Unmistakably Nordic in flavor, Sofia Talvik somehow still conforms to American interpretations of her own original music, a North Sea siren blending sparkle and melancholy, creating a special niche of folk music.
Artists for Autism Awareness is a non-profit to benefit people with autism through research, outreach and awareness, music therapy and family services. Acoustic for Autism is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based project comprised of talented and caring musicians, artists, audio engineers, producers and music industry executives. Everyone involved with the Acoustic for Autism project donates 100% of their time, services and talents to help the cause. All proceeds from this performance will be donated to autism charities.
On December 10th I will be doing a live aired online concert for Artists for Autism through stageit.com. You can watch the concert from anywhere in the world and you even set your own ticket price.
Artists for Autism Awareness is a non-profit to benefit people with autism through research, outreach and awareness, music therapy and family services. Acoustic for Autism is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based project comprised of talented and caring musicians, artists, audio engineers, producers and music industry executives. Everyone involved with the Acoustic for Autism project donates 100% of their time, services and talents to help the cause. All proceeds from this performance will be donated to autism charities.
I was talking to a friend the other day about how hard people in Sweden have to support their friends and be happy for their success. We even have a epithet for it “The Jante Law”. Wikipedia lists it as “a pattern of group behavior towards individuals within Scandinavian communities, which negatively portrays and criticizes individual success and achievement as unworthy and inappropriate.” Or as Morrissey so eloquently put it: “We hate it when our friends become successful”.
It’s a quite unpleasant thing and you will see it everywhere, even how people are portrayed in media sometimes. Well I’ve had my share, being an artist and performer. It’s sad when there’s a competition between artists and other actors in the music industry, when we all could benefit from helping and supporting each other. Especially in such a small country as Sweden.
But I think the worst thing is when people who are your friends don’t support you or can be happy for you. Every day I’m stunned by how wonderful my fans and friends abroad are. Helping me out in so many ways. Some whom I haven’t even met. Like with my pledge for my EPs. Or now that I’ve applied for an artist visa. How generous and helpful people really are.
However It makes me just as sad when real life friends brushes off my pledgemusic project with the notion that supporting by pledging would be the same as them giving me a salary. Like I would use the money to party on the town or something (and the funny thing is that they’d gladly buy me a beer any time). And then, they all enjoy my music for free on Spotify. Don’t get me wrong. I want people to enjoy my music for free, but I’m sad to experience that Swedes sometimes are not as generous and loving as other nationalities.
My new goal is therefor to be a better person and support friends and colleagues more. And today I’m starting with my friend Scott. Scott is the writer, designer and publisher of the magazine K Composite. He’s been doing it for years and now he’s working on a new issue. If you like independent magazines, you’ll like K Composite. It’s basically a really beatutiful magazine containing interviews with regular people. Scott has a pledge at Kickstarter to fund the new issue and I think you should all check it out now.
Tuesday June 29th you can catch me play at the Peace&Love Festival at the Peace&Love café. I’m doing an acoustic set to celebrate the upcoming release of my acoustic version of “Florida”. I’m playing at 7pm (kl 19).
If you’re an aspiring artist yourself you can also catch the panel discussion on Wednesday 30th for “Fast Forward” around the music industry, where I will participate and give my view of how it is to be an artist in today’s changing industry.
Fresh from a powerful performance at 2008’s Lollapalooza festival, Sweden’s Sofia Talvik is now poised to conquer the States with the release of her devastatingly beautiful third album. It’s a record of staggering elegance, with the faintest trace of Scandinavian twee and youthful exuberance. (Chris R, CD Baby)
Don’t miss the SXSW showcases:
Wednesday March 18, 11pm:
The Ale House, 310 E6 Old Pecan St.
Saturday Marc 21, 6pm:
Sheraton Hotel, 701 East 11th Street Austin, TX 78701.
If you are working in the music industry and would like to schedule a meeting or a an interview, please contact:
Jonas Westin, CEO Makaki Music – email Laura Hamlett, Big Fat Cat PR – email
