Sweden Hits Austin: Swedish Band Happy Hour at SXSW

There is never a shortage of international acts at the SXSW Music Festival; this year featured many bands from all over the world, including China’s P.K 14, the Czech Republic’s Please the Trees, and plenty of acts from the United Kingdom.

But what about Sweden? While associated mostly with ABBA and death metal in more mainstream circles, Sweden is home to quite a few bands that have hit it big in the US, providing the world with a plentiful supply of pop music in the vein of Peter Bjorn & John, Miike Snow (who played this year’s festival), and the increasingly popular Shout Out Louds. In fact, Sweden is the third largest exporter of music in the world after the United States and United Kingdom.

For those who are already big fans of Swedish music, this year’s SXSW lineup did not disappoint; there were a least a dozen Swedish bands playing Austin venues. But the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce and Boundless Network put on a show that both devoted fans and newcomers to Swedish music could enjoy: a show featuring five different Swedish acts for one price in one spot. The SXSW Swedish Music Happy Hour took place on the second night of the festival, on a coverless balcony at the Boundless Network office, perfectly situated overlooking 6th street. And the weather was perfect: a clear, cool 70 degrees, which was a nice change for any bands flying in from Sweden.

The show kicked off with Anton Björkenvall and Jonna Lee, whose performances were somewhat drowned out by an eager crowd of talkative Swedes and Austinites excitedly taking advantage of free food and drink.

Gothenburg’s Sofia Talvik was able to get the crowd’s attention for her set, which included songs that were slow enough to sway to as the sun went down over the Austin skyline but upbeat enough to get the live music mood going. Talvik sang in English but with enough of a charming Swedish accent that the Americans present still felt like they were experiencing some Swedish culture. She spoke in between songs about the weather in Orlando, about which she wrote a song that she performed to the joy of some Florida natives who were perched next to the stage.

Sofia had a sort of retro cowgirl vibe going on, donning cowboy boots on her feet and a 20s style floral netting in her hair. She has a beautiful and pure, almost haunting, singing voice, and a sweet demeanor that made her a hit with the crowd.

As it got dark and 8 o’clock rolled around, it was time for Movits!, Sweden’s emerging hip-hop/swing band, who made their debut in the US as guests on the Colbert Show in July of last year. There were one or two skeptical audience members who weren’t quite sure what to expect, but the band, who hails from Luleå, put on a show that rocked the tiny balcony and got both Swedes and Americans moving. Frontman Johan Rensfeldt provided lots of lively banter in between songs and explained that hip hop may have been born in the Bronx, but the Bronx was most certainly born in Sweden (it was written on the bands’ shirts in case anyone should forget). And if Movits’ performance Thursday night is any indication, it’s got to be true. They put on an incredible show, Rensfeldt spitting out raps in Swedish at lightning speed and Jocke Nilsson keeping up on the saxophone. Rensfeldt’s brother Anders was on the turntables and occasionally joined his brother on the mic. All three band members were full of energy, dancing with boundless enthusiasm. They certainly got the crowd on their feet; young college girls and middle-aged men alike were getting down to Movits’ music, which combines swing, jazz, and hip hop with a refreshing Swedish twist.

After Movits’ finished up and exited the stage, the crowd demanded an encore and got one straight away. There was one more band set to play that night, but it was difficult to see how anyone would be able to follow Movits’ energetic performance. Luckily the next act didn’t have any problems getting people to stick around and experience some more of what Sweden’s music scene has to offer. Miss Li from Borlänge was described by an audience member as a pack of dynamite, and she certainly lived up to it. She kicked things off with a lively pounding on the piano as her band members backed her up on the standup bass and saxophone. Miss Li’s voice is rich and soulful and packs quite a punch. As soon as you thought she couldn’t get louder, a bolt of energy would hit her and she’d roar her way through the next song, hitting the piano keys with reckless abandon. Miss Li followed an amazing act but definitely held her own, giving the Swedes in the audience another reason to feel very proud that night.

The night wrapped up with a short and simple Swedish drinking song enjoyed by Swedish natives and Austinites alike. It was a great night for Swedish music and one that’s sure to be remembered by both old and new fans of our chilly northern peninsula.

By Hannah Miller

Photo: Rebecca Miller

Miss Li

Movitz

Lisa Talvik