January 30th 2012 - Collaboration with Getty Images
During Midem music fair this week, Getty Images launched their new music synch resource
BACKSTAGE. We're proud to be on this, not the least 'cause Getty Image music handpicked five
tracks from Arctic to work with.
and
"GUESTLIST tracks are very selective and consistently refreshed to deliver unique
sound to content creators and music supervisors who are working on highly visible
projects such as trailers, films and commercials.
KUDOS!
http://www.gettyimages-guestlist.comJanuary 23rd 2012 - Acoustic "A Continent Lost" on free download
Italian music site Ondarock launches their 5th onlince
compilation OndaDrops Vol.5 - Postcards from the North",
a free download compilation featuring an exclusive acoustic cut
of the song A Continent Lost, originally featured in a band version
on the last album Arctic. Go to the track-list to see and download
the tracks.
For the A Continent Lost (Acoustic version) download it at:
http://www.archive.org/download/OndadropsVol5-ImKingfisher-AContinentLostacousticVersion/03.ImKingfisher-AContinentLostacousticVersion.mp3January 8th 2012 - Fundings for new album
Thanks to Kulturrådet (Swedish Culture Counsile) for giving 30.000kr for production
fundings on the forthcoming album.
December 28th 2011 - Interview with the Useless Critic
Thomas speaks with the Useless Critic about the future, the new album, the album trilogy
and the difference between alt.country and white noise.
http://www.theuselesscritic.com/2011/12/im-kingfisher-interview.htmlDecember 16th 2011 - kingnighterfirstfisher
From a lovely morning with Douglas Holmquist (Testbild) in his studio in Malmö. I've cut some vocals that
(hopefully) will end up on Firstnighters debut album next year. She's amazing and I'm thrilled about this.
December 12th - INTERVIEW WITH THE JITTY (UK)
New interview published @
http://www.thejitty.com/articles/kingfisherinterviewDecember 7th 2011 - WISHES FOR HAPPY HOLIDAYS
As some of you already know, my show in Malmö the 17th will mark the beginning of a calmer peiod for
me touringwise. I will most certainly do the odd show every now and then so keep yourself updated on
the tour page. For next year, I'm going to focus on the recording on my next album, the second part
of my album trilogy, which we already have started recording. I've also written a first draft of
the last part of the trilogy.
Somewhen around late 2012 or early 2013 we will release the new album and I will be back in the
saddle entirely again. I will keep posting stuff here and on the social platforms, got some fun
collab stuff to present soon.
This year has been one of the best for me both musicwise and in general.
Thanks all of you who've been a part of that.
Can't wait for the future.
xx Thomas
+
A BAKER'S DOZEN - MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2011
1. Earth - Angels of Darkness, demons of light
2. Mogwai - Hardcore will never die, but you will
3. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
4. My Morning Jacket - Circuital
5. Eleanor Friedberger - Last Summer
6. Bill Callahan - Rough Travel for a rare thing
7. James Blake - James Blake
8. Loney Dear - Hall Music
9. The head and the heart - S/t
10. The Deer Tracks - The Archer Trilogy Pt.2
11. Jonathan Johansson - Klagomuren
12. Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell me
13. Tennis - Cape Dory
14. Ondo/Nekrasov - (Split LP)
+
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
UPDATED November 19h 2011 - NEW MUSIC VIDEO: SVALBARD
(/w press quotes)
"The album made it to the best of 2010, and keeps rotating on our lists.
Arctic is an masterpiece. The video is no exception."
Kentuckyseven (S)
"It's definitely a strong one"
JA JA JA (UK)
"Et album som er like vennlig og fint, som låtskriver og mannen bak kunstnernavet;
Thomas Denver Johanson er en hyggelig kar. Hvilket vil si meget."
Aslaugok.com (N)
Here's the fourth and last music video of the album 'Arctic'. The song, entitled 'Svalbard' is featuring
Richard Neuberg (Viarosa) on Mandolin and the man on the ice is Stefan Westling who provided the cover
art for the album. If you like this, please share the link: http://youtu.be/oDi7Vw8fSKU
(if you're up for helping me doing a music video for the album's 7-minute track 'Deer Theatre', get in touch at
info@thomasdenver.com)
November 16th 2011 - CASABLANCA ACCORDING TO THE KIFI
Thomas performed at Pop Quiz Malmö the other day. Aside from his ordinary set he also performed a
cover song of his own pick as a question in Quiz. 2p for right band and 2p for right song. Here's
the answer revealed.
UPDATED October 29th 2011 - NEW UK REVIEWS + 1 INTERVIEW
More really good online press on the UK re-release of Arctic.
* NEWREVIEW: FOR FOLK'S SAKE (UK) "Bon Iver’s alone-in-the-
woods masterpiece For Emma, Forever Ago aside, few albums can boast a
sense of place to match Arctic.
* NEWREVIEW: LIVE MUSIC SCENE (UK) "Jonsson’s ability to weave
beautiful lyrical melodies whilst keeping them poignant is impressive
and he manages to avoid falling into the trap of melodramatic clichés
about love creating a beautiful yet deep artwork that is a true pleasure
to listen to."
* REVIEW: SLOUCHER.ORG (UK) "A wonderful (but creepy) album"
Also check out Sloucher's review for a lot of movie references "You get seven
minutes of wonderful, terrifying musical ideas and the perfect score for a
devastating horrible blizzard tearing the place a new one (or a monster chasing
Kurt Russell…or Tom Baker)." Plus, finally, The Mighty Boosh is mentioned
in a Kingfisher review
* REVIEW: PENNYBLACK MUSIC (UK) "An incredible indie folk act .../...
