Introducing: Sofia Talvik

Following on from last months launch night of Ja Ja Ja, the all new Nordic club night that aims to raise awareness of the sheer wealth of talent emerging from our Scandinavian neighbours. The launch was curated by Radio 1′s Huw Stephens and pulled in a tremendous crowd – rightly so too as the line up was immense – check out some photos here.

This month, ’tis the season to be jolly as Ja Ja Ja host their Christmas party with another wonderful lineup which takes place at The Lexington, London on 17th December. Appearing are: Bloodgroup from Iceland, Harry’s Gym from Norway, a DJ set from XFM’s Jon Kennedy and last but not least – an appearance from Stockholm based singer-songwriter Sofia Talvik, whose beautiful songs of elegance and youthful exuberance cosy up with a subtle melancholy. A unique talent for sure. We caught up with Sofia to find out what we can expect from her set, and, as a little bonus – you can download her Christmas single “Snowy White Winter” at the bottom of the post.

For more information on Ja Ja Ja click here… Look out for more interviews with this months lineup over the next few days!

For people out there that have never heard of you. Give us three reasons why they should?
I was the first Swedish female artist to ever be booked to the Lollapalooza festival, the biggest festival in the US.
If you like folk/pop music with a bit of an edge, I don’t think you’ll be dissapointed!
I’ve done a duet with a UK star performer and producer, Bernard Butler.

Tell us a little about where you’re from.. Do your surroundings affect the music that you create?
My music is usually a bit melancholy, and living in the cold north I guess that has something to do with it. I was raised on Sweden’s 3d biggest island, but now I’m living in Stockholm.

If you could have played on or written any song, what would it be?
Probably “Wonderwall” with Oasis. I’m not an Oasis fan per se, but that song is amazing and I wish I’d written it.

How did the band come in to being? And where did the name come from?
I’m a solo artist so this question is not really applicable to me, but my backing band The Tallboys have been with me for a few years now. Their name is US slang for beer.

What is the most memorable gig you have played, and what can we expect of your live set at Ja Ja Ja?
Well I guess I’d have to say the Lollapalooza festival as it was so big! You can expect a nice intimate set on Ja Ja Ja as I don’t have my full band with me. We often play smaller sets like this and it usually plays out very well with my music.

If you were asked to curate your own Ja Ja Ja night, which three acts would you choose and why?
Mew from Denmark because I think they’re a great indie rock act, Kings of Convenience from Norway because I love their low key sound and of course me from Sweden as I think my act would mix well with the other two!

We’d like you to make us a Nordic themed mix-tape. Which five tracks would you choose?
Am I wry, no – Mew
Joga – Björk
Kalifornia – Kashmir
From Cayman Islands with love – Stina Nordenstam
My Gods – Laakso

mp3:> Sofia Talvik: ‘Snowy White River’ (Xmas Single)