Category: News

A true road warrior

Over the past ten years, Swedish singer-songwriter Sofia Talvik has woven a rich tapestry across the American musical landscape. Blending Nordic melancholy with Americana’s heartland warmth, Talvik has become a cherished figure in the U.S. folk scene, captivating audiences from coast to coast. She’s travelled and played in 48 of the U.S states so far.

The Journey Begins

Talvik’s deep connection with America was solidified with her 2015 album Big Sky Country, inspired by her extensive U.S. tours. This period marked the beginning of her transformation from a visiting artist to a perennial presence on American stages.

Navigating Challenges

The 2020 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, halting her planned tour for the album Paws of a Bear. However, by 2022, Talvik returned to the road, reigniting her bond with American audiences and reaffirming her commitment to live performance.

Center of the Universe

In 2023, Talvik released Center of the Universe, an album recorded in a historic Swedish village with American musicians Peyton Clifford and Drake Duffer. The album delves into themes like war, displacement, and personal loss, resonating deeply with listeners. It achieved notable success, reaching No. 14 on the U.S. Folk Radio Charts and earning consideration for a Grammy nomination in the Best Folk Album category.

A Rolling Stage

Touring in her vintage 1989 Winnebago Warrior, affectionately named “Lil’Chief,” with her husband Jonas Westin handling logistics, Talvik has embraced a nomadic lifestyle. Her performances span intimate house concerts, art centers, and festivals, offering audiences a unique blend of storytelling and song.

Recent Highlights

In 2024, Talvik graced stages across the U.S., including a performance at The Dover Art League in Delaware. Looking ahead, her 2025 tour includes stops at Bishop Hill Creative Commons in Illinois on April 24, the Swedish American Museum in Chicago on April 26, and the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in Minnesota on May 29.

A Decade of Dedication

With over 150 concerts in the U.S. alone, Sofia Talvik’s decade-long journey reflects her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ability to connect deeply with audiences. Her fusion of Swedish roots and American folk continues to enrich the musical tapestry of every town she visits.

For a complete list of upcoming performances, visit sofiatalvik.com/gigs.

Swedish singer-songwriter Sofia Talvik is set to embark on a captivating journey across the United States in 2025. Known for her atmospheric blend of Nordic melancholy and Americana-infused folk, Talvik’s upcoming tour will span three transformative months, offering fans an intimate look at her evolving musical narrative. Here’s a detailed look at the tour dates and venues as listed on sofiatalvik.com/gigs.

Florida Beginnings

The tour kicks off in the Sunshine State with a series of engaging shows:

• Thu, Mar 27 – Troll Music, Venice, FL
  An inviting start to the tour, where fans can RSVP or secure tickets to experience Talvik’s evocative live performance.
• Sat, Mar 29 – Roberts Hall, Lynn Haven, FL
  Continuing her Florida run, Talvik will perform at Roberts Hall with tickets available for purchase.
• Mon, Mar 31 – Washington County Public Library, Chipley, FL
  A community-centric venue where admission is free, giving local audiences an accessible introduction to her music.
• Tue, Apr 1 – Niceville Public Library, Niceville, FL
  Another free show that promises an intimate setting to enjoy her storytelling and signature sound.
• Wed, Apr 2 – Calhoun County Public Library, Blountstown, FL
• Thu, Apr 3 – Jackson County Public Library, Marianna, FL
• Fri, Apr 4 – Holmes County Library, Bonifay, FL
• Wed, Apr 9 – Graceville Library, Graceville, FL

Each of these stops in Florida is designed to foster community connection and deliver Talvik’s unique musical experience in cozy, local settings.

Crossing the Southeast and Midwest

The tour then ventures northward:

• Fri, Apr 11 – Like Hearted House Concerts at Madison Hall, TN
  and Sat, Apr 12 – Jackson Pollock Microphone Presents in Murfreesboro, TN
  These Tennessee stops promise dynamic house concert experiences that blend musical intimacy with a communal vibe.
• Wed, Apr 16 – Gallatin County Public Library, Warsaw, KY
• Fri, Apr 18 – Terrific Terrace House Concerts in Richmond Heights, MO
• Sat, Apr 19 – The Focal Point in St. Louis, MO
• Thu, Apr 24 – Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, IL
• Fri, Apr 25 – Sub-Urban Concert Series, New Berlin, WI
• Sat, Apr 26 – Swedish American Museum, Chicago, IL

These mid-tour dates take Talvik through a mix of house concerts and established cultural venues, reflecting her commitment to both grassroots shows and larger performance spaces.

