Supertanker reports on the Forma Nova Festival: http://www.rosa2.dk/artikler/art013-formanova-juli2004.htm
This week's MTV UpNorth chart is challengers only:
01. Honestly - Carmel Sandella
02. Johnny De Luxe - Drømmer jeg
03. Fjarde Varlden - Annu En gang/Up Med Garden
04. The National Bank - Tolerate
05. Camille Joines - The Creeps
06. Qwan - I Can't Deny it
07. Tiger Lou - Sell Out
08. José González - Stay In The Shade
09. Miss Universum - Across The Universe
10. Unni Wilhemsen - Humbly For Her
11. The Rasmus - Guilty
Vote for your favorite and next week there will be a special new chart with a ton of new videos: http://www.nordic.mtve.com/shows/upnorth/
Madrugada's August 20 gig in Rhodes, Greece has been cancelled do to problems that forced the promoter cancel. But all is not lost - the band is currently working on new UK dates for September/October and they should hopefully be confirmed soon.
They've been talking about it for months and months and now the new Hammerfall website is finally online: http://www.hammerfall.net/
Sadly, it's not really all that much different from the old one in basic appearance and functionality except for a dumb flash-driven menu. Why the huge wait? Why bother?
MIC Norway is back from vacation with a report on Annie's infiltration of the UK pop market: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2004080614235779394827
Her album "Anniemal" is due for a proper release over there in September.
That new Rickshaw 7" on Zorch Productions I mentioned the other day will include the a-side "Lick my flames" from the recent "Sonic overload" CD as well as two unreleased b-sides, "Bullshit city" and "Summer fun (Holidays in the sun) - Part II".
Indieworkshop thinks St. Thomas could be the next big thing: http://indieworkshop.com/reviews/1020/
Delusions of Adequacy reviews Jens Lekman: http://www.adequacy.net/review.php?reviewid=4527
The last day of the For the Record Sunday shows in Stockholm at Café Strings is going to be extra special. It's now been confirmed that there will be four bands playing, including new additions Livid and my good pals KVLR. Be sure to go if you're in town and throw lots of money at them. Besides, what else you got to do on a Sunday? Unfortunately, due to Swedish alcohol laws being a pain-in-the-ass, if you want to check out the final two bands after 8pm you need to get on the FTR mailing list for an official 'invite'. That way it'll be considered a private party and the booze can flow freely. It's annoying, but not so hard to deal with. Sign up here: http://www.for-the-record.tk/
And speaking of KVLR, their album is today's top pick review over at Delusions of Adequacy: http://www.adequacy.net/review.php?reviewid=4523
"Forget The Hives. Swedish band KVLR rocks strong and precise while still being undeniably catchy and fun. Definitely one of my favorite rock albums of the year."
Swedish lo-fi electronic act 50 Hertz has released a new EP online called "Puerto Rico". Go to their website to download it: http://www.50hertz.tk/
In other news, rumor has it that their upcoming gig at Emmaboda will be a 'tennis performance', whatever that means. Could be interesting...
KultureFlash interviews Kim Hiorthøy: http://www.kultureflash.net/archive/99/priview.html
Dogge (Latin Kings) and Gonza (Advance Patrol) are the hosts of the upcoming Swedish hip-hop gala happening on October 2 at Amiralen in Malmö. Artists scheduled to perform: Fjärde Världen, Advance Patrol, Fattaru, Afasi, Prominent, Lilleman, Honestly, Ayesha, Peshi and Don Diego. More info: http://www.svenskahiphopgalan.se/
Sahara Hotnights will be performing their latest single "Hot Night Crash" on the Conan O'Brien show this Friday night, August 6.
Thehelpmeplease have put the song "Someone special" up for download: http://w1.699.comhem.se/%7Eu69900153/someone_special.mp3