sir Was
Birth nameJoel Wästberg
Born (1981-07-20) July 20, 1981 (age 43)
Frillesås, Sweden
OriginSweden Sweden
GenresIndie pop, electronica, alternative, avant-pop
Occupation(s)Musician, Record Producer
InstrumentMulti-instrumentalist
Years active2016–present
Labels
WebsiteOfficial Website

Joel Wästberg, known professionally as sir Was, is a Swedish musician and music producer.

Early Life and Background

edit

Joel Wästberg was born on July 20, 1981, in the small village of Frillesås, Sweden. Wästberg began his musical journey at a young age, playing the saxophone. He pursued formal studies in saxophone and improvisation at Skurups folkhögskola and the University of Gothenburg's Academy of Music and Drama. Before debuting as sir Was, Wästberg was a touring musician with Swedish singer-songwriter José González and folk rock band Junip.

Musical Influences

edit

sir Was's music reflects a broad spectrum of influences ranging from jazz and hip-hop to classical music. He often cites artists such as D'Angelo, Madlib, and Sly and the Family Stone as significant inspirations[1][2][3]. His music is characterized by intricate arrangements, soulful melodies, and a unique blending of organic and electronic sound elements.

Collaborations

edit

In addition to his solo work, sir Was has collaborated with various artists and musicians such as the Swedish electronic band Little Dragon (on the single Deployed), Falle Nioke (on the EP Marasi), and Casper Clausen of Efterklang (on the single Flyder).

Reception and Recognition

edit

BBC 6 Music radio host Lauren Laverne named Digging A Tunnel her favourite album of the year in 2017.[4]

Future Music gave Holding On To A Dream a review of 9/10, saying it was "the work of a true master of lo-fi, analogue sounds".[5]

Discography

edit

Studio Albums

edit
  • Digging A Tunnel (2017)
  • Holding On To A Dream (2019)
  • Let The Morning Come (2021)
  • We Can Go Anywhere From Here (2023)
  • Says Hi (2016)

References

edit
  1. ^ "Exclusive | Sir Was Reflects on the Timeless Soul of d'Angelo's "Voodoo" LP". 16 September 2019.
  2. ^ "Selected by sir Was". 7 August 2019.
  3. ^ https://www.memphis-industries.com/release/let-the-morning-come/
  4. ^ "BBC - 6 Music Recommends Albums of the Year 2017".
  5. ^ "Album Reviews - Future Music".
edit