Salem at Vara Konserthus tomorrow / Nyköping Culturum on Thursday

Salem - I hope you had a wonderful birthday! However it's now time to get back 'on the road' and there are two more live dates coming up this week.

If you live in or around the Vara area don't forget that Salem will be playing the Vara Konserthus tomorrow night. More information at http://www.varakonserthus.se/lankar/kalendarium.4.6b1c356118bbebc68780001729.html

Meanwhile if you live in Nyköping you will finally get the chance to see Salem on Thursday, when he will be appearing at the Culturum Kulturhuset. This show was originally scheduled to take place back in April but had to be cancelled due to a double-booking at the venue, if I remember rightly. More information at http://www.nykoping.se/sv/Kultur__Fritid/Culturum_-kulturhuset/

(I didn't realise that Skavsta airport was so close to Nyköping, as I could have booked a flight from my local airport and gone over to see Salem play live again!)

Happy birthday Salem!!!

Yes it's Salem's birthday tomorrow (27th October) but as I won't be back on this blog until tomorrow night I thought I'd mention this just now.

Salem - if you are reading this, I just want to wish you a very happy birthday! I hope you have a great day and that the coming year brings you happiness and good times - you deserve it :))))

Love and best wishes!

/Laura

Review of Salem's Kristianstad show in Kristianstadsbladet

Kristianstadsbladet's Lisa Appelqvist has written a very positive review of Salem's Friday night show in Kristianstad. This review can be found at http://www.kristianstadsbladet.se/article/20091025/NOJE/710259993/1009/&/Narvaro-och-kansla

Lisa describes Salem like a "mad professor of the keyboard" and praises his connection and communication with the audience.

It looks as if Salem has created new arrangements for the songs - notably "Dream Girl". The set also included "Mirror"/"It's True"/"This Is Who I Am"/"It's Only You (Part II)"/"Good Song"/"One of the Others"/"Astronaut"/"Roxy".

Here is a picture of Salem from the show - complete with glasses :)

(picture courtesy of Peter Åklundh - www.kristianstadsbladet.se)

Kristianstadsbladet interview

Prior to Salem's show in Kristianstad last night (I haven't found any reviews yet, but I'm still looking), Kristianstadsbladet interviewed Salem and you can find it at http://www.kristianstadsbladet.se/article/20091023/NOJE/710239893/1009/&/I-Salems-musikhuvud.

Very interesting news that Salem will now begin work on the songs for his third album!

Salem playing live in Kristianstad tomorrow / Botkyrka on Saturday

Tomorrow night (Friday 23rd October) Salem will be back on stage again with the first of his autumn series of concerts. Salem and the band will be playing Yllan in Kristianstad - if you are going to the show, remember to leave your comments here and tell us what you thought about it.

Salem will also be playing at the opening of Botkyrka Kulturskola on Saturday 24th October. According to the official programme at http://www.botkyrka.se/botkyrkakulturskola/blandat/49341.html, Salem and the band will be on stage at 14:30 Swedish time.

"Kattis & Company" now on TV4's website

If you missed Salem's appearance on yesterday's "Kattis & Company" (along with Andreas Johnson & Tomas Ledin) then you can watch it on TV4's website at http://tv4play.se/noje_och_humor/kattis_och_company?videoId=1.1282467&renderingdepartment=2.34736 The show will be available to watch for the next 6 days. I'll try and do some screencaps later on.

I've watched the show now and I'm glad that there are subtitles as I can follow written Swedish better than spoken Swedish, although I still couldn't follow all of it..

It is a very interesting and informal show with Kattis interviewing her guests eating and drinking at the dinner table rather than in the usual kind of studio talk-show format.

Oh, and here are some screencaps which I took from the show: some nice close-up shots of Salem here, I think you will agree?

Salem on "Kattis & Company" next Tuesday

Finally some news to report! Thanks again Karin for the info :))

Salem will be appearing on "Kattis and Company" on TV4+, next Tuesday 21st October, at 21:00 Swedish time. The programme should also be available at TV4's website shortly after it is broadcast.

Kattis will be chatting to Salem and also to Tomas Ledin and Andreas Johnson. This should be well worth watching - don't miss it! I don't know if Salem will be performing any songs on the show, but even if he's not, it will be good to see him on Swedish TV once again.

Remember if you have any news about Salem - let me know! It's been very quiet on the Salem-news front over recent weeks but things should pick up again from next week when the tour starts.

Salem on SVT's "Go' kväll" on 3rd December

As mentioned in a previous post on here back in August I can now confirm that Salem will be appearing on Tina Ahlin's music interview series on SVT's "Go' kväll" on 3rd December.

Fancy a Stockholm Saturday brunch?

If you are having brunch at the extremely stylish Story Hotel on Riddargatan on a Saturday during this autumn, then you will be entertained by the ‘house band’ - The Sound of Story.

If the name doesn’t mean anything, then the line-up definitely will: Salem Al Fakir, Adam Hagstrand, Jakob Birgersson & Nils Wallfält. According to this blog article, the music will be tailored to the hotel and will also feature some of the band’s favourite songs.

On the weeks that the band aren’t playing, there will be other guest artists and Djs featured. Brunch will be served between 11.00 - 17.00. Bon appetit!

If you were there yesterday or will be at a future brunch, then remember to tell us about it!

Plaza Kvinna interview

A nice little interview with Salem can be found at http://www.plazakvinna.com//news/entertainment/?ID=1736

Look what I found...

Hello again readers, I'm just back from a wonderful week's holiday in Turkey. So what's been happening while I was away? Well I decided to check for any news about Salem and I discovered these pictures (courtesy of www.mq.se) which I thought I'd share with you...

Now we all know that Salem is a very talented person but we can now add another talent to the list....modelling! He is featured modelling clothes in the 'Urban Nature' autumn advertising campaign for Swedish clothing retailer MQ, as is fellow Swedish artist Jonna Lee.

Time for another break!

Planet Salem is closing - but don't worry, it's only for a week, because I'm off to Turkey tomorrow for a week's holiday :))

This blog will be back on the evening of Tuesday 22nd September. In the meantime if you have any news, comments or emails please continue to send them and I'll publish/respond to them when I get back.

