“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” 

 ― Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

 

"From Lady Gaga to Britney Spears, you name it, pretty much all of them has had some connection with Swedish writers and producers."

For a country of 10 million people, Sweden exerts an outsize influence on popular music.

You might think first of ABBA, but that's just the starting point. 

There's Listen To Your Heart by Roxette. The Final Countdown by Europe. The Sign by Ace of Base. Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex. Lovefool by The Cardigans.

ABBA were the pride of Sweden after winning Eurovision in 1974 and later finding international success.(AAP: Wolfgong Heilmann)

Mr Johansson says Sweden saw an "industrial cluster" for songwriting emerge in Stockholm in the 1990s — something not dissimilar to Silicon Valley for technology or Detroit for cars.

In a 2010 paper, he noted "high levels of innovation and competitiveness" among about 4,000-5,000 small music companies — half of them in downtown Stockholm.

Swedish songwriters punch above their weight in the pop world. Could Australia emulate that success? 

EXCLUSIVE: Aussie Sensation Sarsha Simone Premieres “Love Ting”

If you could combine the likes of SZA, Bryson Tiller and PartyNextDoor, you would get Sarsha Simone, according to media giant MTV. Simone, an up and coming artist from down under, has received recognition for her unique spin on the already overwhelming amount of R&B pop music that circulates the internet daily.

Her debut single, "Casualty," has an impressive 600,000 streams on various streaming platforms–not to mention her prime fashion senses are displayed  in full force in the music video. Bursting at the seams of popular culture in her hometown of Sydney, Australia, Simone was inspired to take on the global music market with the release of her new song, "Love Ting."

"Love Ting" boasts Simone's strong vocal abilities rivaling the likes of another Ones To Watch favorite, Brit pop sensation Dua Lipa. While the track is embedded with summer-ready beats, i's just a warm-up for Simone, who will be embarking on a U.S. tour this spring.

We are thrilled to be premiering "Love Ting"–give it a listen below and be on the lookout for what's next from Sarsha Simone! (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.)

Painting Eyes on The Butts of Cattle Can Protect Them From Lions, Research Shows Science Alert (Chuck L). News you can use!

Tiger sightings increase in Thai forest BBC 

Handmade nest lures golden eagles back to Highlands estate Guardian

Birds and reptiles cry similar tears to humans, says new research CNN

Dog Has Ridden The Bus To The Park By Herself Each Day For 5 Years Animal Rescue 

Meet the ‘vampire’ parasite that masquerades as a living tongue Live Science. I wish I could unsee that headline.