I feel my life is slightly better each time I listen to 'Arctic'"
* INTERVIEW: PENNYBLACK MUSIC (UK) Pennyblack Music also made an
interview with Thomas, talking about the full concept of 'Arctic' and
about the Swedish pop scene.
* REVIEW (7 out of 10): WHISPERIN' & HOLLERIN' (UK) "As much influenced by the picked,
leftfield dynamics of John Fahey and Bill Callahan as the hushed
vocals of Will Oldham, the record is at once both polite but dramatic,
turning over its ideas, ruminating between topics and within the genre,
track on track .../... An artist by all means, and a talented one,
particularly with his use of guitar."
* REVIEW: ALLGIGS.CO.UK (UK)October 26th 2011 - SONG OF TOMORROW DVD RELEASE
The motion picture Framtidens Melodi ("Song of tomorrow") from 2009 (Swedish cinema premier 2010), that features
the song Possession (duet w. Elina Johansson from the album The Lake Acts Like an Ocean) during the end credits is finally
available on DVD. Swedish, English and French subtitles available as well as directors' commentary. Info and ordering
at: http://folketsdvd.se/framtidens-melodi (In Swedish only)
October 13th 2011 - RADIO SESSION + SHOW REVIEW
Thomas played yesterday at Trollhättan together with his friend Helena Sundström aka Mine to Keep,
whose debutalbum he contributed vocals too a few years ago. The show got a really raving review
in the local newspaper TTELA (in Swedish) "A top class perfomance .../... we saw a kingfisher
transform into an eagle" REVIEW HERE
In the wee morning prior to the show, Thomas did a radio interview and session with P4 Väst,
check it out here (also Swedish)October 3rd 2011 - MORE UK PRESS
British e-zine Electric Ghost puts a nice note prior to Arctic's re-release in UK in mid-Oct
(updated frequently)
September 30th 2011 - BLOG SESSION
Before the show in Wrexham on September 9th, Thomas played a new song for
the lovely blog We are The Sound
+ SMILE WITH YOUR 1000 TEETHSeptember 23rd 2011 - R2 INTERVIEW
Thomas met up with Gerry Ranson from the UK folk/rock-magazine R2 in London and
an interview is published in their brand new Sep/Oct issue. Read the interview: HERESeptember 14th 2011 - NEW REVIEWS
Thomas have just returned from his 7th UK tour to date. His album 'Arctic' also awaits
a UK re-release in October and new reviews and stuff will be added here frequently.
Folk Radio UK (FRUK) just published a 4 star review @ THEIR WEBSITE
"I’m Kingfisher is clearly ‘in the zone’ with this release. The gentle nature of the music,
experimentation and subtle electronica draw out his incredible voice and lyrics, this is
just the beginning."
Amp Magazine (UK) also published a really raving review.
"There are a lot of singersongwriters in the music industry at present, with Arctic,
I'm Kingfisher has raised the bar and set the standard to the next level for others to attempt to follow."
August 8th 2011 - GOING BACK TO UK
UPDATE SEP 6TH - CARDIFF SHOW RELOCATED TO 10 FEET TALL
First up is shows in Segmon, Malmö and Karlstad. After that, Thomas will go back to UK
for 5 new shows, mostly in Wales.
6 SEP - LONDON/CAMDEN (UK) @ Dublin Castle
8 SEP - CARDIFF (UK) @ 10 FEET TALL(+ Meilir)
9 SEP - WREXHAM (UK) @ The Central Station
10 SEP - HOLYWELL (UK) @ The Well Inn Festival 2011
11 SEP - CHESTER (UK) @ the Telford's Warehouse
June 16th 2011 - DREAMS AT THE FILM CLUB I:
THOMAS TO PERFORM @ MÜNICH FILM FESTIVAL, GERMANY JULY 2ND
Thomas has been invited by the Swedish Film Institute to perform at the public afterparty
on the last evening of the festival, July 2nd. SFI, who except arranging the concert also
screens a lot of Swedish quality movies during festival, among others a full retrospective
of Roy Andersson's movies. Thomas shares the bill @ Gasteig will Hellsingland Underground
and everything starts at 8PM.
DREAMS AT THE FILM CLUB II:
THE SONG 'POSSESSION' IN NEW SWEDISH MOVIE
Thomas song 'Possession' (as Thomas Denver Jonsson) is featured in it's entirety in the end credits of the
movie "Framtidens Melodi (Song of Tomorrow)" which was premiered on Swedish cinemas last friday. The movie,
originally released 2009, has been touring a lot around the world at Film Festivals and have gathered prizes
and raving reviews (for an example the award "Best Actor" on Mexico City's Film Festival.
May 31st 2011 - ACOUSTIC SESSION + INTERVIEW
Thomas is currently halfway through his tour and has now joined up with Christian Kjellvander, Boy Omega
and The Tarantula Waltz for a week's touring in Austria & Croatia. Earlier this month, he did a show in
Leuven, Belgiun and had the ace filmer Jeroen Jullet follow his every step for a day. It resultet in this
feature + live footage + interview + Thomas playing Whale Hunt + Svalbard live in a staircase. Listen to that
natural reverb!
May 25th 2011 - REVIEW & INTERVIEW WITH US DIRTY IMPOUND
Thomas is interviewed by US blog Dirty Impound and also got a really tasty review on his
newest album.
