Gibrish

Right away when you hear the band name and album title you’re probably thinking what the hell is this all about and gets you intrigued right?

Well…that exact thing happened to me back in 2014 when I interviewed this Swedish-based group for the first time and got a real good sense of them after that, What I found out is that Gibrish stood for everything outside the box and as far away from mainstream as you could be.

Gibrish meaning words with no meaning and just random letters in a sequence sums up the unorthodox and wildly unique style of Gibrish the band to a T. You’ll get so many elements hitting you at once that it will make your damn head spin!

On ‘Gangster Tango’ I heard blues, alternative, rock, folk, pop, art rock, progressive folk-rock, acoustic guitars, accordions and throw in theatrics and humor and you have yourself one wild ride! Buckle up and prepare your ears for one, highly inventive and one-of-a-kind listen.

The group is currently made up of five members: Christer Suneson on lead vocals, Klas Ullerstam on keys, Olle Melkerhed on bass, Erik Gunnarsson on drums/percussion and Niklas Karlsson on guitar.

The record starts up with a short but sweet bluesy instrumental on “Blues for Bobby Fischer” and then have your funny bone tickled on track two, “Stay Away From That Juice”.

You won’t want to stay away from this number since it includes pure humor and energetic juice for your soul. I couldn’t help but think of Jack Black’s amusing and witty vocal style with his band Tenacious D as I listened to this song. “Stay Away From That Juice” is the Swedish version of Tenacious D and it’s one damn good time in typical Gibrish fashion.

On track three, “Stuff I Am Packing”, you are questioning everything and looking over your shoulder as Gibrish is on the prowl and playing tricks with your mind, thoughts and sense of hearing. Add some quirk to your step and twerk to some good ‘ol “Gangster Tango”

On the song titled “Dahlia Meets Bird Petite”. On this number one will hear catchy melodies and a slowed-town tempo to make up one ridiculously original and zany composition.

On track five, “Cotards Syndrom”, get ready for a peculiar and eerie tone and then jump up and get down to the high-energy track “Fel fot, fel sko!” I can’t help but move feverishly to the pace of this song, “Fel fot, fel sko!”, as this is one of my favorite tracks on the album due to this fun-filled, dance element.

On “Marabo’s Morningwalk”, take in the fresh, airy guitar riff and pleasant melody that hits you like a finely-tuned breeze. On the next installment, “Visions of Zero”, one will be looking to crack the case and discover the secret behind this mysterious place.

On track nine, “Krumsprang I Pottang”, you’ll experience a short and lively accordion jam session that will satisfy your soul and leave you feeling good. Next up we have “Talk Gibrish” that is just fun-filled times in Gibrish Land where you will dance a jig and lose your wig to this big wave of sound.

On track 11, “Turn To Dust”, I just love the scandalous, rockin’ atmosphere as Gibrish is kickin’ up dust and raising some good old fashioned hell!

On song 12, “God Here’s To You”, the listener will be equipped with a slowed-down tempo and story-telling mode that is musically, lyrically and vocally rich where everything was gelling together perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed the group harmonizing on this number and honestly would want to hear more of this from Gibrish as they steal the show with their chops on “God Here’s To You”.

Gibrish closes the album with a bluesy guitar that is absolute dynamite and music to my ears.

These Swedish sensations from Sundsvall are kicking it into high gear with the release of their second, full-length album ‘Gangster Tango’.

Gibrish is not holding back at all by bringing you the most diverse mix of music that will knock your socks off. Gibrish is testing your hearing and pushing the limits on this new record where nothing is off the table and anything goes. You will get a one-of-a-kind listening experience like no other where your ears will be definitely getting an intense workout.

Some listeners may not get it at first but I do feel that ‘Gangster Tango’ requires at least a few listens to fully understand and appreciate the magic and distinct art form that Gibrish has created here. A vast musical spectrum with deep storylines and subtle humor adds up to a Gibrish extravaganza full of wonder & surprise.

Expect the unexpected on ‘Gangster Tango’ as Gibrish proves that ordinary & average aren’t in the equation.

Prepare to get Gibrified!

The band has been keeping busy over the summer by playing many gigs near and far including a premier alternative/world/folk music festival in Sweden called Urkult, which ran three days from August 4-6 (http://urkult.se/).

