Bengans signing today!

Don't forget that Salem will be at Bengans record store in Drottninggatan in Stockholm at 4.00 pm today for an album signing session!

Globen rehearsals are underway

Things are going to get even more busy over the next couple of days: the rehearsals for Saturday's final are now underway. Salem is regularly posting pictures from his Melodifestivalen journey in his Facebook photo albums so keep checking this link over the next couple of days as I'm sure that more will be added: http://www.facebook.com/salemalfakir?v=photos


I liked the above photo which I found on Facebook today in Salem's 'mobile uploads' album.(Hope you don't mind me sharing it here, Salem)

It's good to know that Salem's got his own copy of the CD :)) hopefully it shouldn't be too long until mine arrives through my letterbox!

NUMBER ONE!!! GRATTIS SALEM!!!

"Ignore This" is at no.1 in the Swedish iTunes album chart - congratulations! And Salem's new fans are continue to discover his older music too - "Astronaut" is at no.45 and "This Is Who I Am" at no.64.

"Keep On Walking" remains in the no.2 position in the Swedish iTunes singles chart.

Over in Norway's iTunes chart, "Ignore This" is at no. 35. I know that Salem has lots of Norwegian fans too, so I'm glad the album has been released there........Whilst in Finland, the album is at no. 44 on the Finnish iTunes chart....and it's no. 73 in Denmark.

Whilst we're on numbers and statistics - good news today as the total of Salem's Facebook fans went over the 10,000 mark - and I'm sure the numbers will go much, much higher.

"Ignore This": CD release day round-up!

The big day finally arrived - the "Ignore This" CD is now in the shops and in all good online record stores - of course you can't ignore it, so go out and buy your copy now if you haven't already done so :))

Album Reviews

Anders Jaderup at Sydsvenskan.se awards the album two stars: "...It is not noticeable when he sat at his piano in Melodifestivalen, but "Ignore This" is the disc where Salem Al Fakir discovers electronic pop... his fondness for three decades ago progressive soft rock continues to take place but it's a bit naive to tie the album together with the two predecessors" : http://sydsvenskan.se/kultur-och-nojen/musik/skivrecensioner/article636694/Salem-Al-Fakir-Lekfullheten-overflyglar-allvaret.html

Lisa Appelqvist in Ystads Allehanda awards four stars: "...creates infectious hit songs ... bred with so many incredibly different components, nuances and developments in a single track. In an interview before the Kristianstad gig last winter Salem Al Fakir writes songs that only show up in his head - I would like to sit in there and see it happen....All in all, impossible to ignore".
http://www.ystadsallehanda.se/article/20100310/SKIVOR/703109713/1011/ABONNERA/&/Salem-Al-Fakir--Ignore-this

Uppsala Nya Tidning's Johanna Åberg awards four stars: "...'Ignore This' contains apart from 'Keep on Walking' more cheerful moments such as the almost ridiculously catchy and charming, 'I'm so happy'....but there are more introverted moments... A little of each, or rather a lot of everything is a concept that fits Salem".
http://www2.unt.se/pages/1,1826,MC=5-AV_ID=1024026,00.html

It's four stars from Stefan Thungren in Svenska Dagbladet: "And something has definitely happened...it sounds as if Salem has got his hands on a couple of Giorgio Moroder-soundtracks from the 80s, namely Cat People and Electric Dreams. Adulterated with his great ability for melodies, he manages and updates the genre in an impressive manner.... Although Al Fakir now has the computer as his main instrument, there are a whole series of songs that recalls how he once was. ..the extremely efficient 'Keep on Walking', stands out with its immediacy..'Ignore This' is not Al Fakir's great masterpiece, but it is another piece of the puzzle in place, towards the pop perfection to come."
http://www.svd.se/kulturnoje/musik/ignore-this_4402275.svd

Dagens Nyheter's Johanna Paulsson awards 3 stars: "he has taken steps towards the dance floor.... As a lyricist, he has grown considerably ("Bloody Breakfast") whilst "Keep on Walking" indicates that the drilled classical violinist from Huddinge can still twist up a pop symphony, and "I'm so happy" sounds like an Elton John in disco mood. But in between, he has a bit difficult to decide whether he will be popular or clever inhis new synths sound. Best tracks: "Red Rock", "Split My Personality".
http://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/skivrecensioner/salem-al-fakir-ignore-this-1.1058602

Jessica Rosengren in Norrlandska Socialdemokraten also awards three stars: "The album, which admittedly is both playful and charming, is permeated by a strong electronic sound. Unfortunately, it may dominate too much.. The best tracks are simple and unadorned Brooklyn Sun and Split My Personality that grabs and offers a bit less of the catchy computer sounds".
http://www.nsd.se/noje/nojemusik/artikel.aspx?ArticleId=5232826

Interviews

There's a very entertaining interview with Salem in the lead-up to Melodifestivalen final at QX's website - 19 questions asked, 19 revealing answers! http://www.qx.se/noje/13563/19-fragor-till-salem-al-fakir-infor-helgens-final

Sunday 9th May - Extra concert added at Berns

Salem will play an 'all ages' concert at Berns in Stockholm on 9th May. Doors open at 4.00 pm and the show will begin at 5.00 pm. More details and ticket information at http://www1.ticnet.se/PriceTable?eventId=STH21447BER05092

Delivery is on its way...

For all you digital-downloaders out there, you will already have your copy of "Ignore This". Whilst I like my digital downloads too, I'm one of those old-school music fans who will always prefer to own a CD (or for many years before that, a vinyl album!). So you won't be surprised to know that I pre-ordered my CD copy of "Ignore This" a couple of weeks ago, as I mentioned in a previous post here.

Anyway I checked my inbox tonight and there was an email from CDON to let me know that delivery is on its way!

It's almost a year since I was saying the same thing on this blog about "Astronaut" - it has been such a quick year, hasn't it! Hopefully I should have my copy of "Ignore This" by the weekend and I'll review it soon after I receive it.

Of course you lucky Swedish people won't have to wait too long: the CD is in the shops tomorrow!

Ö-vik slide show!

I thought I would share this with you - it's an excellent YouTube slide show featuring many excellent behind the scenes photographs of Salem taken by Stefan Segolson during the first week of Melodifestivalen in Örnsköldsvik - this is a must-see for all Salem fans. And of course it's soundtracked by the wonderful "Keep On Walking"!

"Ignore This" album reviews round-up

Nojesguiden gives the album a very positive review at http://nojesguiden.se/recensioner/musik/salem-al-fakir-ignore : I particularly liked this part of the review - "It's probably time to give up the search for logic in this man's career, and instead note that this is by far his best album. But it would feel like he would surpass it in a trice".

Jan Gradvall's review for DI Weekend (http://gradvall.se/artiklar.asp?entry_id=597has mixed feelings: "...Salem Al Fakir's third album is better than his second, the flop "Astronaut", but without being in the vicinity of his first. He demonstrates a temperament he has not shown before: a couple of texts are remarkably violent. But musically, he still sounds like a combination of Stevie Wonder and Professor Balthazar"...."Salem Al Fakir really needs an equal producer who has no respect for "Genius at work" sign outside the studio door, but will step in and force him to kill the darlings and edit and focus."

