Sofia Talvik (Live) // One Mic at the Monarch // Set 1 // Original Music

On August 18, 2022, Sofia Talvik was recorded at The Monarch in Louisville, Kentucky by Top Hill Recording with the purposeful intent of sharing her live performance through capturing the sounds and vibes that can only be achieved by throwback, single microphone recording. One hundred percent of the audio comes from one mic placed amongst the crowd about 20 feet from the stage. Thanks to The Monarch, Mark Roberts, and especially Sofia Talvik for making this possible.
Unmistakably Nordic in flavor, Sofia Talvik somehow still conforms to American interpretations of her own original music, a North Sea siren blending sparkle and melancholy. A veteran performer with 7 full length albums as well as numerous EPs, singles and tours behind her.
Growing up in Sweden her music has always had a special tint of her Scandinavian heritage, making her a favorite among music lovers, but her 16 month, and 37 state long tour, through the USA (in an RV) has moved her music closer to the Americana tradition. The adventure on the road spurred a lot of emotions, both those of triumph and joy, but also those of self doubt and defeat - all of which found their way into the songs of her 2015 album ”Big Sky Country”.
Living like a musical nomad, moving from place to place, slowly but steadily building her audience through her heartfelt and personal performances she got to experience the USA in a way few people do. The people she met opened their homes and hearts to her and some of them even made it into her songs.
Sofia’s debut album Blue Moon was released in 2005 to much critical acclaim followed by Street of Dreams in 2007 which features a duet with indie pop icon Bernard Butler from British band Suede, released on her then newly formed record label Makaki Music. Continuing a steady pace of releasing albums Sofia released her album Jonestown, named after the tragic 1978 event in Jonestown, Gyuana, 2008, and was the first Swedish female artist to play the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, that same year.
Sofia has been invited to officially showcase at SxSW 3 years as well as to The Folk Alliance International Conference in 2012, completed a 16 month long tour of the US promoting her 5th release The Owls Are Not What They Seem. The tour took her through 37 states and she did over 250 concerts. She’s been noted in media all over the the world for her impeccable live performances and captivating stage presence. In October 2013 she released her album Drivin’ & Dreaming LIVE an album with live recordings from her U.S tour.
In March 2014 Sofia Talvik released the EP “FOLK” - a six track special. A hauntingly beautiful EP of old Swedish folk songs in a new modern presentation.
April 2015 Sofia’s 6th studio album “Big Sky Country” was released. A storybook of adventures and hardships, about sometimes doubting yourself but also finding strength within yourself. 10 original songs written on the road as well as in the contemplation after, beautifully packaged in a simple yet powerful production. “Big Sky Country” also contains a cover of “Starwalker” by Buffy Sainte-Marie. The album is being distributed in the USA and Canada by ILS/Caroline/Universal. The album was appointed 4th best Americana album of the year by U.K newspaper The Telegraph.
After having continued her tradition of releasing an original Christmas song, every year for over 10 years, Sofia released her Christmas album “When Winter Comes” in 2017. The album reached no 5 on Folk Radio Charts in the USA, and Sofia was the 3rd most played folk artist of the month of December.
The latest album “Paws of a Bear” released in September 2019 gained a lot of critical acclaim in both the U.S and Europe, charting on the top lists of U.S Folk Radio, Roots Music Report and Euro Americana Charts. The first single “Take Me Home” stayed in the top 10 of U.S Folk Radio Charts for several months. Many of the songs of the album are on the theme of home and identity.
The Monarch is a creative hub and a private social club for musicians and music lovers alike. The club provides communal tools of the trade and a safe space to explore and collaborate, so artists and patrons in Louisville, Kentucky are better connected. The Monarch is a place where you can find each other, and find yourselves. The Monarch is building a more cohesive and vibrant musical community.