“Leveling Up ” is the first new Astrid Swan track since 2021’s D/other album
It’s been five years since the arrival of Astrid Swan’s album “D/other”, a collection of songs that was expected to be her last. In the years after Swan has published her debut novel, Noitarakastaja (2024) and continued her academic research.
According to Swan: “‘Leveling Up’ begins a new cycle of songs. It is not obvious to continue making music. It is particularly strange when you have prepared to die and have imagined certain recordings to be the last ones you ever make. And then there is more time and more songs. Yet, there is also the question why and why me? Should I produce more noise in this world or recede and listen to the sounds that others make?”
Listen to “Leveling Up”
In a tempo set by such circumstances and the questions that remain without answers, Swan has continued to work with her trusted band – recently performing a show celebrating 20 years of published music, and preparing new sounds.
Swan continues: “The process of songwriting has slowed down. I must inspect my own reasons for creating new things. I must open up new doors and not just repeat myself. Or choose to repeat with a purpose. In the trickle of music that’s come my way, I have tried to inspect the void, the gaps and absences that appear. Sometimes I think they are there because of my particular death-bound-ness and other times I blame middle age.”
“Leveling Up” Single arrives on September 18th via Soliti
Initial Reaction
“What I’ve always liked about Swan’s music is the sanguine serenity it brings to it. The principle opening chords to this song are disheartening to put it mildly despite the little piano distractions and noises off that are thrown in but her vocal – a little like Björk’s in places – simply oozes inspiration and optimism and drags it to that other level.” Nordc Music Central
Astrid Swan single sleeve for “Leveling Up”
Sleeve by Astrid Swan
Credits
Produced by Astrid Swan
Music & Lyrics by Astrid Swan
Recorded by Astrid Swan.
Mixed by Mikael Hakkarainen & Astrid Swan
Mastered by Joel Ward.
Astrid Swan: Vocals, backing vocals, piano, synth, programming.
Astrid Swan and her band perform at Soliti 15 @KULT Helsinki on the 26th Sept.
Tickets from here
Selected Press for Astrid Swan’s D/other album
“Deeply touching LP from award winning performer” – Mojo
“The album is beautifully raw, combining pop and poetic storytelling to uncover the beautiful interplay between life and death”. – Noctis Magazine
“D/other is not hit music, but something deeper that requires concentration. Beautiful and warm reflections on life from a sunset perspective.” 4.5/5 Kulttuuritoimitus
“…an excellent album and her explorations into the themes of motherhood are extensive and interesting” 4/5 R&R Magazine
Swan seems to have realized some significant things, the most important of which is probably living in the moment, because there is nothing else we really have. And often we don’t even need anything else to get really close to the essentials.” Desibeli
“Freedom and inspiration can be heard from the effortless arcs of the compositions, which Swan interprets in a heartfelt and straightforward way.” Soundi ⅘
“There’s a warm comforting feel to many of her songs” Big Issue North
“The D/other album, is once again a touching, comforting and artistic masterpiece.” Päivän Biisit
“While it is undoubtedly heartbreaking, Swan imbues the songs with positivity and not a small amount of oomph” Daily Express
Astrid Swan Leveling Up single photo by Silvi Traina
Astrid Swan is a songwriter, performer, writer and researcher. Since her debut in 2005 she has published six solo albums as well as a series of collaborative releases. Swan’s solo records have been released in Finland, USA, England, Germany and Scandinavia. Over the years she has performed on multiple tours in Europe and the USA. Swan’s sixth solo album From the Bed and Beyond won the prestigious Finnish music award, Teosto-palkinto, in 2018. The album, which describes the experience of becoming seriously ill and encountering the figure of death, was shortlisted for the Nordic Music Prize and nominated at the Emma Awards (her second nomination for a Finnish Grammy.) In 2021 Swan released her latest solo album D/other, which is an accomplished amalgamation of her thematic songwriting over her career, sonic production and her work with the long-term accompanying musicians in her band. In 2019 Swan co-composed, co-produced, recorded and mixed the SWAN/KOISTINEN EP (Soliti), a collaboration with singer/songwriter Stina Koistinen (Color Dolor) and the Canadian musician Owen Pallett.