This month, we have Scandi songwriters using everything from Vivaldi to Whitesnake as their inspiration; and coming up with some superb new sounds in the process.

The legend, the lady, the Lykke! Swedish music icon Lykke Li is back with the first taste of her sixth album, THE AFTERPARTY, which is coming out in May. The LP was recorded with a 17-piece string orchestra in Stockholm, and the new single Lucky Again hints at the string-laden beauties ahead of us; setting the tone by including a sample of Max Richter’s re-composition of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Two of Finland’s finest bands have forged a fivesome in the name of further greatness. Trio KUUMAA and duo Emma & Matilda have come up with a super-sweet composition in Ihan Kohta Ohi, which even has a surprise switch of key as the former gives way to the latter. This is a pop pairing with plenty of thought behind it, and it makes for a really enjoyable listen.

Icelandic collective Hr. Eydís & Erna Hrönn have been packing audiences into venues around the Nordic nation with their shows which pay homage to the music of the ’80s. All the while, they’ve also been releasing their own original songs; each of which takes inspiration from their favourite era of music. Now, they’re out with their very first release in English – Maniac For Love. And fans of ’80s rock will notice that it’s not just the production which pays a respectful nod to that decade, but the lyrics, too. The spirit of Whitesnake, Europe and Bon Jovi lives on, resurrected and infused with that inimitable skill for crafting a catchy melody that comes from the music makers of the north.

In 2026, Sweden’s Miss Li celebrates 20 years as an artist, embarks on her biggest tour ever and releases her 11th album. New single Dansa Med Mig Själv is the suitably large-scaled single that’s going to kick off such a special year – a bop-worthy anthem for waving goodbye to self-doubt and those critical voices inside your head.

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Web: www.scandipop.co.uk

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