Tag: Americana

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Mini Documentary about Center of the Universe

I was so lucky to be able to fulfill my vision when making my new album Center of the Universe. I really wanted the process to be as organic and natural as possible, to be far away from distractions, and to let the songs come to life through the sound and heartbeat of all musicians in one room at the same time.

We captured some of the time we spent in the studio and turned it into a mini documentary with commentary on my thoughts, the production and the backstory behind some of the songs. As the album has gained so many wonderful reviews, been considered for a Grammy Nomination in the category Best Folk Album, and has been hanging on to Folk Radio Charts USA all Fall of 2023, I now think it’s time to release the mini documentary to the world. Come with us into the studio in Sulegång.

“The fact is, this is an album so captivating and compelling each offering begs repeated listens in order to fully appreciate their celestial sounds. A masterwork flush with both ambition and intrigue, Center of the Universe could be considered a musical marvel.”

– The Alternate Root Magazine, The Spotlight Column
Sofia Talvik – Center of the Universe Documentary
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New Single Alert! Circle of Destruction is released today!

I’m so excited to present the first single from my new album “Center of the Universe” which will be released this Fall. The first single is called “Circle of Destruction”.

We were joking in the studio when we were recording this song that it is Folk Metal, because the title – Circle of Destruction – sounds like a metal song more than a Folk/Americana/bluegrass piece. But it’s not Folk Metal, so don’t worry. I wrote the song in the first days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but it’s also inspired by non war immigration, as well as a search for truth in a society that is more information based than fact based.

We recorded the song (and album) in the most peaceful place! Imagine yourself in a small rural village in Sweden. White-trimmed wooden houses that date back several hundred years are tucked in between the pines and birch tees next to the quiet lake where the sunlight glitters like gold on the gentle ripple. All around you, you can hear the buzzing of bumblebees, birds singing in the trees, and the sheep are grazing in a nearby pasture, surrounded by a hand tied willow fence. You can imagine that all that magic seeped into the recordings (and some of the bird song too).

With a group of carefully selected musicians; Peyton Clifford and Drake Duffer on accordion, guitar, and mandolin (both hailing from North Carolina) and Janne Manninen on bass (from Sweden), we built up a studio in the living room of one of the old houses. I’m so happy with how the album is turning out and I hope you will like it too!

If you want to support my tour, and Lil’Chief’s breakdowns (yes we already had to change the front brakes) please consider paying something for the single – add your own number what you think it is worth, you can do this on Bandcamp.

Get it here:

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SxSW Canceled – not canceled

As you might have heard the big Austin festival SxSW has been canceled due to the Covid 19 scare. I was one of the official artists booked to showcase. At first I was saddened by the news, I have played SxSW many times before and was looking forward to coming back to promote my new album.

It didn’t take long though until the internet started bubbling with artists and venues that were determined that “the show must go on”. And since I am already on tour and in TX, I decided to keep my shows in Austin. It has been re-arranged a little bit but I am very happy to announce that we will be doing most of our planned gigs and a few new.

If you are concerned about the Covid-19, I can recommend my Lake Travis Library Concert on Friday the 20th, which was actually not part of SxSW to begin with. It will be a nice, low-key concert away from the hustle and bustle downtown.

For you Folk Lovers I am taking part in Austin Folk Festival which is held at Eastciders. My show there is Wednesday 18th at 7pm, but you should stay for the whole evening as there will be a bunch of great folk artists.

If you – like me are looking forward to all the fun day parties and music around downtown and S Congress I am returning to my favorite hat shop – Goorin Brothers on Saturday 21st at 2pm, and will head over for a stunning sunset concert at JW Marriot Roof Top Terrace at 6pm the same day.

I will be accompanied by my pedal steel player Tim Fleming for these, and more shows around TX.

Hope to see you!

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Paws of a Bear Spring Tour on the road!

The 2020 Spring tour, aptly named after my new album “Paws of a Bear”, has just begun! Last night we did a soft start in Albuquerque, NM and from here the tour will take us through Texas to SxSW and a lot of other fun concert venues, through LA, MS, AL and down to Florida.

Lil’Chief is getting some updates so we don’t wake up on the hood of the car!

Lil’Chief is getting some updates too. From previous owners he had some water leaks which has made the floor in the cab-over a bit wobbly. White Trash MacGyver has spent the last few days ripping it out and building new support and floor, with the help of our generous hosts Eric and Wendy Bardrof, also photographers extraordinaire. When you see Wendy’s pic you realize why New Mexico’s slogan is “Land of enchantment”.

Land of enchantment – photo by Wendy Bardrof

I’m also very excited to have my pedal steel genius Tim Fleming with me for select shows in Texas. He will join me from Dallas to SxSW and Houston.

Hope to see you on the road!

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