If there's one thing Miriam Bryant knows how to do, it’s to own a stage. With a voice that blends raw emotional intensity and pop sensibility, the Gothenburg native has long since cemented her status as one of Sweden’s most captivating live performers. Since her breakthrough in 2013 with the hit “Push Play,” Bryant has built a solid repertoire spanning soulful ballads, upbeat anthems, and genre-blending collaborations. Her music often moves between heartbreak and empowerment, always carried by her signature vocal grit.
Hence, it felt more than fitting that she returned once again to Kungstorget — the same stage where she headlined one of the main nights at a previous Kulturkalas. That performance was known for its grand visual setup: a multi-level stage design where her band was arranged on different floors, giving the whole scene a striking 3D look. Fast-forward to August 30, 2024, and the setting was more stripped-back — but no less engaging.
Same Stage, Different Energy
This time around, Bryant performed as part of Mix Megapol Sensommarkväll, sandwiched between opening act Newkid and veteran rocker Magnus Uggla. The scaled-down stage design didn’t detract from the experience — in fact, it gave the show a more intimate and grounded feel. Backed by a compact yet tight band featuring guitar, bass, keys, drums, percussion, backing vocals, and a strong dose of charm, Bryant seemed completely at ease. Happy, radiant, and clearly enjoying herself, she delivered her short set with the kind of presence that can’t be faked.
While the setlist was necessarily brief (as was the case for all acts during the evening), Bryant still managed to leave an impression. There was warmth in her voice, playfulness in her demeanor, and a strong sense of connection with the crowd — many of whom had started gathering hours earlier to secure a good spot.
A Race Against Time – Photographing the Show
As with Newkid’s performance earlier in the evening, the concert setup allowed only a tight window for photography. Each accredited photographer had access to the pit for just the first song of each artist’s set — a challenge that calls for speed, precision, and maybe a little luck.
After shooting the first track from the pit, there was barely any time to reposition before the next artist took the stage. Much like during Newkid’s show, it became clear that venturing into the audience to capture more angles would be a logistical gamble — especially with Magnus Uggla’s finale looming. So I found myself stuck to the side of the pit, with an extremely limited field of vision and not much room to maneuver.
Ironically, that awkward angle ended up producing one of my personal favorite images from the night — the one used as the header image, actually — proof, perhaps, that constraints can sometimes lead to creativity.
Bryant’s Consistent Brilliance
Though this wasn’t a full-length concert, Miriam Bryant once again demonstrated why she continues to draw crowds and inspire singalongs. Whether on an elaborate festival stage or a more modest summer setup, she brings the same honesty and electricity every time. Her return to Kungstorget may not have come with massive light rigs or elevated band platforms, but it offered something else: a relaxed, joyful artist connecting with her hometown audience on a breezy August evening.
In a night that moved from soulful pop to tongue-in-cheek rock nostalgia, Bryant stood out as the emotional anchor — a reminder that stage magic doesn’t always need pyrotechnics. Sometimes, all it takes is a voice that hits home, an endearing smile that says “I'm happy to be here,” and a summer sky above a city that knows her well.
This show was shot with
Wider Shots
- Camera: Sony a7 III
- Lens: Tamron 28-75/f2.8
Close-Ups
- Camera: Sony a7R II
- Lens: Tamron 70-180/f2.8
More Concert Photos
