Nordic Country / Nordicana

tagStarted 2000sPeak 2010s-2020sLast big hit still activeFrom Nordic countries

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Country & Western → International / Regional Country

Scandinavian Americana: country and roots filtered through Nordic folk melancholy. Brushed drums, acoustic guitar, banjo and close harmony with a wintry, restrained mood and clear-spoken English. Warmth of country songcraft over a cooler, more atmospheric Nordic palette of minor keys and wide-open space.

History

Sweden became a surprising country/roots enclave; in 2014 homeless Nashville songwriter Doug Seegers was discovered by Swedish TV and turned into a Scandinavian star. In Norway, bands like Spelleman-winning Darling West coined and led 'Nordicana,' fusing Americana with Nordic folk after the 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' roots revival.

Defining artists

Darling WestSpotify YouTube
Doug SeegersSpotify YouTube
First Aid KitSpotify YouTube
Jonas FjeldSpotify YouTube
Daniel NorgrenSpotify YouTube
Kristin AsbjørnsenSpotify YouTube

Essential listening

Going Down to the River — Doug SeegersSpotify YouTube
Emmylou — First Aid KitSpotify YouTube
The Lion's Roar — First Aid KitSpotify YouTube
Don't You Want to Share the Guilt? — Darling WestSpotify YouTube
Are You Happy? — Daniel NorgrenSpotify YouTube

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Sources

Saving Country Music: How Sweden Became an Enclave for Country and Roots
Are We Europe: Nordicana, The Genre You Wish You Knew
Wikipedia: Nordic popular music