"Arctic, I’m Kingfisher’s tantalizing debut ...//... is a meditative, melancholy
trek but one flecked with humor and oddly beveled poetry, a relative to Iron & Wine,
Damien Jurado and most especially M. Ward"
http://www.dirtyimpound.com/2011/05/impounded-inquiries-im-kingfisher/May 23th 2011 - IN THE STUDIO MAKING ALBUM 5
Just a short note that I and Carl Edlom have had our first studio session recording stuff
for my future 5th album. I guess there will be reason to get back more about this when we're
closing to finishing, which speaking from experience can be an extremely long process.
Bottom line is that I'm really happy though to be on it again, I forecast the next album to
be warmer and for this one and I have way much more material that made the final cut than
we're able to squeeze in, which will be a really delicate problem later on to make the final
track list.
Next up (if the Icelandic volcano cloud won't hinder me), is the European 9 date tour in
UK/Austria/Croatia starting on thursday. Can't wait. I'm so excited to get out again.
I've just had a talk with (INTERVIEW) Nottingham Live about the show on Friday.
--T
May 19th 2011 - 4 STAR REVIEW IN R2 (UK)
also, don't miss out Thomas' UK/AUSTRIA/CROATIA-TOUR May 26 - June 4
and the recent 4 STAR REVIEW in Uncut (UK)
May 12th 2011 - UPCOMING UK/AUSTRIA/CROATIA-TOUR
updated May 16th change location for the show May 28th
After playing Belgium last week and opening for Band of Heathens in Malmö yesterday, next
performing task for Thomas will be embarking on a 9-date European tour taking him to UK,
Austria and Croatia between May 26th and June 4th. The dates in Austria and Croatia will be
together will fellow Swedes Christian Kjellvander, Boy Omega and The Tarantula Waltz.
26 MAY - LONDON (LEYTONSTONE) (UK) @ What's Cookin' @ The North Star
27 MAY - NOTTINGHAM (UK) @ The Walk (+ Rob of Spaceships are Cool)
28 MAY - WREXHAM (UK) Focus Wales 2011 @ Central Station
30 MAY - GRAZ (AT) @ Forum Stadtpark
31 MAY - WIEN (AT) @ Szene
01 JUN - LINZ (AT) @ Posthof
02 JUN - DORNBIRN (AT) @ Spielboden
03 JUN - ZAGREB (HR) @ SC Teatar & TD
04 JUN - INNSBRUCK (AT) @ Bäckerei
Thomas will do a few shows in Sweden during the summer and more dates are on their
way. Keep updated for newly confirmed shows over at the: TOUR-PAGEMay 4th 2011 - NEW VIDEO: A CONTINENT LOST
First of two music videos signed Carl Edlom (producer of 'Arctic') and Johan Eklund,
we give you 'A CONTINENT LOST'. Enjoy!
+ A really good UK review over at: Netrhytms.
The reviewer draws references to great guitarists like John Martyn, John Fahey, M Ward, Jason Molina
and Neil Young.
++ Cery Matthews at BBC6 recently played 'Feline Funeral' from the album on her show.
Apr 28th 2011 - ARCTIC GETS 4/5 IN UNCUT
In the new issue of british UNCUT, Arctic is reviewed twice (!). Rob Hughes writes
"Has been knocking out fine records for almost a decade .../... his tremolous voice
[is] still hugely affecting. Colleague Mike Houghton writes "Jonsson deserves to be
singled out .../... 'Willing Night Plants' inhabits the same doomy world as Neil Youngs'
'Ambulance Blues"
Apr 24th 2011 - DAMIEN JURADO-TOUR REVISITED
Thomas has just returned from his week supporting Damien Jurado in Sweden/Denmark and
he has got some really good reviews and mentions:
* First, the show at Södra Teatern, Stockholm was recorded and is available to listen to at:
http://www.gimmeindie.se/live/konsert/imkingfisher/ (click on the play symbol)
Gimme Indie writes: "One of the most humble and completely brilliant artists we've got"
* US renowened music site Jambase.com has a raving review up at:
http://www.jambase.com/Articles/49503/JamBase-Questionnaire-I’m-Kingfisher
"The fathoms deep feeling and gently leaping poetic language of Jonsson’s work is one of those
magical, humanizing sounds". The article also contains a short interview where Thomas among other things
reveals his dancing skills!
* Danish Diskant.dk reviewed the show in Copenhagen. Gave it 9 out of 10 and wrote
"A magic evening with two unique musicians"
http://www.diskant.dk/live/koncertanmeldelser/11-04-11-damien-jurado-og-i’m-kingfisher-huset-i-magstræde.htm
* Swedish Rockfoto.nu listed the gig as one of the best forthcoming shows and wrote that Thomas' album
Arctic was "one of the best Swedish albums of last year"
(http://rockfoto.nu/magazine/2011/04/15/veckans-basta-spelningar-9/)
* Thomas was also interviewed by Swedish radio P4 (Swedish only)
"A big voice in a small body"
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=4066&artikel=4466939
* Finally, Thomas made an acoustic appearance (above) for the French music site Le Cargo, who in the
article says that Arctic is one of the best folk albums of this year.
http://www.lecargo.org/spip/i-m-kingfisher/session-acoustique-273/article7038.htmlMar 11th 2011 - TOURS WITH DAMIEN JURADO &
CHRISTIAN KJELLVANDER + SOME RECENT REVIEWS
Really happy to announce that Thomas will support Damien Jurado on his shows in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Göteborg
and Malmö in April and will also go on tour with fellow Swedes Christian Kjellvander, Boy Omega and Tarantula Waltz
in Austria and Croatia in May/June. The dates + for the aforementioned Belgian appearance and a few random Swedish
shows are all up at the Tour page
+ Arctic just got a really raving 4/5 review at Athen's Voice -
'the largest free-press weekly newspaper in Greece'. "Thomas Jonsson has just sucked all the aesthetic philosophy
of folk and americana, but has made it his own. He lives within it and therefore can and transform into something
so beautiful, so sweet, so personal, so crucial and so convincing that it is impossible to believe that this guy
is from Sweden."
