When planning a trip to Sweden, you’d be well advised to soak up the musical culture. After all, the Swedes have definitely made some serious global impact when it comes to pop culture and music. ABBA, hands down among the biggest musical acts of all time, was formed in Stockholm. Naturally, there’s a museum devoted to them. The most famous Swedish music group of all time has its own fabulous museum on the island of Djurgården. Nearly half a century after bursting onto the international pop scene and 40 years since the band’s split, ABBA remains extraordinarily popular, as evidenced by the widespread excitement that greeted the recent release of a spectacular digital reunion concert and album with all-new material.
At ABBA The Museum you can find everything you ever wanted to know about the legendary quartet of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. You can also live the dream of being a musical superstar and mix music, test your ABBA knowledge and perform on stage with holograms of the band.
Alongside these and other interactive exhibits, there’s plenty of fun memorabilia throughout, including gold records, private photographs and many of the group’s flamboyant costumes. There’s even a replica of the studio where the group’s albums were recorded, complete with original instruments, microphones and other equipment.
Other exhibits trace the ABBA story from its very early origins through the band’s heyday and on to post-breakup projects. It’s well worth renting the audio guide to hear the band members themselves share stories and memories from their incredible careers. The museum has a café called Pop Story at the entrance level, so make sure to fuel up before you go on (museum) tour – after all, superstars need plenty of energy.
From Stockholm to the world
Here are a few other Swedish singers, songwriters and producers making big waves on the international music scene. They’re definitely worth adding to your playlist, although chances are they’re probably already on it.
MAX MARTIN
If you’ve never heard of the legendary Max Martin, we’re a hundred percent sure you’ve listened and danced to at least one of his songs. What do you belt out most often, between Shake it Off, I Kissed a Girl, I Want it That Way or Hit Me Baby One More Time? The Swedish has written and produced dozens of Billboard Hot 100 songs, including number-one hits by Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Katy Perry and other stars. As a songwriter Martin trails only Paul McCartney and John Lennon for the most chart-topping songs – with many more sure to come.
FIRST AID KIT
Sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg hail from Stockholm, but their music is a melodic folk-Americana blend that showcases their beautiful vocal harmonies in songs such as Fireworks and Emmylou.
LALEH
Iranian-born Swedish singer-songwriter-producer Laleh Pourkarim records in English, Swedish and occasionally Persian. Her hit song Some Die Young became an elegiac anthem in Norway following the 2011 terror attacks. She has also co-written songs for several best-selling American artists.
LYKKE LI
Known for her eclectic mix of musical styles, award-winning indie pop singer-songwriter Lykke Li pens atmospheric songs of love and heartbreak full of introspection and tinged with darkness.
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