Juvelen

Swedish pop newcomer Juvelen has drawn comparisons ranging from a Nordic counterpart to Justin Timberlake and a masculine take on Robyn to his own preferred image as a solo boy band. Yet his emotionally rich electronic dance-pop avoids mere imitation, standing apart in the late 2000s when few male artists matched the wave of acclaimed female synth-pop acts emerging from Scandinavia. That period’s revival of 1980s electronic sounds, particularly the prime-era work of Prince, clearly informs Juvelen’s approach. Jonas Pettersson, weary of unsatisfying roles on guitar and keyboards in multiple groups, launched a solo project in 2005 under the name Juvelen—Swedish for “the jewel”—beginning with home recordings in a basement studio. He later brought in producer Patrik Berger, known for work with Robyn and Hilary Duff and introduced through shared acquaintances. Internet exposure on Myspace led to a late-2006 deal with the Swedish indie label Hybris. Momentum built throughout 2007 with a five-track EP that featured the national-charting single “Watch Your Step” at number 34 and the club favorite “Hanna,” complemented by Juvelen’s stripped-down yet high-energy one-man stage performances. Early the following year he guested on the S.U.M.O. track “It’s Good” and issued “Don’t Mess” as the first single from his forthcoming debut album.