Sofia Talvik

Artist Information

Biography

Sofia Talvik is the next rising star from Sweden. She has emerged like a lady of the forest, bringing a new interesting side to folk music. Where other artists surrender to the mainstream, Sofia makes her own paths through the musical underbrush of today.

Her soft and airy music has been recognized by music lovers and critics all over the world, allowing her tour the US several times. In 2008, she became the first Swedish female singer to play the Lollapalooza festival.

2011-2013 she did an extensive tour throughout the whole of the USA on which she played over 250 shows in 37 states. 2012 she officially showcased at the International Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis, TN, and at SxSW in Austin, TX being noted by Austin Chronicle as "Of all the voices – and man, they seem to issue them at birth to Swedish women – Talvik has the most faith in hers in an “I don’t need a theatrical gimmick” kind of way.”.

Her 5th full length album "The Owls Are Not What They Seem" was released in January 2012 to much critical acclaim.

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Latest Album:
The Owls Are Not What They Seem - 2012

"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." - Atlanta retro

“This album is exceptional” - Alright I’m Wrong

“Talvik’s gentle acoustic songs make up for any loss of sonic power and rhythmic force with a focus on the sweetly nuanced basics: endearing melodies and tasteful arrangements” - Direct Current Music blog

Instrumentation

Sofia Talvik - Acoustic Guitar, Song

Discography

The Owls Are Not What They Seem (CD) 2012

L - Part One of L.O.V.E (2011)
O - Part Two of L.O.V.E (2011)
V - Part Three of L.O.V.E (2011)
E - Part Four of L.O.V.E (2011)

Florida 2010 (CD)

Jonestown 2008 (CD)
As summers pass 2008 (Single)
My James Dean 2008 (Single)

Street of Dreams 2007 (CD)
It's Just Love 2007 (Single)
Mother's Way Father's Way 2007 (Single)

Blue Moon 2005 (CD)
Stop 2005 (Single)
Ghosts 2005 (Single)

Official Website

http://sofiatalvik.com

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Last.fm
• MySpace
• Discography
• YouTube

Audio

• The Garden
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• Delusional
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• If I Had a Man
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• King Of The Willow Tree
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• Burning Fields
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• King Of The Willow Tree
• Jonestown
• Burning Fields
• If I Had a Man

Video

Sofia Talvik - Glow

Photo Gallery

Press

• CD Baby Review [+ Show ]
  

  Fresh from a powerful performance at 2008’s Lollapalooza festival, Sweden’s Sofia Talvik is now pois...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. (Timpani, crisp castanets, tambourine, all the toys and tricks to put some bounce in your step.) But those forces are tempered by a subtle melancholy that slowly drips down the lonely walls while you listen until, by the last song, you’re drowning in a warm, welcome bath of sad sounds, syrupy string sections, and round, resonant horns. She combines modal chord changes and beautiful 60’s euro-pop production with the gentle singing of a 70’s folk songstress. Her voice shines through the dark tones of dramatic, lush orchestrations and the haze of reverb like a ray of liquid luminescence.
  
  “Jonestown” will remind you of Goldfrapp, Pulp, Nico, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, Belle & Sebastian, Aimee Mann, Tori Amos, Burt Bacharach (I could go on and on!), and yet it sounds entirely original and, more importantly, rings true.

• "Florida" Review #1 - 2010 [+ Show ]
  

  It’s not often that an album takes your breath away, and I hate to sound hyperbolic, but “Florida” a...It’s not often that an album takes your breath away, and I hate to sound hyperbolic, but “Florida” actually has several “Oh my god!” moments of sheer beauty. Both joyful and melancholic, Sofia’s voice is the star, while perfectly twangy Nashville guitar backed by lush orchestrations, loping drums, and occasional electronic elements propel the songs along gently.
  
  While not sounding exactly like any one artist, this album calls to mind everything from classic Nancy Sinatra to Belle & Sebastian to Rufus Wainwright. The references to the American south are plentiful and it’s fascinating to hear how the music of the region gets filtered through her Scandinavian sensibilities.
  
  Finally and equally noteworthy is the stellar production of the album, which is done entirely by Sofia herself. It’s a wonderfully effervescent album, and I know I’ll be listening to it a lot this summer.

• Review from Ourstage [+ Show ]
  

  We all know the Swedes can write a mean pop songs—but what about folk songs? Well, one artist is no...We all know the Swedes can write a mean pop songs—but what about folk songs? Well, one artist is nonchalantly transferring the charm and fun found in most pop songs into sweet, acoustic twang. Sofia Talvik, brings bubbly blonde ambition to this raw and often quiet genre with a captivating breath of fresh air. After her 2008 Lollapalooza performance, Sofia became a force in the States and went back into the studio to record her fourth album and latest release, Florida.
  