Eva-Lisa Wallin, for Dalarnas Tidningar likes "Ignore This" very much: "Salem Al Fakir is not playing it safe...'Ignore This' becomes difficult to ignore...this is springy, fresh, and varied...music that demands my ears. I hope that Salem Al Fakir continues to stand out in the crowd". Her favourite tracks are "Virgin Mary" and "Split My Personality" The review is at http://www.dt.se/noje/skivor/article600902.ece

Going on to the subject of "Keep On Walking" - yes of course there is a certain song contest coming up ! - I found this in a feature on the excellent Poplight (Melodifestivalen blog). I thought it was one of the loveliest descriptions that I have read in a long time - the writer Jenny Staaf completely summed up the way I feel about the song.

"I lose time and place when I hear this. I totally sucked in and never want that song to end. I am concerned by all Salem says to me, it feels like every word has been added for an important reason. ...I love this contribution! If the song were a dish, I’d cook it every day. Thousand plus points that Salem’s written his own contribution as well - so it works in my book. Win Salem, win!"

I think we would all agree with that.

So what was Salem up to today?

Well, he was interviewed on Knappen and Hakim's show on NRJ...

(picture courtesy of http://www.nrj.se/)

And he also appeared on Vakna med The Voice - here are some nice screencaps for you...

...and he even managed to fit in an Aftonbladet interview and photoshoot....

(photo courtesy of http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir)

Important news - change of date for Bengans signing session

There has been a change of date and time for Salem's signing session - it was due to take place tomorrow but has now been moved to Thursday at 4.00 pm.

Remember to get along there and show Salem your support!

"Ignore This" digital release day roundup!

Firstly, here's the link to buy "Ignore This" at Swedish iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/se/album/ignore-this-bonus-track-version/id356056140

Media appearances:

Salem had a day of non-stop promotion today, beginning at Rix FM where he appeared on the Rix MorronZoo breakfast show. Go to http://www.rixfm.com/program/rix-morronzoo/2010/03/08/mandagen-den-8-mars then click 'ljudklipp' then a new window will appear on screen. If you then enter 'Salem Al Fakir' into the search box you will find clips from this morning's show.

You can also find a picture of Salem and the MorronZoo presenters at his 'Keep On Walking' blog on Aftonbladet: http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir

Then it was onto Expressen TV's XL Live for a particularly lovely live performance of "Brooklyn Sun". Here it is, courtesy of Expressen TV:



And Salem even had the time to chat on MSN today!

Salem will be on NRJ's breakfast show tomorrow at 07:30 so don't miss it.

Album Reviews:

Poplight has a three-star review of "Ignore This" at http://poplight.zitiz.se/blogg/hofverberg/salem-al-fakir-ignore

News updates:

I'm trying to bring as much news and as many links as I can this week, however I can only apologise if I can't publish all of these until the evening - as I'm not allowed access to Facebook/YouTube/MySpace/any video sites from my computer at work.

In the meantime remember to keep checking Salem's official site, MySpace (which has a nice new redesign), Twitter and Facebook for regular updates on Salem's big week!

Salem was on Nyhetsmorgon today..

You've probably seen it already (either on TV4's website or Salem's official site) but I thought I would share these with you anyway :)

Firstly, a lively and very entertaining performance of "4 O'Clock" with the keyboard parts programmed meaning there was more time for Salem to sing and dance around :))) And handclaps!



And what more can I say about the now-classic "Brooklyn Sun"? It's one of those songs that stops you in your tracks and demands your full attention from beginning to end...and this was a typically touching performance from Salem:



And of course Salem was looking very good today - I just loved the black shirt, the red tie and that slightly unshaven look....!

Running order for next Saturday's Melodifestivalen final

1. Darin - You’re Out Of My Life
2. Pernilla Wahlgren - Jag vill om du vågar
3. Andreas Johnson - We Can Work It Out
4. Timoteij - Kom
5 Peter Jöback - Hollow
6. Ola - Unstoppable
7. Jessica Andersson - I Did It For Love
8. Salem Al Fakir - Keep On Walking
9. Anna Bergendahl - This Is My Life
10. Eric Saade - Manboy

OK so now that Andra Chansen is over (I didn't agree with the result as I wanted Alcazar and Pauline or Pain of Salvation to progress to Globen) the final running order for next Saturday's final is now clear.

Looking at the running order, it's a very good draw position for Salem - it would have been nicer if he'd have been drawn last or second from last, but 8th could be a lucky number as he was drawn in 8th position in week one - when he won of course!

I've been a fan and follower of Melodifestivalen for many years and it would be fair to say that there have been better years in the competition: however I also feel that this means that Salem has a better chance than ever of progressing to Oslo, and finally making that big international breakthrough that I have been campaigning for on this blog since it was established at the end of 2007.

EDIT 07.03.10: Last night I posted my comments about the other songs, however I have decided to move this to my other blog EuropeCrazy as I feel this would be more appropriate and would avoid any confusion, in case anyone thought these were Salem's views, when, in fact, they were my own.

Salem at Bengans, Stockholm on Wednesday 10.03.10

As mentioned in a previous post, Salem will be at Bengans in Stockholm this coming Wednesday - I can now confirm that he'll be appearing there at 5.00 pm.

"Ignore This" preview clips and download now available on ICA's download shop

Go to http://ica.shop2download.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/TShop.woa/wa/PSShop/MusicCollection?id=1783172494 where you can hear some short clips of all the tracks on "Ignore This" and you can also download the tracks in full.

There is also a link on that page to a competition where you can win tickets to Salem's Berns show in Stockholm in May, and a chance to meet Salem - which is a fantastic prize, so good luck to everyone entering this contest!

Aftonbladet's review of "Ignore This"

Jenny Seth has written a three-star review of "Ignore This" in which she selects "Split My Personality" as one of the best tracks - she also comments that is a very appropriate title as this album yet again demonstrates Salem's musical versatility.

If you want to read the review go to http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/article6722107.ab

TV and radio appearances in the next few days!

This Sunday, Salem will appear on "Nyhetsmorgon" on TV4 between 9.00 and 11.00 am Swedish time, when he will be interviewed and will play two songs from "Ignore This". If you won't be able to see the show it should be available later on TV4's website on Sunday: I will post the link then.

Salem will also be on Rix FM's Rix Morron Zoo at 8.15 am on Monday, when he will also play an acoustic song.....and he will also be on NRJ's morning show at 9.00 am.
(info courtesy of Salem's Aftonbladet blog)

It's going to be a very busy week ahead for Salem, with the release of the album and the Melodifestivalen final.

It's also going to be one of the biggest weeks ever on Planet Salem. I will try to bring all the news and reviews that I can find, but if there's anything I've forgotten please let me know!

"Ignore This" review in Expressen

Expressen has a review of "Ignore This" at http://www.expressen.se/noje/recensioner/skivor/1.1906204/salem-al-fakir-ignore-this

The reviewer gives the album three stars and notes the change in Salem's musical style in a more electronic direction, and picks out "Virgin Mary" and "Brooklyn Sun" as two of the best tracks. However the reviewer's favourite track is "Keep On Walking" even if they note that Salem sings the chorus nine times in three minutes :)

Found this on YouTube: TV ad for "Ignore This"

Salem on P3 Fredag tomorrow night

Salem will be a guest on "P3 Fredag" on Swedish Radio tomorrow night at 21:03 Swedish time. Salem will be chatting and playing some of his favourite pre-club tunes. It should be good so remember to tune in.

EDIT 06.03.10: You can hear this week's show at the following link: http://www.sr.se/webbradio/webbradio.asp?type=latestbroadcast&Id=3696&BroadcastDate=&IsBlock=
(Salem is on just after the beginning of the second hour of the show)

"Ignore This" review (in Finnish) at Plaza.fi

Link:
http://plaza.fi/kaista/musiikki/levyarvostelut/levyarvostelu-salem-al-fakir-ignore-this

Unfortunately Google Translate didn't really make a good job of translating this and I don't understand a word of Finnish....anyway it seemed to be a good review (4 stars).

