Exclusive news! Salem will be reunited with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra (under the direction of Hans Ek) for three concerts in December 2009:
Thursday 10th December at 1900
Friday 11th December at 1800
Saturday 12th December at 1500.
More details at http://www.sr.se/cgi-bin/berwaldhallen/program/index.asp?ProgramID=979 and tickets can be booked at http://www.ticnet.se/
This time around, the special guest will be legendary guitarist Jojje Wadenius.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Swedish charts update
"Astronaut" (single) is still holding at no.6 in Swedish radio P3's 'Tracks' chart - hopefully it will soon be joined by "Roxy".
The "Astronaut" album meanwhile has fallen to no. 60 in the Swedish album chart. Maybe the release of the new single, along with the various summer concerts will help the album to climb the chart again?
Meantime, "Astronaut" and "Roxy" are still on P3's B-list playlist this week.
The "Astronaut" album meanwhile has fallen to no. 60 in the Swedish album chart. Maybe the release of the new single, along with the various summer concerts will help the album to climb the chart again?
Meantime, "Astronaut" and "Roxy" are still on P3's B-list playlist this week.
Friday, 29 May 2009
Posting comments
Hi everyone
If you've posted any comments over the last few hours can you please post these again as these were accidentally deleted.
Thanks!
If you've posted any comments over the last few hours can you please post these again as these were accidentally deleted.
Thanks!
Thursday, 28 May 2009
"Roxy" video
(Salem, I hope you don't mind me doing this but I couldn't resist posting it here tonight!)
With the right promotion, this song could (and should) be an international summer smash hit.
With the right promotion, this song could (and should) be an international summer smash hit.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
The "Roxy" video: get ready for Mr Universe!!
If you've been to Salem's official website today you will know all about this, but if you haven't, then here's where you can find the new video for "Roxy":
http://www.aftonbladet.se/webbtv/noje/musikvideor/article5236825.ab
It may just be the funniest thing I've seen in a long, long time....little Salem gets in training with all these big bodybuilders at Muscle Beach in California and becomes Mr Universe!
Salem completely sends himself up in this video, it's absolutely hilarious and proves that he has a great sense of humour.
http://www.aftonbladet.se/webbtv/noje/musikvideor/article5236825.ab
It may just be the funniest thing I've seen in a long, long time....little Salem gets in training with all these big bodybuilders at Muscle Beach in California and becomes Mr Universe!
Salem completely sends himself up in this video, it's absolutely hilarious and proves that he has a great sense of humour.
What do you think of the video? Post your comments here!
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Something old....
...which I found tonight, completely by accident. Salem and his band in the unlikely surroundings of the Swedish TV show "Bingolotto" from 21.01.2007, performing "Good Song".
It all seems so long ago now! (That's because it is...28 months ago!)
Anyway if you want to see this clip then get on over to http://www.folkspel.se/qbrickbingo/ and then click on 'Artister' and scroll down the list of clips till you find Salem).
(Going off-topic for a moment, that site is a little goldmine for Swedish music fans - you can also find clips of BWO, EMD, Martin Stenmarck, Sebastian, Veronica Maggio, Vincent, Tomas Ledin and numerous Melodifestivalen acts too).
It all seems so long ago now! (That's because it is...28 months ago!)
Anyway if you want to see this clip then get on over to http://www.folkspel.se/qbrickbingo/ and then click on 'Artister' and scroll down the list of clips till you find Salem).
(Going off-topic for a moment, that site is a little goldmine for Swedish music fans - you can also find clips of BWO, EMD, Martin Stenmarck, Sebastian, Veronica Maggio, Vincent, Tomas Ledin and numerous Melodifestivalen acts too).
"Astronaut" video to be screened at Edinburgh International Film Festival
I was delighted to see that Anders Jedenfors and Jamie Stone's highly inventive animated video for "Astronaut" will be screened on 20th June as part of an evening of animated short films at Filmhouse 2 in Edinburgh.