  With a focus on drums and electronic beats, Florida brings a sense of pop fun to an otherwise sensual and introspective album. Says Sophia, “Some songs are dark some are sunny, but all of them have a groove. I actually wanted the album to sound like what the intro to HBO’s True Blood looks like. I think the songs have the same kind of weirdness to them as those pictures, and that’s the American south to me.”
  
  On top of bringing this interesting take to folk, Sophia manages her fan base using pop artist strategies. Fans can tweet at her to get her new single, she offers an acoustic version of her entire album for free with purchase of the full one and she even live streamed the recording the new album online. The new album is currently streaming on her Web site, but until it’s released, check out some tracks from her last album Jonestown below!
  
  Do you dig the pop/folk style?

• Review from Bluesbunny [+ Show ]
  

  Street of Dreams" is the second album from Sweden's Sofia Talvik. This album is 13 tracks of quirky ...Street of Dreams" is the second album from Sweden's Sofia Talvik. This album is 13 tracks of quirky love songs that run deeper than they seem.
  
  Highlight was the single "It's Just Love" featuring Bernard Butler. Swooping and dramatic, this song is a convincing demonstration of the talent of those involved. Not that the rest of the album disappoints. "I Won the First Prize Tonight" sounds like a pleasant folk song but the lyrics are altogether darker. "Holding Your Hand" also sounds lightweight and fluffy but is in fact a touching commentary on the search for a soulmate. Ending on the bluesy "So Good to Me", she tells us of the search for happiness once more. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Ms Talvik does not give us easy answers. There are no simplistic love songs here. Things do not often work out but we should never give up hope.
  
  Charmingly performed and a fine example of the genre, this album makes for a pleasant and enjoyable listen. We think that a lot of people will like this release. Nothing offends here and you get a nice, warm feeling from it but it does bear up to closer investigation. There is a lot more substance there than the first listen indicates. Well worth tracking down therefore and adding to the collection.

• Review from Neonbubble [+ Show ]
  

  I've just received my signed copy of Sofia Talvik's new album, Street Of Dreams and positively insis...I've just received my signed copy of Sofia Talvik's new album, Street Of Dreams and positively insist you go out and get a copy for yourself.
  
  Street Of Dreams is Sofia's second album, a successor to the 2005 release of Blue Moon with her backing group The Tallboys.
  
  Sofia has a beautiful voice and a great range and this album showcases it to perfection. The music style is primarily guitar-based with a strong folk influence on some of the tracks. The writing is simple and very effective; nothing too flowery or buried under a mountain of metaphors. This makes her songs instantly accessible and immensely memorable. Indeed, you'll be singing along to some of the tunes in your head for days afterwards, guaranteed.
  
  The title track is a stunningly beautiful description tinged with sadness of where Sofia is now; I sincerely hope she turns the corner and finds the success she's searching for. She certainly deserves it on the strength of this great album.
  
  It's Just Love is the first single release from the album and includes the addition of former Suede and McAlmont & Butler band member Bernard Butler. The voices of Sofia and Bernard complement one another perfectly and they achieve some lovely, uplifting harmonies. A video has been produced and released to the web.
  
  The simple arrangements and repetitive lyrics on Holding Your Hand and What Happened On The Bridge Today sound instantly familiar, especially if you've an ear for - or grew up listening to - gentle gaelic and folk music. That sense of comfort with the songs from the first listen and the general catchiness of most of the tracks is what makes the album stand out as one of the best I've heard in many years. Certainly, it's the first that I've played in its entirety back-to-back as soon as I first put on the CD.
  
  Sofia demonstrates an element of humour in Running Out Of You with lyrics such as "Maybe you were struck by lightning, or run over by a truck, Maybe a spaceship did abduct you, maybe you ran out of luck" as she wonders why she's heard nothing from the subject of the song. I wouldn't be surprised to see a release of this track as a single as the fun, sentiment, and slightly more pop feel to the chorus has wide appeal.
  
  The final track on the album, So Good To Me, has a melancholy country/blues feel to it and rounds off Street Of Dreams superbly.
  
  Street Of Dreams by Sofia Talvik is an amazing album with every track strong lyrically and musically. You will not be disappointed with the addition of this album to your collection.

• Review from IndieChick Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  Word on the music street is that soultress Sofia Talvik's new cd "Street Of Dreams" is a remarkable ...Word on the music street is that soultress Sofia Talvik's new cd "Street Of Dreams" is a remarkable hit,
  Indie Chic went out to prove such a thing.
  With amazing vocals and beautiful melodies, this cd is "To Die For" in music lovers eyes! A struggling female artist on the verge of stardom? Indie chic thinks so, the music hit our ears and we had to write a review on such a tasteful sounds and wonderful lyrics. "Its Just Love" is an astonishing song flows with melody and great vocals.
  This wonderful swedish artists is amazing, if you like The Sounds or if you like Lauren Hoffman, Sofia Talvik is definently one to remember and check out.
  More songs on the record that was remarkable in our eyes… "December" and "Street Of Dreams", both songs can be heard on her MySpace - www.myspace.com/sofiatalvik
  
  The album was released January 30th. Street of Dreams is her second album, her debut "Blue Moon" is available on iTunes Music store and was released last year with raving reviews from the media.