Can any Finnish-speaking readers help with this translation?

Salem and Nour: the correspondence continues

If you're a listener to Swedish Radio's "Morgonpasset i P3" you will know that Salem is a very regular guest on the show. Last week a correspondence started between Nour El-Refai (another Morgonpasset regular) and Salem: on Friday Salem's reply was revealed and now Nour has replied to Salem's letter. It's all very funny, and very naughty too :)))

Anyway Salem was back on Morgonpasset yesterday, when he wrote his reply to Nour - which will be revealed on Friday. Can't wait to hear it :))

You can check out photos from yesterday's show at the following link,

http://www.sr.se/sida/default.aspx?ProgramID=2024&sida=2 (scroll down and click page numbers until you reach Tuesday's show) where Salem was restyled by those crazy Morgonpasset presenters and here he is, modelling his alternative glittery Melodifestivalen-outfit ...

(picture courtesy of Kasper Nowakowski/SR)

"Keep On Walking" no.2 on iTunes today!...(and get your own ringtone!)

1. Excellent news!

2. If you want to get your own 'Keep On Walking' ringtone then http://apps.facebook.com/salem-al-fakir/ is the place to go, where you can find an app to create your own ringtone!

Swedish charts update

After just one day of sales on Swedish iTunes, here are the top 10 selling singles (courtesy of http://www.aftonbladet.se/ As you can see, Salem is at no.6.

1. This Is My Life – Anna Bergendahl
2. You're Out of My Life – Darin
3. Manboy – Eric Saade
4. Kom – Timoteij
5. Hollow – Peter Jöback
6. Keep on Walking – Salem Al Fakir
7. Unstoppable (The Return of Natalie) – Ola
8. Headlines – Alcazar
9. Human Frontier – Neo
10. Jag vill om du vågar – Pernilla Wahlgren

EDIT 02.03.10: Thanks to Maria for the info that "Keep On Walking" is now at no. 3 on the Swedish iTunes singles chart today: http://www.apple.com/euro/itunes/charts/top10songs.html

(Sorry Maria, something went wrong when I was trying to publish your post).

Other bloggers talking about Salem...

I found this blog post tonight so I thought I would share it with you: http://melodimen.blogspot.com/2010/03/melodifestivalen-2010-keep-on-walking.html

I thought it was very funny and I love their suggestion that if Salem wins Melodifestivalen, the end of the video should be edited to include his winning performance, the ticker-tape and the photographers!

The video also gets a mention at the always excellent Scandipop, which has been very supportive of Salem and 'Keep On Walking' since week 1 of the contest: http://www.scandipop.co.uk/?p=2208

Thanks again to Richard who's also been supporting Salem at Pop Love Dance: http://poplovedance.blogspot.com - he's got a very good singles chart going there, with none other than "Backseat" at no.1 and "Keep On Walking" at no.3 whilst "Astronaut" is at no.9 in his albums list.

If you're blogging about Salem let me know and I'll give you a mention here!

"Keep On Walking" release day roundup!!

You've probably all seen the video (and love it) by now, but in case you haven't - here, finally, is the video for "Keep On Walking". Enjoy!



Salem is the first of this year's Melodifestivalen finalists to release a video - the first and the best of course!

Of course "Keep On Walking" is now officially available for download from today, at http://itunes.apple.com/se/album/keep-on-walking/id354932341?i=354932343&affId=1329024&ign-mpt=uo%3D6

Rix FM also has "Keep On Walking" bubbling under in its nightly Topp 6 Klockan 6 chart - go to the following link and vote for Salem to get him into the chart! http://www.rixfm.com/program/kvallar-med-christian-hedlund/rix-topp-6-klockan-6

Salem did a photoshoot for 'Glamour' and this was posted on his Facebook page today: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3770177&id=50286022803 and also on his Aftonbladet blog: http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir
For those of you who are old enough to remember it the first time round, that look is very "Miami Vice" isn't it :))

Video question / Melodifestivalen countdown

Does anyone know if there will be an official video for "Keep On Walking" and if so, when will we get to see it?

EDIT 28.02.10: Yes there is an official video, yes it's now available...and I just want to thank everyone who replied. Isn't it wonderful! There are so many good moments in the video - Salem's Melodifestivalen journey in three minutes - that it would take me too long to list my favourite ones! Anyway it's now available to watch at www.salemalfakir.com.

So... two weeks till the Melodifestivalen final, and 8 of the 10 finalists are now known. Apart from Salem - week 1 winner! - Eric Saade, Ola, Darin, Anna Bergendahl, Peter Jöback, Andreas Johnson, Timoteij have all gone 'direkt till Globen' whilst the two remaining finalists will have to go through next week's Andra Chansen round first.

All of this year's entries are now available to hear at
http://svt.se/2.129088/kolumn_alla_bidrag_klippsymfoni?lid=puff_1908737&lpos=lasMer
(but of course none of them are as good as "Keep On Walking"!!)

Off Beat Band playing Mosebacke, Stockholm tonight

Sorry if I'm a bit late bringing this news, but if you're a fan of some old-school hip hop and you live in and around Stockholm, you can catch the Off Beat Band at the Raw Fusion night at Mosebacke in Stockholm tonight at 10.00 pm.

I've ordered my copy of "Ignore This" tonight....!

Very excited - only 12 days to go till the CD release of the album, so I finally ordered my CD copy from CDON tonight :))))

Anyway here are some links to where you can order the album....

CDON: http://cdon.se/musik/al_fakir_salem/ignore_this-8299134
Bengans: https://www.bengans.se/popup/salem_ignore/se.aspx
Ginza: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=17449
Megastore: http://www.megastore.se/template/next%2CProduct.vm?itemid=2185406&banid=14848&source=1300

And here are some links to where you can buy your copy of the "Keep On Walking" single....

CDON: http://cdon.se/musik/al_fakir_salem/ignore_this-8299134
Bengans: https://www.bengans.se/popup/salem_ignore/se.aspx
Ginza: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=17449
Megastore: http://www.megastore.se/template/next%2CProduct.vm?itemid=2185406&banid=14848&source=1300

Swedish charts update

Unfortunately "Backseat" has now dropped to no.34 in the Sverige Topplistan singles chart.

But we all still love it, don't we!!! I notice that a Facebook fan-group has been set up for Damien Adore - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=325826488197&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=325826488197&ref=ts

My Gothenburg countdown: four weeks to go!

Yes, it's only four weeks to go until I fly over to Sweden to see Salem play live at the Gothenburg Konserthuset. Of course I'm really looking forward to my trip, although I just hope that the weather will be warmer and the snow will have gone by then!

(Oh well, even if it is still cold and snowy, it doesn't matter - what matters is seeing Salem again!)

According to the Konserthuset's website, www.gso.se, approximately 20 musicians from the Göteborgs Symfoniker (Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra) will accompany Salem on stage where he will sing and play his own material over two sets.

Tickets are still available (although are selling fast) and you can buy them at the following link: https://sale.se.iticket.com/Sale/ShowRequestedArrangement.iticket?moduleId=10&pBasketTag=977de3be-531b-4d2d-9118-937ac9d14517&clearBasket=0&pCompanyId=3201&pArrangementId=40#top

Of course I bought my tickets a few weeks ago, I'm glad I got them then as most of the seats in the stalls are now sold out!

Swedish charts update

"Backseat" has fallen from no.15 to no.24 in this week's Sverige Topplistan singles chart.

