NORMBREAKERS # 1 – PLAYSCAPES – Tuulikki Bartosik & Sander Mölder + ZLATOYAR – solo

Playscapes is a collaboration between Swedish-Estonian composer and accordionist Tuulikki Bartonsik and Estonian electronic music composer Sander Mölder. The project has been performed at a number of international festivals, but this is the first time it has been performed in Sweden with both composers.

Playscapes is a musical and cultural crossover project and the listener is invited to join them in their exploration. Musical traditions of the Estonian zither meet an absolutely contemporary soundscape, and beat-based elements can evoke associations with both Philip Glass and Kraftwerk. The result is a deeply evocative musical experience that stays long in the audience’s mind. Mysticism, beauty, time and space. Minimalist and opulent at the same time.

Playscapes has been critically acclaimed in Sweden and abroad. It’s been shortlisted by both Bandcamp and Songlines Music Award. Beehype Magazine named it one of the best albums of 2023, Lira mentioned it as the folktronica album of the year and it was nominated for the Manifest Prize in the experimental music category.

”The sound is perfectly tuned, ensuring all looped elements connect seamlessly with an attentive audience. Their music draws from traditional tones, particularly evident when the Estonian zither (a string instrument) is played. This adds a layer of mystery and elusiveness.” Makeafuzz.com

Zlatoyar (aka Oleksii Kobel) was an established bassist both in Ukraine and internationally at the time of Russia’s extended invasion in 2022. Although Sweden has been his home ever since, he has toured all over the world, mainly with the Swedish metal band Soen. But alongside a successful career, Zlatoyar writes and performs pieces for solo 6-string bass and has an ever-growing fanbase as an individual musician. He is also collaborating with the American top of the line bass manufacturer MTD as an associate musician.

A solo concert with Zlatoyar is an experience of an incomparable musician and also an exploration of the possibilities of the bass as a solo instrument. Add to that a relaxed stage personality and communicator of his musical visions.

Normbreakers is a collaboration between Debaser and Musikcentrum Öst and presents artists who create music beyond borders, genres and norms. The project is supported by the City of Stockholm.

Lineup:
PLAYSCAPES:
Tuulikki Bartosik - ackordeon, liveelektronik, sång, estnisk kantele
Sander Mölder - liveelektronik och keyboard
ZLATOYAR:
Zlatoyar - 6-string solo bass