Also some recent really great Belgian reviews @
""First, the album is clearly 'folk', but you can also describe it as a kind of
Scandinavian-rock because it really comes close to some of the sounds of Icelandic
colleagues Sigur Ros'"
- Damusic.be
(4/6) "Spans from lo-fi á la M Ward to synth-driven music á la Mogwai.
The result is a remarkable singer/songwriter-album"
- Soundslike.beFeb 14th 2011 - VIDEO PREMIERE:
SMILE WITH YOUR 1000 TEETH + LIVEFeb 9th 2011 - SHOW IN BELGIUM /
GREAT BELGIAN REVIEWS (updated)
Thanks to Roel @ Live Nation, Thomas will get back to Belgium for a solo show for the
first time in 5 years, when he plays @ Stuk/Petit Labo in Leuven May5th. Keep updated
for possible adds to the schedule.
As reported earlier, the new album "Arctic" has received very good reviews in Belgium's
biggest news papers since the release there a couple of weeks ago.
Translated quotes below, click on each reference for original reviews.
"Would be a new favorite from the alternative US scene if it wasn't for the fact
that he's from Sweden. Sounds a bit like The Courage of others of Midlake when
putting acoustic folk, electric and electronic sounds, strings or brass over
very good songs, fevered, luminous and melancholy, that evoke a north pole
expedition during the global warming.
- L'Avenir (BE)
"Certainly one early 2011 album for everyone who listens to Port O' Brien, Bon Iver,
The National and M Ward. The Swede is touching, poetic, lyrical and magic."
- DH (La Dernière Heure) (BE)
"Reminds of Bon Iver and Bonnie Prince Billy and we could honestly never have
guessed that a Swede could behind this music. A mature album of an experienced
and talented songwriter"
- De Standaard (BE)
"He dreams about great american views and we dream
with him, from start to beginning a flawless disc"
- Le Soir (Le Mad) (BE)
"This album is a revelation, because every song
has something original and innovative to offer
.../... an album to cherish"
- Rootstime.be (BE)
"'Arctic' baths in a glacier atmosphere, the guitars seems to have icicles instead
of strings and his voice also seemingly reverbs againt an ice surface. It's a successful
scene setting that warms the heart"
- Knack (BE)Jan 24th 2011 NEW COLLABORATION: BROTHERS & SISTERS BOOKING AGENCY
Thomas now works with the Swedish booking agency Brothers & Sisters who also
have indie acts such as Simian Ghost, In These Woods and Leaders Off on their
roster. BROTHERS&SISTERS WWWJan 17th 2011 NOMINATED FOR MUSIC AWARD
Thomas is nominated for the Swedish music prize Manifest in the category Best
Singer/Songwriter. The winner is announced at the Manifest Gala @ Nalen in
Stockholm February 4th.
Jan 13th 2011 LATVIAN SHOWS NEXT WEEK
Thomas will return to Riga next week to perform for the first time since 2007.
The tour includes two solo shows, one guest appearance on a show with his great
friend Goran Gora and a radio session. Please, make yourself updated regarding times
and prices. This tour is put together in it's entirety by Goran Gora + his management.
19 JAN - Radio 101, Riga (LV) (Radio Session)
19 JAN - Sapnu Fabrika, Riga (LV) (Guest appearance on Goran Gora's show)
20 JAN - Club "Perle", Riga (LV)
22 JAN - I Love You Bar, Riga (LV)
Dec 22th 2010 ROUND UP / FAVORITE ALBUM OF 2010 LIST
Hi all.
Just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays. I also wanted to take a moment
to thank you all who've come to the shows or listened to the songs of the
album. 2010 sure was a really nice experience for me and I have big hopes
for 2011 becoming a keeper.
Here are my fav albums of the year, a bit revised compared to the list published
at It's a trap some weeks ago where I somehow forgot Yrsel and Mynabirds great debuts.
01. Damien Jurado - St Bartlett
02. Sleigh Bells - Treats
03. Mogwai - Special moves
04. Beach House - Teen dream
05. Dear Euphoria - This night will flee
06. Samantha Crain - One
07. The Mynabirds - What we lost in the fire we gained in the flood
08. Yrsel - Requiem For The Three Kharites
09. The National - High violet
10. Sufjan Stevens - The age of Adz
11. I Was a King - Old friends
12. The Unwinding Hours - s/t
13. Birds of Passage - Without the world
2011, starts for me with a show at home in Lund, then to a small tour in Latvia in January,
in the end of January, my back catalog will get a digital re-release + last album will come
out again physical. But most I guess it means that all the catalog will be available on Spotify.
Then in February, Arctic will be released in Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland,
Belgium and Luxembourg. In March the album will come out in UK, which I really look forward
to. Keep updated on the website for upcoming tours.
