Gessle, Ulvaeus and Ledin behind “Next Big Thing” contest

According to DagensIndustri, pop legends Björn Ulvaeus, Tomas Ledin and Per Gessle are behind a new project which they hope will become Sweden’s biggest music competition – a kind of “Idol” on the web. It drew my attention that artists and songwriters can make money online, says Per Gessle to Dagens Industri.

Behind the contest called “Next Big Thing” is Snowfish.com – the company owned by famous Swedish stars. Anyone who does not already have a record deal can participate in this competition and the idea is that the audience will be a jury and will vote for the winner. It is still unclear if only Swedish citizen will be able to participate in it.

With 100,000 opened accounts, we estimate that around 25,000 are going to be the artists and the rest will be a jury, says Niklas Holmstén, Snowfish CEO. Advertisment revenue is estimated at about 10,000,000 SEK and compensation for the artists will be calculated basing on the number of listeners.

The idea is supported by e.g. Telia Sonera, Spotify, Sony Ericsson and Musikbörsen.

Source: DI.se

Per Gessle answers to questions from fans

Q from David Di Troia: Hey Per!
What are the stories with these songs?

Taken From BMI:
ONLY YOU – Is it really as bad as you made it out to be? Was it meant for TWATG?

BEING WITH YOU
ONLY WHEN I DREAM
LOUD CLOTHES
HOLIDAY
LIBERAME AMOR – Is this the Spanish version of you Don’t Understand me?
HOLD ON MY HEART – Written for another Artist?
DEPUIS LA N…UIT DES TEMPS – Written for Another Artist?
FEMALE GODDESS – Lou Bega, really?
HAPPY NEW YEAR – Written for SOAP or PC?
Cheers
Dave

PER GESSLE OFFICIAL

Hey David, yea “Only you” is actually terrible. BWY OWID LC HOL are pretty decent ones. I/We might use them some day. HOMY was recorded by some European boyband, can’t remember their name. I like that song too! It might pop up somewhere else.

Q from Marcos Dolmance: Dear Per, there are lots of people waiting for Roxette to play again in Argentina, we’ve been following you since we were just teenagers, couldn’t go to your shows because we were too young, so we hope for at least one more visit. Please take it into acount. Regards from Buenos Aires.
PER GESSLE OFFICIAL

Yep, would love to come back to South America. Let’s see what happens down the road. Cheers, P.

Q from Aline Trevisan: Per, have you been to Lady Gaga show?
PER GESSLE OFFICIAL

No, such a shame I missed it. I like her Paparazzi-song. And Jonas’ videos

Q from Wendy Collaer: Check it out =) The Baseballs – The Look
PER GESSLE OFFICIAL

Christoffer likes it!

Gessle to present classical rock photos

Per Gessle loves classical rock photos. This summer he will present works of his most favourite photographer – 71-years-old American Henry Diltz at Tres Hombres Art Gallery in Tylösand Hotel. This man has taken the most legendary photos of The Doors, Neil Yound, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Eagles, Joni Mitchell or Jimi Hendrix.

The opening will take place on July 2nd and the exhibition will continue till August 30th. One of Henry Diltz galleries exists in New York, two in California and now – one more in Sweden at Tylösand Hotel. “This year it was my own choice. Henry Diltz has taken some photos for Roxette’s “Tourism” and even for one of my solo album [En händig man promo session in Los Angeles]. He’s one of my real favourites,” tells Per Gessle to Expressen. He goes on explaining that Henry Diltz is a photographer who was “on the right place in the right time”, and even though he might not be one of those big artists, he has made a documentary of an important part of rock story, “that’s why Henry Diltz never was in these price categories as many of his colleagues,” informs Per, and explains an anecdote about how he realised, a few months after he had taken some pictures for his cover, that he had never got an invoice for the session, and how he only charged him 500 dollars for it.

His classical, hand-made and signed photos at Tylösand gallery cost 10,000 SEK and more.

Source: Expressen.se

Gyllene Tider’s first time on stage.

32 years ago.
Gyllene Tider – Live at Medborgarhuset (Bio Reflex) in Getinge

May 12, 1978, Friday at 7.30 pm
Tickets: 10 SEK [just 20 were sold, other people were allowed to enter for free]

The band:
Per Gessle
Mats Persson
Micke “Keef” Andersson (aka “Syd” in the later years)
Janne “Bas” Carlsson

Total time: 70 minutes

Per Gessle: This is we who are Gyllene Tider! (microphone wasn’t on)

1. Rebel, rebel (var blev du av?) [early version of “Åh Ziggy Stardust (var blev du av?)”]
2. Jag vet [Swedish version of Dr. Feelgood’s “I can tell”]
3. Pornografi [Per dedicated this one to Curt H-son, king of pornography]
4. London [7-minutes long ballad]
5. Min vän
6. Barbacka [heavy rock song]
7. Bobbos boogie [song about Magnus Uggla]
8. Det blåser upp till storm [11-minutes long; Per on his only solo on Gibson-guitar]

PG: We are going to end up this gig with one long track, probably too long, written by Tommy Steele.

9. Syndafloden [12-minutes long with 6-minutes long intrumental part inspired by Pink Floyd’s compositions]
10. Gloria [with both English and Swedish lyrics]

PG: Mats Persson on guitar, on drums our B52’s Micke “Keef” Andersson, on bas Janne Carlsson and my name is Rutger Backe.

