News from Hemifran March 2014

Hemifrån is an independent A&R, promotion and marketing company, based in the heart of Sweden, specializing in, what they call, “gut music” – The kind of music that you can feel in your gut, no matter what. Hemifran is promoting a lot of singer-songwriter, westcoast-pop, country, AOR and more. Here are featured some of their latest news – it is not all west coast, but dig into it!

Martin Lorentzson – Together

With his 3rd album, “Together”, Swedish singer-songwriter Martin Lorentzson has taken his love for rootsy pop music one step further. Through working with other songwriters and soundscape producer Carl Granberg, the new album shows that Martin’s warm voice paired with strong melodies and detailed, dreamy arrangements is a winner. Martin is a true do-it-yourself artist. All of his albums have been realized without a record label or today’s crowdfunding platforms. The hard work has paid off – He’s been playing live in national TV several times, and his songs have been placed in big brand commercials. His new album indicates a more daring path in his career, a path that likely will attract new listeners and fans. Martin is, however, experienced enough to have balanced expectations. “The more songs you write and the harder you work, the better songwriter you’ll become. That’s all that matters”. “Together” will be released March 25th, 2014, as a physical CD and on all digital platforms.. More information at Hemifran.

Melanie Dekker – Distant Star

Melanie Dekker is a Canadian roots-folk-pop sensation hailing from Deep Cove, BC, who writes songs to connect people’s hearts by weaving between emotion and sensibilities. Her world class strumming and voice like chocolate (radio hit in Canada “I Said I”, radio hit in Denmark “Boomerang”), tour over 100 concerts in Europe yearly and her new album “Distant Star” has already sold 10,000 copies since its November 15th, 2013 rlease in Canada. This acoustically driven album is a beautiful addition to her elaborate discography. One of her previous albums, “Revealed”, was produced by David Kershenbaum (Tracy Chapman, Joan Baez, Joe Jackson). Like these artists, Dekker has a special tangible emotive flare – She will move you, and laugh with you, as her deliciously crafted and potent songs pull on your heart. “I want to move people, like they move me”. More information at Hemifran.

Deena – Rock River

A blend of alt country and indie pop, with a wink and a twinkle, “Rock River” is the 2nd full length CD from Deena. Deena’s compelling, charming vocals will draw you into direct, heartfelt songs that reach into the roots of American music, without nostalgia, mixed with a bit of Jersey style rock and roll party spirit, full of harmony, and pop hooks. Her songwriting has been called “direct and artful”, by the New York Times, her voice “incredible kidstuff and wisdom merged”, by the Village Voice. Her songs have been recorded by Jackson Browne and Dar Williams and featured in films and on network TV. More information at Hemifran.

Jeanette Åkerlund

Jeanette Åkerlund is a Swedish singer-songwriter based in Kungälv, a lovely little city by the beautiful westcoast of Sweden. As she grew up in a musical family, it surely became a big part of her as well. She grew up in a small community called Virserum, where the local church early became her first stage, also the first place where she got to develop musically. She started out singing in a children’s choir and already at the age of 10 she was part of a quartet that sang at various occations. At 18 she moved to the capital city, Stockholm, to study music at the school in Bromma, where her main instruments were vocals and piano. More information at Hemifran.

Bo Ahlbertz – Lazy Afternoon

Bo Ahlbertz´s musical journey began about 1975, which means he will soon be celebrating 40 years as a musical artist. From the music scene in Stockholm, Bo shortly made his way to Gotland together with the folk-band Patrask that played Swedish folk-pop with Irish influences. After Patrask became increasingly distant he continued to produce and write music solo, but always with the same accurate camera angle. The snapshots became more and more personal. More information at Hemifran.