Loney Dear

Loney Dear

Loney Dear is the recording name of Swedish singer-songwriter Emil Svanängen, a multi-instrumentalist from Jönköping, Sweden, born in 1979. He begins releasing music under the name Loney, dear before changing the spelling in 2009 to Loney Dear, dropping the comma. His earlier records remain associated with the Loney, dear name, while later albums are released as Loney Dear.

Recording career

Svanängen records and builds his music largely in home-studio settings, working either in a small Stockholm apartment studio or in the basement of his parents’ house. His method is notable for layering instruments and vocals with close attention to arrangement. The music is described as indie folk with a strong chamber-like feel, and it sits within indie pop, indie rock, alternative rock and folk contexts.

As Loney, dear, he releases The Year Of River Fontana in 2003, Citadel Band in 2004, Sologne in 2006 and Loney, Noir in 2007. Under the Loney Dear name he releases Dear John in 2009, Hall Music in 2011, Loney Dear in 2017, A Lantern and a Bell in 2021, Atlantis in 2022, All Things Go in 2024 and Making Friends Is Easy in 2026.

Live performances

In live settings, Loney Dear expands from a one-person recording project into a full five-piece band. The live arrangement includes guitar, saxophone, drums, organ and clarinet, alongside shouts and claps.