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Artist description
Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of and an undying passion for pop music in all it's forms — seaholm, etc. fuse an all-inclusive, groove-heavy musical style with first-rate songwriting to create a sound one reviewer aptly refered to as "wide-screen pop". |
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Music Style
Power Pop |
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Musical Influences
The Beatles, Steely Dan, Elvis Costello, Crowded House, Motown, Stax/Volt, Peter Gabriel, James Brown, Badfinger, Tower of Power, King Crimson, Daniel Lanois. |
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Similar Artists
Joe Henry, DaDa, The Grays, Michael Penn, Beck, Fiona Apple, The Eels, Don Dixon, Ben Folds Five, Amie Mann, John Hiatt, The Beatles, Steely Dan, Elvis Costello, Crowded House, Neil Finn, Radiohead, C |
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Artist History
Although initially the province of San Diego artist/producer Sven-Erik Seaholm, the band has quickly developed into an outstanding live act as well. Seaholm's past work with his band The Wild Truth as well as producing other artists (Buddy Blue, Loam, Mary Dolan) has garnered him 5 San Diego Music Award nominations in the last 7 years.
Having the opportunity to choose from the cream of the San Diego crop, Seaholm has selected a world-class roster including guitarist Dylan Ankney (Brax, JamPact) who possess the unique ability to play any song in any style instantly. Similarly, drummer Mike Bedard (Carter Bros., Brax) can turn any surface into a beautiful musical instrument by sheer virtue of his percussionist finesse. Bassist David Ybarra (Cloud Merchants, Hate/Romance, Mary Dolan) lays down grooves so pliable they could be molded into towering testimonials of funk. All members of seaholm, etc. are also acomplished vocalists, employing beautiful Brian Wilson-like soundscapes at will.
A definite must-see band.
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Group Members
Sven-Erik Seaholm, Dylan Ankney, Mike Bedard, David Ybarra |
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Instruments
Sven: vocals, guitar, keyboards, loops; Dylan: guitar, vocals; Mike: drums, vocals; David: bass, vocals |
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Albums
Passion's Little Plaything |
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Press Reviews
4 Stars:
Local artist/musician/producer Sven-Erik Seaholm is well known within the San Diego music Scene as a mover and shaker, now he’s expanding into performing by himself in his debut CD Passion’s Little Plaything. Immersed as he has been throughout his life among the arts, Seaholm is relaxed and reassuring without ever losing touch with the musical impressions he wants ho make.
To start with, Seaholm does not stick to form. His calm and easy style displays a chameleon-like quality to describe each mood. The CD’s theme is passion, which Seaholm cites as "something that we always ways strive to maintain in our lives, It brings a welcome intensity. But...it can unfortunately become a very destructive force as well." The songs reflect passion’s many sides in a comforting way due to Seaholm’s smooth vocals and the artistry of the musicians he has called upon to help build that music. His passion is not heated, angry or violent, rather he provides a sense what may lie just below the surface in all of us.
One major fact the listener will notice is that the songs are diverse yet cohesive. Seaholm has a definite style that we will recognize in the future; however, he shows depth in making the music reflect each mood. Just when you think he has settled into a pattern, he shifts gears and pulls you into another direction. Most tunes have a sensation of familiarity to them, but Seaholm manages to bring each one out with a casual crispness keeps them unique. He has genuine talent for sensitive sounds that are not too demanding of one's attention—the music seeps into the soul as sure and peaceful as a warm memory.
The music does not detract from the lyrics either, which have a life of their own. The language is plain arid direct and is a compliment to the music that accompanies it. They combine to express a clear picture of the romance of life. Again, one encounters Seaholm’s sensitivity and calm.
All of this is backed by some real talent from San Diego's growing musical community, the "etc." on the CD's label. Guitarist Wayne Preis is a solid presence in most of the music and he enjoys letting loose with an occasional riff of his own. Jesus Bas, a flamenco guitarist from Spain adds welcome color to "Rose Tattoo." Vocalist Mary Dolan casts long emotional shadows along with Seaholm in their musical dialog in "Wait..." a piece that flashes back to the Motown sound of the '60s (as does another track, "Want pts.1 & 2"). In "Stop Talking." the band surrounds Seaholm’s anguished vocals with hearty back-to-basics rock ‘n’ roll. He really lets go on this one-- beast is out!
Passion’s Little Plaything is not a coming out for Sven-Erik Seaholm but rather, a culmination of learning, talent and a genuine love for music and poetry. You will enjoy each cut on this CD for it’s originality, diversity and pure ease of listening. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming along!
-K Davitashvili
The Esspresso
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Location
La Mesa, CA - USA |
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