The Heart of the Tour: Michigan to Minnesota

The journey continues with a robust Midwest segment:

• Sun, Apr 27 – Carmel Clay Public Library, Carmel, IN
• Thu, May 1 – The Treelawn, Cleveland, OH
• Fri, May 2 – Stony Lake Brewing Co., Saline, MI
• Sat, May 3 – Trinity House Theatre, Livonia, MI
• Sun, May 4 – Don & Carrin’s House Concerts, Clarkston, MI
• Wed, May 7 – South Haven Memorial Library, South Haven, MI
• Thu, May 8 – The Lucky Wolf Theater, Paw Paw, MI
• Fri, May 9 – Green Wood Coffee House – Out of Eden, Grass Lake, MI
• Sat, May 10 – Lake House Music, Bath, MI
• Sun, May 11 – Al&Mo’s BBQ Concerts, Southfield, MI

Talvik will then journey into Wisconsin and Minnesota with stops like:

• Thu, May 15 – Sundown Concerts, Green Bay, WI
• Fri, May 16 – The Park Center, Hayward, WI
• Sat, May 17 – The Big Easel Gallery and Bistro, Wabeno, WI
• Wed, May 21 – Big River Theatre, Alma, WI
• Thu, May 22 – McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
• Fri, May 23 – Folk House, Minneapolis, MN
• Sat, May 24 – Rieder Homestead Concerts, Minneapolis, MN
• Sun, May 25 – Sun Dog Farm Concerts, Maple Plain, MN
• Thu, May 29 – New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, New York Mills, MN
• Sat, May 31 – Musician’s Corner House Concerts, Minneapolis, MN

This segment highlights a mix of library venues, intimate house concerts, and regional cultural centers, showcasing Talvik’s versatility as a performer and her dedication to connecting with diverse audiences.

The Final Stretch: North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico

The tour winds down with an adventurous finale:

• Sun, Jun 1 – The Acoustic View, Kasson, MN
• Sun, Jun 8 – Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site, Jamestown, ND
• Tue, Jun 10 – Memorial Park-Bandshell, Dickinson, ND
• Wed, Jun 11 – Ellery Park, Rugby, ND
• Thu, Jun 12 – Morton Mandan Public Library, Mandan, ND
• Sat, Jun 14 – Cheyenne Guitar Society, Cheyenne, WY
• Sun, Jun 15 – The Legion, Estes Park, CO
• Wed, Jun 18 – The Courtyard at 610, Ridgway, CO
• Fri, Jun 20 – Turquoise Raven Art Gallery, Cortez, CO
• Sat, Jun 21 – Bell Tower Cultural Center, Florence, CO
• Sun, Jun 22 – The She Shack, Chama, NM
• Fri, Jun 27 – Alamogordo Area House Concerts, Tularosa, NM

The final leg spans an impressive variety of venues, from historic courthouses to art galleries and community centers. This diverse lineup underscores Talvik’s commitment to bringing her music to audiences in both urban and rural settings, ensuring that every show is as unique as the locales it visits.

A Journey of Connection and Musical Exploration

Throughout the tour, Sofia Talvik will bring her deeply personal and evocative musical style to life, offering a blend of introspective ballads and upbeat tracks that reflect her Nordic roots and American influences. Fans can look forward to a series of memorable, community-focused events that celebrate not only her music but also the shared human experiences found in every performance.

For more details on tour dates, ticket availability, and RSVP information, visit sofiatalvik.com/gigs. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a new listener, Sofia Talvik’s 2025 tour promises to be a journey worth experiencing.

Makaki Music is proud to present a new song from Hansan today!

Hansan’s new summer single, “Smultronblom och Vit Jasmin” (Strawberry blossoms and White Jasmin) takes the listener on a nostalgic journey to an idyllic summer world. With poetic lyrics describing a day under the trees, surrounded by linden flowers, oaks, and the scent of wild strawberry blossom and white jasmine, the song captures a sense of timeless romance and nordic melancholy.

The song tells of a moment of closeness and silence, where everything that needed to be said has already been said. “Smultronblom och Vit Jasmin” is a tribute to those moments when the world feels distant and only the present exists, framed by the beauty of nature.

Hansan is a Swedish-German duo who has released two acclaimed full-length albums, “Nattflykt” in 2020 and “Blod eller Bläck” in 2023, which included the single “Vårt Långa Land” (Our Long Country)that won the audience award at the “Swedish Folk and World Music Awards” in 2021. Hansan’s music can best be described as New Acoustic, with mixed influences from everything from movie score compositions to 60’s jazz and classical music.

“Smultronblom och Vit Jasmin” is written and recorded by Hansan, mixed and mastered by Hans Olsson at Svenska Grammofonstudion, and released by Makaki Music.