José González performing Veneer

Swedish singer-songwriter José González is celebrating 20 years of his first album, the surprise success of which heralded a return of a timeless folk that is both raw and touching.

Recorded in a lonely Göteborg apartment with nothing but an acoustic guitar, Veneer was not predestined for its huge success. It was the belated discovery of the cover of "Heartbeats" by The Knife that set the album on its path of hits two years after its release. A broader public got to know its short, gently melodious songs, performed by an ageless voice over a free and playful guitar reminiscent of bossa. The tracks were radical and modern in their simplicity and paved the way for José González’s exciting career, involving frequent trips to more electric lands with his band Junip alongside regular returns to his roots of simple solo performances. It is one of these simpler shows that our Swedish artist is bringing to this incredible evening, where he will share the songs of his first album with some of his other classics and covers.

Opening act: Blumi

A handful of songs across two EPs was enough to turn Franco-English singer Blumi into a big newcomer with a delicate pop in constant metamorphosis.

Before taking the reins of her sophisticated songs solo, Emma Broughton spent a long time sharing her sublime voice and instrumental talents with others. She has provided vocals to Bon Iver and Feist and has worked with Parisian musicians Thousand, Orouni and Olivier Marguerit, a found family who encouraged her to take centre stage herself. And the stage was ready for her, with Blumi’s two outstanding EPs, I Know About You (2021) and there is no end in me. (2022), demonstrating her generous and elegant compositions. Her flexible voice, beautiful melodies and precise arrangements (keyboard, flute and guitar, both acoustic and electric) play a promise of a bright future. 

Timetable

7:30pm: doors
8pm: Blumi
8:30pm: intermission
8:50pm: José González