Norwegians know how to make good music, just listen to Röyksopp or Kings of Convenience. I’ve discovered that they really know how to produce quality folk music like my new iPod obsession Jonas Alaska, introduced to me by my fine Norwegian friend!
At 22 Jonas is already signed to Norwegian indie label Jansen Plateproduksjon, had his debut self-tited album released late last year, and he’s played a bunch of summer festivals here in Norway after a series of well-received smaller gigs he did around the country. I highly recommend having a listen to his album on iTunes; You’ll Never Sit Next to Me, October and Dark at Last are my favourites.
Jonas had a bunch of talented musicians collaborating on his album in addition to his own skills on the piano, acoustic guitar, and of course writing his own lyrics. His intelligent lyrics are what you’d expect of folk: songs about love, life, politics, loss and some less heavy subjects in between. For me, he possesses similarities to other indie singers, and some folk singers (dare I say Bob Dylan?) yet he still has his own unique personality shining through his music.
His vocals are very easy on the ears, are melodic and cheerful, and almost have a touch of the Americana, as does some of the music he creates. The album is a fantastic listen, emotionally taking you high and a little bit low, as folk music always does, but then before you get too gloomy he lifts you up again.
Jonas’ music puts you in the kind of mood that makes you feel in love with the whole world. I’m not sure if it’s the melodies, the lyrics or the vocals, or a combination of them, but his album really is an awesome accomplishment. Tusen Takk Norway!
Watch: October by Jonas Alaska
Visit Jonas Alaska via his Facebook page
