04 Mar 2013
Posted by Ki 
FFor those seeking evidence that Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has arrived as a mainstream music genre, look no further than the story of Swedish House Mafia. The iconic group formed in 2008, put out their first major label release in 2010 and plans to “retire” in 2013 with a swan song tour that includes five consecutive sold out nights in New York.
Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso sure do know how to retire
During their five-year climb, SHM went from being popular DJs and music producers to full on rock stars. They made millions ($14 million in 2012 to be exact) and will continue to make millions as solo artists. While Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso are not—and probably never will be—household names, they have forged a place amidst the ranks as the Run-DMC of EDM. Just as Run-DMC was the driving force behind raps cross over to the masses, Swedish House Mafia has done the same for EDM. Not that this five-day tour de force is a first. Similar acts have done it before in places like Ibiza, Miami and Las Vegas – but never in New York. It is safe to say that if SHM can effectively take over New York City for five days, they have more than crossed over; they have blazed a new path. As the saying goes, “if I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.”
These five nights fall only days before Lady Gaga was supposed to headline in New York but had to cancel citing a hip injury. The dates also come after a few weeks of quasi-negative buzz around Justin Timberlake’s announcement that he’ll be touring with Jay-Z. Water cooler talk has people wondering if JT’s decision indicates his lack of confidence in pulling off solo performances. All of this left NYC wide open for SHM and the boys did not disappoint.
Getting the lights on the ESB changed = baller status
The Swedish House Mafia New York takeover included:
- A black tie charity performance where 100% of the proceeds went to Hurricane Sandy victims
- One sold out night at Madison Square Garden
- Three sold out shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in a row
- Maybe the most impressive of them all – the Empire State Building lit up in the colors of the Swedish flag
New York went wild for Scandinavia this weekend as fans furiously searched for tickets and after-party ins. Instagram almost broke on Thursday night during the Black Tie Rave and Empire State Building confiscation. People who could not name one Swedish House Mafia song wanted to attend a show just to understand what all of the fuss was about.
ADANAI had a few operatives at the show the first night at the Barclays center and got some great video of the trio and their 20,000 trance-crazed guests. Enjoy.
Don’t You Worry Child
Save the World
In My Mind
Calling
One (Your Name)
Miami 2 Ibiza
Knas and Every Teardrop is a Waterfall
Leave the World Behind
Click here for the Swedish House Mafia New York Takeover Playlist