This event is part of the famous Edinburgh International Film Festival, full details can be found at http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/whats-on/2009/mclaren-animation-1
Hopefully this will bring Salem's music to a new audience and raise his profile over here, as well as demonstrating the work of these two talented animators.
This event is part of the famous Edinburgh International Film Festival, full details can be found at http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/whats-on/2009/mclaren-animation-1
Hopefully this will bring Salem's music to a new audience and raise his profile over here, as well as demonstrating the work of these two talented animators.
More about Adam....
Once again, big big thanks to the person who answered my question in the previous post. Now I know the name of Salem's new guitarist, Adam Hagstrand, I decided to find out a little bit more about him...and I discovered that he was part of Vincent Pontare's band, Jalla Jinx, which is extremely cool as regular readers of my other blog EuropeCrazy will know that I'm a big fan of Vincent's music. Adam has also worked with Veronica Maggio and September - I like them too!
Adam, if you are reading this....welcome to Planet Salem!
Adam, if you are reading this....welcome to Planet Salem!
Monday, 25 May 2009
Planet Salem readers: I need your help once again!
Does anyone know the name of the guitarist who played in Salem's band during his recent USA gigs at the Viper Room and at the Swedish Consulate? If you have any more information about this can you please leave a comment or email me?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Roxy is the one who gave it to me....
Yes, "Roxy" is the next single to be released from "Astronaut". I've been doing some detective work on the internet tonight and it already looks as if the single format (radio edit) is available for download in Finland and Denmark, where I also managed to find the single cover (pictured above).I don't have a release date for Sweden yet, although the song is already B-listed on Swedish Radio P3's playlist ("Astronaut" is also on the B-list playlist)
According to Folkradio the video for the song was filmed in Venice Beach during Salem's recent trip to the USA, and features musclemen and models, in keeping with the '80s spirit and retro character of the song'.
Musclemen? Models? Never mind them, I just hope we see a lot of Salem in the video too!!!
If you have any more information regarding the release date for the single, or when we will be able to see the video....please email me or leave your comments here.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
New interview (in English) on YouTube!
I just found this on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOS_top1N_o
It's an interview with Salem (in English!) and gives a nice little insight into his musical upbringing and there are also clips of him in the studio - being a perfectionist!
I love this clip. It's great to hear Salem speaking English again and it just reminds me of when I met him!! :)
Some screencaps...
It's an interview with Salem (in English!) and gives a nice little insight into his musical upbringing and there are also clips of him in the studio - being a perfectionist!
I love this clip. It's great to hear Salem speaking English again and it just reminds me of when I met him!! :)
Some screencaps...
Monday, 18 May 2009
Dagbladet Sundsvall concert review
Another review of Salem's Friday night show. Reviewer Jens Höglin gave it 3 and seemed to enjoy the show, however expressed some reservations. Read on..
The reviewer stated that Salem bounced onto the stage and started with "Twelve Fingers" and apologised for the cancellation of the gig in April. "Judging by the audience reaction, he is forgiven and the band embark on "Cold Shower". Mr Al Fakir is undeniably a special stage personality: one second he is a mixture between a classical musician and a professor, the next he bounces around between the instruments with great enthusiasm - as pleased as a child. Preferably, he would probably like to play all the instruments at the same time. Unfortunately I felt that at regular intervals, the evening's main character carried the entire burden alone. The band consists of a bunch of skilled musicians that do not show the same enthusiasm...The atmosphere is good, the audience loves their Salem, but the real spark is not really appearing. Maybe it's because it is a bit sparse in the Spegelsalen...the band never put into final gear without playing in security, without sharp edges. But on the whole, it still sounds really good. Salem Al Fakir's enthusiasm, quickness, skill, and magnificent falsetto would probably be able to lift the half boring evening at any time. And the set list is really good. The focus is on the last disc, adulterated with all the hits from "This is Who I Am". We hear a new song, "Brooklyn Sun." However, the star lost the thread and forgot the text, but what makes it when he rescues it with his customary charm".
