11 Free MP3 Albums: Sweden Special - Sound Sunday
Welcome to Sound Sunday!
Sweden, though a nation of approximately 9 million people, has consistently generated globally recognized brands.
Examples include well-known companies like IKEA, Volvo, H&M, and Ericsson, alongside the prestigious Nobel Prize.
Swedish ingenuity is readily apparent, and this creativity extends to its vibrant music landscape.
A Rich Musical Heritage
Following ABBA’s iconic win in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, a wealth of celebrated musical groups have originated from Sweden.
These include Roxette, Ace of Base, The Cardigans, Millencolin, and more recently, Mando Diao.
This installment of Sound Sunday focuses specifically on Sweden and its musical contributions.
Have you found any new music you enjoy? Please feel free to share your opinions and provide feedback in the comments section.
Album recommendations and requests for specific genres are also welcome and can be sent via email to [tina at makeuseof dot com].
Sey Hollo - Growth
Genre: instrumental, post rock
Growth by Sey Hollo
Sebastian Larsson is the creative force behind the solo musical endeavor known as Sey Hollo. Initially hailing from the northern regions of Sweden, Sebastian currently resides and creates in Stockholm.
He characterizes his compositions as "instrumental post-rock founded on the tones of aged guitars and portable organs."
Sey Hollo’s debut self-titled album was made available in 2010.
The album Growth is offered as a complimentary download via MediaFire.
Strangers In Wonderland - Shadows
Genre: pop, rock
Shadows:Remixed by Strangers In Wonderland
Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, the musical duo Strangers in Wonderland crafts compositions that exist just beyond the realm of the ordinary.
Their official website describes their work as originating from "Wonderland," a metaphorical space explored since 2006.
Exploring Themes of Reality and Desire
The band’s songs delve into the complexities of life and love.
They explore the moments when the fantastical world “on the other side of the mirror” unexpectedly impacts our reality.
Furthermore, their music contemplates the allure of that alternate world, and the desire to inhabit it.
The Duo Behind the Music
Strangers In Wonderland is comprised of Åsa Girgensohn and Lasse Thomasson.
Åsa Girgensohn handles all vocal performances and a wide range of instrumental duties.
Lasse Thomasson contributes to all aspects of production, with occasional backing vocals.
Availability
The album Shadows is available as a free download from Bandcamp.
Listeners can access and enjoy the music directly through the Bandcamp platform.
tifuos - The Basement Session
Genre: indie, acoustic, folk, blues, rock
The album the basement session by tifuos is available for streaming and free download via Bandcamp.
tifuos, comprised of Jansson, Greve, Pirfält, and Zackrisson, was formed as a direct response to music perceived as lacking depth.
The band’s core philosophy centers on crafting music with genuine meaning and emotional resonance.
The Band's Motivation
A key impetus for the creation of tifuos was a desire to move beyond music where the lyrical content or overall message takes a backseat.
Their intention is to produce compositions that convey significant ideas and authentic feelings.
tifuos strives to create music that originates from a place of sincerity and heartfelt expression.
the basement session represents this commitment, offering listeners a collection of songs freely accessible on Bandcamp.
My Lost Youth - I Want To Find You, Thank You & Kill You
Genre: indie, powerpop, emo
The EP, I Want To Find You, Thank You & Kill You, is available for streaming and download.
This musical project originates from the cities of Helsingborg and Gothenburg, Sweden.
It is important to note that this group should not be mistaken for a similarly named band based in the United Kingdom.
The release is offered as a free download through the Bandcamp platform.
You can listen to the EP directly using the embedded player below:
I want to find you, thank you & kill you EP by My Lost Youth
About the Release
The EP showcases a blend of indie, powerpop, and emo influences.
Listeners can expect a dynamic sound reflecting the band's unique artistic vision.
The title, I Want To Find You, Thank You & Kill You, hints at the emotional complexity within the music.
Greger - Zero-G Sunrise
Genre: instrumental, ambient, rock, hard rock, psychedelic
The album, Zero-G Sunrise, is available for streaming via Bandcamp. You can listen to it directly through the embedded player below.
Zero-G Sunrise by Greger
Production Details
Recording sessions for this project took place in May of 2011. The instrumentation was deliberately limited.
Only an electric guitar, a bass guitar, and a selection of effects pedals were utilized in the creation of the album’s soundscapes.
Shortly after the completion of Zero-G Sunrise, another release titled Lost Days was made available.
Lost Days features additional elements, including both guitar solos and drum parts.
Availability
Zero-G Sunrise is offered as a “name your price” download on Bandcamp.
This allows listeners to acquire the album based on their individual valuation of the work.
Dead Animal Smell - An Examination of the Album and its Origins
The musical project known as Dead Animal Smell presents an intriguing blend of pop, rock, and even dadaism within their work.
Their album, Dead Animal Smell and the Sunday prog, is readily available for listeners to experience.
