Just as we discussed in our recent city guide to Belfast, Gothenburg (or Göteborg in Swedish) is one of those relatively small cities that punches far above its weight in terms of its cultural and music scenes
It’s perhaps more apparent in Sweden’s second largest city than some others. After all it does host the Way Out West festival (discussed in further length below), which is increasingly attracting more and more international attention with its incredible lineup and initially contentious vegetarian food only policy.
That a city of around just 550,000 inhabitants can host an event like this and can boast a large proportion of music venues, record stores and quality local acts might seem staggering at first, but the quality of Sweden’s music scene makes it less surprising when you think about it.
As our Stockholm guide pointed out Sweden is responsible for some of the world’s best pop music, both past and present, but Gothenburg is far more eclectic in its musical talents than just one genre.
If you needed a role call that demonstrates this than go no further than The Knife. The internationally renowned and boundary pushing experimental brother/sister duo encompass everything that’s great about Swedish music. They make intelligent, thought provoking and even danceable tunes.
Songwriter José González, who gained international recognition through his cover of the aforementioned’s ‘Heartbeats’ is another famous export. While the likes of Ace Of Bass and Little Dragon are just two other well known entities to go global.
The local scene is even more varied than those names though. The Metaltown Festival, which we also feature below, hosts both local and international names for those who lean to the heavier side of music.
If all this and the 11 things we’ve listed below doesn’t peak your interest in Gothenburg just watch this brilliant seven-minute insight into the city’s music scene below and you should be enamoured.
Experience The Country’s Best Music Festival In Way Out West
Not only Gothenburg’s biggest music event, but also the Sweden’s most prominent music festival WOW brings together acts like Prince, Kanye West, Bon Iver, Florence and Fleet Foxes just to name a few with quality vegetarian food and the beautiful surroundings of Slottsskogen. To prove it delve further into our review of the event below and then read our guide to experience the event yourself here.
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Head To One Of Sweden’s Largest Art Centres In Röda Sten
Röda Sten 1
Located in the historic area of the same name the actual exhibition centre hosts contemporary art and culture across five different spaces. If that wasn’t enough there’s also a café, bistro and nightclub here too. The building, which was previously an industrial furnace station, was built in 1940. The rugged exterior perfectly juxtaposes the chic modern interior.
Shop Up At One Of The City’s Best Vinyl Store’s In Dirty Records
Andra Långgatan 4
Thought of by many as the city’s best spot for records this store boasts a collection of LPs, CDs and DVDs that ranges from new to old and rare to cheap. They also have live music every Friday, while in the same establishment Café Santo Domingo sells coffee and organic foods if you need some extra fuel for your crate digging.
Get Great Views With Your Live Music At Henriksberg
Stigbergsliden 7
This establishment consists of three floors, a pub, nightclub, reasturant and a rooftop ballroom. Music may only be just one facet of what makes Henriksberg great, but it’s integral to its ongoing success. From punk, to rock and everything in between you can catch some quality local acts here and take plenty of great snaps from the outdoor area too.
Metal Fans You Can’t Go Passed Metaltown Festival
Held annually since 2004 and ran across three days since the 2013 event this festival brings the biggest and best international metal and hardcore acts alongside all the local gems. While the 2014 event was cancelled due to a lack of big acts on the horizon, last year’s event was headlined by Slipknot and Korn. Organisers are planning to bring back the festival in 2015.
See Live Music In A Former Prison At Fängelset
Kålltorpsgatan 2
The Härlanda Central Prison ran as a long-term imprisonment detention centre from its inception in 1907 until 1997, it now acts a cultural stronghold for both those aged between 16 and 20 and general music fans. Gigs here have older age restrictions. Perhaps a greater novelty than this unique setting is that the venue opens itself up for suggestions for gigs, club nights and workshops from the general public.
Grab A Coffee And Browse For Records At Skivhallen Majorna
Älvsborgsgatan 35
You never know what gold you might find amongst the cheapest vinyl a store has to offer and in that sense it’s unlikely you’ll find a bargain as good as this establishment’s 10kr selection of records. In Australian dollars that’s about $1.60. The usual assortment of genres, rarities and a smaller collection of books and CDs can also be found here. You can also grab a coffee while you’re in store too.
You Can’t Miss Clandestino Festival, One Of The City’s Best Alternative Events
Since 2003 this alternative music event has booked international acts from cities and locations that are shaped by global migration in a way that allows the festival to create “a new alternative to commercial mainstream culture”. It’s mission is to promote the fight against racism and challenge the “dominating ideas of cultural differences”. It’s refreshing to find a festival that not only books unique acts, but also promotes a much-needed message of tolerance and this is only just the start of what makes Clandestino Festival great.
Catch Local Acts At Musikens Hus
Djurgårdsgatan 13
With 200 events a year the organisers at Musikens Hus, or in English simply just Music House, know a thing or two about providing quality live music events. They don’t discriminate or favour any particular genre, whether it be family friendly, metal or reggae you’ll find it here. There’s a dance studio and a regular flock of around 60 bands that use the space for rehearsals. That’s not to mention the café serves some incredible vegetarian food.
Check Out The Biggest Nordic Record Store In Bengans
Stigbergstorget 1 & Ostra Hamngatan 46-48
Opened way back in 1974 this record store has had plenty of locale changes and milestones throughout the course of its long life. Most importantly though in its current two locations in Gothenburg along with a few other spots in Sweden it sells a wide variety of records, movies and books. It’s an easy first stop with a pretty broad range to peruse through.
Witness Jazz At Nefertiti
Hvitfeldtsplatsen 6
Just about every city has a jazz venue that sits above the rest and for Gothenburg it’s undoubtedly Nefertiti. They’ve been providing quality gigs in the same basement location since 1978 and while the musicians who frequent this venue are not to be missed the DJs aren’t too shabby either. Both local and imported alcoholic goods and a tasty menu are just the cherry on top of this live music cake.
