Swedish talent music to Chinese ears

Famous performers like Britney Spears, Westlife, Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, Celine Dion and Jennifer Lopez have more in common than the paparazzi.

All have had chart-toppers and million-sellers that were recorded in Sweden, produced by Swedes using Swedish backing and written by Swedish songwriters.

That is not as surprising as it might seem - Sweden ranks third in global music exports following the United States and Britain.

Some Swedes maintain that despite the international sound, the country's music still has an authentic Swedish flavor - most of its songwriters are, consciously or not, steeped in the clear, strong melodies that stem from Swedish folk music.

Among its music talents who stand out are ABBA and Roxette bands and producers - Max Martin, one of the world's most successful songwriters, and the late Denniz Pop, who is considered one of the most influential artists to help Swedish music gain the world's attention.

With more Chinese youth hooked on pop and rock, the glittering cast of Swedish bands, including the popular singer Robyn and brands like Cardigans, the Hives, Kent and Mando Diao, is increasingly popular.

A "Sweden Sounds" project, a promotional event to expand Sweden's influence in the world, has been brought to China this year.

The project is aimed at introducing more of its native artists to Chinese audiences and providing a platform for the music industries of both countries to explore cooperative possibilities.

Beijing locals will have the opportunity to enjoy music from Swedish bands at popular concerts like the Midi-rock Festival in May, the Beijing Pop Festival and Beijing Jazz Festival in September.

The project is jointly sponsored by Export Music Sweden, the Swedish Institute, the Rikskonserter concert institute and the Swedish Embassy, along with consulates in Guangzhou and Shanghai. The Swedish Consulate in Hong Kong may later join the ranks.

Swedish Embassy in China and Swedish Institute

(China Daily 04/14/2008 page15)