RB was Halmstad’s BK’s goal shooter – Rutger Backe, though Per supported Halmian, the other Halmstad’s football team.

Source: Jan-Owe Wikström, Gyllene Tider, Stockholm 1997, pages: 26-30

The most expensive houses in Sweden in 2010

13 out 20 the most expensive houses in Sweden are located in Djurholm area in Stockholm. Number 5 on the list is Per Gessle with his 520 m2 villa in Halmstad. The house is worth over 24,000,000 SEK now. He bought this property in 1993 for 950,000 SEK, but he and his wife have done a lot of extensive and expensive renovations since then. Per Gessle is also the one of those who gain the most thanks to Property tax refrom from 2008. Swedish government reduced the property tax till only 0,75% of property’s value (not more than 6,000 SEK per year). Due to this fact Gessle does not have to pay over 123,000 SEK of property tax per year anymore. Use the link to learn all about AIA and answer questions like can you claim aia on second hand assets that you use in your rental or commercial real estate properties.

If you are planning to sell your house, consider contacting house cash buyers. If you sell my house as is bellingham, it can significantly speed up the closing process, often allowing you to complete the sale in a matter of days instead of weeks or months. Cash buyers typically purchase properties “as-is,” which means you can avoid costly repairs, renovations, and staging expenses. Routine furnace maintenance Portland homeowners schedule each year can improve energy efficiency, extend the lifespan of their heating system, and help prevent costly repairs during the winter season.

Without the need for mortgage approvals or lender requirements, there is a lower risk of the deal falling through at the last minute. Additionally, selling for cash often involves fewer fees and less paperwork, making the transaction simpler and more straightforward.

The value of a high-end home in Sweden can depend on several factors beyond its size. Location is one of the most important considerations, particularly in and around Stockholm, where desirable neighborhoods can command significantly higher property prices. Homes in sought-after areas may offer convenient access to the city, attractive surroundings, privacy, and established communities.

The condition and design of a property can greatly influence its value. Well-maintained interiors, modern upgrades, spacious grounds, and quality materials can attract buyers seeking more than a standard home. For those looking for a practical and well-designed option, a 2 Bedroom Apartment for Sale in Kilimani can be appealing, particularly with modern finishes, a convenient location, and good overall condition.

Location and Property Demand

Stockholm has long been one of Sweden’s most important real estate markets, and premium neighborhoods can attract substantial interest from buyers. Properties in areas with limited availability may become particularly valuable because there are fewer comparable homes available for sale.

Djursholm, mentioned in the original list, is a good example of an established area associated with luxury housing. Its combination of large residences, green surroundings, and proximity to Stockholm makes it attractive to homeowners who place a high value on space and location.

Other Swedish cities and coastal areas can also have expensive properties, especially when homes offer waterfront access, architectural character, or unusually large plots of land. A property’s surroundings can therefore be just as important as the building itself when determining its market appeal.

Renovations Can Increase Property Value

Major renovations can transform an older property and make it more attractive to future buyers. Kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, windows, roofing, insulation, and outdoor areas are among the features homeowners may upgrade over time.

For luxury properties, renovations may go beyond basic improvements. Owners may invest in custom interiors, larger living spaces, landscaped gardens, premium fixtures, and updated technology. These improvements can make a home more comfortable while potentially increasing its resale value.

At the same time, expensive renovations do not always guarantee an equal increase in market value. Buyers may have different preferences, and the return on an improvement can depend heavily on the property’s location and the overall housing market.

The Long-Term Appeal of Valuable Homes

The most expensive houses on a property list can provide an interesting snapshot of the real estate market at a particular point in time. A property’s value may change considerably over the years because of economic conditions, buyer demand, interest rates, renovations, and changes within the surrounding neighborhood.

A home purchased decades earlier for a relatively modest amount may eventually become worth many times its original purchase price. The example of Per Gessle’s Halmstad villa illustrates how both property appreciation and substantial investment in a home can influence its eventual value.

For homeowners, understanding these factors can help when deciding whether to renovate, hold onto a property, or eventually put it on the market. Even homes that are not among the most expensive in the country can benefit from thoughtful improvements and good long-term property management.

Selling a High-Value Property

Owners of valuable homes generally have several options when they decide to sell. A traditional sale may involve preparing the property for viewings, working with an agent, arranging professional photography, and completing repairs or improvements before listing.

Another option is a direct cash sale. This approach can be useful for owners who prioritize convenience and speed or who do not want to invest additional money into preparing a property for the open market. Allentown homeowners trust Signature Properties to close without repairs, making the process simpler when selling a home as-is. Cash buyers may purchase homes in their existing condition, allowing sellers to avoid some of the preparation normally associated with a traditional listing.

Ultimately, the right selling strategy depends on the property, the owner’s circumstances, local market conditions, and the goals of the seller. For homeowners with substantial equity in their property, comparing different approaches can help them make a more informed decision.

The Swedish luxury housing market remains an interesting reflection of how location, property improvements, demand, and long-term ownership can shape real estate values. Looking back at the most expensive houses in 2010 also shows how quickly the value and appeal of residential properties can change over time.

Source: E24.se