See you all again soon,

Laura.

Salem on P3 Populär

Tune into P3 between 11:00 and 13:00 (Swedish time) tomorrow when Salem will be appearing on P3 Populär and answering questions for an hour.

Once again....translation would be welcome from one of my lovely Swedish friends :)

Anyway here is a video courtesy of Sveriges Radio with Salem describing his ideal 1700s-outfit :))))

P3 Live Session: did you hear it?

As I said in an earlier post, I wasn't doing the things I usually do on a Wednesday night so I was able to listen to the P3 session as it was broadcast. I had a few problems getting online tonight and missed the first 10 minutes of the show, however I didn't miss any of Salem's set as he didn't begin until 21:00 UK time (22:00 Swedish time).

Set list:
It's Only You (Part II)
Good Song
Astronaut
Brooklyn Sun
Dream Girl
Solsbury Hill
It's True
Roxy

I didn't realise he would be playing so many songs so this was a very pleasant surprise. There was also an interview and a musical intros quiz which Salem and other guest Jennie Abrahamsson played. (I got the Melody Club and Erik Hassle intros correct, but the other ones were more difficult).

Anyway I'd better tell you about tonight's session..."It's Only You (Part II)" was a bit different from the usual version as out went the electronic looping background and in came a more traditional (and to these ears, a very complex) piano accompaniment. One unique thing about Salem's live set is the way all the songs flow into each other, there are no stops and starts...so it was straight into "Good Song", still (in my opinion) the best song that Salem has ever written. This version had a bit more urgency and bite, and some very good vocal harmonies in the chorus...flowing into a slightly different version of "Astronaut" which was more electronic piano-based than the recorded version which has more of an acoustic feel. Having heard a few live versions of "Astronaut" I always think Salem sings this song particularly well and tonight was no different.

If you have never heard "Brooklyn Sun" before, then the second part of Salem's set gave radio listeners the opportunity to hear this relatively new and as yet unreleased song which still has the ability to mesmerise and make you stop what you are doing. It is still incredibly moving, and I hope it won't be too long until Salem records and releases this song, either on his next album or maybe another EP?

Part 3, the closing section of the band's set, had some old (and new) favourites. "Dream Girl" is another song which Salem can be relied on to provide an excellent vocal performance. And as for that piano hookline....

I expected "Dream Girl" to go into "It's True" but Salem had one more surprise for us - we got "Solsbury Hill" instead. Fans and regular readers of Planet Salem will be well aware of Salem's brilliant performance of this song on the Polar Music Prize last week, of course he also played it on "Nyhetsmorgon" last week. And tonight, just as on "Nyhetsmorgon" he forgot some of the words. ;)))

The ultimate crowdpleasing song and fan favourite "It's True" was next, and cheers of recognition greeted the opening bars of current single (and Svensktoppen hit!!) "Roxy" - (Salem was of course asked about this song during his interview, I think he said he'd been asked the same question about 2000 times or something???)

All in all it was a very well performed 'greatest hits' set which I enjoyed very much.

P3 Live Session tonight!

Don't forget to tune in to P3 tonight at 21:30 Swedish time (20:30 UK time) when Salem will be appearing on the P3 Live Session along with Jennie Abrahamson. The programme will be presented by none other than Jonna Lee.

The P3 Live Session page can be found at http://www.sr.se/sida/default.aspx?ProgramId=3068 and the programme will be available for listening on the P3 archive.

I'm usually not at home on Wednesday night, but this week is different and I'll be able to listen to the show live on the internet. I'll post a review later tonight.

Salem's coming back to Gothenburg in November!!

Good news for everyone in the wonderful west coast city of Gothenburg!! Salem will be playing at Foajén at the Stadsteater on Saturday 28th November. Tickets go on sale Tuesday 8th September, more information at Ticnet - http://www.ticnet.se/html/evinfo.htmI?CNTX=16614157&l=SE&C= and also the Stadsteater website at http://www.stadsteatern.goteborg.se/Pa-scen/Konserter/Hosten-2009/Salem-al-Fakir/

Some screencaps from Salem's Polar Music Prize adventures :)

Firstly, there was the annual pre-show cocktail party thrown by Marie Ledin, which Per Sinding-Larsen blogged about at http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2009/08/31/salem-sjong-for-peter-gabriel-och-hans-mamma-i-natt/. Salem gave an impromptu performance of "Solsbury Hill" in front of the guest of honour Peter Gabriel. Someone very kindly sent me the link to this a few days ago during a comment to an earlier post. I meant to pass this on but better late than never - if you haven't seen this it is well worth watching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz9EyAEnYXg

Anyway here are a couple of screencaps from that performance :-

OK now I have a few screencaps snapped off TV4's internet stream of the Polar Music Prize which is still available at http://nyhetskanalen.se/1.1171837/2009/08/31/tv_se_polarprisets_prisceremoni_igen:

My heart is still going boom, boom boom .....! :)))

Salem in Kristianstad on 23rd October

Salem has added yet another show to his October/November tour schedule. He will be playing the Yllan centre in Kristianstad on Friday 23rd October. More information at http://www.yllan.nu/main/default.asp?id=35&langid=1&area=nyheter.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Salem has played in Kristianstad before?

Salem on P3 Live Session next Wednesday

Salem and Jennie Abrahamsson will be the stars of Swedish Radio P3's Live Session next Wednesday, 9th September which will be broadcast at 21:30 Swedish time. More info at http://www.sr.se/cgi-bin/p3/nyhetssidor/artikel.asp?programID=2663&artikel=3067959

Solsbury Hill: Salem's tribute to Peter Gabriel at today's Polar Music Prize

I've just been to TV4's website and watched today's Polar Music Prize ceremony.

Salem opened the show with "Solsbury Hill" and it was just perfect. I loved that little punching-the-air movement he did too!

Salem sat at his grand piano and looked as if he enjoyed every moment: I hope guest of honour Peter Gabriel also enjoyed it.

