Sweden's Tradition of Song

Swedish culture is awash in song. Children usually learn an instrument when they're small, or at least try. Singing in a choir is a near national pastime with one of every seven people involved at some point. Music is an integral part of almost every holiday and celebration. And many of the biggest TV shows revolve around music (Så Ska Det Låta, Allsång på Skansen, Maestro, Så Mycket Bättre, Melodifestivalen....)

Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz/imagebank.sweden.se

In a country the size of California, the industry is booming. More people work in the music industry than in the automobile industry. It's not just within the country, but also outside its borders too. Some of the biggest International acts get help from Swedish songwriters and producers.

American Artists who've worked with Swedish songwriters and producers include Christina Aguilera, Brittney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Kesha, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Cyndi Lauper, Kelis, Janet Jackson, Santana, LeeAnn Rimes, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Pink, etc.

You'll notice the above list is dominated by pop acts. Swedes excel in the genre and are often asked to write original material for other projects too, such as Glee and American Idol.

With so many talented singers, songwriters, and producers to pull from, it's no wonder Sweden's Eurovision qualifier developed into such a large production.

Favoritism and Swedish Culture

Equality is an important concept here, so when allegations of favoritism arise, the press is all over it. Today's headlines: Broadcaster SVT is being accused of favoring YOHIO to win by giving him advantages over the other contestants, such as filming a documentary about his Mello experience and not allowing other artists to do the same. True? Maybe. Maybe not. It makes for something to write and gossip about, anyway.

Surfing in Sweden

For most people, traveling usually means staying in a hotel. It's a convenient place to sleep and store your stuff. It can also keep you from experiencing a deeper connection to the area. Hostels can be a good alternative to hotels since you have the opportunity to meet other travelers and see the sights together. It's nice, but it's not the full cultural experience. What other options are there? One option is to couch surf.

The concept is simple. You sign up on sites like Couchsurfing.org or BeWelcome.org, fill out a profile, and find a host in the city you want to visit. You and your host both have a profile, so you can check each other's info and reputation. If your host agrees to let you stay, arrangements are made and plans are put into motion. You have a place to stay and you get to meet locals that are willing to let you into their lives and their culture. You can return the favor by hosting others when you get back from your trip. It's a short international exchange. An exchange of lives, cultures, ideas, languages, and experience.

I have only recently heard of this concept and, being a former exchange student, was intrigued by the possibilities. I had to try it, so I've set up several arrangements and am ready for my first international surfing experience.

First up is Michael in Gothenburg. He's from the US and has lived in Sweden for many years. He doesn't watch Melodifestivalen, but he has agreed to shed some light on living in both the US and Sweden. In Karlstad, we have Emma and Christian, a young Swedish couple who possibly love music even more than I do. They have agreed to share their musical tastes with us and in return, we get the privilege of adding a few songs to their ever expanding international playlist (gathered from previous couch surfers). Stockholm brings a stay with Alexander and his Swedish family. Alexander is a college student from the Netherlands staying with a Swedish family during his studies. He has promised to show us around the capital city while giving us his views on the culture and the contest.

The trips to Malmö and Växjo are a bit hectic, so those visits include a stay at a hostel. We'll get to meet a few fellow travelers there. Do they know about Sweden and Melodifestivalen and semlor? If not, an introduction is in order!