Back in 2015, we found ourselves crammed into a bar during SXSW for a Day Party that saw some excellent pop and electro-inspired musicians from around the world strut their stuff on a makeshift stage that threatened to bow at various points. The easy highlight from that party was Swedish pop artist Tove Styrke. A ferocious force of energy on stage, it was impossible not to watch her play.
Things have definitely escalated for Styrke since. From a bathroom in the Tulsa BOK Center, she winds down from another successful show supporting Lorde – part of the latter’s Melodrama World Tour.
“This is the first time I’ve played in arenas, ever.” she says. “It’s a different experience, but it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve really felt so welcomed by everybody; the audiences have been just the best. I couldn’t have expected more.”
With her third album Sway due out in May, the hype surrounding Styrke and her smart, vibrant brand of pop music has really grown; “Changed My Mind” and “On The Low” in particular have brought her to wider audiences around the world, with the force pulling Styrke to Australia gaining more and more strength.
Next week, Styrke lands in Sydney for her debut show in the country, performing at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on April 10th. Sure, it’s not on the same level as the rooms she’s currently been playing with Lorde, but the OAF’s status as a beloved stomping ground for international artists to make their Sydney debut at, and makes for a perfect setting for Styrke.
“This past year, everything we’ve put into this album has been so special and fun,” she says. “I’m so happy that I finally get to go to Australia and that the songs have been played and people have heard them. Knowing I can go there and meet all these different people, I’m so excited.”
“So much has happened, I feel like I’ve grown so much.” Styrke admits. The trajectory of her career has steadily been building since she released her debut self-titled album back in 2010. “I feel like I’m at a place right now where I feel safe, in a way. I can trust my own abilities. Right now, I feel like I can do anything…the music has evolved a lot too.”
While her profile is continuing to grow exponentially, Styrke is adamant that the connection she’s established and maintained with her friends is one that won’t falter.
“I really love being able to really connect with people and get to know my fans and followers on a personal level.” she mentions, looking ahead to these Australian dates. “I try to meet fans after each show and I’m definitely going to do that in Australia as well. It started with some girl wanting to meet up and say hi and I was like, ‘Yeah – let’s meet by the merch stand!’, I usually do that because we’d be playing smaller venues.”
“I would have loved to have come earlier but I’m so happy I’m in a place where I can come over now and play.”
We can’t wait to welcome her.
TOVE STYRKE TOUR DATES
April 10th | Oxford Art Factory, SYDNEY
April 12th | Howler, MELBOURNE
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