It's good to see that there is a massive buzz on the internet for this very hot track: everyone in blog-land seems to be talking about it at the moment, which is great news. I really believe that it has international hit potential....and of course it's introduced Salem (sorry, I mean Damien Adore!) to a whole new audience.

Salem will be back on Morgonpasset this Monday!

Readers of Planet Salem will know that Salem is a regular visitor to the Morgonpasset show on Swedish radio P3 - and he'll be back again on the show on Monday 22nd February.

More information at http://www.sr.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2024&artikel=3455338 - where you can also find the email address for the show if you want to send in any questions to ask Salem.

Review of H3FK concert in Visby

Helagotland.se has a review of H3FK's concert which took place on Thursday night in Visby, at the following link: http://www.helagotland.se/noje/artikel.aspx?articleid=5851227

"Ignore This" will be available for download at Amazon UK!

Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ignore-This/dp/B0038RADFE/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1266688098&sr=8-8

For a brief period there were very short clips of the album tracks but these have now been removed, but here's what I thought anyway ....

On first hearing of the clips, it certainly sounds very different from anything that we have heard before. But then, if you are a Salem fan then you will be used to that by now! There is no end to his musical diversity: and there are many different musical styles on this album which, as predicted, has a synth-pop feel.

On first listen....

1. "The Song I Never Wrote": 58-second long synth-based instrumental, recalling "Begin" from "This Is Who I Am".

2. "4 O'Clock" - A synth-driven story of a sleepless night, with a triumphant chorus.

3. "Virgin Mary" - oh I really like this! Uplifting synth-driven pop song with a lively chorus - I really want to hear more of this song and I think it will be one of my favourites.

4. "Red Rock" - driving synth/techno beat with vocoder-vocals. Don't know how this will go?

5. "Keep On Walking" - Melodifestivalen 2010 entry. Win or lose, it has already reached classic status and won Salem so many, many new fans.

6. "This Is For" - very different sound for Salem, driven by an unusual urgency and almost-vocoded synth beats.

7. "Part Of It" - I think this will also become one of my favourite songs on this album - "I dare you to take a step outside...."

8. "Brooklyn Sun" - already a classic. A totally beautiful song, no more, no less. I would have preferred an orchestral-arrangement on this but there is a nice echoey production and a layered chorus, and that is enough for me.

9. "Don't Wanna Talk About It" - frenzied techno-instrumental. Someone on Twitter compared this to Mr Oizo: good description.

10. "Bloody Breakfast" - "let them all have a sniff and taste"....I'm intrigued by this, and I want to hear more of it. Another strongly synth-influenced song.

11. "Split My Personality" - a bit more serious, synth-driven song which I'm really keen to hear more of.

12. "Cowboys and Dinosaurs" - a mix of acoustic guitars and synth-strings. Very dream-like: probably this album's answer to "Hymn" or "Purple Lady".

13. "I'm So Happy" - it sounds like "old" Salem - the song has a very happy and uplifting vibe, with the 'la-la-las"....I really, really, really want to hear more of this!

All in all, a very different (and more contemporary) sound for Salem - I like it!

If you were lucky enough to hear the clips, let me know what you think!

Radio Creme Brulee: spreading the word about Salem!

I would like to share this email with you all, which I received just the other day from Pranav who runs the internet radio station Radio Creme Brulee, and which I have kindly been given permission to republish here.


Hi,

I am an internet music radio broadcaster based in Boston (USA). My radio station is called "Radio Creme Brulee" (http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/). It features an eclectic assortment of current pop/rock music from both sides of the Atlantic alongside guilty pleasures, forgotten gems, and radio hits from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. While most of my listeners are based in the US, there is a substantial number of listeners from the France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Argentina, Costa Rica, Japan, and Spain. My station is licensed by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Artists receive royalties based on airplay of their music on my station.

I recently discovered Salem Al Fakir and his music and stumbled on your excellent blog about him recently. Salem does not receive much promotion in the US. Hence, we only recently discovered him and his musical brilliance. His songs, if promoted well in the US, could be modern day classics. He belongs to a rather rare breed of exceptionally talented musicians. Unfortunately, when he released "This is who I am" in 2007, I did not hear about it at all. Hence, as playlist manager, I was unable to give any of the tracks on that album high-rotation airplay. I typically only give tracks that are less than a year old high-rotation airplay. I recently discovered Salem's 2009 album "Astronaut". Despite the album having been released in 2009, it still meets our "less than a year old" requirement for high-rotation airplay. Hence, we just added "One Of The Others" for high-rotation airplay on Radio Creme Brulee. That basically means the track is getting 4-5 plays a day and will continue to do so for at least 2 months.

I will go ahead and add your blog to the list of "Recommended Links" within the next two days. Meanwhile, if you get a chance, please do check out our radio station. To listen, log on to
http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/

We do feature tracks off the "This is who I am" album. There is currently a "radio hold" on the new single "Keep On Walking" until February 27 so we might have to wait a while before it makes its debut on American internet radio. If you have suggestions for the radio station (specific artists, specific songs, or just general recommendations), please feel free to let me know. If and when you hear "One Of The Others" on the station, please click on the "thumbs up" button next to the track on the online radio player. If you like the station, please do let your friends know about it.

Last, but not least, I enjoy your reading your blog on Salem Al Fakir.

Regards,
Pranav


http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Radio-Creme-Brulee/89215179548


Thanks Pranav - much appreciated!! We need more people like you to spread the word, worldwide, about Salem's music.

Salem's Stockholm signing session!

Salem will be appearing at Bengans record store on Drottninggatan in Stockholm to play a couple of songs and sign copies of "Ignore This". The date will be 10th March - of course that is the same day that "Ignore This" is released on CD.

(The time of Salem's appearance has not been announced yet, but if you keep checking back at Bengans website then it should be announced very soon)

http://www.bengans.se/upcomingartistvisits.aspx?Currency=sek&language=se&

Salem at Berns, Stockholm in May

As announced at www.salemalfakir.com today: Salem will play a concert at Berns in Stockholm, on Saturday 8th May 2010: this will be his only Stockholm concert during the spring period so I expect tickets will sell out very quickly. So you'd better hurry and book your tickets at Ticnet! http://www1.ticnet.se/PriceTable?eventId=STH21447BER05081

H3FK concert in Visby - 18.02.10

H3FK will be playing Visby Jazzklubben on Thursday 18th February - and even though he's very busy at the moment, Salem will be appearing with the band, which he has been a member of since 2002. There is an interview with Salem and Mats Karlsson at the following link:

http://www.helagotland.se/noje/artikel.aspx?articleid=5846621

In case any of Salem's many new fans are unfamiliar with H3FK, Salem is a member of this renowned Swedish "world jazz" band in which he plays violin and keyboards. If you are going to the show - remember that Salem will not be playing any of his solo material, but H3FK's music is so diverse and different that if you enjoy world music, you will be in for a treat.

Salem on style...

I have just found this Allt om Stockholm article, where Salem is talking about his style/clothing: http://www.alltomstockholm.se/incoming/article534413.aos

"Ignore This": tracklisting revealed!

Here is the tracklisting for Salem's third album "Ignore This" which is released in three weeks time!

01. The Song I Never Wrote

02. 4 O'clock

03. Virgin Mary

04. Red Rock

05. Keep On Walking

06. This Is For

07. Part Of It

08. Brooklyn Sun

09. Don't Wanna Talk About It

10. Bloodybreakfast

11. Split My Personality

12. Cowboys And Dinosaurs

13. I'm So Happy


Some very interesting titles here: we're all familiar with '"4 O'Clock" and "Brooklyn Sun" and of course "Keep On Walking" but I haven't heard any of the other songs.... This is very different from "Astronaut" where most of the songs had been played live for a few months before the album's release and I knew almost all of them.

