Erik Sandqvist - Förstadens tallar är allas (2024) [Hi-Res]

With one foot in indie and the other in modern jazz, the Stockholm-based musician Erik Sandqvist creates a spellbinding, highly personal and unique sound of instrumental music with something to say.

Following his debut “Bingo i lokalen”, an album that introduced us to his captivating, exploratory and playful soundscapes, Sandqvists now returns with new music that invites the listener to dive even deeper into his world. His debut album, characterized by its blend of melancholy and joy, delves into themes of nostalgia and childhood memories, deeply rooted in the people and places that have shaped his life.

On the new album "Förstadens tallar är allas", Sandqvist shifts focus to the modern city – its landscape, climate, and spaces – something that is close at hand for Sandqvist who also works as an urban planner.

Erik Sandqvist's talent for setting emotional states and his surroundings to music continues to touch deeply. All tracks on the album reflect a deep longing for a more inclusive city and the song itself serves as a poignant commentary on Swedish housing policy. Sandqvist himself emphasizes that he has always found it easier to find tones than words. Influenced by music of the 70’s, that also was highly present during Sandqvist’s childhood, thoughts turn to a type of protest song, and a bygone era of collectivism.Born out of a desire to feel a stronger access to an elusive city, the music has come to focus on collective experiences and the need for a sense of belonging.

"We live in a time when the individual often trumps the collective, and I am convinced that in the long run, it makes it harder for many to lift their gaze and dream further, instead of getting stuck in short-term perspectives." – Erik Sandqvist

The longing for a sense of home permeates Sandqvist's music, creating spaces for listeners to pause and reflect. His compositions capture the movements and sounds of the city with warmth and curiosity, seamlessly integrating jazz, rock, soul, and electronica.

Accompanying Sandqvist's music is the visual artistry of David Zardini, whose cover designs and artwork are inspired by the geographical shapes of Stockholm's parks. These visuals create a cohesive thread that ties together the themes of Sandqvist's music.

Musicians:
Lisa Javette - flute (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Jakob Söderberg - percussion
Jacob Alberts - drums
Erik Sandqvist - guitar, bass, keys, synthesizers, saxophone & flute (2, 9, 10)

Tracklist:
1-1. Erik Sandqvist - Ropen skalla (04:38)
1-2. Erik Sandqvist - T-shirt Gun (04:00)
1-3. Erik Sandqvist - Diskutera i grupper om fyra (03:38)
1-4. Erik Sandqvist - Risoni Rockers Rising (04:57)
1-5. Erik Sandqvist - Egen härd är guld värd (04:45)
1-6. Erik Sandqvist - Grand Palace (03:14)
1-7. Erik Sandqvist - Nattöppet (03:01)
1-8. Erik Sandqvist - Tre enkla steg (03:37)
1-9. Erik Sandqvist - Lihis in Kuusamo (02:15)
1-10. Erik Sandqvist - Förstadens tallar är allas (04:19)