Merry Christmas and all the best wishes for a great 2011.
xx Thomas
Dec 22th 2010 ARCTIC ON TOP
Arctic has been mentioned in Swedish magazines' and sites' top lists over the year's best
music. Here are some:
#10 - AFTONBLADET (Sweden's biggest evening paper) #3 - JOYZINE.SE (Anders Nilsson) #3 - GAFFA (Emma Rastbäck) #8 - ABSOLUTE NOISE (FR) (list over best music videos) #10 - VÄRMLANDS FOLKBLAD #11 - JOYZINE.SE (Nina Torbacke) #7 - NYA WERMLANDS TIDNINGENDec 9th 2010 ARCTIC'S FIRST INTERNATIONAL RELEASE DATESBenelux Feb 14 via V2
Germany/Austria/Switzerland Feb 25 via Edel Distribution
UK March 7th via Essential Music
France TBA
Except for our distributors we also work with the fine people @ John Crosby PR (UK)
and Dirk Laubringer @ Guerilla Music (Germany/Austria/Switzerland) for external PR.
NEWS-ARCHIVE
January 23rd 2012 - Acoustic "A Continent Lost" on free download
January 8th 2012 - Fundings for new album Thanks to Kulturrådet (Swedish Culture Counsile) for giving 30.000kr for production fundings on the forthcoming album. December 28th 2011 - Interview with the Useless Critic Thomas speaks with the Useless Critic about the future, the new album, the album trilogy and the difference between alt.country and white noise. http://www.theuselesscritic.com/2011/12/im-kingfisher-interview.html December 16th 2011 - kingnighterfirstfisher
From a lovely morning with Douglas Holmquist (Testbild) in his studio in Malmö. I've cut some vocals that (hopefully) will end up on Firstnighters debut album next year. She's amazing and I'm thrilled about this. December 12th - INTERVIEW WITH THE JITTY (UK) New interview published @ http://www.thejitty.com/articles/kingfisherinterview December 7th 2011 - WISHES FOR HAPPY HOLIDAYS As some of you already know, my show in Malmö the 17th will mark the beginning of a calmer peiod for me touringwise. I will most certainly do the odd show every now and then so keep yourself updated on the tour page. For next year, I'm going to focus on the recording on my next album, the second part of my album trilogy, which we already have started recording. I've also written a first draft of the last part of the trilogy. Somewhen around late 2012 or early 2013 we will release the new album and I will be back in the saddle entirely again. I will keep posting stuff here and on the social platforms, got some fun collab stuff to present soon. This year has been one of the best for me both musicwise and in general. Thanks all of you who've been a part of that. Can't wait for the future. xx Thomas +
A BAKER'S DOZEN - MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2011 1. Earth - Angels of Darkness, demons of light 2. Mogwai - Hardcore will never die, but you will 3. Bon Iver - Bon Iver 4. My Morning Jacket - Circuital 5. Eleanor Friedberger - Last Summer 6. Bill Callahan - Rough Travel for a rare thing 7. James Blake - James Blake 8. Loney Dear - Hall Music 9. The head and the heart - S/t 10. The Deer Tracks - The Archer Trilogy Pt.2 11. Jonathan Johansson - Klagomuren 12. Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell me 13. Tennis - Cape Dory 14. Ondo/Nekrasov - (Split LP) + HAPPY HOLIDAYS! UPDATED November 19h 2011 - NEW MUSIC VIDEO: SVALBARD (/w press quotes) "The album made it to the best of 2010, and keeps rotating on our lists. Arctic is an masterpiece. The video is no exception." Kentuckyseven (S) "It's definitely a strong one" JA JA JA (UK) "Et album som er like vennlig og fint, som låtskriver og mannen bak kunstnernavet; Thomas Denver Johanson er en hyggelig kar. Hvilket vil si meget." Aslaugok.com (N) Here's the fourth and last music video of the album 'Arctic'. The song, entitled 'Svalbard' is featuring Richard Neuberg (Viarosa) on Mandolin and the man on the ice is Stefan Westling who provided the cover art for the album. If you like this, please share the link: http://youtu.be/oDi7Vw8fSKU (if you're up for helping me doing a music video for the album's 7-minute track 'Deer Theatre', get in touch at info@thomasdenver.com) November 16th 2011 - CASABLANCA ACCORDING TO THE KIFI
Thomas performed at Pop Quiz Malmö the other day. Aside from his ordinary set he also performed a cover song of his own pick as a question in Quiz. 2p for right band and 2p for right song. Here's the answer revealed. UPDATED October 29th 2011 - NEW UK REVIEWS + 1 INTERVIEW More really good online press on the UK re-release of Arctic. * NEW REVIEW: FOR FOLK'S SAKE (UK) "Bon Iver’s alone-in-the- woods masterpiece For Emma, Forever Ago aside, few albums can boast a sense of place to match Arctic. * NEW REVIEW: LIVE MUSIC SCENE (UK) "Jonsson’s ability to weave beautiful lyrical melodies whilst keeping them poignant is impressive and he manages to avoid falling into the trap of melodramatic clichés about love creating a beautiful yet deep artwork that is a true pleasure to listen to." * REVIEW: SLOUCHER.ORG (UK) "A wonderful (but creepy) album" Also check out Sloucher's review for a lot of movie references "You get seven minutes of wonderful, terrifying musical ideas and the perfect score for a devastating horrible blizzard tearing the place a new one (or a monster chasing Kurt Russell…or Tom Baker)." Plus, finally, The Mighty Boosh is mentioned in a Kingfisher review * REVIEW: PENNYBLACK MUSIC (UK) "An incredible indie folk act .../... I feel my life is slightly better each time I listen to 'Arctic'" * INTERVIEW: PENNYBLACK MUSIC (UK) Pennyblack Music also made an interview with Thomas, talking about the full concept of 'Arctic' and about the Swedish pop scene. * REVIEW (7 out of 10): WHISPERIN' & HOLLERIN' (UK) "As much influenced by the picked, leftfield dynamics of John Fahey and Bill Callahan as the hushed vocals of Will Oldham, the record is at once both polite but dramatic, turning over its ideas, ruminating between topics and within the genre, track on track .../... An artist by all means, and a talented one, particularly with his use of guitar." * REVIEW: ALLGIGS.CO.UK (UK) October 26th 2011 - SONG OF TOMORROW DVD RELEASE
