Sweden
Scandinavia's Americana capital — and it's not close.
Sweden has been quietly producing some of the most serious Americana outside North America for fifteen years. First Aid Kit cracked it open; the country has a deep bench of artists who treat the Carter Family and Emmylou Harris like their own family songbook.
Stockholm and Gothenburg both have working roots scenes; the country sends artists to AmericanaFest every year.
In rotation from Sweden
Sweden · 2007 — present
First Aid Kit
Two Swedish sisters who out-Emmylou'd half of Nashville.
Sweden · 1983 — present
Daniel Norgren
A one-man Swedish Big Pink, recorded to tape.
Sweden · 1983 — present
The Tallest Man on Earth
Kristian Matsson, one guitar, a voice like cracked porcelain.
Sweden · 1978 — present
Anna Ternheim
Stockholm noir-folk with a Nashville detour.
Sweden · 1990 — present
Sarah Klang
Dream-country from Gothenburg.
Sweden · 1952 — present
Doug Seegers
An American discovered by Sweden, then by Nashville.
Sweden · 1975 — present
Lars Winnerbäck
Sweden's Springsteen, in Swedish.
Sweden · 1995 — present
Weeping Willows
Stockholm rockabilly noir with a baritone center.
