The new album Margin Call II by Gothenburg’s own Daniel Stahre begins with a serene start. The opening track, “Gånglåt från Halland”—a “walking song” in Swedish—establishes a peaceful, melodic groove with a characteristic melodic theme that gently guides the listener into the album’s sound. Read our discussion with the artist below!
Describe your sound in 3 words
Melodic, free and open
Your music carries the spirit of Nordic folk-jazz—what drew you to revisit and reinterpret this traditional form?
There is a nordic tradition of folk jazz in Sweden since and thoughout the whole half of 2000th century, so it is a sort of continuation in that tradition that I think most scandinavian jazz musicians have to confront in some ways – either when studying/pracitising or in their active careers. On a personal note, I think the sound beautifully mirrors the upbringing and heritage both from past generations and therefore also a bit calming for current generations living in this hyper-complex post-modern present.
Gånglåt från Halland translates to “walking song.” What kind of journey—emotional or physical—did you envision when composing this piece?
Walking songs are a classic folk song theme. This walking song has some melodic resistance in it, especially in the intro, which I thought was kind of interesting to keep in the recording. It was written in a time when I were moving alot and I had this sense of time moving fast, so it suited well to name this piece a walking song.
You’ve collaborated with musicians from Little Dragon and Franska Trion before. How did this reunion shape the direction and mood of the track?
I appreciate to work with a musicians with different perspectives, to get the mix of expefiences. I am not interested in the technicalities of music and I dont want it to necessarly be super-jazzy or slick, I just want to it to feel and mean someting to me and the listeners. The ability to work, listen, observe and play with meaning is really important since it is like telling a story.
How does “Gånglåt från Halland” fit into the larger narrative or emotional arc of your album Margin Call 2?
It is a calm breeze that gives the album the right kind of ”folk kick” it needs and balances the album in a good way, I think.
Artists and people that have influenced you?
Swedish jazz pianists like Esbjörn Svensson, Lars Jansson and basist Lars Danielsson are really good ones.
What do you hope listeners—especially HiFi enthusiasts—take away from hearing it in full Dolby Atmos?
Well, according to the guys that mixed the song in Atmos, they were really struck by listening on the song in Dolby Atmos and I hope you will be able to hear the clarity of the instruments.
If the music of Daniel Stahre was a film, which film would that be?
This is a good questions since I think in terms of ”films” and from a cinematic perspective. I really like film-noir.I think ”Playtime” by Jaques Tati which I think has the same curioisty for the present-time and modernity in its curious way. The film encompasses a sort of explorative approach towards modernity, which I also try to explore from the financial – as well as complex-systemic and post-modern – ”Margin Call” concept.
Something not many people know about you?
Classically trained pianist and I used to play long concert pieces up until my 20th. Also working as a Communication professional with my second biggest interest – writing – often writing pressreleases, articles or producing films etc.
Thank you!
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