The motion picture Framtidens Melodi ("Song of tomorrow") from 2009 (Swedish cinema premier 2010), that features the song Possession (duet w. Elina Johansson from the album The Lake Acts Like an Ocean) during the end credits is finally available on DVD. Swedish, English and French subtitles available as well as directors' commentary. Info and ordering at: http://folketsdvd.se/framtidens-melodi (In Swedish only) October 13th 2011 - RADIO SESSION + SHOW REVIEW
Thomas played yesterday at Trollhättan together with his friend Helena Sundström aka Mine to Keep, whose debutalbum he contributed vocals too a few years ago. The show got a really raving review in the local newspaper TTELA (in Swedish) "A top class perfomance .../... we saw a kingfisher transform into an eagle" REVIEW HERE
In the wee morning prior to the show, Thomas did a radio interview and session with P4 Väst, check it out here (also Swedish) October 3rd 2011 - MORE UK PRESS British e-zine Electric Ghost puts a nice note prior to Arctic's re-release in UK in mid-Oct (updated frequently)
September 30th 2011 - BLOG SESSION Before the show in Wrexham on September 9th, Thomas played a new song for the lovely blog We are The Sound + SMILE WITH YOUR 1000 TEETH
September 23rd 2011 - R2 INTERVIEW Thomas met up with Gerry Ranson from the UK folk/rock-magazine R2 in London and an interview is published in their brand new Sep/Oct issue. Read the interview: HERE September 14th 2011 - NEW REVIEWS Thomas have just returned from his 7th UK tour to date. His album 'Arctic' also awaits a UK re-release in October and new reviews and stuff will be added here frequently. Folk Radio UK (FRUK) just published a 4 star review @ THEIR WEBSITE "I’m Kingfisher is clearly ‘in the zone’ with this release. The gentle nature of the music, experimentation and subtle electronica draw out his incredible voice and lyrics, this is just the beginning." Amp Magazine (UK) also published a really raving review. "There are a lot of singersongwriters in the music industry at present, with Arctic, I'm Kingfisher has raised the bar and set the standard to the next level for others to attempt to follow." August 8th 2011 - GOING BACK TO UK UPDATE SEP 6TH - CARDIFF SHOW RELOCATED TO 10 FEET TALL First up is shows in Segmon, Malmö and Karlstad. After that, Thomas will go back to UK for 5 new shows, mostly in Wales. 6 SEP - LONDON/CAMDEN (UK) @ Dublin Castle 8 SEP - CARDIFF (UK) @ 10 FEET TALL(+ Meilir) 9 SEP - WREXHAM (UK) @ The Central Station 10 SEP - HOLYWELL (UK) @ The Well Inn Festival 2011 11 SEP - CHESTER (UK) @ the Telford's Warehouse June 16th 2011 - DREAMS AT THE FILM CLUB I: THOMAS TO PERFORM @ MÜNICH FILM FESTIVAL, GERMANY JULY 2ND Thomas has been invited by the Swedish Film Institute to perform at the public afterparty on the last evening of the festival, July 2nd. SFI, who except arranging the concert also screens a lot of Swedish quality movies during festival, among others a full retrospective of Roy Andersson's movies. Thomas shares the bill @ Gasteig will Hellsingland Underground and everything starts at 8PM. DREAMS AT THE FILM CLUB II: THE SONG 'POSSESSION' IN NEW SWEDISH MOVIE Thomas song 'Possession' (as Thomas Denver Jonsson) is featured in it's entirety in the end credits of the movie "Framtidens Melodi (Song of Tomorrow)" which was premiered on Swedish cinemas last friday. The movie, originally released 2009, has been touring a lot around the world at Film Festivals and have gathered prizes and raving reviews (for an example the award "Best Actor" on Mexico City's Film Festival. May 31st 2011 - ACOUSTIC SESSION + INTERVIEW Thomas is currently halfway through his tour and has now joined up with Christian Kjellvander, Boy Omega and The Tarantula Waltz for a week's touring in Austria & Croatia. Earlier this month, he did a show in Leuven, Belgiun and had the ace filmer Jeroen Jullet follow his every step for a day. It resultet in this feature + live footage + interview + Thomas playing Whale Hunt + Svalbard live in a staircase. Listen to that natural reverb! May 25th 2011 - REVIEW & INTERVIEW WITH US DIRTY IMPOUND Thomas is interviewed by US blog Dirty Impound and also got a really tasty review on his newest album. "Arctic, I’m Kingfisher’s tantalizing debut ...//... is a meditative, melancholy trek but one flecked with humor and oddly beveled poetry, a relative to Iron & Wine, Damien Jurado and most especially M. Ward" http://www.dirtyimpound.com/2011/05/impounded-inquiries-im-kingfisher/ May 23th 2011 - IN THE STUDIO MAKING ALBUM 5
