Swedish troubadour José González, whose pastoral indie folk has firmly entrenched him in the hearts of countless listeners around the world, is coming to Kino Šiška for the first time. On his return to Ljubljana, the star with more than a billion streams and regular synchs in popular TV series will present his album Local Valley, released last year and the first in seven years. We’ll warm up with local talent Popotnik.
José González is regarded as a phenomenon among singer-songwriters, who, despite having released only four albums in 18 years, easily sells out prestigious concert venues around the world. His success cannot be disputed even according to more modern criteria – a billion online streams is certainly an enviable number, and it is especially telling that his popularity on streaming platforms jumped during the lockdown years. It’s simply not difficult to identify with his gentle, personal songs and find solace in them during these strange times we find ourselves in.
Armed with his unobtrusive charm, characteristic guitar picking and soothing voice, González’s music also regular accompanies television programs. Among other things, his songs can be found in series such as House, The O.C. and Friday Night Lights, and also left its mark on Netflix’s acclaimed documentary series The Last Dance.
On his long-awaited fourth album Local Valley, released last year by the acclaimed City Slang Records, González expanded his musical expression not only with multilingualism but also with influences from world music and even tastefully measured use of a drum machine. He presented the first seeds of the record in 2020 at the Nobel Prize Awards, while in Šiška we’ll be able to listen live to the excellent final product.
We’ll warm up with Popotnik, a local musician who easily crafts a smoky club, night-time bus ride or the quiet echo of saddened self-reflection with his velvet voice, piercing lyrics, gently strummed guitar and pop rhythms. Even though his music can be categorised as pop, indie or lo-fi, he prefers his own term “stop pop”. He’s published two EPs so far, is a regular presence on Radio Študent, and played our Summer in Šiška series last year.
Tickets on sale online and at Eventim outlets.
Organisation: Kino Šiška.
