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.
Merry Christmas! Today us Swedes celebrate Christmas but since some of you celebrate on the 25th this is just the next to last window in my Xmas Calendar. So why not combine a very Swedish Christmas song with a very American instrument. In today’s window I’m singing and playing “Strålande Jul” on a mountain dulcimer I got earlier this year. I’ve never really played the dulcimer before but I thought it had quite a Christmassy kind of sound.
Today’s window is a special Christmas card to you all from my friend Dusty Monroe. It’s a special Christmas song about Rudolf, our favorite theme this winter ;). He’s sending it to you as a free download powered via Soundcloud!
I knew I couldn’t be the only Swedish artist to tour the US in an old van! So today’s window is a Christmas card from another Swedish band who also like to do that. Folk-Rock band Secret Circus who are kindly sharing their song “Waves” as a free download with all the followers of my Xmas Calendar!
Secret Circus was started by twins Klas and Joel Åhman in 2008 in Stockholm, Sweden. The maiden voyage sent the brothers bumming around Europe, playing their way from town to town. They immediately discovered that music was their calling and decided to give music their all. They quit their jobs and spent the following year writing and recording their debut album “This is Secret Circus“.
Every year they flee the cold winter of Sweden and spend the season in their studio in Roswell, NM where they’ve recorded most of their material. And on January 18th I’ll be joining them for a concert in Roswell, NM (aliens anyone?) so don’t miss out on that if you’re in the neighborhood. Go to https://sofiatalvik.com/gigs for details.
In today’s window I’m making some Swedish Glögg! It’s super easy and you can make it at home!
Here’s what you need for the Glögg: 2 cinnamon sticks 8 cloves 4 Allspice/cardamom seeds a small piece of sliced fresh ginger 1-2 pieces bitter orange / orange peel 1 bottle of red wine 5 oz brandy 2 table spoons of sugar
HoHoHo! Two days ago you got a download of mine and Sophie Rimheden‘s “Xmas on the Dance floor“. Today we give you a brand new version of “Rudolf”. And it’s in Swedish of course :). Talented Sophie has produced this disco version of “Rudolf” and I’m singing the lead. So get your ass off the couch and shake it baby!
Click here to listen/download
Credits: Music, Production and backing vocals: Sophie Rimheden Vocals: Sofia Talvik Mix and Master: Sophie Rimheden Coverart: Sofia Talvik