Just a short note that I and Carl Edlom have had our first studio session recording stuff for my future 5th album. I guess there will be reason to get back more about this when we're closing to finishing, which speaking from experience can be an extremely long process. Bottom line is that I'm really happy though to be on it again, I forecast the next album to be warmer and for this one and I have way much more material that made the final cut than we're able to squeeze in, which will be a really delicate problem later on to make the final track list. Next up (if the Icelandic volcano cloud won't hinder me), is the European 9 date tour in UK/Austria/Croatia starting on thursday. Can't wait. I'm so excited to get out again. I've just had a talk with (INTERVIEW) Nottingham Live about the show on Friday. --T May 19th 2011 - 4 STAR REVIEW IN R2 (UK)
also, don't miss out Thomas' UK/AUSTRIA/CROATIA-TOUR May 26 - June 4 and the recent 4 STAR REVIEW in Uncut (UK) May 12th 2011 - UPCOMING UK/AUSTRIA/CROATIA-TOUR updated May 16th change location for the show May 28th After playing Belgium last week and opening for Band of Heathens in Malmö yesterday, next performing task for Thomas will be embarking on a 9-date European tour taking him to UK, Austria and Croatia between May 26th and June 4th. The dates in Austria and Croatia will be together will fellow Swedes Christian Kjellvander, Boy Omega and The Tarantula Waltz. 26 MAY - LONDON (LEYTONSTONE) (UK) @ What's Cookin' @ The North Star 27 MAY - NOTTINGHAM (UK) @ The Walk (+ Rob of Spaceships are Cool) 28 MAY - WREXHAM (UK) Focus Wales 2011 @ Central Station 30 MAY - GRAZ (AT) @ Forum Stadtpark 31 MAY - WIEN (AT) @ Szene 01 JUN - LINZ (AT) @ Posthof 02 JUN - DORNBIRN (AT) @ Spielboden 03 JUN - ZAGREB (HR) @ SC Teatar & TD 04 JUN - INNSBRUCK (AT) @ Bäckerei Thomas will do a few shows in Sweden during the summer and more dates are on their way. Keep updated for newly confirmed shows over at the: TOUR-PAGE May 4th 2011 - NEW VIDEO: A CONTINENT LOST First of two music videos signed Carl Edlom (producer of 'Arctic') and Johan Eklund, we give you 'A CONTINENT LOST'. Enjoy! + A really good UK review over at: Netrhytms. The reviewer draws references to great guitarists like John Martyn, John Fahey, M Ward, Jason Molina and Neil Young. ++ Cery Matthews at BBC6 recently played 'Feline Funeral' from the album on her show. Apr 28th 2011 - ARCTIC GETS 4/5 IN UNCUT In the new issue of british UNCUT, Arctic is reviewed twice (!). Rob Hughes writes "Has been knocking out fine records for almost a decade .../... his tremolous voice [is] still hugely affecting. Colleague Mike Houghton writes "Jonsson deserves to be singled out .../... 'Willing Night Plants' inhabits the same doomy world as Neil Youngs' 'Ambulance Blues"
Apr 24th 2011 - DAMIEN JURADO-TOUR REVISITED Thomas has just returned from his week supporting Damien Jurado in Sweden/Denmark and he has got some really good reviews and mentions: * First, the show at Södra Teatern, Stockholm was recorded and is available to listen to at: http://www.gimmeindie.se/live/konsert/imkingfisher/ (click on the play symbol) Gimme Indie writes: "One of the most humble and completely brilliant artists we've got" * US renowened music site Jambase.com has a raving review up at: http://www.jambase.com/Articles/49503/JamBase-Questionnaire-I’m-Kingfisher "The fathoms deep feeling and gently leaping poetic language of Jonsson’s work is one of those magical, humanizing sounds". The article also contains a short interview where Thomas among other things reveals his dancing skills! * Danish Diskant.dk reviewed the show in Copenhagen. Gave it 9 out of 10 and wrote "A magic evening with two unique musicians" http://www.diskant.dk/live/koncertanmeldelser/11-04-11-damien-jurado-og-i’m-kingfisher-huset-i-magstræde.htm * Swedish Rockfoto.nu listed the gig as one of the best forthcoming shows and wrote that Thomas' album Arctic was "one of the best Swedish albums of last year" (http://rockfoto.nu/magazine/2011/04/15/veckans-basta-spelningar-9/) * Thomas was also interviewed by Swedish radio P4 (Swedish only) "A big voice in a small body" http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=4066&artikel=4466939 * Finally, Thomas made an acoustic appearance (above) for the French music site Le Cargo, who in the article says that Arctic is one of the best folk albums of this year. http://www.lecargo.org/spip/i-m-kingfisher/session-acoustique-273/article7038.html Mar 11th 2011 - TOURS WITH DAMIEN JURADO & CHRISTIAN KJELLVANDER + SOME RECENT REVIEWS Really happy to announce that Thomas will support Damien Jurado on his shows in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö in April and will also go on tour with fellow Swedes Christian Kjellvander, Boy Omega and Tarantula Waltz in Austria and Croatia in May/June. The dates + for the aforementioned Belgian appearance and a few random Swedish shows are all up at the Tour page + Arctic just got a really raving 4/5 review at Athen's Voice - 'the largest free-press weekly newspaper in Greece'. "Thomas Jonsson has just sucked all the aesthetic philosophy of folk and americana, but has made it his own. He lives within it and therefore can and transform into something so beautiful, so sweet, so personal, so crucial and so convincing that it is impossible to believe that this guy is from Sweden." Also some recent really great Belgian reviews @ ""First, the album is clearly 'folk', but you can also describe it as a kind of