If you get a chance to see Gibrish live then I say go for it because I can bet that it will be like nothing else you’ve ever witnessed before in your life. Now, go get a dose of Gibrish and stumble along to the unconventional steps, twists & turns of ‘Gangster Tango’!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-DAw9nMkfw

http://gibrish.se

4 Skopes

By Jimmy Rae + (jrae2@att.net) - Skopemag

Gibrish
Kom Bar, Gothenburg, February 6, 2016

Lira Magazine on that so oddly placed Kom Bar in Gothenburg. But nearby is a popular ice cream parlor so why not a music pub, too? And with the right band, excellent sound and a family atmosphere, it works!

Like Shakespeare's magician Prospero in The Tempest Gibrish singer Chris Suneson sings their songs, completely own or others with their own texts. Two tango songs, including a Finnish classics and an Astor Piazzolla tango in highly personal version. The first section is quiet but still with fairly abrupt changes - the set concludes with gospel music. It's a bit like a tribute, apart from the text, the singing frikyrkopastorn Artur Eriksson Suneson says that he is related to.

Chris Suneson is in addition to an excellent singer also a master of keeping the presentations at a moderate level. Fun, engaging and memorable. And mean.

Since this is contemporary prog the nationalist politicians get a boot in the song Skitig Vind and the band is also critical that governments have long had a vision of zero about traffic fatalities but not when it comes to suicide.

Some of the songs the band usually play on the harmonium but transportation practical reasons it is not to Gothenburg. This is compensated by a wide margin with a series of well thought through other instruments Christer Suneson play on, topped by a theremin, in this concert, the kind of a function that the singer's wand.

I have rarely heard and seen a band treatment so grim subjects with such joy that Gibrish and should be mentioned Klas Ullerstam on keyboards and accordion, bass player and drummer Olle Melkerhed Erik Gunnarsson. And last but not least, like Ariel, a fairy figure and sorcerer's aide in the storm, Niklas Karlsson on a left-Fender Stratocaster.

Thanks to the theremin we also got some ghosty air of folkrock, "Double double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble" (Macbeth) as Shakespeare would have said about this magical music mix.

Text: Bengt Edqvist
Photo: Göran Fors - Lira Magazine

Sundsvall band Gibrish second album is a hilarious mixture of genres. From the delta blues and cabaret to progressive folk-rock with elements of both anarchist worldbeat and Tom Waits inspired storytelling. Moods created skillfully using the harmonium, accordion, glockenspiel and stylish slide guitar.

The clever short blanks or "cinematic small instrumentals" is definitely one of Ganstertangos highlights. Blues for Bobby Fischer and Ceres sång, the ghostly theremin in Cotards syndromn and the accordion in Krumsprång i Pottäng.

But my personal favorites are the wistful, poetic Dahlia möter fågel liten , the atmospheric and dark Nollvision, which addresses the theme of suicide in a tasteful and touching way, and the folkpunkdance orgie in Fel fot, Fel sko! With Eastern European echoes and intensive shouting refrain.
Lars Fahlin - Lira magazine 20151119 - LIRA Magazine

There are not many Swedish bands who sing songs in Swedish now. Sundsvall band Gibrish is one exception and that is enough to mention Stefan Sundström as a reference to get an idea of how the group and singer Christer Suneson sounds. Although Gibrish also recorded some instrumental songs.

The group's second album starts with the catchy "Blues for Bobby Fischer," and then turn continues for a further twelve numbers including the accordion and harmonium in the setup.

Genres are mixed, ranging from songs of melancholy 'Visions of zero' eastern progressions to heavy folk-rock of "turn to dust" and that it should be a part of politics. Most evident in "Gibrish (They say nothing) with audio clips from some politicians.

Final grade: A refreshing album!

His Bloom - Dalademokraten - Dalademokraten

Sundsvall band Gibrish just released their second album Gangster Tango. A musical hilariously eclectic album where they in a way that feels quite obviously confuses blues, folk, tango, view, world and gypsy music in a nice mix.

A bit like mixing Crash Nomada with Stefan Sundström or Billy Momo with Lars Demian. it´s some accordion, harmonium and parts of skewness from Tom Waits or Andi Almqvist.

The lyrics are often funny and thoughtful and fits well into a politically interested song tradition. Some of the favorite songs are the political song Talk Gibrish, the dull and sad Dahlia Meets Bird Petite and rough bluesrocksong Turn To Dust.

