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.
In 2008 I became the first female Swedish artist to play at the Lollapalooza festival. It was also my first US tour and now, four years later I’ve done a lot of tours and am on my biggest one ever. Since December I’ve done over 100 gigs in the US and I’m working my way towards Chicago again. So when an opportunity arrose to enter a competition for a slot at this year’s Lollapalooza I felt I had to enter. But in order to make them understand that they should book me I need YOUR help. The voting for the competition is live and you can help me by casting a vote every day, share it on your FB wall and with your friends. If I get picked to play I will give a VIP pass to Lollaplooza to one of you that helped me by voting.
[quote] We had a full house of north Alabama bluegrass and folk music lovers and before it was over Sofia had them eating out of her hand. A standing ovation and encore followed. It was a great night and she is a great talent. [/quote]
Bob Keefe Music Director, Berkely Bob’s Coffee House, Cullman, AL
At first it seemed like a real challenge to book gigs in Alabama and Mississippi, and some people actually told us we would probably be better off skipping them altogether. Well, let me tell you I’m pretty happy we ignored that advice. If I haven’t played the best venues there is in Alabama, I think my head is going to explode because the places I’ve played here have been some of the best gigs on my tour so far. In beautiful Birmingham I was invited to play Moonlight on the Mountain and got to discover a great singer/songwriter called Nathan Reich who also happens to play guitar in the new hip band Flights. In Auburn I played the low key intimate The Gnu’s Room and in Tuscaloosa I played at The Bama Theatre with local Sparrow and the Ghost and also did a show at the Alabama Art Kitchen. In Cullman I had standing ovations at the 60’s style coffee house Berkely Bob’s Coffee House. Alabama has been so great, it’s actually the only state where I’ve had ONLY good shows.
So here’s a few pics and videos. See you in Arkansas and Texas!
Performing Delusional at Bama Theatre
Sofia Talvik live at Moonlight on the mountainKeith, Sofia and Nathan at Moonlight on the mountainSofia Talvik live at Berkely Bob's Coffee House
Listening to her music, an otherworldly edge, surprising twists and powerful, haunting vocals make her much more than just another pretty folk-pop-acoustic performer. In other words, in Scandinavian music terms that Americans can understand, she’s no ABBA retread and not quite the enigmatic eccentric of Bjork, but carving her own unique and welcome niche in the music world.
I’ve had a pretty fab first week touring. We’ve been on the west coast of Florida and it’s been great. Not to mention the RV life. The RV turned out so nice after we fixed it up and it really feels like a home now. Especially since we got the brand new queen size bed and the cozy king size duvet. And it’s so nice to wake up to different places every day too. One day it’s on the beach, the next in a fruit tree garden. I’ve even overcome my fear of driving the beast.
Waking up on St Pete's BeachOur cozy bedroomTruckin' & Dreaming 😉
This week I played at the Independent in Tampa and St Petersburg. Got invited to a real southern lunch at Otis and Sian’s place and was treated to a great massage at the Warm Mineral Springs where I did a sold out intimate concert at the spa café. Yesterday was a long day with two gigs. One in the daytime at the Flamingo Flea Market in Bonita Springs and later on a house concert followed by a bluegrass jam. Bluegrass seems to be the melody of this neighborhood and even though I tried to pitch in, I think I’d better stick to folk music. But Roger Borg who set me up with the gig treated us all to some awesome Swedish meatballs, so I felt right at home anyway.
With John, Sian and Otis at the Independent, St PeteFeatured act at Flamingo Flea marketFlamingo Flea marketTrying to understand the bluegrass business
Thanks to all who came out to see me this week. To everyone who has been so kind to invite us to their homes and to all the venues!
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