You can watch the show at http://nyhetskanalen.se/1.1171837/2009/08/31/tv_se_polarprisets_prisceremoni_igen, Salem is on at the beginning, I also liked the use of "It's True" as the backing music when the previous years' prizewinners were shown.

Well done Salem....who knows, maybe someday in the future it will be your turn to be presented with this very important award :)))

EDIT 04.09.09: I've watched this a few times since Monday and I hope TV4 keep it on their website for a while and don't delete it - it just gets better every time I hear it. I've done some screencaps and I'll post these this on here this weekend.

My heart going boom, boom, boom

I've just been watching a clip of Salem singing Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" on Sunday's TV4 "Nyhetsmorgon". I guess that he will also be singing this tomorrow at the Polar Music Prize? This was always one of my favourite Peter Gabriel songs, so I think that's a very good choice Salem! The clip is now available on TV4's website: http://tv4play.se/aktualitet/nyhetsmorgon?videoId=1.1169611&selId=1.923808&currPage=0 of course there's a little moment when he forgets the words, that's happening quite a lot these days lol :))))

Salem also sang "Roxy" this morning, you can find that clip at http://tv4play.se/aktualitet/nyhetsmorgon?videoId=1.1169615&selId=1.923808&currPage=0

This was Salem and the band's second appearance on "Nyhetsmorgon" this year, and was of the high standard which we have come to expect by now. Was it just my imagination, or did Salem look a little bit unhappy? (Although I guess that he had to be up very early for his TV appearance which I don't think anyone would be happy about!) Just one more thing: I didn't like the grey pullover. Which has nothing to do with anything of course, but it wouldn't be a Planet Salem TV appearance post if I didn't mention what he was wearing :)

Salem on the Polar Music Prize tomorrow

Salem will be one of the guest stars on this year's Polar Music Prize award ceremony, which takes place tomorrow in Stockholm. This year's prize recipients are José Antonio Abreu and Peter Gabriel. Other artists appearing on tomorrow's show are Maia Hirasawa, Uno Svenningsson, Martin Stenmarck, Moto Boy, Andreas Johnson and Jojje Wadenius. If you're in Sweden you can watch the ceremony live on TV4 tomorrow between 16.45 and 17.55 - otherwise I hope it will be on TV4 Play to watch later.

Salem on Swedish Radio P4 Junior 29.08.09

Salem made a guest appearance on SR's "P4 Junior" on Saturday: keeping it in the family, as one of the show's presenters is none other than his brother Nassim!

Here is a clip (courtesy of www.sr.se) of Salem singing "Dream Girl" from this morning's programme. I still don't know how he remembers all those piano lines!

H3FK in Karlskrona tonight

If you are in or around Karlskrona tonight and fancy hearing some world jazz, then you might like to know that H3FK are playing the Jazzbridge festival tonight. Info at www.jazzbridge.se and www.myspace.com/H3FK

Salem in Lund in November

Salem and his band will be doing a show at Mejeriet, Lund on Friday 6th November as part of his short autumn tour. More information at http://www.kulturmejeriet.se/, and tickets will be available from Ticnet as usual.

What's next?

Almost a year ago to the day I did a post on here wondering what would happen next for Salem. Of course a lot has happened since that time: "It's Only You (Part II") released internationally and featured in the Volvo commercial; "Astronaut" released in Scandinavia; Salem toured Sweden and played some live dates in the USA.

However we are at that stage again when there will probably be less news/information about Salem in the next couple of months, so there won't be as many updates posted on Planet Salem between now and November, unless I do have anything to report (with the help of all my regular readers of course).

Salem - if you are reading this, I hope you are still enjoying the blog. If you have some free time (I know you're a very busy man!), would you be able to get in touch? I need to check out a couple of things with you, and I would really appreciate it if you could send me an email to let me know what you'll be up to in the coming months. (Remember all emails are confidential and I won't share any information unless you ask me to!)

Best wishes,
/Laura

"Roxy": P3 playlist news

"Roxy" is still on the P3 radio playlist and is B-listed this week.

I don't think it's going to make the Swedish singles chart now, despite all the recent promotion/TV appearances :)

I wonder if there will be any more singles released from "Astronaut"? Does anyone know?

Salem on SVT's "Go'kväll" this autumn

During this autumn's run of SVT's "Go'kväll", Tina Ahlin will be interviewing some well-known Swedish artists at her home in Värmdö. They include Timo Räisinen, Samuel Ljungblad, Babben Larsson, Caroline af Ugglas....and Salem Al Fakir!

I don't have any information as yet when Salem will be appearing, but I'll find out and let you know. The new series of "Go'kväll" starts on SVT on 1st September.

Morgonpasset i P3 (again)

Yes, once again Salem will be back on the airwaves of P3 this coming Wednesday, 19th August, as he's returning to "Morgonpasset i P3" for yet another special guest appearance. Remember to tune in! (And as usual, if anyone wants to translate what Salem said on the show, then it would be much appreciated as always!!)

Here's a picture of Salem having breakfast in the P3 studio (courtesy of www.sr.se/p3)

I thought you might like to see this too: Salem doing a foxy little dance whilst the weather forecast was being read out! :)))

Salem in Malmö

Anders Jaderup has written a very positive review of Salem's concert with the Malmö Operaorkester in Sydsvenskan. Find it at http://sydsvenskan.se/kultur-och-nojen/musik/konsertrecension/article538150/Ljudmassigt-later-det-fortraffligt.html

Salem plays Mariefred tonight / Malmöfestivalen on Monday

Salem will be on stage at 21:00 at the Pumpstockfestivalen taking place at Skottvångs Grufva in Mariefred tonight.

Then something very big is happening on Monday night in Malmö, as Salem will be getting together with the Malmö Operaorkester to perform at Malmöfestivalen. The show takes place at Stora Scenen on Stortorget between 21:00 and 22:30.

This will be Salem's second time at Malmöfestivalen (he appeared there in 2007) but this will be a very special show indeed, as a musical collaboration between Salem and the orchestra is not to be missed.

If you are going to either Mariefred or Malmö, remember to post your comments here!

Astronaut guitar chords - request

I received this request via email:

Hej!

