With influences as broad as Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull, as well as Nordic folk music traditions, Swedish ensemble FRÄNDER can enthusiastically be described as “Heavy Folk.” It’s a sound that Spill Magazine praises, writing “No matter your preferred genre, (FRÄNDER) is the kind of music that feeds the senses and helps to complete the soul.
The band is comprised of Gabbi Dluzewski on Swedish mandola a vocals, Björn Tollin on percussion, Dluzewski on double bass and vocals, Säde Tatar on flute and vocals, and Alva Granström on vocals and fiddle.
We are excited to welcome them to Swallow Hill on Saturday, January 31. In anticipation of their show, we caught up with Gabbi over email to learn more about the band’s sound, their influences, and how recent tours in the U.S. have gone.
TICKETS: FRÄNDER w/ Banthom House at Swallow Hill Music on January 31
Since this is your first time at Swallow Hill Music, could you briefly describe your music and what you sound like?
At a concert with FRÄNDER, you can expect a powerful, immersive journey where Nordic folk roots meet the raw energy of rock ‘n’ roll. We try to blend ancient melodies, modern grooves, and tight vocal harmonies into something both deeply emotional and electrifying.
Are your songs originals, folk standards, or a mix of both?
All original. We are energized by and find creative freedom within the expressive modern sound of Nordic traditional music. But we have never been interested in merely reproducing the past, instead we strive to find new ways. We don’t like to be stuck in one genre. For us that also means not to mix genres heedlessly. Instead it’s important for us to unnoticeably blend them together – like a carefully balanced stew.
Your sound is very contemporary but your use of traditional instruments is also a strength. Does blending the modern with the traditional come naturally to you?
Yes it does! Even though it requires some work to create something new and interesting. I mean, we could easily just do regular folk rock. It would sound great and be fun, but it wouldn’t necessarily be something new, something unique. And I think that’s where the exciting part starts, to try to find new grounds, new ways of doing stuff. (Article continues after the video.)
According to your bio, the band first came to the U.S. to perform in New York in 2024. What was that experience like? What are you looking forward to on this tour?
It was great! We have only had good experiences in the U.S. (This is) our fourth U.S. tour in two years and we hope to be back at least two more times this year. We’re definitely here to stay! 🙂
We’re excited to be back, looking forward to seeing old and new friends, new cities, driving through a lot of states! We’re looking forward to visiting some really cool music stores. In 2024 I bought pink cowboy boots for my kids. I told them that princesses in the U.S. wear those kinds of shoes – they LOVE them. So now I have promised to bring back new ones. 🙂
Who are some artists that you are currently listening to or find inspiring?
That’s a big question. I find it really important to never forget to be a music consumer. I mean, a lot of colleagues quit listening and searching for music since they’re professional musicians, composing and touring a lot. I think it’s really important to continue searching and listening. So I’m constantly on the hunt for new exciting music. Quite recently I found the band Castle Rat, an American retro fantasy rock/metal. They’re really fun! I also found a completely different album recently, Nick Hart & Tim Moore’s The Colour of Amber, which is really beautiful evening music on two bowed instruments and vocals. Really cool.
On the flight to NYC yesterday I was rediscovering System of a Down. I never really listened to them when I was a kid, even though people around me were really into them, so I tried to go back and give them a chance.
What does FRÄNDER mean?
The name FRÄNDER is an old Swedish Viking word that means next of kin, family, relatives, and close friends. Choosing this name for the band is no accident, as we are family and share a view of life rooted in the belief that music is a universal language and a unifying force. FRÄNDER embodies this belief, representing an inclusive term that signifies a deeper kinship among us as humans, beyond mere acquaintances.
Our music captures the meeting of different languages and musical traditions, which fosters a human connection and reminds us that, at our core, we are all FRÄNDER, regardless of background and culture.
TICKETS: FRÄNDER w/ Banthom House at Swallow Hill Music on January 31