Behind this bandname hides Petter Hillström, who released his debut album “Hillström & Billy” on the 10th of November. If you are one of those that have started using your old record player again, then this release is perfect for you since the physical release of the album is on vinyl.

“American roots music and British folk with a light twist of modern pop” Petter describes his music. A good description, although in my ears the pop influence is more than a light twist in many songs. I have no problem with that since these songs are really good pop songs, and also quite varying, with nice melodies and sometimes with a retro feeling. This together with the more folk based tracks makes the album very interesting. Below you can listen to a couple of songs.

If you’re in Stockholm tonight, I can recommend a visit to the live club Bara Unplugged where Hillström & Billy will perform together with Mårten Lärka and Kinski.

If You Don’t Come Home
Hard to Grasp

Visit Hillström & Billy on Myspace

After many music adventures, Conny decided a couple of years ago to start writing music with lyrics in Swedish and in his own name. Since then he’s had a lot of success, especially on the net, but also on TV, radio and the many live gigs.

This is pop with seductive, mellow melodies, hard to neglect. It feels very personal and close and the lyrics invites you to identify yourself with the singer. I think one of the strengths with Conny’s songwriting is that he can describe the tough times in life without being pretentious or heavy; rather strong and natural. Well, judge for yourself and listen to two great songs below. (if you don’t know Swedish you can always write to Conny and ask him :-))

I take the opportunity here to create some publicity for the great live club Bara Unplugged in Stockholm, that Conny started a couple of years ago. Today he’s running this together with Olle Torpman (Icke Lika Med) and Ted Berggren. Every Wednesday, so if you’re in Stockholm, don’t miss it!

Visit Conny’s site to listen to more tracks.

Maskrosbarn (Dandelion Child)
Lämna mig ifred (Leave Me In Peace)

Lollop Rose is a six man band with a slightly unorthodox mix: besides guitar, bass and drums – you also find cello and accordion in the band. This is used to create music that is a blend of various influences but still unmistakeably molded into their own great style.

There is a very close and intimate acoustic feeling throughout and they mix songs that have drive and energy with more mellow songs that have a slight melodramatic touch. I get some folk vibes from the verses that are craftily turned into pop melodic choruses. I have to mention David Gustavsson’s vocals that have a strong expression which provides that little extra to make the songs take off properly.

From what I hear, they are even better live. And in a clip from the club Bara Unplugged, you can see some of their stage presence – as well as finally find out what happens backstage. :-)

Listen and download some songs:

Fred
Nothing
This Is It

Visit Lollop Rose on Myspace to listen more and download songs.

Lollop Rose’s site