Jag undrar ifall det finns några gitarr ackord att få tag på till ex. Astronaut? Har letat på nätet men inte hittat så många.Skulle vara super om ni kunde ordna det! Mycket bra musik Salem, såg dig live i kalmar, härlig känsla!

Mvh Pär

Can anyone help? If you know where to find guitar chords for the song I will pass this information on to Pär.

New Volvo XC60 commercial (if you live in the UK)

If you've been searching for the song from the new Volvo XC60 commercial which began being screened on TV here in the UK this week, you may have found your way to this blog and if so, I would like to wish you a very warm welcome!

However this is when it gets confusing!!

This commercial is not the Volvo XC60 commercial being screened elsewhere in the world, and which was screened very briefly in the UK at the end of 2008. That commercial ("from Sweden with love", with the car floating up into the air) features Salem's "It's Only You (Part II)" - a truly wonderful song - and introduced a lot of people in various parts of the world to the music of Salem Al Fakir, the magnificent artist whom this blog is all about.

The new commercial ("there's more to life than a Volvo") features another song entirely, which I don't know the name of, and which is sung by another artist and not Salem.

I hope this clears up the confusion.

I'm very disappointed that we're getting a different commercial from everyone else - this would have been a great way to introduce Salem's music to the British public and is yet another missed opportunity.

:(((

Last chance to see "Grattis Kronprinsessan" today

Just a reminder that if you haven't seen it already (and why not???), you only have a few hours left to see Salem's brilliant performance of "Astronaut" and "Good Song" on the "Grattis Kronprinsessan" concert from 14.07.2009, before this video is removed from their website at midnight Swedish time. You'll find the link at my previous post of 15.07.2009 ("By Royal Appointment").

As for "Lotta på Liseberg" this will be available to watch on TV4's website until Sunday (or maybe Monday, I'm not sure) and again you can find the link in my previous post. I watched the show again last night and absolutely loved Salem's songs and interviews. I would encourage you to watch the show if you're a Salem fan. Even if you're not a fan, you might still enjoy his performances! :)

Some screencaps from "Lotta på Liseberg" 10.08.2009

I've just finished watching "Lotta på Liseberg" on TV4's website. The full show can be seen at http://tv4play.se/noje_och_humor/lotta_pa_liseberg?videoId=1.1134736 and it's essential viewing for all Salem fans from beginning to end, as he is not only featured singing "Roxy" but he's also a very enthusiastic participant in an "Allsång", there's also an interview and then he sings a few lines of "The Winner Takes It All" at the end of the show. Fantastic, and yes I did get quite emotional watching this. I think it was because seeing Salem on a stage in Gothenburg brought back all the emotion of seeing him play live in Gothenburg back in April.... This was also Salem's last TV appearance of the summer (unless there are any more which I don't know about) so I felt rather sad about that too :(

However, watching Salem sing and perform on "Lotta" warmed my heart and made the sun shine through the rain. He is simply magical. And if SVT need a new presenter someday for "Allsång på Skansen" then they should look no further than Salem - he would be perfect!!

Strömstad/Kalmar: were you there? / Salem on "Lotta" tomorrow night

If you were at Salem's shows in Strömstad (Friday night) and Kalmar (last night) then remember to let us know what you thought of the show. Your comments are always welcome :)

Tomorrow is the last of the current series of TV4's "Lotta på Liseberg" and - of course - they've saved the best until last, because Salem will be appearing on the show!!

What's in a name?

Whilst shopping in the city yesterday I picked up a copy of NME (famous British music magazine). Inside there was a feature about the top 50 influential music acts/websites for the future of music. Suddenly, I just saw that name on the page.... Salem. I became very excited!!

But then I read on and I realised that it’s not (our) Salem (Al Fakir) but it’s a group - and here’s where it gets confusing. There is already a death-metal group called Salem, but it’s not them, it’s a completely different group.

So there are now three acts in the musical world called Salem (!)

But for me, only one of them is the future of music :))))))

I just wonder though, if maybe (our) Salem who shortened his artist-name with a view to an international career, may need to become Salem Al Fakir again, if only to distinguish himself from these other acts with the same name??

Salem plays Mosebacke, Stockholm tomorrow

I found this advert for Salem's outdoor concert tomorrow at Mosebacke in Stockholm (courtesy of http://calistore.blogspot.com) and I just had to share it here! A bright sunny day is forecast, with a temperature of 22 degrees, which should be just perfect for everyone going to the show. If you are going, remember to post your comments here after the show.

Oh and by the way, this is my 400th post on Planet Salem! :))

Kalmar Stadsfest next Saturday, and bad news from Karlstad

In case you didn't already know, Salem will play at next Saturday's Kalmar Stadsfest. He will be top of the bill on Saturday night's Stadsparken line-up and should be on stage at 22:00.

More information about the Kalmar Stadsfest line-up at http://www.vibbkalmar.se/kalender/2009/08/03/kalmar-stadsfest-2009/

Meanwhile it's not good news from Mariebergsskogen in Karlstad, where Salem was supposed to play last week but which was cancelled. There are no plans to reschedule the concert, according to the following article: http://nwt.se/noje/article564158.ece

Gynning is the one who gave it to me...!

LOL!!!!!

Salem was on last night's "Sommarkrysset" singing "Roxy": I've just watched it on YouTube so here are my observations...

1. He's had his hair cut again, and he was wearing his white shirt, tie and cardigan. Looked very good (as usual).

2. The way he sang "you're better off alone in bed" sent a little shiver down my spine for some reason ;)

3. The backing band was very good, but of course Salem's piano solo made it extra special.

4. I liked the "Gynning is the one...." lyric, but then Salem forgot the next line :))))

As usual if you have any comments on his latest TV appearance then remember to post them here! It should be available soon at www.tv4.se but in the meantime you can see it at this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whpga-Y4FGo

Karlstad concert tomorrow cancelled

In case you didn't already know, here's a reminder that tomorrow's concert at Mariebergsskogan in Karlstad has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond Salem's control.

Helsingborgsfestivalen tomorrow

Salem will be headlining the Helsingborgsfestivalen tomorrow night. If you are in or around Helsingborg then you should get along there and see him! He will be onstage at Stora Scenen at about 23:45.