GIBRISH
"GANGSTER Tango" (2015) Gibrish Songs / Hemifrån- Genre: Folk
Published December 17, 2015 at 9:57 Roger BENGTSSON - Ung tro

Gibrish is off and running with their latest single that features 3 tracks people will definitely be talking about!

This Swedish-based band incorporates an array of different musical elements & styles from folk, rock, blues, jazz and pop to fusion, world music, alternative country and soul. Gibrish has got you covered on all levels as the group, their music and their sound cannot and will not be categorized.

Band members stated it best calling their style a kind of “Nordic alternative folk combined with the old American songbook and Gibrified Neufolk”. With that being said let the Gibrish begin!

Their new single is in support of their upcoming album titled ‘Gangstertango’ that is expected to be released sometime this year. The three songs included each have their own spoken identity and jabbering feel.

The first number is in Swedish and is called “Fel Fot, fel sko!” which in English means “Wrong foot in the wrong shoe!”. This number is chalk-full of fun-spirited energy that moves along at a fairly quick pace. It is primarily an instrumental piece and is a fan favorite at live Gibrish shows that will be sure to keep you moving in a Gibrified fashion.

The second track, “Dahlia meets bird petite”, features a reoccurring character named Dahlia that has a slowed-down tempo and is much more intimate-sounding. Gibrish adds in gritty and raspy vocals that tell a story and invite the listener in to Dahlia’s world.

The final installment on this single is titled “Talk Gibrish” that talks the talk and walks the walk with one fast-moving rhythm that will have you clapping, dancing and stepping along to this Swedish sensation.

Be on the lookout for Gibrish as they plan to travel to the U.S. and England and include more English lyrics for their songs to attract a larger international audience. And the new record due out this year, ‘Gangstertango’, will more than likely be released in English also.

You can check out more about this Gibrified bunch on their website, Like them on Facebook or maybe even be lucky enough to witness this band live and in person. Either way let’s just talk Gibrish…shall we?

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibrish/198920670141102?ref=ts&fref=ts

http://gibrish.se

By Jimmy Rae (jrae2@att.net) - Skopemagazine

Gibrish: Rate: 4/5
The Sadies: Rate: 4/5

The band from Sundsvall, Gibrish act support for The Sadies from Canada. But the show they deliver is worth the audience's full attention.

The singer Christer Suneson, wearing hat and jacket, is hard to let go of his eyes when he was with his energy and stage presence embodies the group's music.

The music is hard to define, it is often called neofolk but what is important is not what label you put on it. The sound moves across a wide musical landscape.

The group does not let itself be limited, but stands constantly set off in new directions. It results in everything from fast-paced Balkan rock to a ballad about Marabou, a homeless man who long ago walked the streets of Sundsvall. The whole time permeated the music of energy and passion.

The songs performed with a great pleasure. This evening, Gibrish play the heavier parts of their repertoire, which suits the room well. It is wonderfully gritty - and hard to stand still.

The main attraction of the evening is Toronto band The Sadies, it is a great tour for Pipeline. Which is noticeable, because when Dallas Good welcomes the audience it has been filled with people in the room. Also The Sadies flying start with an energy that continues to show through.

It's a great mix of genres that permeates the music. But country music and garage rock are the two most obvious starting points.

At the front, the two brothers Dallas and Travis Good, each with a guitar. The song they share, and they complement each other very well. Dallas is more low-key while Travis is attacking the microphone with an enormous energy.

There are mixed between more instrumental songs delivered at such a pace that they inundating the audience, who really carried away. And quieter ballads where the brothers' vocals interspersed with emotional guitar solos.

When the band have poured in for just over an hour Dallas thank the audience for the evening. But they remain, hungry for more and refuses to stop clapping. Responds Does Dallas by asking about five songs to be good. They conclude, in a way that sums up the evening well, with a furious energy and passion.

Nils Eklund
060-19 71 64
nils.eklund@mittmedia.se - Sundsvalls Tidning

Everything from the Finnish tango to heavy folk rock.

That´s what the audience can expect when Gibrish visiting Älandsbro and Nordingrå this weekend.

Gibrish has been described as a neofolk band that stands on several musically legs.

The band sings in Swedish, but nevertheless in the past year attracted international attention. Among other things, Sundsvall The band toured in the United States and in England.

