As much as I hate beating a dead horse, there are two more Swedish artists that I cannot stop listening to as of late that I feel the need to post about…
Maia Hirasawa is a half-Swedish half-Japanese singer with a background in jazz who has a knack for writing some damn catchy songs. I started listening because the inflections in her voice have a strong resemblance to Regina Spektor, but then I stayed listening because the songs were so good. You don’t have to take my word for it either, she recently won at the 2006 Swedish Roland/SAMI awards (for unsigned Swedish bands) and had this to say about it on her myspace page:
Just want to tell everyone that I actually won Roland/Sami Music Awards yesterday! Wehoo! Now I can bye myself an ocean of new guitarpedals… No, just joking. It was great anyway and I´m very honoured. There is too many good things happening now at the same time- Got a gig on Hultfredsfestivalen and just been to Paris playing with Hello Saferide. And now I am in Olso with HS. Life is sweet some times!
I’ve posted her infectious My New Friend and Say Goodbye (give it a listen and I think you’ll understand the Regina Spektor connection) down below to take a listen to. She also has posted a new song on her aforementioned myspace page called Mattis and Maia where she actually incorporates myspace into the song…though not in the annoying way you might think.
Now, Maia’s good (still Swedish) friend Annika Norlin (aka Hello Saferide) who she is often found playing shows with is also worthy of a listen. She has been writing songs since she was a kid not really thinking anyone would be listening beyond she and her mom. Her songs tend to remind me of Ani Difranco influenced by Dar Williams and her quirky lyrics. Her latest offering The Quiz is pretty much on constant repeat when no one else is around (to the point of being extremely annoying, I’m sure). Here’s the video for your viewing pleasure:
When you’re done listening, or while you’re listening for that matter, you should check out her journal too, it’s worth a read
I’m not sure if it’s the fresh sound of her voice or the accessibility of her lyrics or her ability to seem totally genuine (or maybe it’s just the fantastic brainwashing machine that the government of Sweden has made to convince us that their music too damn good to resist), but whatever it is I’m addicted.
Maia Hirasawa | Say Goodbye
Maia Hirasawa | My New Friend
Hello Saferide | The Quiz
Hello Saferide | San Francisco
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I meant to comment before but i forgot, anyways this is really good. Asian singer/songwritesr
http://www.myspace.com/tacktacktack is whewre we cover this sort of thing, and love this act, hope you enjpy it too.
I just love her music! Thanks! /millan
[...] Ever since we here at the site first discovered the wonderfully talented Maia Hirasawa, thanks to former contributor Katie, i’ve been keeping a close eye on this adorably cute half-Swedish half-Japanese singer-songwriter. While she’s not performing with fellow Swede Anna Norlin, (aka Hello Saferide) she’s managed to put out her own self-released EP and now will soon be releasing her very first debut LP Though, I’m Just Me in Scandinavia on April 4th via Razzia Records. [...]