The countdown is on....it's only three weeks until the release of the album and of course I am so excited! If you're following Salem on Facebook and Twitter you'll know that he is currently rehearsing in the studio, doing interviews and all the last-minute preparation before the album is released.

Halv Åtta Hos Mig - Grattis Nabil!

One of my favourite British television programmes is "Come Dine With Me" in which a group of people take turns to cook a meal for their fellow dinner guests and mark them out of ten. I didn't know until last night that there was a Swedish version of the show, which is called "Halv Åtta Hos Mig" and is broadcast on TV4.

But what does this have to do with Salem? Well, I just found out yesterday that last week was devoted to parents of famous people in Sweden - and one of the contestants was none other than Salem's father, Nabil Al Fakir! Even better news - he was the week's winner with the highest points total. I watched last Tuesday's show (when Nabil hosted the other dinner guests) on TV4 Play last night and really enjoyed it: I thought Nabil came across as a lovely, friendly person and a very talented cook.

The complete shows from last Wednesday and Thursday are still available to watch at http://www.tv4play.se/hem_och_fritid/halv_atta_hos_mig , unfortunately the Tuesday show hosted by Nabil will no longer be available on the website after tonight (sorry everyone, I wish I could have given you all more notice about this). It was a very enjoyable show too, which featured a couple of clips of Salem and Nassim talking about their father's good cooking :)

There is more about the show at http://www.tv4.se/1.1505383/2010/02/13/vem_blev_tittarnas_favorit_i_halv_atta


If you want to try out Nabil's winning recipes you can find them at http://www.recept.nu/1.305498/2010/02/08/halv_atta_hos_mig

Salem's sites update

You probably know already, but here is a reminder anyway :))

If you go to Salem's Facebook page you'll find video clips and lots of photos from Salem's Ö-vik adventure. Salem is now tweeting regularly on Twitter - I don't know how he's got the time to fit everything into a 24 hour day!

Don't forget to check out Salem's official site for updates. And of course keep on visiting Planet Salem :))))

Salem on SVT's "Gomorron Sverige" 08.02.10

As Salem 'keeps on walking' on his journey from Ö-vik to Globen, Planet Salem will be following him every step of the way! Needless to say there will be lots of TV appearances and interviews between now and then.

On Monday 8th February, Salem was interviewed at 7.45 am on "Gomorron Sverige", SVT's breakfast show. If you missed the interview then, it is available to watch again at http://svtplay.se/v/1879967/gomorron_sverige/salem_al_fakir

I managed to understand some of it, but as usual it would be much appreciated if one of my lovely friends could translate it for me :)))

And as usual, I've been busy with my camera again - here are some screencaps from the show.




You will probably all agree with me that Salem is one of Sweden's best-dressed and most stylish men - he certainly was the most stylish on Melodifestivalen! - and I loved his smart-casual look on this morning show :)

The Melodifestivalen-effect

Although we will have to wait a while longer before we can buy "Keep On Walking" (it won't be available until 3rd March) it will be interesting to see if Salem's Melodifestivalen appearance will impact upon sales of his previous albums/singles.

The answer is...yes. Checked the Swedish iTunes albums chart today to find "Astronaut" is at no.12 whilst "This Is Who I Am" is at no. 66.

Meanwhile "Backseat" by Staygold featuring Spank Rock and Damien Adore, is no. 7 in the Swedish iTunes singles chart whilst it was a new entry in the Sverige Topplistan singles chart this week at no.19.

SKÅL!

After the show it was time to party.....I bet there are a lot of very sore heads today :)

(Photos courtesy of Dagens Nyheter/Scanpix)

Welcome....to all new visitors!

Good news! I can confirm that today, 6th February 2010, Planet Salem has received the highest number of visitors since the blog started just over two years ago. If you didn't know about Salem before tonight and have only just discovered him after his Melodifestivalen appearance...then thank you for visiting Planet Salem and you are all very welcome to my blog!

Some information for my new visitors....my name is Laura, I live in the UK and have been a fan of Salem and his music since July 2007. I started Planet Salem in December 2007 and my mission is to spread as much information about Salem Al Fakir and his music because I truly believe that he is the most talented singer/songwriter/musician in the world today.

Over the last two years Planet Salem has developed as a community of appreciation of Salem and his music: you are all welcome to leave comments or send emails anytime you want to discuss anything Salem-related and I'm very happy to chat with you all.

Once again, thanks for visiting. This has been a very good and happy night for all Salem-fans and the celebration goes on.....

SALEM GÅ VIDARE TILL GLOBEN!!!!!!

SALEM TILL GLOBEN !!!!!

Tack, Salem.

Och tack, Sverige.

You did the right thing and sent Salem to Globen. Tonight I am so happy and can't stop smiling! I thought Salem's performance was terrific, the song is wonderful and this is just one of the happiest nights ever.

Grattis Salem. You deserve it :))

Edit 07.02.10: my full review of last night's contest is over at my other blog EuropeCrazy. Enjoy!

It's almost time for Melodifestivalen - Rösta på Salem ikväll!

In two and a half hours time, the 2010 Melodifestivalen finally gets underway.

It's always a very special competition for me, but this year it's more special than ever. Tonight in Örnsköldsvik, Ola, Jenny Silver, Linda Pritchard, Pain Of Salvation, Anders Ekborg, Jessica Andersson, Frispråkarn will all perform their songs and finally - saving the best till last! - it will be Salem's turn to take to the stage to sing "Keep On Walking" - the best song of the night.

The rules of the contest have changed this year: the song with the most votes will automatically qualify to the final in Globen, Stockholm on 13th March. There will then be a second round of voting for the songs placed second, third, fourth and fifth, whilst the sixth, seventh and eighth placed songs will be eliminated.

The winner of the second round will take the 2nd slot in the final; the second and third placed songs will go to Andra Chansen on 6th March, and the remaining song will be eliminated.

Good people of Sweden - you know what you have to do - VOTE FOR SALEM!

Here are the phone numbers that you need to call tonight (thanks to http://www.salemalfakir.com/ for the info!!)

Om du vill rösta på Salem kan du ringa 099-202 08 eller sms’a 08 till 72111. Om du dessutom vill skänka pengar till Radiohjälpen ringer du nummer 099-902 08 eller sms’ar 08 till nummer 729 99. Det kostar 9,90 kr.

All the best for tonight Salem!

I'm going to watch SVT's webstream tonight - check back later tonight for my thoughts on the show and remember to leave your comments!

But once again the sun is rising....

At last! "Keep On Walking", well 64 seconds of it anyway, is finally available to hear at the following link: http://svtplay.se/v/1870389

Here are my thoughts after just one listen: it's complex, beautifully produced and arranged (as you would always expect a Salem song to be), and completely breathtaking and uplifting and inspirational. Is that enough adjectives for now?

(By the way, I see what some of the reviewers meant by the "Bond" references as it does have the sweeping drama of a Bond theme).

No gimmicks, no distracting dance routines, just the simplicity of a smartly dressed man sitting at a piano singing a beautiful song. (photo above courtesy of SVT)

Utterly fantastic.

Countdown to Melodifestivalen: 2 days to go

Is everyone as excited as I am about Saturday night????

Apart from this morning's Goteborgs Posten webchat (see previous post) there was the following....

