Erik Hassle

Who knew VH1 would provide me with some great music. Well they play music in the early morning and there I was suffering through those same old videos they play all the freaking time and then Erik Hassle's video for Hurtful came on. I've never heard of Mr. Hassle before and was blown away by his tone, and his song. Upon further research Hassle, who hails from Sweden, released his debut album Pieces back in February. It's filled with pop fueled rock with a hint of electronica and may not be for the indie crowd.

On Hurtful, Hassle creates an atmospheric quality with loud drums and a quiet undertone of synths. It's a slow burner with a burst of a chorus. One of the best off of Pieces. Don't Bring Flowers is a guitar driven groove that really show off Hassle's knack for the unexpected. Where you expect the song to lift off it holds back. Erik's voice is what drives all of his songs though. He cuts through the music with his pure vocals. A bit of soul, a bit of pop, with a healthy dose of electronica all make for a great new find. Keep your ears open for this guy on the radio.


Erik Hassle- Myspace
Hurtful-

Those Dancing Days

Sweden isn't just home of ABBA, but also of the band Those Dancing Days. The oddly named band (taking inspiration from the Led Zeppelin song Dancing Days) is a fine mix of pure dance-able pop and infectious 1960s girl groups. The band is refreshingly made up of all women(!) that play their own instruments(!!) with a lead singer that has some Ida Marie and Florence and The Machine influences.

Their debut album In Our Space Hero Suits came out in the UK late last year and is slowly trickling over the pond. They have quite a bit of excellent songs-among them is Run Run. With warbling organ keeping the vibe a bit retro and a melody that is too catchy for its own good, Run Run is a rollicking good time. Home Sweet Home is a touching ode to coming back home, backed by summer synths. (Home sweet home, I've been away for too long) Those Dancing Days is quite an eccentric bunch with slightly off kilter tunes that surprise you as they go along. Finally an all girl band that isn't all pop and flash with no substance.

Those Dancing Days- Myspace
Run Run-

Adam Heldring

Adam Heldring has an interesting story. Selling what little he owned for an acoustic guitar and a one way ticket to NYC, Heldring decided to follow his dream of making music. While he had a little success in his native Sweden, he wanted to get his music heard in the States. So not knowing a soul he recorded some demos and played his songs to any who would listen. That was a year ago, and now he has recorded his debut album Metro.

Heldring is a singer/songwriter with a great voice and mellow melodies. Currently playing SXSW, he sings of familiar themes with great honesty. His new single Ok Goodbye is a peppy guitar and piano driven song with a punchy chorus. Come Home is a simple song about following your dreams but realizing that you left many loved ones back home. Adam Heldring has a unique voice that could fit in nicely with today's singer/songwriters. Check him out live below.

Adam Heldring- Myspace
Come Home (Live)-
Adam Heldring - "Come Home" - Live in Stockholm