Scandinavia

Scandinavia has been a pop powerhouse for years, with acts like Abba, Ace of Base and the Cardigans garnering a huge share of international attention. But look a little more closely and Scandinavia has also got a thriving folk scene that can give the pop acts a run for their money. In the 1950s and '60s, Swedish hippies rediscovered traditional music and their interest led to a revival of Swedish fiddling and an instrument called the nyckelharpa. Swedish bands like Groupa promoted themselves like pop acts but played strictly traditional music, while Hedningarna takes inspiration from both Swedish and Finnish folk, exploring the Finno-Ugric harmonies rediscovered by Finland's premier folk group, Varttina. Norway is home to two folk traditions: joik, the traditional a cappella music of the Sami people, and more Euro-centric folk artists like Kristen Braten Berg and Bukkene Bruse.