- Some call us a folkrock band, but it's a little too narrow for a time. We keep as much of American folk, americana and Dr. John-blues. We are constantly trying to push musical boundaries, that is why we started the band from the beginning, says the singer Christer Suneson.

Despite the fusion of many music genres Christer Suneson not worried that the band will be perceived as sprawling, although he is aware that it can "be tough for untrained ears sometimes," as he says it. But he points out that the band nevertheless, a growing audience all the time.

- We do what we think is fun and interesting, then it will be everything from Finnish tango to heavy folk rock. The thing that holds together the whole package is our stories because we want to tell stories in all the songs. It can be stories from our own lives or others. The stories are importent says Suneson.

Gibrish was established in 2009 and has so far released their debut album "Pantbanksballader" 2012. Right now you are in the process of completing the job with the new album "Gangstertango", to be released during 2015.

Prior to the release waiting, however, a number of gigs in the spring and summer. On Friday, play with Mats & Karin Music & Meetings Älandsbro and on Saturday occupies the band Järnsta Nordingrå.

- We will invite the entire Gibrish world and show the whole range of what we do. We will do two sets, the first is a little quieter and more pensive while the second consists of very frolics, says Suneson.

Peter Carlsson

0611-55 48 17

peter.carlsson@mittmedia.se - Allehanda.se

Get ready for the Swedish sensation known as Gibrish that walks the walk and talks the talk.

Their musical style is best described by the two band members as:

“Nordic alternative folk combined with the old American songbook” and “Gibrified Neufolk”.

Giving a swift, right jab to the mainstream music scene, Gibrish is one unique blend of proud originality with no time for BS! Expect the unexpected as Gibrish embarks on America this summer hoping to connect with the U.S. audience in a BIG way!

Gibrish represented by Christer Suneson (singer/songwriter) And Erik Gunnarsson (drummer/percussinist)

J Rae: So what’s it like living in Sweden and in particular your hometown of Sundsvall?

Erik: Ah, big question… Every place is related to surrounding villages. Sundsvall was the town where wealthy timber merchants (timber barons) resided, buying up lands from locals in the whole region. Not a popular activity. The people of this town were given a number of degrading nicknames partly because of that. How about “Crutch-tinkers”? Nah, it´s a good city to live in – a sort of mill town that has been able to develop after the so-called industrialized era. But being an artist also means that you have a tendency of tracking the downsides of society. We describe a lot of different characters in the local community, quite often people that are struggling to make the day.

Christer: Since long we have had a good social safety net for those who become ill or out of work. But the last ten years the safety net has been dismantled. Many lost their jobs and the number of homeless has increased. So also in our hometown, Sundsvall. This is one of the driving forces in our songs to tell about this alienation.

In musical terms, exciting things are slowly happening in Sweden. Roots music gains more and more attention but it´s hard to get people to the shows. We saw the brilliant Carrie Rodriguez in Sundsvall last fall facing perhaps 40 people. It was kind of tragic in a way.

A handful of Swedish rootsy artists receive much attention and have their big audience abroad rather than in Sweden. Tallest Man on Earth and Daniel Norgren, who we like a lot, are perfect examples of this.

In Sundsvall there’s a lot of activity in the rehearsal rooms but unfortunately there are too few live scenes for a city of 100,000 inhabitants. But it´s ok, making music should never be a walk in the sun. It´s an old Nordic statement, haha!

J Rae: What’s with all this Gibrish; how did the band name come about?

Christer: When we first started the band in 2008 the idea was to make something very different, something odd. Some of us had been working as producers and just had enough with the mainstream music. It may sound a little cliché but Gibrish will always be a counterweight to the cheap trends and the mainstream culture.

The word Gibrish means words with no meaning, just random letters in a sequence. We also interpret the word as bullshit. We chose the name to our group as a mark against people with power who would rather just talk than act. It makes us frustrated and it’s one of the things we want to write about and work against.

J Rae: I see that Gibrish blends a lot of different styles together such as folk, rock, blues and country to make up one interesting & unique sound. Obviously not worried about genres, which I love by the way, how would you best sum up your group’s style of music?

Christer: The members in Gibrish are coming from many different musical backgrounds. It´s Swedish folk, world music, pop, soul, blues, jazz, rock (of course) but also elements of fusion. When a new song is presented we always try to insert a unique, dirty edge to it. Our music is broad and a little hard to put a label on. But it´s a kind of Nordic alternative folk combined with the old American songbook. As if Ry Cooder was playing polka with a Theremin and a Melodica.

