Midnight Boy - Don't Say No

"Just reach out and feel the love"

Sometimes in the world of Melodifestivalen, I hear a song that I completely fall in love with while also knowing unequivocally that it won't do well in the contest. Such is the case with Midnight Boy's wonderfully 80's Don't Say No. Despite being an amazing song (maybe the best in this year's contest), it was always going to be too niche for the voting public. And, just as I thought, the song placed dead last on Saturday. But, in a wonderful twist, it's also found itself in the top ten songs on Swedish itunes since the competition aired. I hope this encourages Midnight Boy and the people behind him to release a full album of 80's-tastic pop. I've been a longtime cheerleader of his, and I know he's got other songs written and ready to go, but I also know how difficult it is for acts like these to get funding for an album release. For now, we've got this brilliant song to enjoy, and I intend to!



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Midnight Boy - When You're Strange

"You know they're coming for you"

It's so funny to listen to the music Johan Krafman used to make (which is excellent, by the way -- thanks in no small part to songwriter Tony Nilsson) and then compare it to the stuff he does now as Midnight Boy. You get the sense that this 80's inspired pop is really what Krafman is passionate about, and that comes through in the songwriting and delivery. When You're Strange follows up the awesome Roll With It, which deserved far more attention than it received. Strange is accompanied by a one-take video where Krafman literally bares all, which is bound to bring some attention to the song, whether or not it's for the right reasons! The track itself is another slice of 80's heaven, with a bit of a darker twist to it this time.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the song here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Midnight Boy and Nicole Saboune in concert!

I've got something a little different for today, because two of Sweden's (and the world's) most exciting new stars recently gave awesome, intimate mini-concerts in their home country and both are available to stream online! I was especially impressed with the unheard tracks from Midnight Boy. Sounds REALLY good, especially Security and Butterflies. I need to hear the studio versions ASAP. Hopefully, we'll get some news on when both of these acts' debut albums/EPs/etc come out. Sweden is on the rise once more!

Midnight Boy


Nicole Saboune

Midnight Boy - Roll With It

"Keep your head up high"

I've been looking forward to this project for awhile now. Midnight Boy is the new alias of Sweden's Johan Krafman, who I wrote about on the blog a few years ago. He's got some excellent Tony Nilsson penned tracks, but never released a full album. Now, with Midnight Boy, he's gone full on 80's with an excellent, funky slice of synthpop. This is my kind of thing, through and through. From the polished, crisp production to the confident vocals and oh-so-catchy hook, the song has it all. A video's out later in the week and I'm hoping this begins a new stage in Krafman's career. Everything seems right for a big pop splash in Sweden (and hopefully beyond). Mostly, though, I just selfishly want more music from him!



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the song (worldwide on itunes) here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.