As usual, if you're going to see Salem's show tomorrow night I hope you have a great time...and remember to post your comments about it here.

Swedish Charts Update

I haven't had one of these for a while as the Swedish singles and albums charts have sadly been a Salem-free zone for too long :(

I thought I'd check out the Swedish iTunes charts tonight and found that "Astronaut" is no.33 and "Good Song" is no.39 in the singles chart, of course these were the two songs he performed on "Grattis Kronprinsessan" which was Swedish television's highest-rated TV programme of the week, with over 1 million viewers.

I get the feeling that there are still many people in Salem's home country who aren't very familiar with his music, so his appearance on this show will have provided him with very valuable exposure to the Swedish audience - and of course to those outside Sweden who watched the show on the internet.

(No sign of "Roxy" though : did it ever get an official release date in Sweden or has it still to be released as a single? I know Salem has an iTunes link for the song on his MySpace but I don't know if it will be download-only or will it also be available as a CD single?)

More good news: "Astronaut" currently sits at no.14 in Sweden's iTunes album chart.

Obscure Sound's review of "Astronaut"

I thought I'd mention this rather great review of "Astronaut" which you can find at http://obscuresound.com/?p=3064

The writer seems to completely sum up everything that is wonderful about this album, and also makes a few very interesting points during the review.

Well done! I love it when other bloggers spread the word about Salem :)

Some Salem screencaps from 'Grattis Kronprinsessan' as promised

Above: Salem sings "Astronaut" earlier in the show.

Above: Crown Princess Victoria and her fiance Daniel seem to be enjoying Salem's performance!

Above: One of the few moments during 'Good Song' when Salem stands still for long enough to be screencapped :))

Above: Salem looking very pleased with himself - and so he should be, he was terrific!

By royal appointment

After waking up this morning I headed to the computer to see if "Grattis Kronprinsessan" was available on SVT Play....

YES!!

I have just had a little "sneak peek" at the show (I'll watch it in full later today and will review it at EuropeCrazy) - and I thought Salem was fantastic. Just as he gave one of his best performances two years ago when he appeared at the very same concert and sang "It's True" and "Dream Girl", last night he was back by royal appointment and performed "Astronaut" and "Good Song". Of course Salem looked as appealing as ever, dressed firstly in his white shirt, black braces and black trousers, then for "Good Song" he changed into a blue and white check shirt.

The programme can be found at http://svtplay.se/v/1625278/kungahuset/grattis_kronprinsessan and will be available to watch on SVT Play until 14th August.

"Astronaut" is 35 minutes into the show whilst you'll find "Good Song" at about 50 minutes.

I also thought the 'house band' brought out the best in Salem: he gave one of the best vocal performances I've heard from him for a long time - soulful, jazzy and always distinctive. As he didn't have to play keyboards or guitar at the same time then he could put so much more into his performance. I think Salem will have gained a number of new fans after they saw him on this programme.

Now as regular readers will know, "Good Song" is my favourite Salem song (and my favourite song of all time!) so I was absolutely delighted with the performance he gave at this concert. If anyone had worried that Salem may have become too 'subdued' of late, then this was reminiscent of the 'old' Salem: running and jumping around the stage, a performance full of fun, exuberance and complete enjoyment.

And did you see him standing on the stage with all the other performers singing that song for Victoria at the end of the show :))

I'll try to do some screencaps tonight from the show and will post them here.

By the way I just wanted to mention that I've now been a Salem Al Fakir fan for 731 days :))))

Still no sign of the Victoriadagen concert on SVT Play :(

OK so it's five minutes to midnight and I had hoped that SVT Play would have made the 'Grattis Kronprinsessan' concert available to watch on the website by now, but it still hasn't appeared yet. Maybe tomorrow...! (I'm having a couple of days off work so I'll check SVT Play again during the day tomorrow)

If you watched the show, did you enjoy Salem's performance? What song(s) did he sing?

Folkbladet's review of Salem at Munken in the Park

You can find a review of Salem's Friday night show at the new 'Munken in the Park' festival in Norrköping at http://www.folkbladet.se/nyheter/artikel.aspx?articleid=4934293

Coming up next: Salem at Victoriadagen - the annual birthday celebration for Crown Princess Victoria (pictured above, courtesy of www.victoriadagen.se) this Tuesday night - I can't wait to see this on SVT's website. I feel quite emotional about this, because it was on the very same show two years ago that I saw and heard Salem for the first time.

Of course, a lot has happened since then ;) I didn't even imagine back then that I'd end up writing a blog about Salem, or seeing him live, or meeting him! I guess a lot can happen in two years! I hope Salem enjoys playing in front of the Swedish royal family again - they won't be disappointed!!

Uppsala gig - November 7th

Salem will return to the Katalin club in Uppsala later this year. He will play there on 7th November - go to www.ticnet.se for ticket information.

It's only you I think about

There will be a new version of the Volvo XC60 car this year, which means a new commercial, which means...the world will get to hear "It's Only You Part II" all over again!!

I hope this will be screened on British TV as the last one wasn't really on too often, although I think it was shown quite extensively in the U.S.A. and other parts of the world judging by the number of visitors who have found their way to Planet Salem (and of course, to discovering the rest of Salem's music) thanks to this commercial.

So if you are one of those people then thanks for visiting this blog: we need to keep spreading the word, all over the world, about Salem's brilliant music!

EDIT 10.08.2009: I was watching television tonight and a commercial came on for the Volvo XC60 - but it's a new one specially made for the UK market, which sadly does not feature "It's Only You Part II" but another piece of music entirely. Another missed opportunity :(

Salem at Munken in the Park

Salem will be appearing at the new "Munken in the Park" festival this Friday in Norrköping. He will be on stage at 22:00. John ME and Jonna Lee are among the other acts appearing this Friday.

Jönköping picture (courtesy of Jnytt.se)

Here is a picture of Salem (and guitarist Adam) from last night's Jönköping show, which I'd like to share with you courtesy of Jnytt.se. There is also a review of last night's show at http://www.jnytt.se/nyhet/25010/jonkoping-live-lyste-upp-regntunga-skyar.

