The Sound of Sweden: How a Nordic Nation Conquered the Global Playlist

When you think of Sweden, what comes to mind? Pristine forests, minimalist design, endless winter nights, and—above all—an uncanny, supernatural knack for writing absolute earworms.

Despite having a population hovering around 10 million, Sweden is the world’s third-largest music exporter, punching well above its weight class behind only the United States and the United Kingdom. From the glittering disco balls of the 1970s to stadium-filling EDM and melancholic indie pop, Swedish artists have soundtracked generations.