Your Scandinavian Summer Playlist is Here

Your Scandinavian Summer Playlist is Here

So with the summer solstice officially marking the longest day of the year, we decided that there was no better way than to celebrate with a playlist. Coincidentally, today is also #WorldMusicDay. So we're helping you learn more about Scandinavian culture, starting with the top hits from Denmark, Sweden and Norway that will be playing all summer long at the ARKK Offices.


A Scandinavia Summer For The Record Books


By June 1, 2018, Copenhagen had already experience one of the warmest spells of summer weather in Denmark’s recorded history. After surviving the long, dark Nordic winter, all this unexpected sunshine has made us Copenhageners more than a little insane: rooftop parties, street festivals, regular trips to the beach, and more bottles of rosé than we can remember—it was an epic May in Copenhagen, to say the least.

So with the summer solstice officially marking the longest day of the year, we decided that there was no better way than to celebrate with a playlist. The only playlist for all Scandi lovers and friends, to discover some of the biggest hits coming out of Denmark, Norway and Sweden that will grace the radio waves at least for the next few months. So far, Sweden is leading the pack - so if there is any missing from this list, please leave a comment on our Instagram account, we'd love to hear from you!

So without further ado, put your favorite dancing sneakers on and proceed to click play on each of our top picks below one by one. Note: the list is in no particular order.
 

1. Laidback - Sunshine Reggae (Denmark)

This Danish classic was a major international hit back in 1982 and keeps coming back summer after summer, only getting better with time. A Scandinavian summer playlist staple.

 

2. Zara Larsson - Lush Life (Sweden)

This young Swede is very comfortable conquering pop charts around the world. Lush Life is the perfect introduction to her music and a straight up banger. We approve. 

 

3. Scarlet Pleasure - Heat (Denmark)

This genre-bending Danish trio band does it all: R&B, funk, pop, and soul tunes with a distinctly Scandinavian vibe. Cool as cool gets.

 

4. Lukas Graham - Drunk in The Morning (Denmark)

Before he was an international superstar, Lukas Graham was growing up in the hippie enclave of Christiania, Denmark and singing in the Copenhagen Boys' Choir. Denmark is incredibly proud of this one.

 

5. Kygo - Firestone (Norway)

Kygo is a Norwegian DJ who crafts 'tropical house' music with a relaxed and bright vibe—perfect for the warm days and sultry nights of summer.

 

6. MØ - Final Song (Denmark)

Question: who runs the world? Answer: MØ. This rule breaking / chart topping Danish pop princess is literally unstoppable. Get on the MØ train or get out of the way.

 

7. Avicii - Levels (Sweden)

We couldn't have a Scandi playlist without paying tribute to this beloved Swedish DJ who died, tragically, in 2018. We dare you not move to the sounds of Levels, an Avicii favorite and an all time summer classic.

 

8. Robyn - Dancing on My Own (Sweden)

You don't need a partner to get on yo feet and dance. You just need Swedish superstar Robyn and this international club classic. We dare you to play it at your next summer party, guaranteed crowd pleaser.

 

9. Icona Pop - I Love It (Sweden)

This effortlessly cool Swedish electropop duo has headlined summer festivals and toured the world in support of Katy Perry, One Direction, and Miley Cyrus.

 

10. Tove Lo - Cool Girl (Sweden)

Described as, 'the world's most honest pop star' Tove Lo's music is full of autobiographical complexity and Nordic angst...and ultra-sticky hooks and beats, obviously. Passion we can relate to.

Want more songs?

The next twelve tracks are contributions from a mixture of classic and up-and-coming Scandinavian artists that, somehow, feel essentially connected to the long days of the Nordic summer and the unforgettable nights that come along with everybody's favourite time of year. Listen on, dance on, long live summer! Click on each link below to listen.