Scandinavian-rock because it really comes close to some of the sounds of Icelandic colleagues Sigur Ros'" - Damusic.be (4/6) "Spans from lo-fi á la M Ward to synth-driven music á la Mogwai. The result is a remarkable singer/songwriter-album" - Soundslike.be Feb 14th 2011 - VIDEO PREMIERE: SMILE WITH YOUR 1000 TEETH + LIVE Feb 9th 2011 - SHOW IN BELGIUM / GREAT BELGIAN REVIEWS (updated) Thanks to Roel @ Live Nation, Thomas will get back to Belgium for a solo show for the first time in 5 years, when he plays @ Stuk/Petit Labo in Leuven May5th. Keep updated for possible adds to the schedule. As reported earlier, the new album "Arctic" has received very good reviews in Belgium's biggest news papers since the release there a couple of weeks ago. Translated quotes below, click on each reference for original reviews. "Would be a new favorite from the alternative US scene if it wasn't for the fact that he's from Sweden. Sounds a bit like The Courage of others of Midlake when putting acoustic folk, electric and electronic sounds, strings or brass over very good songs, fevered, luminous and melancholy, that evoke a north pole expedition during the global warming. - L'Avenir (BE) "Certainly one early 2011 album for everyone who listens to Port O' Brien, Bon Iver, The National and M Ward. The Swede is touching, poetic, lyrical and magic." - DH (La Dernière Heure) (BE) "Reminds of Bon Iver and Bonnie Prince Billy and we could honestly never have guessed that a Swede could behind this music. A mature album of an experienced and talented songwriter" - De Standaard (BE) "He dreams about great american views and we dream with him, from start to beginning a flawless disc" - Le Soir (Le Mad) (BE) "This album is a revelation, because every song has something original and innovative to offer .../... an album to cherish" - Rootstime.be (BE) "'Arctic' baths in a glacier atmosphere, the guitars seems to have icicles instead of strings and his voice also seemingly reverbs againt an ice surface. It's a successful scene setting that warms the heart" - Knack (BE)
Jan 24th 2011 NEW COLLABORATION: BROTHERS & SISTERS BOOKING AGENCY Thomas now works with the Swedish booking agency Brothers & Sisters who also have indie acts such as Simian Ghost, In These Woods and Leaders Off on their roster. BROTHERS&SISTERS WWW Jan 17th 2011 NOMINATED FOR MUSIC AWARD Thomas is nominated for the Swedish music prize Manifest in the category Best Singer/Songwriter. The winner is announced at the Manifest Gala @ Nalen in Stockholm February 4th. Jan 13th 2011 LATVIAN SHOWS NEXT WEEK Thomas will return to Riga next week to perform for the first time since 2007. The tour includes two solo shows, one guest appearance on a show with his great friend Goran Gora and a radio session. Please, make yourself updated regarding times and prices. This tour is put together in it's entirety by Goran Gora + his management. 19 JAN - Radio 101, Riga (LV) (Radio Session) 19 JAN - Sapnu Fabrika, Riga (LV) (Guest appearance on Goran Gora's show) 20 JAN - Club "Perle", Riga (LV) 22 JAN - I Love You Bar, Riga (LV) Dec 22th 2010 ROUND UP / FAVORITE ALBUM OF 2010 LIST Hi all. Just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays. I also wanted to take a moment to thank you all who've come to the shows or listened to the songs of the album. 2010 sure was a really nice experience for me and I have big hopes for 2011 becoming a keeper. Here are my fav albums of the year, a bit revised compared to the list published at It's a trap some weeks ago where I somehow forgot Yrsel and Mynabirds great debuts. 01. Damien Jurado - St Bartlett 02. Sleigh Bells - Treats 03. Mogwai - Special moves 04. Beach House - Teen dream 05. Dear Euphoria - This night will flee 06. Samantha Crain - One 07. The Mynabirds - What we lost in the fire we gained in the flood 08. Yrsel - Requiem For The Three Kharites 09. The National - High violet 10. Sufjan Stevens - The age of Adz 11. I Was a King - Old friends 12. The Unwinding Hours - s/t 13. Birds of Passage - Without the world 2011, starts for me with a show at home in Lund, then to a small tour in Latvia in January, in the end of January, my back catalog will get a digital re-release + last album will come out again physical. But most I guess it means that all the catalog will be available on Spotify. Then in February, Arctic will be released in Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg. In March the album will come out in UK, which I really look forward to. Keep updated on the website for upcoming tours. Merry Christmas and all the best wishes for a great 2011. xx Thomas Dec 22th 2010 ARCTIC ON TOP Arctic has been mentioned in Swedish magazines' and sites' top lists over the year's best music. Here are some: #10 - AFTONBLADET (Sweden's biggest evening paper) #3 - JOYZINE.SE (Anders Nilsson) #3 - GAFFA (Emma Rastbäck) #8 - ABSOLUTE NOISE (FR) (list over best music videos) #10 - VÄRMLANDS FOLKBLAD #11 - JOYZINE.SE (Nina Torbacke) #7 - NYA WERMLANDS TIDNINGEN Dec 9th 2010 ARCTIC'S FIRST INTERNATIONAL RELEASE DATES
Benelux Feb 14 via V2 Germany/Austria/Switzerland Feb 25 via Edel Distribution UK March 7th via Essential Music France TBA Except for our distributors we also work with the fine people @ John Crosby PR (UK) and Dirk Laubringer @ Guerilla Music (Germany/Austria/Switzerland) for external PR. NEWS-ARCHIVE