(I would disagree with the reviewer's comments about Salem's band - having seen them live I would say that they are very sharp indeed and they always provide a harder edge to the songs. Each to their own opinion though. Planet Salem is, of course, a fansite but I am always interested in hearing everyone's different views about Salem and his music, even if I don't always agree with them).
The reviewer stated that Salem bounced onto the stage and started with "Twelve Fingers" and apologised for the cancellation of the gig in April. "Judging by the audience reaction, he is forgiven and the band embark on "Cold Shower". Mr Al Fakir is undeniably a special stage personality: one second he is a mixture between a classical musician and a professor, the next he bounces around between the instruments with great enthusiasm - as pleased as a child. Preferably, he would probably like to play all the instruments at the same time. Unfortunately I felt that at regular intervals, the evening's main character carried the entire burden alone. The band consists of a bunch of skilled musicians that do not show the same enthusiasm...The atmosphere is good, the audience loves their Salem, but the real spark is not really appearing. Maybe it's because it is a bit sparse in the Spegelsalen...the band never put into final gear without playing in security, without sharp edges. But on the whole, it still sounds really good. Salem Al Fakir's enthusiasm, quickness, skill, and magnificent falsetto would probably be able to lift the half boring evening at any time. And the set list is really good. The focus is on the last disc, adulterated with all the hits from "This is Who I Am". We hear a new song, "Brooklyn Sun." However, the star lost the thread and forgot the text, but what makes it when he rescues it with his customary charm".
(I would disagree with the reviewer's comments about Salem's band - having seen them live I would say that they are very sharp indeed and they always provide a harder edge to the songs. Each to their own opinion though. Planet Salem is, of course, a fansite but I am always interested in hearing everyone's different views about Salem and his music, even if I don't always agree with them).
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Sunsdvalls Tidning review of Salem's concert
There's a review of Salem's show at Sundsvall Stadshuset on Friday 15th May at http://st.nu/noje/recensioner/konsertrecension/1.1049082 and you can also find some pictures from the show there.
Reviewer Janne Hallman gives it a rating of 3....
"Swedish pop's most perfectionist front man took to the Spegelsalen stage last Friday....He is insanely talented, but when Salem al Fakir is with the band on stage it feels like something essential is missing. Although his hair is now a little calmer and the explosive symphonic moments a little less so, it would be wonderful if the classically trained inhibitions could be released completely. Salem is a wonderful stage personality. Warm, genuinely nice and with a natural charisma....Although he is charming, I wish nevertheless that small horns could grow out the curly hair. As it is now, so he stands up in the middle of songs that he forgets a line of text. Taking it over and over again. Guitar tuned to perfection.... The band exclaims musical explosions, and it gives a taster of how good it could be if we dared to let the sky high ambitions go a little. Salem al Fakir should learn that you do not die if the guitar is microscopically out of tune or a line of text will disappear, because when he drops everything and lets the music take over, he is a joy spreader unprecedented."
Some very interesting and constructive comments there!
Reviewer Janne Hallman gives it a rating of 3....
"Swedish pop's most perfectionist front man took to the Spegelsalen stage last Friday....He is insanely talented, but when Salem al Fakir is with the band on stage it feels like something essential is missing. Although his hair is now a little calmer and the explosive symphonic moments a little less so, it would be wonderful if the classically trained inhibitions could be released completely. Salem is a wonderful stage personality. Warm, genuinely nice and with a natural charisma....Although he is charming, I wish nevertheless that small horns could grow out the curly hair. As it is now, so he stands up in the middle of songs that he forgets a line of text. Taking it over and over again. Guitar tuned to perfection.... The band exclaims musical explosions, and it gives a taster of how good it could be if we dared to let the sky high ambitions go a little. Salem al Fakir should learn that you do not die if the guitar is microscopically out of tune or a line of text will disappear, because when he drops everything and lets the music take over, he is a joy spreader unprecedented."
