Little Dragon

The Swedish electro-pop band (Yukimi Nagano, drummer Erik Bodin, bassist Fredrik Källgren Wallin, and keyboardist Håkan Wirenstrand) sit down with us at Gala Festival to share their top travel tips for visiting their hometown, Gothenburg, Sweden.

The band describes the energy of the city as dynamic. “Because we’re in the Northern hemisphere it’s very dark and cold and wet in the winter, then all of a sudden, light springs out of the ground and it almost makes you tear up because light is actually possible”.

Gothenburg is a green city not just because of its work with sustainability. Green spaces are plentiful. Home to the elements, nature is just a stone throw away. “You don’t have to go far before you hit the countryside, so it’s nice to soak it all in, like see that it’s drier here or the spring is later here, it must’ve been raining here. You see the different climates, like wow a lot of trees fell here in the wind” says drummer Erik Bodin.

Scroll down to explore Gothenburg through Little Dragon’s eyes.

Sweden

Explore Gothenburg

Gothenburg 

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They sell good coffee and good coffee gear. That’s the only thing I buy apart from food. It’s nice shopping. - Fredrik


Cafe

Coffee Shop

Coffee Lab

You can take the bus here, it's a public nature reservoir by the ocean and you can walk out and be alone if that’s what you need or it's where the party is. There’s also rocks you can jump off and feel the energy of the ocean. Some places are a bit hard to get to so you may have to climb a bit, but it’s a nice little half island so you won’t get lost. It’s good to explore and get a feel of the west coast. It’s like the milder version of Norwegian influence. - Erik 


Outdoor Space 

Sunset

Lake

Nature Reserve

Amundön

Food

Indonesia

Restaurant

Sayur

Based between Berlin and Stockholm, Mei River is a multi-talented singer, producer and proud Swede. Sweden is known far and wide for its raw natural beauty and hordes of blonde-blue eyed counterparts, but Stockholm, as it's capital, adds a little more edge to this image. With travel easing up, Stockholm is a great place to visit for harbourside elegance; Stockholmers call their city 'beauty on water'. With Mei River's help, here are some of the best spots in the city for a weekend away.

Mine and my girl's favorite spot. Great food and atmosphere. The chevre with truffle honey is the bomb!

There are some really good ramen spots in Stockholm and you could go into long debates about which one is the best. My favorite is called Totemo, a small place with few seats. There is always a line outside, so be ready for that.

Been sitting in a studio right next door, so swinging by for a beer after a session isn't half bad.

I used to go here every weekend when I was younger. A good supply of old instruments, cameras etc. And for a good cause, the money goes towards social sustainability.

Stockholm-based brand, always on top with their collections. This is a ”side project” they've been doing.

Carl Milles' old home, where he did most if his art. Dreaming to have a garden like that someday. It's nice to just walk around and get inspired.

Spent most of my summers here as a child. Calm and beautiful, a great escape from the city. Just jump on boat in the city and go island hopping.

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Stockholm with Mei River

Inspired by cultural sounds from across the world, with even their name translating to "Airplane" in Thai, a guide to Houston from the Texan trio, Khruangbin was a no brainer.

Donald “DJ” Johnson, drummer in the instrumental trio, as been living in Houston, Texas for much of his life. Though the band takes influences from Thailand, Mexico City and west Africa, Houston is perhaps the place that is of most personal significance to Khruangbin. Leading their guide to their hometown, Donald shares all the spots that make Houston, 

 and some of the places that helped bring the band together.


"Houston has its own thing going on. The pace here is slower than many other places, which is probably an adjustment for an outsider."


Donald suggests kicking it back at the record shop when you're there, experiencing the cultural hybridity of Tex-Mex food and munching on some authentic Texas BBQ: 

"It's hard to find bad BBQ here, because if you're not up to par, you'll get smoked (pun intended)."

The vibe is great here. There's a functioning reel to reel tape machine providing the soundscape that greets you at the entrance. The entire menu is fire, but don't leave without trying the "Nancy Cakes.

Lots of records, cassettes, CDs and band swag here. There's also a small stage there as well that Khruangbin played many years ago.

Affectionately called "Rudz". Mark, Laura & I hung out here practically every Tuesday night before starting Khruangbin. Burger with cheddar & fresh jalapeños with a side of tots...and a side of mayo for dipping the tots.

Coolest late night hang in town, and if you can catch DJ Sun spinning while you're there, you're in for a treat.

Best BBQ spot on the Nawfside of the H. Can't go wrong with a chopped beef sandwich.

Hats fitted and made to order, perched above a barber shop in Downtown Houston.

A quirky gift shop filled with fun trinkets located in Rice Village.

Authentic Tex-Mex. An order of queso for the table, and chicken & beef combination fajitas. Corn or Flour tortillas is a big debate, but it's totally your call (I dig flour)

There's always interesting, well curated exhibits on display here throughout the year. James Turrell's "The Light Inside" installation lives there.

The Best Places in Gothenburg to Explore Local Culture with Little Dragon

The Best Places in Gothenburg to Explore Local Culture with Little Dragon

Coffee Lab

Amundön

Sayur