Erik: First of all – everyone in the band has an idea, however vague, what it is that makes a tune sound like Gibrish. It can be an odd rhythm, an ambient feeling or the content of the lyrics. At times we are not really sure, but that idea is always present when we play in different situations. And we like to think that we sound Swedish, perhaps one of the reasons behind the attention from non-Swedish venues. Neufolk is a nice label, but whatever tune we play we try to gibrify it. So the label could be Gibrified Neufolk.

J Rae: I noticed that some of your musical influences include: Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, The Band, Allan Edwall and Feist. What is it about these specific artists/bands that help steer the Gibrish ship to shore?

Erik: All of these artists seem to start off with the lyrics, which give the music a special dramatic form. You can go in many directions. And quite often you get close to a theatrical expression. For the balance we try to add a few up-tempo tunes that you can dance to. But following up your maritime imagery it is safe to say that you sometimes bring too much cargo on board the ship with that kind of working-process. In these cases Dylan can help you with the “overweight”: Throw the fancy stuff overboard!

Christer:
1: It´s much about their art of songwriting and telling stories from the real life,
2: They were/are pioneers in their field of music and always search for new ways of expressions.
3. They never stand still!

That´s the guiding lines we in Gibrish also always work with. If you have a good song it can withstand to be dashed down a bit and it will still be great, maybe also more interesting as a composition. Another big influence is Ry Cooder, not just only as a great musician and songwriter but also, the last years, as a critic against an unjust society.

J Rae: You like to include an array of fresh elements that incorporates theater and humor along with unexpected surprises to keep it lively. What is the driving force behind all of this?

Christer: We deal with some heavy subjects such as alienation and suicide. And to do that without a little humor is asking too much of our audience. We also believe that a bit of humor makes it easier to obtain what Gibrish is about. We´re also a bunch of guys who love having fun on stage and want to serve something special and unexpected to our audience. That´s what we want ourselves when we see a show.

Erik: The “alderman” of the band is twice the age of the youngest member, and yet the latter guy insists that Gibrish is the youngest band he has ever played with. A nice musical compliment of course, but also an indication of the creative force: Why sit and worry about how to please people when you can have fun and make music you can be proud of yourself?

J Rae: Your lyrics are said to include stories of ancient folk tales mixed with contemporary social issues. Where does the inspiration come from when sitting down to write a song that takes you to that special place?

Christer: I always try to start in everyday life. What could happen to everyone? Trying to make it as easy as possible with a focus on a story with a main character is the idea. For example, the sad woman Dahlia and the homeless man Marabo and their desire for a better life that will connect to our audience in everyday life.

But we also like the magical stories from the old ancient Sweden. It’s about witches, trolls and other mysterious creatures. We like those stories who tell so much where we come from, who we are now and what will become of us in the future. It´s all about identity I think. All about identity!

J Rae: Your music has been described as a “magical place where anything can happen”. Sounds quite intriguing to me I must say but I have to know what is so “magical” about the whole Gibrish experience? And if literally “anything can happen” then please do tell us one thing that would and could happen at a live Gibrish show?

Christer: I think that we sometimes create a special mood at our shows that the audience may be a little unsure whether to dance or cry. We do not evoke magic spirits or fairies but a Gibrish gig sometimes includes an ad-lib Theremin dance show and a speedy accordion race. Our live sets are also quite improvised so nor the audience or the band exactly know what´s going to happen next.

Erik: Hmm…! Analyzing promotional stuff… Well, we try to reach the magic moments by leaving out many of the most common musical expressions. For instance creating empty spaces within the tunes to attract the listener to step into some sort of enchanted world. Yet another way of creating magic may be just sticking to a manic groove. It all depends… At a Gibrish gig you may certainly expect anything to happen, but that is mostly due to the character of the music and the band’s sensitivity for the specific situation. Not because we´re a free form band or something like that.

J Rae: How is a Gibrish performance unlike any other out there?

Erik: Another image: Good actors squeeze in loads of information and emotion into their characters and then act in order to try and avoid the inevitable implosion. Every single Gibrish-tune represents different, potentially imploding characters. But still – the band won´t get into acting! The music carries out that work on stage.

