Kolonien (Sweden)

Kolonien is a Swedish folk group originally formed by brothers Erik and Arvid Rask, their cousin Anna Möller and childhood friend Mischa Grind. Raised in and around Järna—a community south of Stockholm known for alternative lifestyles and vibrant artistic traditions—the members grew up surrounded by singing, folk festivals and collaborative music-making. After early work as protest singers within Sweden’s green movement, a formative trip to a festival in Tanzania in 2010 led to the band’s official formation and the recording of their debut album. In 2012 they were named “Newcomer of the Year” at the Swedish Folk and World Music Awards. Their second album, Drömmarnas Land (2015), continued their socially engaged songwriting, and in 2022 they released Till Skogen on the label Cumbancha, marking their deeper entry into the international folk scene.

Featured Songs:

“Tiden Går För Fort” (Time Goes too Fast), which originally appeared on the 2022 Cumbancha album Till Skogen, is a thoughtful reflection on the passage of time. The song was inspired by Möller’s grandmother Margit, whose warmth, wisdom, and resilience left a lasting impression on her. Rooted in a deeply personal memory, the song conveys a universal message about cherishing life’s fleeting moments and the enduring connection across generations. Anna sings: “Time flies too fast / Your eyes, they are the same / But your gaze is something new / You see your cracks and wounds.”

“Försvann 2014” (Disappeared 2014), from Drömmarnas Land and showcased on Putumayo's Nordic Nights, reflects on someone who never fully became who they hoped to be and the emotional space they still occupy. “In me there is an image / Of you I never saw / You who wanted to become / But stopped along the way / I know that I must / Gather myself / Something is missing / My hand against your cheek.”

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