Stockholm is alive with plenty of live music all year round. YLC’s in-house music fanatic Nina Uddin brings you her best picks of February’s live gigs in various Stockholm venues.
Alison Moyet – Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, Nalen
The legendary British singer with her powerful voice has been around since the early 80s and Yazoo with Vince Clarke. Alison Moyet’s solo career spans hits like Is This Love and All Cried Out. Her latest album (her eighth) has been praised by music press. She’s returning to Sweden after a long absence, and the tickets have sold at such a rate an extra show was scheduled.
Sounds Like Moving + Samson for President – 24th February, Maskineriet (Nordic Light Hotel)
Choco Canel brings her Coco Transistor club to Maskineriet, the recently opened bar at Nordic Light Hotel. Samson for President is opening the evening with an acoustic set. This soulful singer has been on the Stockholm scene since 2007 and has recently released a new EP Sing For Your Love as well as the powerful single Da Da Da on the 100 Songs label. Another 100 Songs single, Black Roses from Sounds Like Moving gets it release during the evening’s show.
Linnea Olsson – Friday 27th February, Debaser Medis
This cello-wielding pop singer is a must-see live. Sweden’s own Linnea Olsson has been touring with Peter Gabriel as part of his band and opening act together with fellow Swedish artist Jennie Abrahamsson. She also made a big impression at P3 Guld award show in January. Her second album Breaking and Shaking came out last October and it sees her incorporating more drum beats, guitars, bass and synth into her music, but the cello is still what makes her stand apart.
Elin Ruth – Saturday 28th February, Debaser Medis
Elin Ruth last played Stockholm to rave reviews in October. See what we wrote about her gig at Fasching. Her remarkable bluesy and soulful voice, together with the emotional, timeless, American-influenced music held the audience in her grip throughout the whole gig. Her latest album Here Comes the Storm was a favourite with many Swedish critics last year. Not to be missed!
The Preatures [AUS] – Saturday 28th February, Kägelbanan Södra Teatern
One of those days with two interesting gigs on the same day – but these Australians are supposed to be on stage at nine and Elin Ruth at eleven, so you just might make both if you’re so inclined. The Preatures have been on tour with The Rolling Stones and played major festivals like Glastonbury, SXSW, Coachella and Bonnaroo. The band is fronted by the charismatic Isabella Manfredi and their European debut album is coming out soon.
BONUS TIP: Where’s The Music? – 12th to 14th February, Norrköping
This festival brings out an impressive line-up including very interesting up’n’coming artists as well as a few somewhat better-known ones. How’s about Tove Styrke, Beatrice Eli, Jennie Abrahamsson, Linnea Olsson, Silvana Imam, Dotter, Nadia Nair, Ida Redig, Naomi Pilgrim, Sabina Ddumba, Sirena, and loads more – at least 145 artists in three days in several venues in central Norrköping. The only down-side is the 160 km distance from Stockholm.
Photos: Nina Uddin