Christer: I think we are a bunch of originals you will remember for a long time after a gig. Some remember our songwriting and our lyrics, many appreciate us as musicians at a high level and our routine on stage. Of course there are artists we look up to and learn from but I hope we have come a long way in our own stage language.

J Rae: Your debut album, ‘Pantbanksballader’, was released in 2012 and there is a new album in the works due out the winter of 2014. Please feel free to tell the Skope audience how well the debut record has been doing and also more about this upcoming release?

Christer: The debut album got some fine attention but released on a record company that didn’t work with the album. So in a way it´s disappeared in the flood of records that year. Our debut album also maybe a little dark, artsy and inaccessible in a way. Our new album is much more catchy, more up-tempo and more folkish. We´ve deliberately tried to create a more accessible record and we´ve noticed that the new songs work very well live. The older songs create more depth and the new ones more party. It’s a good combination. During the fall we´re finishing the last tracks and plan the release early 2015. We broke the contract with our first record company and right now we’re looking for a new partner.

J Rae: I couldn’t help but notice that Gibrish will be touring the U.S. come this August hitting hot spots in New York City, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to be exact. This has to be very exciting for all of you and wondering if any of you have ever been to the United States before? Please explain to us the built-up anticipation you must have of your upcoming trip to the states. And also why target the East Coast on this particular tour?

Christer: Yes, this is our first visit to US and it started with the festival Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania who contacted us about a gig the 8th of August. When we decided to go, we contacted some clubs in the NY area and ended up with four more gigs at: Rodeo Bar, Pianos, The Saint of Asbury Park and The Way Station. Everyone who`s interested in our Nordic beat are of course welcome to meet us.

Right now, during the summer, we´re rehearsing our material, new songs, old songs and a handful of covers. One of them a beautiful and interesting tango from our neighbors in Finland. Hope it also will touch the hearts and souls at you Americans.

About Gibrish music it seems that we receive a better response abroad than in Sweden. Maybe the market and interest for more narrow and independent music is more accepted in countries like U.S.A. and England, where we’re going to perform in October. Maybe it´s not a coincidence that also Tallest Man on Earth and Daniel Norgren are mostly performing outside the borders of Sweden.

Erik: It all started out with the opportunity to play at Musikfest which gave us the urge to find as many gigs as possible under a short period of time. You have to remember, we all have regular jobs to consider! And the United States… You know; I think Sweden is one of the most Americanized countries in the world. Maybe the mindset is quite different in reality, but there are so many American cultural expressions incorporated in the Swedish way of life that you sometimes think you´re a part of that country. A couple of members have actually been to school in America, but the guys who go there for the first time are more like kids in a huge candy store. Going to USA is a big thing to any Scandinavian. And yes; some of us will visit old friends and relatives living in the USA. Musically we will just have a laugh and play like madmen!

J Rae: When Gibrish comes to town, what can the U.S. audience expect to see & hear? Will you blow their minds & ears?

Erik: Of course you want to say: YES, WE SURE WILL! But at the same time Gibrish is not about quick sensation, rather an alternative voice in the hit and run-factory. With that kind of approach you can´t really expect an audience to go berserk immediately. A Gibrish-gig is built up step by step. And one of the reasons for us to have a repertoire “all over the place” is to be able to lure people into the music and eventually blow some minds and ears with groovy, speedy stuff.

Christer: We hope to get a very interesting meeting with the American audience. We will offer Scandinavian rhythms and vibes but also a couple of your American folksongs. There will be songs that get your feet moving but also songs for the ears and for reflection.

We describe ourselves as a rusty neufolkband where Swedish folksongs, stitchy blues, grainy rock and alternative country are mixed in a mortar of music. So the audience must be aware that they not get mixed down into the world of Gibrish!

J Rae: To help further promote your upcoming East Coast tour, what can you say to everyone out there that will get them pumped up beyond belief?

Christer: Don´t miss Gibrish on American soil. We´re maybe not the youngest or the trendiest band on earth. But sure are 100% heart and soul with a load of originality and quality!

Also bought a new hat, don´t miss that!

Follow Gibrish at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gibrish/198920670141102?ref=ts&fref=ts

Website: http://gibrish.se

Sonicbids: www.sonicbids.com/band/gibrish/

By Jimmy Rae (jrae2@att.net) - Jimmy Rae

We recently spoke to Singer/Songwriter Christer Suneson and Guitarist Niklas Karlsson of the Indie Folk/Rock Swedish Band, Gibrish, about their fantastic music and the band’s quest to share their story with the masses. In this spotlight with our publication, the guys revealed to publication why music is so important to them, what does it mean to be an indie performer, and who are some of their main musical influences. Here is their story.

