The issue with many “break-out” stars is that when the hype is finally over, their efforts normally turn out to be not worth the wait. There are plenty of bands that fall into this phenomenon, but some groups teeter away from this and actually turn out a promising career. Swedish indie pop artist Lykke Li isn’t subject to the aforementioned groups. On her break out record Wounded Rhymes she gives independent pop music a new name. Where she was previously known for her synthesized backdrops and dreamy soundscapes, this new record reinvents her style to rival the likes of Lady Gaga and Florence + Machine. This isn’t so much a case of similar sounding music as it is an excuse to see this diva’s developing repertoire. Beginning July 29th, the Swedish musician will be taking her pop driven singles on the road.

Starting this trek in her homeland, the singer will be playing the Storsjo Yran Festival in Ostersund. In August, she’ll perform in various cities throughout the US, among them the historic 20th anniversary of Lollapolloza on August 6th in Chicago. After her appearance there, she’ll cross the pond to Europe for a quick festival run and then head back into a full American swing in November. For all the dates, check out the list below:

Lykke Li 2011 Tour Dates:
07/29 – Ostersund, SE @ Storsjo Yran Festival
08/01 – New York, NY @ Central Park Summerstage !
08/03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre *
08/05 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues ^
08/06 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/12 – Oslo, NO @ Oya Festival
08/13 – Helsinki, FI @ Flow Festival
08/20 – Hasselt, BE @ Pukkelpop
08/21 – Biddinghuizen, NL @ Lowlands Festival
08/27 – Stockholm, SE @ Popaganda
08/28 – Paris, FR @ Rock en Seine
09/02 – Dorset, UK @ End of the Road Festival
09/03 – Stradbally, IE @ Electric Picnic
09/24 – Melbourne, AU @ Parklife Festival
09/25 – Perth, AU @ Parklife Festival
10/01 – Brisbane, AU @ Parklife Festival
10/02 – Sydney, AU @ Parklife Festival
10/03 – Adelaide, AU @ Parklife Festival
10/30 – Glasgow, UK @ ABC
10/31 – Manchester, UK @ Academy 2
11/01 – London, UK @ Roundhouse
11/05 – Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest
11/07 – Pomona, CA @ Fox Theater #
11/09 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater #
11/11 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater #
11/13 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue #
11/15 – Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy #
11/17 – Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theater #
11/19 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel #
11/20 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater #
11/21 – New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s #
! = w/ Timber Timbre
* = w/ Best Coast & Fool’s Gold
^ = w/ Foster the People
# = w/ First Aid Kit

It’s exciting to see this Swede’s fame grow so quickly. Music speaks in volumes when an artist takes their art seriously and creates something worthwhile every time. Whether or not she will be as famous as Lady Gaga or even Florence + the Machine is still up in the air, but if her style and grace reflects the outcome then it’ll be competitive. If you’ve never listened to her music, I suggest watching this music video to get an idea:



Swirling synths, tribal drums, infectious grooves and Lykke’s deeply melodic voice orchestrate into a commune of eccentric sounds and grace. Be excited people.