I've been trying really hard to write a polska (a form of Swedish folk music), but I'm not even sure what rules apply to the genre, so I've done a lot of guesswork after listening to music in the genre. If anyone is knowladgeable about the genre I would really appreciate some tips and genre definitions, and what is typical for the genre.
Anyohow, I wrote this for Nyckelharpa.

Polska

Welcome to Routes & Branches & Beyond and to a show with the Almost Nearly Perfect People.  Of course, I'm referring here to the Nordic nations of Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, Finland and Norway.  A British journalist wrote a fine book about this region and its people, who he called "the almost nearly perfect people."  It is a clear-headed view of why this area of the world is so highly desireable, at the same time as pointing out some of the downsides of life in these modern nations of nirvana.  But on this show, we won't talk about the wisdom of Nordic politics, but just listen to some fine music from that area of the world.  Oh, and there could be a bit of Estonian and Greenlandic music that ends up on the show as well.  That's how things roll in the Nordic world.

You'll hear Danish chain dances, intoxicating post-classical folk, grunge Klezmer, Humppa music for pensioners, Swedish wedding marches, whimsical yet earnest blonde singer-songwriters, nordgrass, and wistful country songs with fierce guitars.  From musicians such as De Fries & D. Beck, Klezmofobia, Afenginn, Eläkeläiset, Hoven Droven, Tallari, Väsen, Louis Andreasen, Icelandic Symphony Orchestra & Langholt Church Choir, Ingólfur Steinsson & Friends, Frigg, Trad Attack!, Svavar Knutur, and Annbjørg Lien & the Brazz Brothers.  Grab a hunk of licorice and join me.

Routes & Branches & Beyond show # 366 2025 04 10

Feral Fusion

Feral Fusion (feat. Stine Øyan)

Spectres

The Haunted Hall

Rise

OK, quick - for extra points, and to win the sterling silver salad spinner set, name the five Nordic countries.  Go.  [insert pause here while you think].  What's that you said?  Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland?  Well, you are right.  Now, sing their national anthems in alphabetical order.  Just kidding...  Today on Routes & Branches & Beyond I have another show of music from this area of the world - the one that tends to be at the top of the world Happiness charts.  Is it because of their climate?  Because of their diverse political system (with multiple parties that have to learn to work together)?  Is it their economic system of democratic socialism, with high taxes but equally high public services?  Maybe it is the music?  Well, on this show we'll see if the latter is the case.  

I have round dance polkas, Finnish heathen forest maidens, polonaises (not the kind you eat), Arctic ethno-tekno, transcendent free-bass button accordions, Norwegian gospel blues, ladies with dark soul voices, enigmatic kanteles, and anthemic folk singalongs from Greenland.  From musicians such as P.A Røstads Orkester, Hedningarna, Bäsk, Fromseier & Hockings, Suistamon Säkhö, Maria Kalaniemi & Aldargaz, Marianne Antonsen, Knut Reiersrud, KK & Maggi, Brimkló, Vilma Timonen Quartet, Rasmus Lyberth, and Sarah-Jane Summers & Juhani Silovla.  Take off those skis and join me.


Routes & Branches & Beyond show # 367 2025 04 17

"Voyagers" is the fifth track from the "Valkyrie" album released in 28th of March 2025. I hope you like it.

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/33s6x8p6
Deezer: https://tinyurl.com/xush27pa
Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/52kua6ch
Bandcamp: https://tinyurl.com/ybk3c87k
Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/4ds45ahn
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/5c8djwhf
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Check my Epic music Spotify Playlists:
Epic Emotional Music | Inspirational https://shorturl.at/adQY1
Epic Emotional Piano 2025 https://shorturl.at/nuGPX
Most Epic Music of 2025 https://shorturl.at/juwCS
Vikings/Nordic War Music https://tinyurl.com/3kc9k6mt

Spotify

Voyagers

Ragnarøk

In Odin's Honor

In Odin's Honor (feat. Must)

Welcome to CJ Sever Studio – where music meets emotion. I blend epic soundscapes with powerful beats, crafting unique tracks that resonate with both energy and introspection. From atmospheric melodies to hard-hitting drops, my music spans genres and emotions. Dive into my world and experience the sound of passion and creativity.

A film music composer and guitarist born in Helsinki.Peter started to compose music in mid 90´s with tracker softwares. In 2006 he was introduced to East West libraries. Roe specializes in Dramatic and Electronic music with genuine cinematic flair. From intense edge-of-your-seat cues to the beautifully stoic emotional tracks, he writes in a wide range of styles and a dozen genres, including action, suspense, adventure, fantasy, and drama. Peter's epic orchestral works add pure excitement and drama to trailers, films and commercials alike.

New tracks tagged #scandinavian