Jönköping tonight: my review

Good news: the webstream worked and I was able to watch tonight's "Jönköping Live" concert. The music was quite good - I particularly enjoyed Jonas Sandvall: he didn't look like a rock star in his bow tie, but he definitely rocked!

We had to wait till the final half hour of the broadcast for the real star of the show of course - Salem!

Set list:

It's Only You (Part II)
Dream Girl
Good Song
Cold Shower
Astronaut
It's True
******
Encore: Twelve Fingers

Salem looked very good tonight in his white shirt and black braces, although he had a bit of trouble with his braces which were quite loose and a little bit twisted! (Don't you just love the attention to detail on Planet Salem???!!)

I'm not sure how the show sounded if you were there, but the sound mix was a bit uneven and sometimes some of the instruments got lost in the mix, maybe it was the webstream to blame - I don't know. I also thought that Salem and the band seemed more subdued than usual in their live performance - I don't know the reason for this, but I guess they maybe just picked up on the lack of atmosphere?

The main thing I noticed tonight was the lack of atmosphere coming from the audience. Again, maybe it was better if you were there, but from what I saw in the livestream I felt that many people in the audience looked bored, disinterested and unappreciative. (Although thankfully there were a few people there who did enjoy Salem's music and cheered and clapped to show their appreciation).

It was really great to see and hear Salem again, doing what he does best - playing live. A very interesting selection of songs tonight - some old and new favourites and I loved them all. Salem always sings "Dream Girl" perfectly, and there's always that moment in "Good Song" when he forgets the lyrics (!). Interestingly, new single "Roxy" was left out of the set list, but "Astronaut" was as lovely as ever and "It's True" finally got the crowd going (is this the only Salem song that some people know, I wonder?) My favourite tonight was the closing "Twelve Fingers" which the band played as an encore, and finally Salem let himself go with some old-style headbanging.

If you were at the show, please leave your comments and let me know what you thought of Salem's performance tonight.

Some pictures from Salem's Skellefteå show (courtesy of Västerbottens Folkblad)

These were taken by Robert Granström for Västerbottens Folkblad, but I thought I'd share them with you all as it's been a while since we saw any new photos of Salem :D

You can find the full set at http://www.folkbladet.nu/?p=150207

The truth about those "Roxy" lyrics

People are beginning to ask questions about the lyrics of "Roxy" and there is some speculation on the internet about the meaning of this song. :)

I would just like to clarify one thing about this song - IT'S NOT ABOUT SALEM :))))

When I met Salem before his concert in April I had to ask him about "Roxy". We had a good laugh about this and at that time he said that the lyrics of the song were not about him.

(But yes, it's about an STD in case you were wondering!)

Jönköping Live - Monday 6th July

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Salem will be appearing at the Jönköping Live event on Monday 6th July, which will take place from 18:00 - 20:00 on a stage at Hamnkanalen. There will also be a webstream of the event and of course I'll try to watch this, although I won't be home in time for the start of the show so I hope that Salem will be appearing nearer the end of the show so that I can watch his live performance :)

EDIT 06.07.09 : go to http://www.jonkoping.se/ovrigt/eu/eu/livestream.4.2d821378121e05d145a80006122.html where you'll find the live stream link. You will need Windows Media Player to watch the show.

Off Beat Band

Nils Wallfält, Jakob Birgersson, Gunnar Muvemba Lidström, Salem Al Fakir and Aaron Phiri are the Off Beat Band...and they will be playing on the terrace at Berns Salonger, Stockholm on the following dates:

8th July
22nd July
12th August
26th August.

More info at http://www.berns.se/extra/news/?id=978&template=/dmfl_templates/concert_subpage.html&lang=se

As I previously said on this blog, I think Salem is trying to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for the amount of bands he is in! :)

Skellefteå Stadsfesten: review in Västerbottens Folkblad

If you go to http://www.folkbladet.nu/?p=150195 you'll find a short review of Salem's show in Skellefteå last night.

Salem's summer adventures begin tomorrow...

Salem will be back on the road again this summer for some live dates, starting tomorrow night at the Stadsfesten in Skellefteå.

If you are going to any of the live shows over the summer, have a great time and as usual, post your comments/reviews here! Planet Salem will be reporting on all Salem's summer adventures. I appreciate all the assistance I get from my Swedish (and international) helpers, so once again, thanks in advance - keep the comments and emails coming!!

I've said it before but I'll say it again - Salem is a brilliant live artist, and if you ever go to see any of his concerts, you will not be disappointed!!

Salem - have a great summer, enjoy the live shows and keep in touch!

Video: Salem sings "Astronaut" on "Hallå P3" this morning

Enjoy!

I don't think I'll ever stop loving that beautiful song...

Here's a picture of Salem (courtesy of Swedish Radio) which I found on the "Hallå P3" homepage today. You can find more pictures from this morning's radio appearance at http://www.sr.se/sida/default.aspx?programid=3184

Salem on "Hallå P3" tomorrow morning

Just a reminder that Salem will appear on Swedish Radio P3's "Hallå P3" tomorrow morning. The show starts at 10.00 am Swedish time. Hopefully the listeners will have sent in lots of interesting questions for Salem to answer!

As usual, I'm making an appeal to my Swedish-speaking friends - if you hear the show (or listen later online at http://www.sr.se/sida/sandningsarkiv.aspx?programid=3184) then I'd love it if you could translate it for me. :)) someday I will be able to understand every word of spoken Swedish, but that day has not arrived yet !!

"Astronaut" video review

I don't know how long this has been around, but I found it tonight:

http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/reviews.php?film_id=17111

It's a review of the "Astronaut" video, which was recently screened at the Edinburgh Film Festival. A very nice review too by James Benefield who describes it as "an almost magical experience" - which is a perfect description.

"Roxy" now A-listed on Swedish Radio P3's playlist!

Very good news - P3 have A-listed "Roxy". I'm very happy about this.

