Where should you go to listen to some new tunes, while sipping a good öl? Where are the places with THE right music and THE right atmosphere? We know – and we aren’t afraid to share with you!
The highest concentration of independent venues is on Södermalm, the rockers-island par excellence. It is arty, it is trendy and it is the home of the top 4 venues you may want to check out regularly, at least if you’re in the mood for a hot gig and the chance to see an up and coming band!
DEBASER
It is the most famous indie club in Stockholm and probably the first name you’ll hear about when looking for live shows. Named after the Pixies’ song, it was established in 2002 in the former flagship venue at Slussen (alas closed in late September 2013) and followed by the opening of two other locations, Debaser Medis, in Medborgarplatsen, which is the site for major events, and Debaser Strand, the newest club in Hornstull and located by the water, making it one of the top places for summer events.
Debaser puts on interesting live shows by both Swedish and international acts. More info can be found @ Debaser website
SÖDRA TEATERN
Among the best venues for live music, there’s Södra Teatern, the oldest open theater in Stockholm, and built in 1859. It is located on top of a hill that gives a breath-taking view of Gamla Stan. For long time it has been a cabaret venue, but since 1997 it hosts cultural events, from concerts to philosophical debates and seminars.
With seven stages, its program mainly focuses on international acts, with everything from rock, to folk and jazz bands, but both emerging and well-known Swedish artists are sitll given the chance to play there. More info @ Södra Teatern website
LILLA HOTELL BAREN
For the true indie-rock lovers, this quite intimate venue is a little treasure. Located right off Medborgarplatsen station, Lilla Hotell Baren is a very cozy venue for intimate concerts of newly discovered talents. It is the bar of the Scandic Hotel and mostly showcases independent and emerging Swedish acts. More info @ Lilla Hotell Baren website
FYLKINGEN
If you are looking for a more experimental sound and unconventional events, you have come to the right place. Fylkingen, established in 1930, is an artist-based organization, located in the Münchenbryggeriet, a vast building which once was a brewery. Its program focuses on experimental works, both connected to the music and the performative arts worlds. Home of the EMS – the Swedish National Electronic Music Foundation – it also owns its own music label and magazine . More info @Fylkingen website
Go forth and enjoy!
Arianna Bongioanni
Photo: Anna Huerta/Södra Teatern
