If there is something that Swedes absolutely love, it's music. There have been multitudes of popular groups emerging from Sweden in the 20th and 21st centuries: ABBA, Ace of Base, Peter Bjorn and John, The Cardigans, Lykki Li, The Hives, and many more. More recently, however, Swedes seem to be taking over the techno/house music scene. The likes of Icona Pop, Basshunter, Avicii, Alesso, and Swedish House Mafia are all Swedish DJs/artists who are pumping out club hits that are adored all around the world (not just in Ibiza!). Recently my Swedish language partner went to a concert in D.C. to see only one of the members of Swedish House Mafia perform (the group has recently split up). Music is very culturally significant to Swedish people and I get the sense that there is also a lot of pride in home-grown Swedish music from Swedes who live outside of Sweden (they call themselves utlandssvensken, literally Swedish foreigners). It is also interesting to note that like residents of other countries take to American pop music, those who live in Norway and Denmark also look to Sweden for their music icons and hits. All the evidence I have gathered from research and person experience leads me to believe that the music scene is highly active in Sweden and that Swedes both home and abroad take great pride in their musical icons (especially when they gain success outside of Sweden). Below is a sample of music from Sebastian Ingrosso, formerly of Swedish House Mafia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuAtcpFQpMw
Njut! Enjoy!
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