November 17, 2009

Lydia Kellam (US)

Photo by: Emma Milder-Borg

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Lydia Kellam, I’m a Swedish/American currently living in Brooklyn, NY where I run the online magazine The Swede Beat, dedicated to contemporary Swedish culture. It’s an online magazine founded to bring attention and expertise to the creative industry of Sweden, and to deliver compelling content for people interested in music, art, film and fashion. The magazine showcases interesting perspectives on the creative and progressive cultural scene in Sweden. Alongside articles, interviews, downloads and links, each issue contains an image gallery presenting up-and-coming visual artists from Sweden.

What was your reason for visiting Stockholm?
My reason for visiting Stockholm was to find inspiration for my work, discover new talents and topics to feature for The Swede Beat and connect with the creative scene in Stockholm.

How did you like the room, and what do you think about the Creators Inn by Elvine concept?
The room was excellent and I really admire the concept of offering free lodging to creative people visiting Stockholm. I especially liked that the rooms where planned as an apt, I pretended I had my own fine place in the middle of Södermalm, almost like a home only with delicious breakfast everyday. Pretty amazing!!

Any tips and recommendations for future guests? Did you include anything on the map?
The recommendations I included on the map were legendary music venue Fasching, a long time favorite that offer the best live gigs in jazz, soul and funk in Stockholm. During my stay in Stockholm I went to a few great jazz gigs. I also recommended my newly discovered Stockholm favorite, organic food store Aubergine. It’s a wonderful grocery store with fresh vegetables, a delicious selection of prepared dishes that you can bring for picnick in parks or for work lunch, friendly staff plus very affordable prices for that area. It’s located at Nybrogatan and Kocksgatan.

What’s creativity to you?
I believe being a creative is being able to think differently, do things the opposite, have the strength and faith in you to do all the things that inspire and motivate you, no matter what it is and what other people think about it.

What’s next?
This fall we have some interesting events coming; we are co-hosting some Swedish related events during CMJ Music Festival in New York. We are also launching a new website with more features such as videos, music downloads, event calendar. The Swede Beat is also planning for more events and collaborations that are working towards the goal of having The Swede Beat serve as a link between the creative industries between Sweden and the U.S.

Anything else to add?
Please visit our magazine at www.theswedebeat.com and subscribe and receive each issue in your inbox here: www.theswedebeat.com/signup.html.