The Government’s 2013 Music Export Prize goes to Tim “Avicii” Bergling, the Special Prize to ABBA, and the new Commendation to TEN Music Group.

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“Sweden’s major international success in the world of music makes an important contribution to strengthening Sweden’s brand abroad. This is why I am very pleased today to have the opportunity to reward some of the music figures who have made a strong contribution to enhancing the image of Sweden abroad, while helping to increase Swedish exports,” says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
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He was taunted by colleagues when he challenged a homogeneous electronic dance music scene by suddenly inviting a country band up on the stage during an important festival concert in the United States. But when the song – Wake Me Up – that was played had been number one on iTunes in over 60 countries for several months – and moreover had sold gold and platinum in 25 countries – few were still ridiculing him. Imagine that an artist from Östermalm has not only written Swedish pop history with his debut album, but with his wide-open view towards all kinds of pop music, as a composer and producer, he has also – on several levels, not least in the way he markets himself – changed the global stage he acts on.
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