Some very interesting and constructive comments there!
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Summer tour dates
Please go to www.salemalfakir.com and click on the 'tour' tab, where you will find details of Salem's summer tour dates.
Of course I just had to mention them here too :)
26.06.2009 Strömstad
03.07.09 Skellefteå
24.07.09 Helsingborg
27.07.09 Karlstad
05.08.09 Stockholm
08.08.09 Kalmar
15.08.09 Mariefred
17.08.09 Malmö
Of course I just had to mention them here too :)
26.06.2009 Strömstad
03.07.09 Skellefteå
24.07.09 Helsingborg
27.07.09 Karlstad
05.08.09 Stockholm
08.08.09 Kalmar
15.08.09 Mariefred
17.08.09 Malmö
Interview in Sundsvall Dagbladet / Sundsvall concert tomorrow
If you go to http://dagbladet.se/kulturnoje/1.1039553 you can find an interview with Salem. (I'm not sure if this has been published anywhere else already).
Salem will of course be playing the Spegelsalen in Sundsvall Stadshuset tomorrow night - this was one of the concerts which was originally cancelled due to his U.S. trip.
If you are going to the concert, remember to leave your comments here - let me know what you thought of the show.
Salem will of course be playing the Spegelsalen in Sundsvall Stadshuset tomorrow night - this was one of the concerts which was originally cancelled due to his U.S. trip.
If you are going to the concert, remember to leave your comments here - let me know what you thought of the show.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Something very special at Malmofestivalen 2009...
I have some big news today! Salem will be playing this year's Malmofestivalen (which takes place between 14th and 21st August) - and he will be doing something very special indeed.
For once again, he is collaborating with an orchestra! This time, it's the 60-strong Malmooperorkester. I don't have any more information yet on the actual date of the concert so if anyone has any more information can you leave a comment here and I will pass it on.
Isn't this exciting!!
For once again, he is collaborating with an orchestra! This time, it's the 60-strong Malmooperorkester. I don't have any more information yet on the actual date of the concert so if anyone has any more information can you leave a comment here and I will pass it on.
Isn't this exciting!!
Monday, 11 May 2009
Salem on "Morgonpasset" this coming Friday!
Yes, if it's Friday it will mean only one thing....Salem will be back on P3's "Morgonpasset" this Friday, 15th May, and this time he's bringing a drumkit to accompany Kodjo's guitar playing!!
Saturday, 9 May 2009
I'm back!
Hello everyone and welcome back to Planet Salem. I enjoyed my trip to Dusseldorf, Germany and I'll be posting my travel diary over at my other blog (http://europecrazy.blogspot.com) over the next few days.
So what happened while I was away? Well...lots of lovely video footage has been uploaded to YouTube from the recent Musexpo event in Los Angeles. If you go to http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=virginmusicbrigade&view=videos you will find lots of live footage of Salem from the Sunday brunch ("It's Only You"/"Astronaut"/"It's True"), the Viper Room ("It's Only You"/"Astronaut"/"Good Song"/"Dream Girl") and also a couple of 'unplugged' songs from day 2 of the Musexpo event ("Astronaut"/"Brooklyn Sun").
All I have to say is....enjoy!
So what happened while I was away? Well...lots of lovely video footage has been uploaded to YouTube from the recent Musexpo event in Los Angeles. If you go to http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=virginmusicbrigade&view=videos you will find lots of live footage of Salem from the Sunday brunch ("It's Only You"/"Astronaut"/"It's True"), the Viper Room ("It's Only You"/"Astronaut"/"Good Song"/"Dream Girl") and also a couple of 'unplugged' songs from day 2 of the Musexpo event ("Astronaut"/"Brooklyn Sun").
All I have to say is....enjoy!
Friday, 8 May 2009
Salem in Kalmar, 7th August
According to Barometern.se http://www.barometern.se/noje_o_kultur/berghagen-och-emd-till-kalmar(1312516).gm Salem will be one of the acts appearing at this year's Kalmar Stadsfesten which runs from Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th August: Salem will appear at the City Park on the Saturday.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Time for a break!
