Shaina Johnson // Contributing writer
The Swedish electropop duo, Icona Pop, is performing Thursday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. in Murphy Center. The show will open with a performance by electronic rock band Magic Man.
“Icona Pop are Sweden’s biggest musical exports and fashion icons,” according to Fashion Week Stockholm, a popular Swedish magazine. The group’s known for their 2013 hit “I Love It,” featuring vocals by British artist Charli XCX, and “Emergency.” Their punk edge songs are full of hype, expression, twisted synthesizers and bittersweet melodies. Fueling their music is youthful rebellion, ex-lovers and girl power.
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, the duo, Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo, said they went to musical school together and the group was born out of a chance meeting at a party. After reuniting, the two felt an instant connection. Jawo was coming out of a heartbreaking relationship and Hjelt was in a spasm of artistic malaise. They then decided to become a duo, and wrote their first song the next day. Two years later they released their synthesizer-loaded single “Manners.” In the same interview, the pop duo said they had no planned musical direction — the two wanted it to come naturally just as their friendship came.
Just like their songs, Icona Pop are bouncy, energetic and full of life. Miami New Times magazine calls their music “bubbly pop brilliance” and says the group has a whole slew of dance songs to make you sweat.
Icona Pop have made their way around the globe giving them international attention, and they are now bringing their music to MTSU. Miami New Times said that if you can’t wait for more of their music to come out the “best thing to do is to catch the group live.”
For more information on the show and its MTSU organizers, visit the Signature Events Committee page on MTSU’s website.
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To contact Lifestyles editor Rhiannon Gilbert email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