Album Details and Re-recording
This particular release represents a re-recording of the band’s initial album, originally released in 2003 under the title Döda Djur Luktar och Söndagsproggen.
A notable aspect of this new version is the translation of the lyrics.
Translation and Linguistic Approach
The original Swedish lyrics were translated into English utilizing Google Translate. This deliberate choice adds a layer of unique character to the album.
The band’s name, Döda Djur Luktar, directly translates to Dead Animal Smell in English.
Cultural Context and Humor
This seemingly quirky approach offers a glimpse into the nuances of Swedish humor. It’s a playful element that contributes to the band’s overall artistic identity.
Such harmless and unconventional methods may well provide the most genuine understanding of Swedish comedic sensibilities.
Accessibility and Download Information
Dead Animal Smell and the Sunday prog is offered as a free download through the Bandcamp platform.
Listeners can access the album directly through the following embedded player:
Dead Animal Smell and the Sunday prog by Dead Animal Smell
The Out of Body Experience – Instrumental Compositions
Genre: instrumental, electronic, hip hop, beats
The album Out of Body Instrumentals is available for listening via the embedded Bandcamp player below:
Out of Body Instrumentals by The Out of Body Experience
This release consists of a substantial collection of 100 instrumental tracks, all centered around electronic beats. Details regarding the artist remain limited, though they are also credited as LVD Beats.
Out of Body Instrumentals is offered as a free download through the Bandcamp platform.
Album Details
The project showcases a significant output of musical content. It provides a wide range of instrumental pieces for various uses.
The artist, The Out of Body Experience (also known as LVD Beats), has created a comprehensive work. It’s readily accessible to listeners online.
- Total Tracks: 100
- Genre: Instrumental Electronic Beats
- Availability: Free Download
Listeners can directly access and download the complete album from Bandcamp. This provides a convenient way to experience the full scope of the instrumental work.
Interzone Inc - Two Tears
Genre: alternative, ambient, electronic, avantgarde, experimental, noise
The album Two Tears by Interzone Inc is available for streaming via an embedded player.
Two Tears by Interzone Inc
About Interzone Inc
According to the band’s official website, Interzone Inc represents a continuing artistic endeavor.
The project focuses on investigating diverse sonic territories and harmonic structures, alongside the energies they contain.
Interzone has been evolving through various configurations since 1980.
Their work is a synthesis of past sonic explorations and collaborative efforts.
A key ambition is the pursuit of entirely novel sonic landscapes.
Availability of Two Tears
Two Tears is offered as a complimentary download from Bandcamp.
This allows listeners to freely access and experience the album’s unique soundscapes.
Interzone Inc consistently provides accessible music for fans of experimental electronic music.
Labbed - Labhits 2010
Genre: bitpop, chiptune, electronic, game music
The album Labhits 2010 is available as a “name your price” download through Bandcamp.
An embedded player for Labhits 2010 by Labbed can be found below.
Labhits 2010 by Labbed
About the Artist
Labbed is identified on his Last.fm profile as a musician and programmer originating from Sweden.
He is also described as an artist and game developer.
His musical creations are primarily produced using MilkyTracker.
LabChirp, a sound generation tool of his own design, is utilized for sample creation.
Notably, Labbed is the sibling of the artist known as Ozzed.
The artist engages in these pursuits as a hobby.
Narkimic & Genius Enis - Jag Och Min Dj
Genre: hip hop, rap
Jag Och Min Dj by Narkimic & Genius Enis
Narkimic and Genius Enis both contribute to the Chipchoppin Order, a hip hop group originating from Örebro, Sweden.
The album, titled Jag Och Min Dj, directly translates to "Me And My DJ" in English.
This release is available as a free download through the Bandcamp platform.
Listeners can access Jag Och Min Dj without cost directly from Bandcamp.
The collaborative work showcases the talents of Narkimic and Genius Enis within the framework of the Chipchoppin Order.
About the Artists
Both artists are integral members of the Swedish hip hop collective, Chipchoppin Order.
The group is based in the city of Örebro, Sweden, and is known for its contributions to the local hip hop scene.
Album Details
Jag Och Min Dj represents a creative partnership between Narkimic and Genius Enis.
The album’s name reflects the close working relationship between an artist and their DJ.
Bandcamp provides a convenient platform for distributing this music to a wider audience.
Black Emperor - Athenaeum
Genre: dark, ambient, black metal
This week’s edition of Sound Sunday features a genre not often highlighted: metal music. Regrettably, this particular ensemble maintains a low profile, choosing to operate outside of the public eye.
It is my hope that the exposure provided here will motivate them to connect with their audience and share more about their work.
Readers are encouraged to contribute links to the band’s official website, Facebook page, or MySpace profile in the comments section.
Athenaeum is available as a complimentary download from Bandcamp.
Are you new to Sound Sunday? Previous installments can be found here.
Please do not hesitate to contact me [tina at makeuseof dot com] with any free content submissions, recommendations, or feedback.
Comments and suggestions are also welcome below.