwerk
– Yellow Magic Orchestra
– Jean-Michel Jarre
– Vangelis
– Tangerine Dream
– Underworld
The contemporary artists
There is a growing interest in Scandinavian electronic music, with artists such as Aurora, Lars Von Trier and M83 gaining international recognition. Here we take a look at some of the best contemporary artists making waves in the genre.
Aurora
Aurora is a Norwegian singer-songwriter and producer who gained prominence with her 2016 debut single “Running with the Wolves”. Since then, she has released a number of critically acclaimed singles and albums, including her 2019 album “In the Shadows”. Aurora’s music combines electro-pop with elements of synth-pop and dream pop, creating a unique and atmospheric soundscape.
Lars Von Trier
Lars Von Trier is a Danish filmmaker known for his controversial films such as “Antichrist” and “The House That Jack Built”. In recent years, he has turned his hand to scoring music for his films, working with artists such as Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Von Trier’s score for “The House That Jack Built” was nominated for Best Original Score at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
M83
M83 is a French electronic music project fronted by Anthony Gonzalez. The band’s 2011 album “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” was a critical and commercial success, spawning the hit single “Midnight City”. M83’s sound is often described as ‘epic’ and ‘cinematic’, with sweeping synths and grandiose melodies.
The Music
Scandinavia has a lot to offer when it comes to electronic music. There are many talented producers and DJs who are making a name for themselves in the electronic music scene. In this article, we will be showcasing some of the best Scandinavian electronic music.
Scandinavian electronic music has come to be known for its distinctly chill, dreamy sound. While the region has produced a wide variety of electronic genres over the years, the “Scandinavian sound” is often characterized by its mellow, atmospheric qualities.
This sound can be traced back to the early days of Scandinavian dance music, when producers began experimenting with ways to create music that was both danceable and chilled out. This approach quickly caught on, and today, it’s one of the most distinctive qualities of Scandinavian electronic music.
If you’re looking for some good Scandinavian electronic tunes, check out the list below. You’ll find a mix of old and new tracks, all with that signature sound that we’ve come to love from the region.
The artists
Scandinavian electronic music has been on the rise in recent years, with artists like Avicii, Kygo, and Cashmere Cat becoming international sensations. But there’s more to Scandinavian electronic music than just the biggest names. Here are ten lesser-known artists who are making some of the best music in the genre.
1. Lindstrøm: Norwegian producer Hans-Peter Lindstrøm has been making electronic music for over a decade, and his latest album, It’s Alright Between Us As It Is, is a gorgeous example of his work.
2. Múm: Icelandic band Múm first gained attention with their 2001 album Yesterday Was Dramatic – Today Is OK, and they’ve continued to produce beautiful and ethereal music ever since.
3. The Knife: Swedish duo The Knife made a big splash with their 2006 album Silent Shout, which is dark and atmospheric electronic pop at its best.
4. Little Dragon: Swedish band Little Dragon make soulful and dreamy pop songs that are perfect for dancing or relaxing. Their latest album, Season High, is full of catchy tunes that will get stuck in your head for days.
5. Robyn: Swedish pop icon Robyn has been making hits for over two decades, and she shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Her most recent album, Honey, is a danceable delight from start to finish.
6. Jens Lekman: Swedish singer-songwriter Jens Lekman makes charming and witty folk-pop songs that are sure to put a smile on your face. His 2007 album Night Falls Over Kortedala is a particular standout.
7./8./9./10.: Röyksopp (Norway), Lykke Li (Sweden), First Aid Kit (Sweden), and Susanne Sundfør (Norway) are all worth checking out if you’re looking for more great Scandinavian music.
Scandinavian electronic music has been making waves in the global music scene for years. From the hypnotic and trance-inducing sounds of Swedish House Mafia to the contemplative and cerebral beats of Norwegian duo Röyksopp, there is a real richness and diversity to be found in this genre.
So, if you’re looking for a taste of the best that Scandinavian electronic music has to offer, here are ten essential tracks that you need to check out…
