Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson will release the new album "And in the endless pause there came the sound of bees" in April via . Said album with feature Jóhannsson's soundtrack for Marc Craste's film "Varmints" which was previously released as a limited tour-only edition last summer, but will now appear with two previously unreleased tracks. More info and international tourdates at Iceland Music Export: https://www.icelandmusic.is/News/1267/Johann-Johannsson--New-Album---Tour-News-/default.aspx
Speaking of Patrik Wirén (see below), he reports on his blog that there will be a massive 1st-wave Swedish punk fest happening April 1-3 at Göta Källare in Stockholm. Read more: https://rogertsblogg.blogspot.com/2010/02/punknostalgi.html
Artists include Bitch Boys, Usch, Kitchen & the Plastic Spoons, Warheads, Imps and tons more.
Swedish rocker turned journalist Patrik Wirén (Misery Loves Company, Alpha Safari) is working on a book about the history of the Umeå hardcore scene in the 1990s, which will fortunately not just be a book about Refused as he adamantly states: https://rogertsblogg.blogspot.com/2010/02/boksnack.html
Not sure yet if it will be Swedish-only or what, but I'll post an update as soon as Patrik gets back to me.
Finland's Disco Ensemble will release the new single "White flag for peace" on February 24, both on 7" vinyl and as a digital download. In addition to the a-side and a demo version of the same, the single will also include the track "Get some sleep".
There's a new Teddybears album called "Devils music" coming in late March/April and it will reportedly feature a collaboration with Atlanta-based rapper Cee Lo and The B52s on the same track, among other treats I'm sure.
Paper will be putting out "Before that day" as a new single to coincide with the re-release of their album "An object" on vinyl via . The official release date is February 4 for radio, March 1 elsewhere. Not sure if there will be a 7" version or what, but I'll keep you posted.
Issue #12 of email newsletter/mag The Swede Beat is now online: https://www.theswedebeat.com/magazine/nordic-night/
Featured artists include Stockholm Beat Connection, Dmitry Fyodorov and Jesper Waldersten.
Nö Music has the lowdown on this year's nominees for the Norwegian Statoil artist stipend: https://www.nomusicmedia.com/2010/01/30/nominees-for-statoil-funding-announced/
Also worth noting: a number of bands have refused to participate including hyped up-and-comers Kråkesølv, citing Statoil's offshore drilling near Lofoten as reason to protest.
will release the self-titled debut EP from No Blood in Bones on March 15, both on vinyl and digital. Full tracklist, artwork and samples: https://morningsiderecords.dk/?p=291
is the name of a new noise/dark ambient label founded by the folks behind and Ättestupa. Their first releases: a self-titled 12" from Göteborg duo Källarbarnen and the Kristian Olsson album "Att vara där jag var innan jag var jag". Full details and ordering info: https://www.nattmaran.se/