Today there were more rehearsals and a press conference in Ö-vik. Expressen has an interview with Salem at the following link: http://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen2010/1.1869939/salem-al-fakir-jag-ar-lugn-som-en-porlande-back : I thought this was a very interesting interview indeed, in which Salem states that he remains calm and has everything under control. He describes the performance as taking shape - he'll be sitting at a black piano and there will be some other things happening on stage. Salem says that he feels no pressure as he is his own biggest critic.

About "Keep On Walking", Salem says that this was inspired by his own feelings..."many feel that they are far, far down sometimes and need to get up. There is a help for me and a help to others that there are more who are in the same situation - it's a hopeful song".

Mattias Dahlström (Dagens Nyheter) describes "Keep On Walking" as a 'Beatles pastiche' and wonders if it's maybe too vague to be a Melodifestivalen song....http://www.dn.se/blogg/melodifestivalbloggen2010/2010/02/04/salem-al-fakir-pa-scen-6048

The general view so far based on the press articles and blogs I've read would appear to indicate that "Keep On Walking" is: a catchy song/big arrangement/disappointing/potential radio hit/too good for Melodifestivalen/not right for Melodifestivalen/a grower/too good/not one of his best/too clever/reminiscent of his first album....

What everyone needs to remember is that "Keep On Walking" wasn't specifically written for Melodifestivalen, unlike many of the songs on show over the next four weeks: in that context it will be even more interesting to see how well the song is received by the Swedish voting public.

We and then finally hear the song in full on Saturday night.

In the meantime you can keep up to date with Salem's Ö-vik adventures on Facebook, where there are lots of great new photos too :))) http://www.facebook.com/salemalfakir

Tomorrow: at last we will finally get to hear (a brief clip of) "Keep On Walking" on SVT's website tomorrow afternoon!! (I won't be able to hear it till tomorrow night as I'll be at work, so I'll be counting the hours till I get home....!)

Salem's GP webchat, 04.02.2010

Salem had a webchat this morning on GP's website and you can now read it at the following link:
http://www.gp.se/kulturnoje/1.304028-chatten-med-salem-al-fakir

Countdown to Melodifestivalen - 3 days to go

OK....here's my daily round-up of info.

Salem is blogging for Aftonbladet in Örnsköldsvik: http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir

There will be a webchat on Göteborgs Posten’s website at 11.00 am Swedish time on Thursday. More info at http://www.gp.se/kulturnoje/1.303428-chatta-om-schlager-med-salem-al-fakir

Meanwhile here's what Göteborgs Posten’s blogger says about "Keep On Walking"...http://blogg.gp.se/nojesbloggen/2010/02/03/keep-on-walking-salem-al-fakir/

...and Dagens Nyheter says...http://www.dn.se/blogg/melodifestivalbloggen2010/2010/02/03/latarna-6017

...and here's what Tobbe Ek in Aftonbladet thinks on first hearing......http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/schlagerblogg/2010/02/salem-kor-med-klassiskt-schlagerknep-fram-till-snopligt-slut and then on second hearing...http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/schlagerblogg/2010/02/andra-genomlyssningen

A contemporary Bond-ballad mixed with Mika's falsetto? Overloaded instumentation and production? Interesting....of course it won't be long until we all get to hear the song and make our own minds up.

More MF news tomorrow....

Countdown to Melodifestivalen: 4 days to go

Örnsköldsviks Allehanda reveals a fascinating fact - Salem is the favourite to win on Saturday...according to the other contestants! The newspaper has a new interview with Salem about Melodifestivalen, and some other things too! Link: http://allehanda.se/noje/1.1773976

I discovered a Facebook group which has been set up to support Salem at Melodifestivalen and get him all the way to Globen for the final. The name of the group is self-explanatory - "SALEM AL FAKIR TILL FINAL" so if you're on Facebook then get along there and show your support. You can find it at http://www.facebook.com/pages/SALEM-AL-FAKIR-TILL-FINAL/276454492727

Finally - some BIG news! Salem is now on Twitter and you can find him at www.twitter.com/salemmusic.

Here we go, here we go again....

Salem appeared on SR's "P4 Extra" on Monday where he was interviewed and there was also an exclusive play of "4 O'Clock" which is one of the tracks which will appear on "Ignore This".

On first listen, I thought it was great - I like the synthpop sound, and it has a very anthemic, singalong chorus which gets stuck in your brain very quickly. Salem's lyrics are just getting better and better too.

If you haven't heard this radio show yet, catch it on Swedish Radio's website: http://www.sr.se/webbradio/webbradio.asp?type=latestbroadcast&Id=2151&BroadcastDate=&IsBlock=
(Salem appears about 25 minutes into the show).

Pre-Melodifestivalen interview on Poplight

In case you're not familiar with Poplight (formerly known as Gylleneskor) it's a very good website devoted to all things Melodifestivalen and the Eurovision Song Contest.

You can find Eva-Li's nice little interview with Salem about his participation in this year's MF, at http://poplight.zitiz.se/artikel/2010-ska-bli-salems-ar.

Salem feels that 2010 will be a very good year - of course it will be!!

Salem and Sami at the Ellegalan

The annual Ellegalan recently took place in Stockholm. Here are Salem and his brother Sami both looking very stylish as ever on the red carpet....

Picture courtesy of http://www.elle.se/. If you go to www.elle.se/elle-galan/artiklar/roda-mattan-pa-elle-galan-del-1.aspx you'll find many more red carpet pictures of all the Swedish fashion and celebrity elite who attended the event.

TV4 "Förkväll" interview

In case you missed it, Salem appeared this week on TV4's "Förkväll" where he was interviewed about his forthcoming Melodifestivalen appearance and third album, among other things. Here is a link: http://www.tv4play.se/noje_och_humor/forkvall?videoId=1.1473305&selId=1.1256168&currPage=1

Here are some screencaps. Salem is looking very good at the moment, don't you agree? :)

(Apologies for that mouse pointer getting in the way when I was taking pictures of the show on my computer tonight!)

I'm going to Gothenburg!!!

Yesterday was such a busy day with all the news about "Ignore This", but something else happened last night - I finally booked my tickets, flights and hotel for Salem's concert on 26th March at the Gothenburg Konserthuset.

It will be exciting to see Salem play live one more time, especially when he is accompanied by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.

I'm living the dream again !!!! :)

Salem to appear at Umeå Open

Salem is among the acts announced for this year's Umeå Open which takes place over the last weekend in March. Salem will be on stage on Saturday 27th March. More details at www.umeaopen.se

"Ignore This" - third album on the way!!

VERY EXCITING BREAKING NEWS! Just got some information that Salem will release his third album "Ignore This" in March.

(Of course we will not be ignoring it!!!!)

According to a press release issued today by EMI (I hope this translation is ok!) "Ignore This" is the result of 'a creative autumn, where Salem has returned to the playfulness of his debut album and does what he wants. The new album reflects enormous progress and while the sweeping melodies, rhythmic grooves and captivating harmonies remain, there is a more pulsating synthpop sound. At the same time Salem Al Fakir doesn't compromise what has made him one of Sweden's most successful artists: grand melodies, moments of sheer silence and a spring in his step - all are elements of Salem Al Fakir's incomparable ability to provide unique, engaging pop music with piercing, emotive hooks. Anyone who can't wait until March for the physical or digital album just needs to wait until the 6th February, when Salem's "Keep On Walking" will be the most welcome entry in Melodifestivalen's first heat'.

It sounds like an intriguing mix of 'old' and 'new' Salem - and if his 'Backseat' collaboration with Staygold is anything to go by, then Salem's new electronic sound will be an absolute winner, whilst keeping all the aspects of his music which we know and love, which were perfectly described in the above press release.