As you know, I live outside Sweden, but often listen to Swedish radio stations on the internet. I know that P3 have always been very supportive of Salem's music, however I wish that more Swedish radio stations would play his music, and spend less time playing the same old songs which are played on radio stations all over the world - Pink, Rihanna, Beyonce...etc etc.

Salem to appear on this year's Sommarkrysset

If you go to http://www.tv4.se/1.1019963/2009/05/28/artisterna_i_sommarkrysset you will find the full line-up of artists appearing on this year's "Sommarkrysset" series. A really strong line-up of the hottest acts in Swedish music, old and new.....and most importantly, Salem will be appearing on the show on Saturday 1st August!

H3FK on tour this autumn

I've just found these dates at H3FK's MySpace (www.myspace.com/h3fk)

Check out the band's unique fusion of world jazz this autumn...

27.08.09 Fasching, Stockholm
28.08.09 Jazzbridge, Karlskrona
05.11.09 Konserthus, Gävle
07.11.09 Vänersborg
08.11.09 Ritz, Arvika
11.11.09 & 12.11.09 Glenn Miller Cafe, Stockholm

Jönköping in July, and a couple of appearances from this week

As Sweden is holding the EU presidency, there will be a meeting of ministers responsible for employment, social policy, health and consumer affairs in Jönköping, which will take place between 6th and 9th July. But what does this have to do with Salem, I hear you ask? Well, to celebrate this event there will be some entertainment being provided on a big stage at the harbour...and Salem will be one of the acts appearing there on Monday 6th July. Those ministers are in for a treat!

Salem appeared at a couple of events this week - on Monday 15th he and his band played at the season-opening of Lisa på Udden on Djurgarden, which was a star-studded celebrity event. Pictures from this event can be found at http://www.finest.se/imageGallery/?igid=5409

Then on Tuesday 16th June Salem played at a party to celebrate the first birthday of CHIC which is (correct me if I'm wrong) a showbiz/fashion magazine. If you go to http://www.finest.se/imageGallery/image.php?igid=5413&iid=313585&pageNum=47 you'll find pictures of all the usual Swedish celebrities....but of course this blogger is only interested in the three pictures of Salem, who was looking nice and stylish as ever.

Gothenburg, March 2010....

Salem's Berwaldhallen shows in December - which I exclusively revealed on Planet Salem at the end of May - have now been officially announced in a press release today.

However I can reveal another exclusive today!!

Salem will be playing the Gothenburg Konserthuset with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra on Friday 26th March 2010. Tickets for this show are not yet on sale, (see below) but check out http://www.gso.se/ for more info. This should be an amazing event - and I'm going to try and get over there to see this show (although it will depend on flight availability and whether I can get time off work).

Is anyone going to Berwaldhallen this year? Unfortunately I can't make it, but I'm determined to return to Gothenburg to see Salem again!!

EDIT 17.06.09: I've read that press release with the tour dates and it says at the end "more gigs to follow" - presumably that will include Gothenburg? I've also been wondering if Salem will be playing any shows outside Sweden in 2009/2010, or will he just continue to tour Sweden?

(And yes, I'm still impatiently waiting for Salem's big international launch/breakthrough .....!)

As ever, if anyone knows anything, please please please drop me an email!!

EDIT 29.06.09: Tickets for Gothenburg Konserthuset go on sale at www.gso.se on 29th August 2009. (I presume they will also be available via Ticnet?)

This week's Salem news....

Salem will be one of the acts playing the new "Munken in the Park" festival in Norrköping which will take place on 10th and 11th July. John ME and Jonna Lee will also play this festival. Info at http://www.folkbladet.se/kulturnoje/artikel.aspx?articleid=4911484

"Roxy" and "Astronaut" are still B-listed on P3's playlist this week. Come on P3 - get "Roxy" onto the A-list playlist!

Salem has not one, but two songs in this week's Swedish Radio "Tracks" chart. "Roxy" is a new entry at no 9, and after 13 weeks on the chart, "Astronaut" is at no. 10. Full listing at http://www.sr.se/p3/topplistor/tracks/

The "Astronaut" album has again dropped out of the Sverige Topplistan chart. :(

Finally (thanks Kalle for the tip!) Salem appeared on P3 Star on Swedish radio today and Linda Sundblad was the very lucky presenter who got the chance to interview him! Here's a link to the show: http://www.sr.se/webbradio/?Type=broadcast&Id=1797901&isBlock=1 and you can also find some pictures of Salem and Linda at http://www.p3star.se/default.ns?lngItemID=1019&intPageColor=2&intFolderID=310

Would anyone be able to translate any of the interview? My Swedish is still not good :))

Salem på Liseberg...

Some very good news today....Salem will be one of the acts appearing on TV4's new Allsång-show "Lotta på Liseberg" which will be broadcast every Monday night from Gothenburg beginning on 22 June.

More information about this year's line-up for Lotta's show and its SVT rival "Allsång på Skansen" (which Salem appeared on in 2007) at my other blog: http://europecrazy.blogspot.com/2009/06/allsang-vs-allsang-let-battle-commence.html

EDIT 17.06.09: We'll have to wait till 10th August to see Salem on Lotta's show. As the saying goes...they're saving the best for last :))) and of course he will be worth waiting for!

Salem to play Vara Konserthus in October

Salem will play Vara Konserthus on 28th October. More information at http://www.varakonserthus.se/

I notice that the date of Salem's show at The Cod in Strömstad has been changed from 26th June and will now take place on 7th July.

Find details of Salem's upcoming live dates at http://www.salemalfakir.com/tour/

Salem's Nokia-prize gig, and a P3 radio appearance in July.

If you remember I previously mentioned the competition on the Nokia website http://www.tubemusic.se/ which ran over a period of 30 days in the Stockholm subway. The winner would get the most amazing prize - a 'living room' gig by Salem and his band.

The lucky winner was Christopher Frånberg, who comes from Märsta... and last Saturday, May 30th, Salem and the band headed for Sigtuna Folkhögskola for their exclusive outdoor show for Christopher and his friends. I've found a little behind-the-scenes clip about this on YouTube tonight: go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g69SpJB7qVU. A great version of "It's True" followed by lots of fooling around by Salem and him being thrown into the air by the students! It looked as if everyone had a great time. :)

EDIT 03.06.09: The full version of "It's True" has also now been posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzmSDHcCjmQ

My other news tonight is that Salem will be a guest on Swedish Radio P3's "Hallå P3" on Wednesday 1st July, which will be broadcast from 10.00 - 11.00 am that day. I will mention this again on Planet Salem nearer the time.

