Malmö might be the host city of Eurovision in 2013, but its musical legacy stretches far beyond the world’s biggest singing contest.
As Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö’s music culture is the envy of Stockholm and Gothenburg. While tourists visit both these cities far more often, Malmö is celebrated for its underdog status in the Scandinavian country.
With the city’s arts culture born out of the ashes of its industrial sector, Malmö quickly went from being just a grey urban space to one of Scandinavia’s greatest musical treasures. An influx of young people, due to the opening of Malmö University, is the biggest factor in cultivating this shift, but the city’s industrial past is responsible for it being characterised as an underdog.
The metropolis’ nickname as Sweden’s Berlin also adds to this sentiment. Malmö’s reputation for having a lower living standard than that of other areas in the country, yet being home to a richer and more diverse arts scene is the cause of this.
The Cardigans first brought the metropolis to the world through their hits ‘Erase/Rewind’, ‘Lovefool’ and ‘My Favourite Game’. While the five-piece first originated Småland, their adoption of Malmö as their hometown gave the city the sort of attention that would only encourage a new wave of young musicians.
Sverige Radio’s decision to award Malmö with ‘Pop City Of The Year’ in 2000 was another important milestone in the city’s transformation from industrial gloom to an urban sprawl worth noting.
Due to the city’s high population of students, Malmö’s nightlife quickly grew as clubs and venues opened to fill their the entertainment hole that the city was lacking.
Financial support from The City of Malmö to the arts sector, such as the venue Inkonst (which you can read more about below), allows for not only growth, but for a unique environment in which both the council and its citizens recognise the importance of supporting the arts.
As the infrastructural addition of the Öresund Bridge to Copenhagen was developed, the city’s reputation for just pop and rock acts extended to include hip-hop and soul into the fold.
Much of Malmö’s music scene resides in the Möllan district where most of the city’s bars and nightclubs are situated.
It may have had some dark days, but Malmö is now one of the greenest city’s on earth, with a design, arts and music culture that inspires young people from all over Sweden, to say that Malmö was still an underdog wouldn’t be 100% correct. The city is almost certainly on top of Sweden’s music game.
Malmö Festivals/Conferences
Malmö Festival: The largest and oldest festival in Sweden is a greatest way to experience Malmö’s music scene. Held over a week, a diverse programme of concerts is held for free and for all ages. A variety of genres are represented with local and international acts filling the programme. Over 250 concerts are held with an amusement park, artwork market, sports events and theatre shows among some of the other features of Malmö Festival. http://malmofestivalen.se
Full Pull: Over five days this festival showcases sound, music, visuals, workshops and demonstrations of experimental music and art around different locations in Malmö. The aim of the festival is to encourage individuals and institutions and to stimulate collaborations and networks to aid those interested in experimental art. Held annually since 2005 the festival is run in October. http://full-pull.org/11/
Malmö Record Stores
Rundgång, Kristianstadsgatan 14 Möllevången, http://www.rundgong.se
Opened in 2004, this establishment is the only record store in Malmö to specialise in new vinyl. The store also sells used vinyl as well as new and old CDs, odd books, band t-shirts, magazines and DVDs. Rundgång also promotes club nights for different venues around Malmö. The store also buys and replaces used vinyl.
Repeat Records, Amiralsgatan 27, http://www.repeatrecords.se
This record store may be fairly small, but it prides itself on being home to a selection of fine vinyl offerings. With anything from obscure Italian 70s prog to compilation albums available Repeat Records also sells rarities and 7-inch singles. This store also deals in trading for those looking to offload some of their less treasured LPs.
Blue Desert Music, Östra Förstadsgatan 33, 212 12, http://www.bluedesertmusic.com/
Boasting more than 20 experience, this record store prides itself on service as well as its knowledge of the record industry. You’ll find new and used CDs, music DVDs and vinyl stacked amongst Blue Desert Music’s shelves. Westcoast jazz-fusion, blues and pop/rock make up much of the music on offer. If you can’t find what you’re looking for the staff at Blue Desert Music will order it in for no extra charge, while they also ship worldwide.
Malmö Venues
Inkonst, Bergsgatan 29, 214 22, http://www.inkonst.com/
Not just a club, but also a cultural institution of Malmö, this establishment is a space for Swedish and international songwriters, film makers, musicians and club organisers. While live acts and DJs feature on popular club nights. At Inkonst you’ll hear anything from underground UK grime, garage, hip-hop and RnB with various club-night themes the venue appeals to various crowds.
Debaser, Norra Parkgatan 2, http://www.debaser.se
With its sister venue in Stockholm being one of the biggest clubs in Sweden’s capital, Debaser is a relatively new yet exciting addition for Malmö. Live gigs and club nights are held from Wednesday to Sunday with indie, pop, hip-hop, soul, electronica and rock all represented. The outdoor lounge affords punters with a beautiful view of Folkets Park, while meals are available until 10pm.
Ode To Joy, Östra rönneholmsv20, http://www.odetojoy.se/
Hosting an eclectic array of musicians, Ode To Joy puts on regular gig nights and musical meetings. The venue is run by former members of glam rock band Ark. Martin Axén and Jespen are responsible for this popular and atmospheric establishment which is a must visit for travellers looking to experience local music.
Malmö Acts You Should Check Out
This Is Head – Soundcloud
This four piece play a trippy brand of pop music with psychedelic yet loveable textures. Since releasing their 0001 album two years ago This Is Head have played across the world. While the track titles of that album only consist of sequential numbers, the EP below sees the band employing the use of words for the names of their songs.
Terrible Feelings – Soundcloud
In 2012 this four-piece released their debut album Shadows and toured across 13 countries playing a total of 84 shows. Terrible Feelings are one of the few punk rock bands in Sweden that sing in English, have a listen to their track ‘Intruders’ below.