Isaac: Music is so important to many cultures. Why is music important to you?

Christer: For me, music is the art of life in its purest form. When everything falls into right place, the musicians develop the songs and the lyrics fells important, and when the interaction with the audience's right, then there's nothing more uplifting. For me, it's also the best way to socialize with friends. Actually, I have difficulties becoming close friends with people with no interest in music. In Gibrish, during our rehearsals, we sometimes have so much to talk about. For example, how to raise kids and dogs, politicians on thin ice, and how we can solve the environmental problems of the world.

Isaac: What do you believe is the one element that makes your music, lyrics, and voice stand apart from others in the Indie Music Industry?

Niklas: Fearlessness, or rather the absents of rules which enforce restrictions upon melody and lyrics. There is an upside to being an outcast of the top 40 chart. It is the freedom to plunge into whatever theme that moves our being. As most of us know, but seem to forget is that the spectrum of human emotion and thought is broader than a chorus about a dance floor and a verse about relationships gone wrong. Gibrish can move in the realm of the absurd and comical. But most importantly, we can laugh at ourselves doing it.

Christer: We once started Gibrish as a reaction to an increasingly unidirectional music industry. Several of us have been working with music professionally, such as producers, and were pretty tired of the mainstream music. Therefore, we started Gibrish to express new musical directions with room for improvisation. We also wanted to explore the traditions present in the old Swedish folksongs. In our lyrics, we also use many different characters that recur in our songs. For example, an outsider and a hobo, called Marabo and Dahlia, who is a lost soul seeking her freedom.

Isaac: If you have to name a few of your musical influences, who would they be and why?

Christer: Two Swedish folksingers like Cornelis Vreeswijk and Allan Edvall. (Both active around 1960-1990) meant a lot in our way in how to describe our society today. (Nothing really changed actually) But also giants like Tom Waits, Captain Beefheart, Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley, Dr John, The Band and Frank Zappa influenced us musically.

Isaac: What makes being an Indie Performer great in your opinion?

Niklas: I don't know if it is great anymore, like most things in life. It has an expiration date. I'm of course not talking about the actual content that is contained within the idea of indie. But what most people think it is about. Gibrish has its primal roots in a Swedish storyteller tradition the nation’s folkmusic. Most indie artist would agree that they strive towards the same goals as we do honesty in expression. But a sense of tradition grounds Gibrish and allows us to take chances and make mistakes. That is something lacking in a lot of indie artists today, a willingness to fail.

Christer: For me, it´s about developing music as an art, it is always necessary to start from the roots and find new ways to describe the context of the song, to find new sounds and the originality of the song. I also think it is important to communicate with the audience for development to take place. A sort of two-way communication for musically progress.

Isaac: What do you believe will it take for indie performers to gain the recognition as their mainstream counterparts?

Niklas: We don't know. We are not so successful. One thing that seems to occur with artists who are successful is that they work on their passion for music, not their hunt for success.

Isaac: Why do you believe that mainstream radios are so reluctant to play indie music?

Christer: I think the most radio stations not want to disturb their listeners. Demanding music also requires some of the listeners. Some artists and songs you have to be able to play multiple times to appreciate.




Niklas: Because, it is not as good as the music played on the radio. Here the problem is not the radio stations, but the word “good”. In music, there is no good or bad. There are only the likes and dislikes of human beings. Radio mirrors to those preferences and dislikes.

Isaac: What do you believe is the main reason why your music is creating a buzz in the Indie Music Scene?

Niklas: I rather I see our music creating a small back ache t - juniorscave.com

Gibrish: Pawnbroker Ballads.

Gibrish was formed in Sundsvall in 2008. The opening track, No one who believes ... only Jesus, the production could be taken from a Tom Waits album. The fourth track is also a translation of the Waits / Brennan: You can never hold back spring.

On the whole, it smells very Tom Waits on the plate, Musically it's very varied. It moves between the hymn rock, folk and rock in a way that keeps the ear interested. Fun is the short instrumental pieces that shows up on the album with titles such as: Paint fan on the wall, Footnote from the basement and Hybris.