Planet Salem is 18 months old today! / Poll results.

I just thought I'd mention this little anniversary tonight - this blog has now been going for 18 months!! It doesn't feel like a year and a half since I started Planet Salem but you know what they say, time flies when you're having fun....and I'm really having a lot of fun doing this blog!

Over the last couple of months I've been running a little poll on this site where you could vote for your favourite tracks on "Astronaut". 290 votes were cast - thanks to all of you for voting :)

So, by way of a little anniversary-celebration I thought it was time to publish the results!

1. Astronaut - 56 votes (19%)
2. It's Only You (Part II) - 43 (14%)
3. One of the Others - 38 (13%)
4. Cold Shower - 34 (11%)
5. Roxy - 29 (10%)
6. Mirror - 25 (8%)
7. Twelve Fingers - 23 (7%)
8. Black Sun Black Moon - 22 (7%)
=9. Bluest Eyes - 7 (2%)
=9. Now's The Time - 7 (2%)
11. Purple Lady - 6 (2%)

Once again, thanks all of you for voting. I've had good fun doing this poll and I'd like to do some more in the future. If you have any ideas for future Salem-related polls please let me know!

Salem returns to Berwaldhallen!

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.

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.

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!

"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.

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.

What do you think of the video? Post your comments here!

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).

"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.

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!

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!

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.

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...

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).

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!

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

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.

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!!

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!!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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).

Swedish charts update

"Astronaut" is no. 34 in this week's Sverige Topplistan album chart.

Salem in Los Angeles: new interview

I'm still chasing up information/reviews/feedback about Salem's Los Angeles show on Tuesday night. In the meantime here is a new Swedish press article at http://hd.se/noje/2009/04/30/salem-al-fakir-hoppas-paa-lyft-i/ about Salem's trip to California.

EDIT 30.04.09: There's a very nice review of Salem's Tuesday night showcase at the Viper Room at http://beatcrave.com/2009-04-29/musexpo-2009-ar-worldwide-artist-showcase-coverage-tuesday-night/

....and guess what I found tonight at YouTube? Only some footage of Salem and the band playing "Good Song" at the Viper Room!!

Körsbär/Karlsson

I thought it was time for one of my occasional slightly-off-topic posts about Salem's circle of musical friends.

You may remember that Jesper Lagercrantz (a.k.a. Jeppe Körsbär) and Mats Karlsson were on backing vocals during Salem's recent appearances on "Popcirkus" (SVT) and "Musikplats Stockholm" (SR P4).

Mats is of course a long-time musical collaborator of Salem's as he is a member of FakirKarlsson and H3FK, whilst Jeppe is a member of urban electro-soul outfit Swedish Love Story which also features highly rated Swedish artist Kaah (www.myspace.com/swedishlovestory)

I've just discovered some musical collaborations by Jeppe and Mats, two very talented artists, at their MySpace: www.myspace.com/korsbarkarlsson : "Skylark" is particularly wonderful. I love Jeppe's voice so much I could listen to it all day (that's when I'm not listening to Salem of course).

Meanwhile...another Norwegian review of "Astronaut"

There's a review of Salem's new album in Romerikes Blad: http://www.rb.no/lokal_kultur/cd-guiden/article4292572.ece

Quick translation of course (what would I do without Google Translate??)

Reviewer Ola Einbu describes Salem as the "good boy in the soul-pop class...he is the artist who does everything; he composes, plays, sings and made the recording and production itself. But he sure can work".

The reviewer goes on to say..."he gives the listeners pop pearls like 'Bluest Eyes' and the film noir-like, orkestrale, fragile and beautiful "Purple Lady". Not to mention of "One of the Others", which just as easily could have been written by Stevie Wonder. Only the name Salem Al Fakir sounds like a party. It is basically what he has to offer also".

Preview of USA-debut in today's Expressen

There's a good feature in today's Expressen, all about Salem's trip to the USA, previewing tonight's appearance at the Viper Room in Los Angeles. There is also a photo from his outdoor lunchtime show on Sunday at the Swedish consulate. Find it at:
http://www.expressen.se/noje/musik/1.1549701/salem-al-fakir-gor-usa-debut-i-natt

In this interview Salem says he's not nervous about tonight's appearance at the Viper Room, where he will play a selection of songs from his first two albums. He says the purpose of his trip is to find out how his music will be received in the USA, and that his show on Sunday was well-received.

Talking of Sunday, if you go to http://www.swedenabroad.com/News____7666.aspx?slaveid=88511 you'll find a picture of Salem, looking cool in his shades :) along with Adam Tensta and Addeboy vs Cliff, the other acts who appeared at Sunday's music brunch at the Consulate General of Sweden, in Los Angeles.

Good luck for tonight Salem....now get out there and show the American audiences what they've been missing!

Salem in Stockholm this August

Thanks Maria for the tip!! :)

Salem will play Mosebacke in Stockholm on 5th August 2009. More information at http://www.mosebacke.se/ver2/events.asp

"Astronaut" no.3 in this week's Tracks chart!

Some very good news to report as "Astronaut" has climbed to no.3 in this week's P3 "Tracks" chart.

You know what you have to do... keep on voting and let's get the song even higher in next week's chart!

Damernas Värld: a request!

Whilst in Gothenburg last weekend I couldn't resist checking out this month's Damernas Värld magazine which has an interview with Salem (page 38 if I can remember correctly!!) anyway I wanted to buy this magazine but as I was only travelling with already over-packed hand luggage, I had no room in my bag to carry it home with me :(

Along with the interview, there is a particularly amazing photo of Salem standing in front of this old Volvo car and I would really love to see it again :)

So....if any readers of Planet Salem have this magazine, would you be able to scan the interview and the photo and email it to me? I would really appreciate it!!