Salem is of course one of the most creative and prolific musicians of his generation, and I'm sure this new album will provide another window into Salem's fabulous musical world. With his forthcoming Melodifestivalen appearance it has been excellent timing to release this album which will then reach a much wider audience, many of whom will have seen him on Melodifestivalen and maybe weren't aware of his music previously.

(Interestingly, this third album sees our favourite singer billed once again as 'Salem Al Fakir' rather than 'Salem'....)

The digital version of "Ignore This" will be out on 8th March and the physical version will be in the shops on 10th March. Here is the album cover!

I don't have a tracklisting as yet, and apart from the first single to be released ("Keep On Walking" of course) I don't know which other tracks will feature but would hope that "Brooklyn Sun" will be there. (That orchestral-version at Berwaldhallen was just so beautiful....)

Some news about Salem's website...

I've just been over to Salem's official website where there is a message that the site is currently closed for rebuilding, but will relaunch this Saturday, 30th January for "the complete Salem Al Fakir experience". This sounds very exciting indeed - so remember to visit http://www.salemalfakir.com/ on Saturday to find out more. (And I'm hoping that Salem puts a link to Planet Salem on his new site!!)

EDIT 27.01.10 - Salem's new website is up and running, very nice it is too...and of course there is a 'fanblogs' link to Planet Salem, so thanks again to Salem and his team for that!

On to some more (personal) news - tonight I am one step closer to going to Gothenburg in March to see Salem's concert! Hoping to get tickets/flights/hotels booked very soon :)

Salem on TV3's "Blåsningen" tonight

If you live in Sweden, don't forget to tune into "Blåsningen" tonight on TV3 at 20:00 Swedish time. This is a "Candid Camera"-style show where practical jokes are played on famous people - and tonight the joke is on Salem and Sanna Nielsen!

EDIT 25.01.2010: The show is available to watch at http://www.tv3.se/play. I watched it late last night and thought it was very funny - those waiters and waitresses were just taking the duties of their job too far :)

Here are some screencaps from the show:

Melodifestivalen: two weeks to go...

and of course I can't wait !!!! ....in the meantime check out http://svt.se/2.121088/salem_al_fakir?lid=puff_1786715&lpos=lasMer for a nice little video of Salem talking about his Melodifestivalen 2010 entry. There are also some fascinating facts on that page, for example there is a list of Salem's top 10 favourite songs.

There are also links on that page to all the other artists taking part in this year's Melodifestivalen.

Introducing...Damien Adore !!!!!

I just found out tonight that Salem appeared live on the P3 Guld awards show the other evening and sang "Backseat" which is a brilliant electro-pop collaboration with Staygold featuring Spank Rock. Salem - or should I say his new alter-ego Damien Adore - was heavily disguised in dark glasses and a funny moustache. And what about the clothes!!! :)

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, along came Robyn!

If you haven't seen it yet, check this out. Salem is in fabulous falsetto form :))

Here are some screencaps from this show....

An urgent request about Gothenburg Konserthuset show in March!

If anyone from Salem's management/booking agents is reading this then can you please get in touch with me? I urgently need to know if the concert at the Gothenburg Konserthuset is still going ahead on 26th March. I am planning to come over and see this concert but as you know I live outside Sweden and therefore need to know if it is going ahead (as it has not been officially announced) before I can book flights and hotel etc. Time is moving on quickly and I'd like to know what's happening :)

(I had wondered if there was any possibility that the show may be cancelled due to Salem's commitments around Melodifestivalen?)

Also if you are a regular reader of Planet Salem, can any of you let me know if you have booked tickets and are going to this show.

Thanks for your help!

/Laura.

Melodifestivalen - Salem third favourite!

Sadly, Salem didn't win any awards at last night's Grammisgalan; as usual there was very strong competition which yet again proves how great the music scene in Sweden is at the moment. Congratulations to all the winners!

We now turn our attention to Melodifestivalen. Three weeks from tonight, Salem will be taking the stage in Ornskoldsvik in the first heat of this year's competition.

I came across some betting odds on the internet for this year's MF http://www.oddsonline.se/noterat/darin-till-eurovision-i-oslo-enligt-oddsen/ which has Darin as favourite to win, then Peter Jöback....and Salem as third favourite to win!

From an editorial point of view (and remember, this is only my view) - I can't predict how well Salem will do at Melodifestivalen. Of course I would love Salem to win, but I'm realistic enough to know that Melodifestivalen is a world of its own! I've followed the contest for many years and there are certain acts/songwriters who will maybe do better in that contest than in the critical or commercial music sphere, or vice versa. For example, acts like Alcazar, Andreas Johnson, Ola and Jessica Andersson, and songwriters like Fredrik Kempe are all established Melodifestivalen favourites so they may have an advantage, but there are also very popular artists like the long-established Peter Jöback and the more recently successful Darin competing, so it's anyone's contest. My own feeling is that win or lose, MF 2010 will be the perfect chance for Salem to showcase his musical talent to a wider Swedish and international audience.

The countdown starts here....

Grammisgalan tonight

Good luck to Salem for the Grammisgalan which takes place tonight in Stockholm.

Although the annual Swedish music awards ceremony will not be broadcast on Swedish television this year, you can see it live on the internet on Aftonbladet TV - go to www.aftonbladet.se for more information.

Berwaldhallen concert on SR P4 / Melodifestivalen running order / Poll closed

Berwaldhallen on P4

If you missed the Berwaldhallen concert which was broadcast on Swedish Radio P4 last week, then it is available to listen again at P4's website - http://www.sr.se/cgi-bin/P4/kanalarkiv.asp?ProgramId=2111&NrOfDaysInArchive=30 : it should be available for the next three weeks or so.

I listened to the show last Wednesday night, and of course it was excellent, but I was disappointed that the hour-long transmission had been edited to feature only six Salem songs (It's Only You Part II, Cold Shower, Brooklyn Sun, Dream Girl, Roxy and the instrumental Manfreds Dans) along with the performances by the orchestra and Jojje Wadenius.

If any of you were at any of the Berwaldhallen shows, can you tell me which songs were edited out of the radio show? I know that Salem performed "Good Song" but which other songs were not broadcast?

The edited highlights which were broadcast was excellent. Salem just gets better and better, and I just love his musical collaboration with the orchestra. The changes made to "Cold Shower" really suited the song....and as for the piano-version of "Brooklyn Sun", well this was just utterly breathtaking, and even better than the original arrangement for guitar. I hope that if this song is on the third album, that he records it in this new arrangement. And "Manfreds Dans" was as beautiful as everyone had described it - and wasn't it such an emotional moment to hear Salem playing violin in a concert setting.

Melodifestivalen Running Order

The running order for the 2010 Melodifestivalen has now been announced. Salem has a very good draw position in the first semi-final in Örnsköldsvik on 6th February, when he will sing "Keep On Walking": he will be the last of the eight acts on stage that week. (If you are a regular follower of Melodifestivalen/Eurovision then you will know that if an act is drawn near the end of the running order, then they usually have a better chance of qualifying/winning).

Melodifestivalen Poll

Thanks to all of you who voted in my recent poll, which is now closed. I wanted to know if you agreed or disagreed with Salem participating in Melodifestivalen.

Results: 85% of you agree with Salem doing MF, whilst 15% of you disagree with his decision to participate.

