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.
On my US tour I’ve had the privilige to play with some really talanted people. One of them is Michelle Lewis, a singer/songwriter based in Boston, MA and today’s window is a special greeting from Michelle to all of you. This is a video of Michelle singing “In The Bleak Midwinter”. Michelle’s albums, the perfect gift to anyone who already has everything, are available at http://michellelewismusic.com/wordpress/store/. If you want to enjoy Michelle’s beautiful music in your home, she’s also taking requests for house concerts for 2013. You can contact her through her website http://michellelewismusic.com/.
A few days ago I released my yearly Christmas single. It’s called “One Last Wish For Christmas” and it’s recorded partly in the US and partly in Sweden (thank you internet). The single has been very well received and here’s a selection of quotes from some writers around the globe:
[quote] “One Last Wish For Christmas” has the feel of a simple and intimate Indie Folk song while simultaneously being rich, full, and immediately pop accessible. It’s sort of Hank Williams meets the Pogues “Fairytale Of New York”, but much prettier. (…) It’s just wonderful! [/quote]
[quote]One Last Wish for Christmas” is “a story about love, loss, and afterthought at Christmas.” It is heartbreakingly beautiful, and like many of her songs, it stays with me long after I’ve finished listening to it.”[/quote]
[quote] During the years I’ve fallen in love with her beautiful alternative folk songs. Especially with the sad ballad Snowy White River (2009). This year I’m pleasantly surprised to learn that Sofia has returned to her roots.” [/quote]
Every year on Christmas I write small Christmas Poems on the presents to my family. The poems are small cute clues to what the present might be and we read them out loud so everyone can try to guess whats inside.
I want you to join me and write some clever and cute poems this year. Enter my Christmas Poem Competition and write a poem for a present to a family member or friend and I will choose a winner. Encourage your family members to do it as well, maybe it will become a tradition in your family as well!
You might also use it for shopping inspiration, maybe you will find a few things that are just begging for a poem. You don’t have to be Dickens and nothing really has to rhyme. Just give it your best shot and have a good time! Hey, what do you know, there’s a poem right there!
I’ve hit California and I’ve already done a few shows around the northern part, but I have many left. I hope to see you in San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles and San Diego in the near future. Here’s some of my upcoming dates, to see all my upcoming gigs go to https://sofiatalvik.com/gigs. Note that the selection below is only a handfull of the upcoming gigs around CA.
The San Francisco Chronicle has also chosen my gig in Oakland tonight at Disco Volante and my gig at Amnesia Bar in SF on the 30th as their top picks for this week! The show at Amnesia will also be the 200th gig on the tour so please bring all your friends and come celebrate with me!
[quote] An understated, folky Swedish singer-songwriter who alternates between beatific odes and disturbingly dark musings, Sofia Talvik possesses a voice that’s translucent, soft and deceptively cool. [/quote]
SF Gate
Tips! If you get tickets early you can take part of some great discounts and special offers!
Oakland Thursday, 10/25, Disco Volante, Time: 8:00 pm. $5
San Francisco Tuesday, 10/30, Amnesia Bar, Time: 9:30 pm. GET TICKETS
San Luis Obispo Saturday, 11/03, Kreuzberg Cafe, Time: 8:00 pm.
Los Angeles Thursday, 11/08, The Coffee Gallery Backstage, Time: 8:00 pm. $15 Thursday, 11/15, Hotel Café, Time: 7:00 pm. GET TICKETS
San Diego Wednesday, 11/21, Lestat’s Coffee House, Time: 9:30 pm. GET TICKETS
[quote] Talvik, proving that Sweden is currently a gigantic alt-folk farm, plays gorgeously surreal, guitar-led dream-folk that simply must be heard. She’s a psyched-out, more inventive Marissa Nadler with the ethereal tones of Tasseomancy and Serafina Steer – an artist unafraid to experiment but who nevertheless retains a country soul.[/quote]
So writes UK’s #1 folk/country and roots music blog “For Folk’s Sake” about my music along with a looong interview about my tour, my inspirations and my crappy RV. Read it here!
I’m crowding the front page along with Mumford & Sons and Band of Horses
