Tag: Gothenburg

MIXTAPE: Running With Old Sea Brigade

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Running has been a way for me to balance the highs and lows of the music industry. It gives me time to process my thoughts and decisions, and it’s also the perfect time for me to discover new music. In a chaotic world, running helps clear my mind and give me better energy throughout my day. I like to change up what I listen to, but below are a few of my go-to favorites. – Old Sea Brigade

“Starburster” – Fontaines D.C.

This was one of those songs that instantly grabbed me the moment I heard it. When I’m out running, I like to find songs where the beat is consistent. I think the scarcity of the instrumentation lets the drums and vocals just put you in a trance. It’s a perfect pace setter to start out your run.

“Midnight Rider” – Allman Brothers Band

Though I live in Sweden now most of the year, this song always brings back memories of growing up in Georgia. My mom’s from a small town in south Georgia called Brunswick and to get there from Atlanta (where I grew up), we’d always stop for a while in Macon, GA, home to the Allman Brothers. Every time I hear this song I oddly feel nostalgic for those blistering hot July drives through south Georgia to visit my grandparents. It’s a nice memory of home when I’m on a run through the streets of Gothenburg.

“New Noise” – Refused

Switching gears here… but I grew up playing in heavy bands and Refused were a pivotal band to me within hardcore music. I think this is the perfect mid-run song to help kick in those endorphins.

“You Think I Ain’t Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire” – Queens of the Stone Age

A lot of times when I’m running, I like to daydream I’m the drummer in a heavy band. There’s definitely been a number of occasions where I’m air-drumming to this one on a run. Hopefully, no one has that on video.

“Seventeen” – Sharon Van Etten

The lyrics to this song hit me with every line. Such a beautiful song with an equally magnificent production. The driving drums make it perfect for a run.

“Centurion” – King Buffalo

This song hits so hard, plus I love a good stoner rock jam. Fun one to run to.

“Run To Your Mama” – Goat

I love the Black Sabbath feel here and the consistent guitar rhythm. Sets a nice pace for running

“Under The Pressure (Live)” – The War on Drugs

I like to time this to be one of the last songs of my run. When the guitar solo hits at the end, it’s absolutely amazing. What an incredible live band.

“Punk Rock Loser” – Viagra Boys

I love this band. I was a little late to the party, but this was one of the first songs I heard from them.

“Broken Man” – St. Vincent

I’m obsessed with St. Vincent’s production on this one. I love how drastic the new instruments are introduced here.

Photo Credit: Rebecka Wendesten

LISTEN: Sofia Talvik, “Pharaohs and Friends”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Sofia Talvik
Hometown: Gothenburg, Sweden
Song: “Pharaohs and Friends”
Album: Paws of a Bear
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Label: Makaki Music

In Their Words: “‘Pharaohs and Friends’ is a song about turning the blind eye towards the truth no matter if it’s your own personal health or if it’s the matters of the world. Sometimes it’s easier to believe in fairy tales than fact and truth, something that is getting more and more obvious today. I hope people draw their own conclusions of the lyrics of this song, because I believe it can speak to people in different ways.” — Sofia Talvik

Photo credit: Jonas Westin

Baylen’s Brit Pick: Benjamin Folke Thomas

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Benjamin Folke Thomas
Hometown: Gothenburg, Sweden
Latest Album: Modern Man (It’s not out until 9th of November, but you can listen to the first single “Tasteless & Complacent” now.)

Sounds Like: Bob Dylan if he fronted Leadbelly

Why You Should Listen: Ok, I know Sweden isn’t my territory, but it’s a big world out there and we shouldn’t really contain our musical likes to one island, so I’ve stretched a bit further north this month. Plus, Benjamin Folke Thomas lived in London for a decade so I reckon we can claim him.

Speaking of islands, BFT grew up on a secluded one off the coast of Sweden populated almost entirely by evangelical Christians which no doubt had something to do with the musical path he set out on. Couple that with him being born during the coldest winter ever recorded in Sweden, and a love of sad lamenting songs was pretty much inevitable. He was born in Gothenburg which is a thriving city and a musical mecca. Not only is it full to the brim of talented singers, songwriters, producers, and studios, but artists from all over the world go there to work and make music.

It’s not something that is readily apparent when you visit, as I did a couple years ago. It doesn’t shout about its musical mastery, but sits back with a quiet confidence that you either know or you don’t, and it seems fine with either. A bit like Benjamin Folke Thomas himself – he’s not in your face about his talent, he doesn’t try and dazzle you with overly complicated phrases or rhymes. He just does his thing, tells his stories, and invites you to come along if you wish.

With the nights drawing in, it seems apt to be going musically to a place in the world where the nights can last 24 hours in the winter. Benjamin’s music can take you to a dark place, but you can feel that on the other side of it there is positivity, and just like Sweden, when you come out of the long winter, the nourishing summer sun is there to renew and warm you around the clock.

Benjamin Folke Thomas is a musical cinematic storyteller, just what we need for the long winter ahead.

Photo credit: John Peterson

As a radio and TV host, Baylen Leonard has presented country and Americana shows, specials, and commentary for BBC Radio 2, Chris Country Radio, BBC Radio London, BBC Radio 2 Country, BBC Radio 4, BBC Scotland, Monocle 24, and British Airways, as well as promoting artists through his work with the Americana Music Association UK, the Nashville Meets London Festival, and the Long Road (the UK’s newest outdoor country, Americana, and roots festival). Follow him on Twitter: @HeyBaylen