Aftonbladet's "Hottest Artists Of 2010" list

Aftonbladet has published its annual list of who the Swedish music industry thinks will be the hottest Swedish artists in the coming year....and Salem is in 6th position on the list! Robyn tops the list this year. Full list and more information at http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/article6366705.ab

Happy New Year everyone!

Yes I know I'm a bit early but I would like to wish all the readers of Planet Salem a very happy new year, and hope that 2010 brings you all good health and happiness.

Thanks to all of you for your support during the past year. It's been a fantastic year for this blog, and for me personally. I hope you will all continue to visit in 2010 which is guaranteed to be an exciting year as Salem continues his musical adventures. Planet Salem will be following his progress all the way through 2010.

Finally, Salem - I just want to thank you again for making 2009 such a special year for me, and I want to wish you and your family all the best for the new year ahead.

(By the way I can't wait to hear the new album and would love it if we could meet up again in Sweden next year!!)

Best wishes!!!

/Laura.

Poll closing soon

Remember you only have a few days left to vote in the poll about Salem's participation in Melodifestivalen 2010, so if you haven't voted yet, remember to cast your vote!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Tonight I would just like to take the opportunity to send my best wishes to all the readers of Planet Salem. Whether you're celebrating Christmas or not, I hope that you enjoy this festive season and that it's a very happy and fun time for all of you. See you soon!

/Laura

Salem on Morgonpasset on Christmas Eve

Salem has been a regular guest this year on Swedish Radio P3's Morgonpasset, so it's no surprise that he'll be back on the show again soon - he'll be joining Hanna, Martina & Kodjo for a very special show on 24th December. More information at http://www.sr.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2024&artikel=3322822

Off Beat are back at Berns on 26th December

Berns Salonger in Stockholm is hosting the "Dance All Night" event on 26th December and Off Beat (pictured above) will be appearing live at Stora Salongen along with Daniel Boyacioglu and DJ Cut Killer. More information at http://www.berns.se/extra/news/?id=1128&template=/dmfl_templates/concert_subpage.html&lang=se

Grammis 2010: two nominations for Salem

The final shortlist for the 2010 Swedish Grammy Awards has been revealed today - more info at http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/article6301262.ab

Salem is nominated in the best male artist and best composer categories.

Berwaldhallen

Dan Backman in Svenska Dagbladet has written a very positive review of one of Salem's Berwaldhallen concerts. The review can be found at http://www.svd.se/kulturnoje/nyheter/charmig-duett-far-staende-ovation_3927125.svd

If you were at any of the concerts at Berwaldhallen I'd like to know what you thought of the shows. If you were there last year and this year, how did the concerts compare? Were there any new songs played this year? What did you think of "Manfreds Dans" performed by Salem and Sami? What was your favourite song in the set? Remember to leave your comments, views and set lists here!

New interview with Salem in Dagens Nyheter

There is a long, detailed and very interesting interview with Salem in Dagens Nyheter today which can be found at http://www.dn.se/livsstil/salem-al-fakir-jag-har-hittat-tillbaka-till-det-lekfulla-1.1008592

I was very happy to see Salem's description of his new music as more "playful" and that he feels a lot of people are still not familiar with his music and that he's still got work to do to reach a new audience.

Interviewer Ingrid Carlberg first met Salem prior to the release of "This Is Who I Am" and she draws some good contrasts and comparisons between the old and new Salem and how the last three years have changed him.

In the interview Salem also said that his brothers Ayman and Sami will be part of the orchestra at Berwaldhallen this week, and that Salem has written and arranged a piece for violin and tuba which he and Sami will play at the show. All other songs have been arranged by Hans Ek.

It will soon be time for Berwaldhallen once again!

Salem will be reunited with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, once again under the direction of Hans Ek, for three concerts this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Berwaldhallen in Stockholm. Jojje Wadenius will be the special guest artist this time round.

If you are going, I hope you all enjoy the show and remember to leave your comments all about it on Planet Salem! If you haven't got your tickets yet, these are selling fast but I think there are still some available, so get them as soon as you can.

Now here's the really good news - the concert will be broadcast on 6 January on Sveriges Radio P4, between 15:03 and 16:00 Swedish time. (Unfortunately I won't be able to hear it live as I'll be back at work, but it should be available on listen again).

My thoughts on that Grammis nominations list.

The first full list of nominations for the Grammis 2010 have been announced, which are on my other blog: http://europecrazy.blogspot.com/2009/12/grammis-2010-first-list-of-nominations.html

Firstly the good news: Salem has been nominated in three categories: Best male artist, best composer and best producer. These are particularly important nominations as they were the three categories which he won at the 2008 ceremony - the other was, of course, best newcomer which he is not eligible for anymore!!

However, I'm not happy that Salem has been overlooked in two very important categories: best artist and best album. Particularly the latter category: why was the album of the year - "Astronaut" of course - left out of the list? I can't understand this decision at all. Even if the album wasn't as commercially successful as "This Is Who I Am", it was critically well-received and absolutely deserved a nomination.

(Something also puzzling me this week: Salem has not been nominated in any of the categories in the P3 Guld 2010 awards. I really don't understand this either!!)

Anyway, good people of Sweden, once again you know what you have to do - vote for Salem in the 2010 Grammis!!!

"Go' kvall": when Salem met Tina

Here are some screencaps from Tina Ahlin's interview with Salem on Thursday night's "Go'kvall" on SVT.

You can see the interview with Salem at http://svtplay.se/t/102930/gokvall

The interview is about 17 minutes into the programme and includes the two musicians duetting on a piece of music called "Country" by Keith Jarrett; and Salem also gets to play his favourite instrument (the drums) later in the interview...!

Planet Salem's second birthday!

Yes that's right, this blog is two years old today so that's a good reason for a celebration.

It's been a very busy, exciting and personally rewarding 12 months for me doing this blog: the absolute highlight of the past year for me was of course going over to Gothenburg, back in April, where I finally got to meet Salem and then saw him and his band play live. I won't go over it all again as you're probably bored with me talking about it all the time (!) but it was a truly fantastic experience to meet Salem, who is not only an outstanding musician and artist, but who is so genuine, down-to-earth, warm-hearted and friendly. It was an absolute pleasure not only to meet him but also to see him perform live.

Once again, thank you Salem, and I hope that we can meet up again soon, when I come back over to Sweden to see you play live again! (My special thanks also to Magnus, Salem's tour manager, who helped to make it all possible: it was much appreciated and I hope things are going well for you.)

Over the past year, Salem has also continued to support Planet Salem which is included as part of his official website, which I was delighted about!

The release of the "Astronaut" album meant that I was kept busy for most of the year, thanks to all the reviews/media articles/television/radio appearances and of course Salem's live appearances.

To each and every one of you, whether you have visited Planet Salem whether it was only once or a hundred times (!) - thank you all for your support, friendship and continued encouragement. Every one of your emails and comments gives me the inspiration to continue with the blog for a long long time to come. Through this blog I have got to know some lovely people - you know who you are! - who share my enthusiasm for all things Salem, keep in touch!! This blog has an audience from all over the world, who all want to know about Salem's music: Planet Salem will continue to campaign for his music to be released in Britain, continental Europe and beyond....

The majority of Planet Salem's readers are from Sweden: as you know I am not Swedish and I don't live in Sweden, but I hope that I can continue to do justice to your wonderful country and its greatest musical talent, so please let me know if I get anything wrong! ;)

So what about the next 12 months?

2010 now looks as if it will be another busy year for Salem, with Melodifestivalen and (hopefully) the release of his third album, so there are some very exciting times ahead. So Planet Salem will "keep on walking" into its third year and will continue to bring you all the news about our favourite Swedish musical genius!