The Bells of GA is a duet between the singer Suneson and helen Sjöholm. A song previously released for the benefit of Slink In, a project brought socially vulnerable in Sundsvall. - Lira Magazine june 2012

Våningen Sundsvall, Wednesday
Rating: 3

We hear friendly cutlery and clinking wine glasses from the white tables when Gibrish steps up on stage. The singer in a black jacket and hat.
Was there not an anticipation in the air, so do it at least inside of me before the concert are told that they sound like a mix of the school hymn, gangster tango and Tom Waits.
After the first song "Right as rain" would actually need a dictionary to describe the music as Gibrish play, but with such diverse instruments as accordion, slide guitar and thermerin (!) Heard anyway clear influences of Tom Waits, much too because of the singer's strong charisma.
The fourth song is not surprisingly also a translation of Waits "You can never hold back spring".
After that, a cover of the children's author Lennart Helsing and Georg Ridels show called "Bjäran" and the floor is transformed into a magic to an enchanted forest populated by witches and milk hares.
Finishing is done with a fine self-written children's hymn, "Everything has its time," with atmospheric organ by Klas Ullerstam.
My thoughts wander as a final graduation when faced with water combed hair and get a couple of good advice.
Out in the great life! - Dagbladet

Pipeline (Friday)
Rating: 4

A fascinating mix of discomfort and mystery
Gibrish making their debut gig, but are far from rookies on the Pipeline Stage. Members from including Garmarna and Jezebel to name two.
The experience and the musical quality is noticeable, but it is also expected with the presentation of the band members. Besides that, there are however nothing predictable over the band's songs and performance. The songs are a little too slow, drum game a bit too heavy, pull the game is skewed harmonies and melodies melancholy dramatic. Enough, but not too much, to create a fascinating mix of discomfort and mystery. The singer in the lyrics in Swedish and reminiscent of a Nick Cave / Richard Wolf-hybrid, which holds court in his dark manege with occasional findings, sometimes really sour notes. Tonal accuracy or not, somehow also fit into the unseemly. Strange, but very interesting band. - Sundsvalls tidning

In december 2012 Gibrish released their third single from their debut album "Pantbanksballader". The same day the band also released three live videos from Skule musicfestival in July. A magical night in front of 3,000 people in the audience.

After two previous singles from the album "Pantbanksballader", released this summer, Gibrish released their third single, "Allt har sin tid." Bonus track on the single is the newly written "Dahlia möter lite fågel" recorded live at Skule musicfestival.

http://soundcloud.com/christersuneson/allt-har-sin-tid
Spotifylänk: Gibrish - Allt har sin tid

Gibrish also released three live videos recorded at Skule Festival summer 2012.
- The band shows from its best side with a lot of energy and presence, says Fredrik Muskö of Syskan Songs. There are rusty songs in conjunction with skewed folksongs, he says.

Smak av eld: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjyp0LQkPNE
Dahlia möter liten fågel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9p8KwLJBac
Bjäran: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5fsUce9zEQ

Gibrish history stretches back to 2008 when some of Sundsvall's most experienced musicians got together and formed the band. The stories are always in focus, surrounded by a surprising soundscapes with unexpected touches. The music has been described as burlesque neufolk with elements of gritty rock.
- It is cubist, a little angular and uncomfortable, but if you give the music time to sink in, we believe that the listener feels rewarded, says the songwriter and singer Christer Suneson. We have always worked long-term with music, and the idea is that it will hold in the long run, he says

The album "Pantbanksballader" which was released in summer 2012 are the stories importent as the opening song "Ingen som tror... bara Jesus" - a priest with murder as a special interest. A homeless man called Marabou who see Christmas time pass from his park bench in "Klockorna i GA", a duet with the wellknown singer Helen Sjoholm.

The band also delivers a boot to the nationalists in the semi instrumental "Svensk Dans". Pantbanksballader ends with the epic and the school hymn fragrant "Allt har sin tid."

In addition to their exciting material interprets Gibrish also both Georg Riedel / Lennart Helsing (Bjäran) and Tom Waits (You can never hold back spring)) on the album Pantbaksballader released in cooperation with publisher Syskon Songs.

Web: gibrish.se. E-mail: and tel: info@gibrish.se. fredrik@syskonsongs.se +4670-818 74 87




- Syskon Songs