MI reports that Universal Music has signed Swedish dancehall artist Million Stylez: http://www.musikindustrin.se/artikel/900/Universal_Music_kontrakterar_Million_Stylez.html
Look for the new single "Love we deal with" on June 26.
Danish act Marvel Hill has confirmed that they will release the new single "Kiss/Bite" on June 22. The band's still as-yet-untitled forthcoming album will be out in fall.
Ane Brun's album "Changing of the seasons" will be officially released in France on October 12 and will include the French-language bonus track "Koop island blues" which she recorded with Koop for 2007 album "Koop islands". In addition, Ane will be playing at Café de la Danse in Paris on November 17.
Swedish pop-punk act The Aches are currently streaming their new self-titled album at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/aches1
I don't think these guys have a label right now which is kind of a shame since they're actually pretty good. RIYL Still Little Fingers, The Jam, The Buzzcocks.
PopJustice reports on BWO's latest effort to crack the UK market, which includes guest vocals from fellow Swedish popstar Velvet and last year's chav sensation, the donk: http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3759&Itemid=9
Danish label Speed of Sound has announced the signing of four new bands: Stoffer og Maskinen, Sleep Party People, Sterling and Leth og Remar, a collaboration between Morten Remar (Back to Back) and Kristian Leth (The William Blakes). Follow the links for more.
Norwegian singer/songwriter Dylan Mondegreen confirms that his new album "The world spins on" is done and will be released on August 31. It will also be released in Japan on September 2 along with his debut "White I walk you home". Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/dylanmondegreen
Susanna Brandin from the excellent act Winter Took His Life has started a new band called Hunt. Check out three demo tunes at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/huntgbg
Bob Hund has officially enlisted Christian Gabel (1900, etc.) as their 7th member.
Millencolin is teaming up with their local Örebro football team ÖSK Fotbol for a new single/fightsong, their first new track på Svenska since "E20 Norr" in 2002. The title is simply "Örebro" and the official release date is July 5 to coincide with the ÖSK-AIK match. Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/millencolin
Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:
01. Loney, Dear
02. The Radio Dept.
03. The Bear Quartet
04. Kleerup
05. Camera Obscura
06. Fever Ray
07. Phoenix
08. Kristofer Åström
09. Hello Saferide
10. Jens Lekman
Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/
The Goner has evolved from what was essentially the solo project of one to a full-blown 4-piece band. Hear 4 new tracks from the group's forthcoming record "Behold a new traveler" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gonergonergoner
Slightly OT, but perhaps worth noting: Sincerely Yours is teaming up with Acephale Records to release a new 7" from US act Memory Casstte. See here and here.
Razzia Records has signed Joel Alme and will be releasing his Mattias Glavå-produced sophomore album in early 2010. His debut record "A master of ceremonies" was released in 2008 via Sincerely Yours.
Despotz Records (The Deer Tracks, Twiggy Frostbite) has announced the signing of Swedish pop artist Titiyo. No word on her next release, but I'll be sure to keep you posted.