• Review from Portrait Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  Swedish singer/songwriter Sofia Talvik's sophomore album 'Street of Dreams' is a true work of art. ...Swedish singer/songwriter Sofia Talvik's sophomore album 'Street of Dreams' is a true work of art.
  
  The album was anything but what I expected when I first popped it in the player. Sofia's voice is truly beautiful. The songs work perfectly with her range and talents. Each song has a great haunting quality and though you might not expect it, you find yourself humming the songs to yourself for the rest of the day. The album crawls it's way into your hearts and stays.
  
  My person favorites include 'It's just love' - a duet with Bernard Butler of the band Suede. The song is a gorgeous duet. 'Will you call me when you're sober' is another of my favorites.
  
  In conclusion 'Street of Dreams' is a truly gorgeous album that I highly recommend. You can purchase it online from Sophia's official website Sophia Talvik.Com or from Itunes from January 30th onward.

• Review from Luna Café [+ Show ]
  

  Sofia Talvik follows her acclaimed debut with an equally accomplished sophomore effort. Her sound is...Sofia Talvik follows her acclaimed debut with an equally accomplished sophomore effort. Her sound is soft and layered and has some things in common with Heather Nova and Sophie Zelmani. Vocally she's sweet but has a hidden strength.
  
  "It's Just Love" sees ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler guesting on vocals. His voice suits Talvik's just fine and they sing of not giving in and trusting love. It's a majestic song with sweeping strings and a redemptive mood. "Running Out of You" is like Sophie Zelmani's lovely and understated songs. It doesn't speak loudly but the message gets across anyway. "Holding Your Hand" is a nice song that sounds familiar in the way that good songs can do. The sound is a lot like that of Talvik's debut Blue Moon. "Will You Call Me When You're Sober?" is despite the title a pretty tune about longing for that special someone. Talvik's delivery is on key and the backing's understated. Her new album is a very nice listen.
  
  Copyright © 2007 Anna Maria Stjärnell

• MP3 of the Month [+ Show ]
  

  It’s not very often I come across Folk music that’s to my taste. Maybe it’s just a genre that doesn’...It’s not very often I come across Folk music that’s to my taste. Maybe it’s just a genre that doesn’t really do that much for me, I don’t know. Now, before all Folk artists out there get all defensive and start writing in complaining that I’m dissing them as a collective, please, save your venting, you couldn’t be further from the truth.
  
  You see, although I’m not the biggest lover of Folk music in general, when it’s done properly, like pretty much any genre (especially Classical but that’s a totally different story), it can be stunning.
  
  Look at artists like Gemma Hayes, Kathryn Williams, Nick Drake, Tom McRae or Cara Dillon, with the latter especially being truly sublime. Folk absolutely is a genre that’s both under appreciated whilst also being a backbone to music as a whole and one we must all embrace ‘for the greater good’.
  
  That’s what leads me onto Sofia. We decided to choose December as our MP3 of the month above all other tracks off her most recent long playing effort Street of Dreams as it would be too easy to choose the single It’s Just Love based on the facts that 1 – it’s a single already and 2 - it’s a duet with one of my personal heroes, Bernard Butler, now, that would bias the vote ten fold.
  No, what sets December apart from the bunch is that it’s just so much more delicate than the others.
  
  With a vocal range tinged by echoes of Dolores Mary O'Riordan Burton from the Cranberries blended with a light heartedness that in some ways isn’t too distant from Joni Mitchell in her heyday all those years ago, December has managed to remain on constant replay for a good while now and will continue to do so until another track off the album takes our fancy.
  Featuring an accent that does at times sound Irish it’s almost unnoticeable that she is in fact from Sweden. Don’t worry. We’ll keep the Abba references to a minimum.
  
  Sofia has obviously been working as a solo artist for long enough now to realise where she wants to get, it’s abundantly clear that she’s working with people who are on her wavelength and are helping her do that
  
  If there was ever a time for artists like Sofia to be in the forefront it’s got to be now, we’ve got others Acoustic Soloists like James Morrison and Blunt pushing acoustic based song writing into the mainstream and whilst we really shouldn’t pin all of our hopes on artists like these, god help us if we did, it is great to see that every now and then artists like Sofia do get the spotlight shone in their direction. 2007 should be the year that spotlight gets turned to face her and we wish her all the best when it does.
  
  I am also green with envy that she’s worked with a hero, but I’ll get over that so don’t worry too much..
  
  www.myspace.com/sofiatalvik
  
  Duncan Buchanan.

Setlist

I usually play a set of 8-10 songs and the sets are usually about 40-60 minutes.
If longer sets are required or multiple sets I just add songs, since I can do 2 x 45 minutes. All original songs.

Basic Requirements

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