Salem has had an extremely busy schedule over the last 8 weeks - all the media promotion/TV and radio appearances/interviews which accompanied the release of the album, followed by the Swedish tour, followed by the trip to the USA.
(Salem - You have worked so hard so I'm glad that you are finally getting the chance to relax for a while. You deserve it! I hope you enjoy New York, and that it gives you the inspiration to write some more songs which are as beautiful as "Brooklyn Sun" which you wrote on your last trip there.)
As for Planet Salem, it's also been a busy and highly successful couple of months too, the high point of which was meeting Salem before his Gothenburg concert, as I said in a previous post, that was the best night of my life!
To know that Salem and those closest to him value and appreciate the work I do on this blog, completely touches my heart and gives me the motivation to continue with this site for a long long time to come.
Thanks to Salem and doing this blog I've also got to know a lot of lovely, special people, your emails and comments mean so much to me and I'd love you all to keep in touch. (Remember all emails are treated as confidential so you can email me about anything and I'll keep it a secret!)
However, I need to let you know that Planet Salem is taking a break between Monday 4th and Friday 8th May, as my boyfriend and I are going on holiday to Dusseldorf, Germany for a few days. This blog will return on Saturday 9th May.
(One more thing: after all the recent activity, I would anticipate that there will be less news to report about Salem over the next couple of months or so, therefore if it will be a bit quieter on this blog with less regular updates, then that's the reason!)
Best wishes....and see you soon!
/Laura.
(Salem - You have worked so hard so I'm glad that you are finally getting the chance to relax for a while. You deserve it! I hope you enjoy New York, and that it gives you the inspiration to write some more songs which are as beautiful as "Brooklyn Sun" which you wrote on your last trip there.)
As for Planet Salem, it's also been a busy and highly successful couple of months too, the high point of which was meeting Salem before his Gothenburg concert, as I said in a previous post, that was the best night of my life!
To know that Salem and those closest to him value and appreciate the work I do on this blog, completely touches my heart and gives me the motivation to continue with this site for a long long time to come.
Thanks to Salem and doing this blog I've also got to know a lot of lovely, special people, your emails and comments mean so much to me and I'd love you all to keep in touch. (Remember all emails are treated as confidential so you can email me about anything and I'll keep it a secret!)
However, I need to let you know that Planet Salem is taking a break between Monday 4th and Friday 8th May, as my boyfriend and I are going on holiday to Dusseldorf, Germany for a few days. This blog will return on Saturday 9th May.
(One more thing: after all the recent activity, I would anticipate that there will be less news to report about Salem over the next couple of months or so, therefore if it will be a bit quieter on this blog with less regular updates, then that's the reason!)
Best wishes....and see you soon!
/Laura.
Swedish charts update
"Astronaut" (single) falls one place from no.3 to no.4 in this week's Swedish Radio P3 "Tracks" chart.
As usual, keep voting so that the song remains in the chart for as long as possible!
As usual, keep voting so that the song remains in the chart for as long as possible!
Friday, 1 May 2009
Salem in Washington DC
Something which happened last night, which I only found out about today:
One of Scandinavia's top artists indeed. Salem played the House of Sweden in Washington DC last night. I haven't found any reviews of the show yet, but if by any chance you were at the show then post your comments here.
Lucky American audiences, getting the opportunity to see Salem play live - possibly the best live show you will ever see, by the most creative musical talent of our generation.
(And $10? That must be the bargain of the century).
One of Scandinavia's top artists indeed. Salem played the House of Sweden in Washington DC last night. I haven't found any reviews of the show yet, but if by any chance you were at the show then post your comments here.
Lucky American audiences, getting the opportunity to see Salem play live - possibly the best live show you will ever see, by the most creative musical talent of our generation.
(And $10? That must be the bargain of the century).
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