THE GRAND US TAKEOVER
March once again turns the spotlight westward as the American showcase season invites the global music industry to discover the most exciting acts from around the world. In 2026, Sweden’s presence will be carried entirely by three bands from Gothenburg, the only Swedish artists selected to perform.
Pär Hagström & Charlatans of Love and Mika Häkki & Dark Yonder head to South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas (March 12–16), while Wolfschmidt travels to New Colossus Festival in New York (March 3–8). That three Gothenburg acts represent Sweden abroad in the same year says something about the city’s growing international reach. Before takeoff, we caught up with Pär and Mika to hear how they’re feeling about it all.
Known to many as the bassist of Monolord, Mika Häkki has stepped into a darker, psychedelic alt-country landscape with Dark Yonder. With two albums and an EP already released, the band now prepares for its return to American soil:
– Very excited! At the same time, it’s hard to have any expectations at all. Emails are coming in almost twice a day now about everything happening during the festival. It feels very inspiring. The solo finger is starting to twitch!
Pär Hagström & Charlatans of Love offer something closer to a psychedelic rock sermon – where gospel, soul and distorted guitars collide. Their latest album Dreamers Believers Illusionists Preachers was recorded live at Skeppet GBG in Gothenburg’s Majorna district, drawing strong inspiration from the American South:
– Just being at SXSW is an experience in itself. Getting the chance to play for a new audience and make new connections is of course very welcome. At the same time, we know we’re one of thousands of bands trying to break through the noise – I’m trying to keep my expectations both high and low at the same time.
Both artists have played in Austin before, but this time the stay is about more than just the showcase slot.
– It seems like it’s going to be a very mixed audience. Which, in a city as big as Austin, only makes it more exciting. There’s so much you want to see no matter your focus. I’ve been to Austin many times, but I still have to see the big colony of bats flying out from under the bridges at sunset. Very powerful. And you also have to dance at Continental Club!, says Mika.
– Wear a cowboy hat, and eat food you can’t find back in Svedala. A visit to a church to hear some real gospel music is also on the list, says Pär.
When the lights finally go up and it’s time to step on stage, both artists are clear about what they hope to leave behind.
– I hope the audience leaves the gig struck by the groove. That they feel they’ve been part of a journey that sparked different thoughts and emotions. And that they want to discover more, says Mika.
– I assume the audience will be rubbing their eyes afterwards, wondering if they just dreamed it or if that really happened. We have a real powerhouse show to present right now and the band is on fire. You should probably expect some out-of-body experiences, holy dance, and maybe a few people finding themselves right on the edge of full-blown madness afterwards too. Then maybe we’ll grab a beer and try to process it all – though that might be difficult, says Pär.
Mika Häkki & Dark Yonder – Instagram
Pär hagström & Charlatans of Love – Instagram
Wolfschmidt – Instagram