SARA PARKMAN ^SE

Heavenly folk music with political messages

Sara Parkman brings poetry and political edge to the folk music tradition. In her home country of Sweden, this has made her a much debated artist who has used folk music to address a criticism of both nationalism and the patriarchy.

In 2017, she released the album Matriarkerna (‘the matriarchs’) which focused on the history of women and gave a voice to female musicians who has historically been overshadowed by men. Matriarkerna was also made into a cabaret-like show, and Parkman has on several occasions dabbled between the formats of concert and theatre.

Her first solo album, Sara Parkmans skog (’Sara Parkman’s forest’) (2016), really showcased her as a fantastic songwriter who knew exactly how to unite poetry and protest, folk music and modern sound experiments.

In 2019, she released Vesper – an album that moved into more of a celestial room with inspiration from psalms, prayers and church choirs. Parkman is the daughter of a pastor and religion has always been a part of her life. Still, she also fills the album with political bite and indignation. Activist Greta Thunberg and Save the Children have used some of her songs for a campaign about the climate crisis.

Parkman has won several awards for her music. In 2017, she received the ‘Artist of the year’ award at the Folk & Världsmusikgalan in Sweden, and her album Matriarkerna won the ‘Album of the year’ award the following year. She has also received an activist award from SKAP, The Swedish Society of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.

Come watch the magic world of sound unfold when Sara Parkman’s folk music comes alive at Roskilde Festival. If you want a taste of things to come, we suggest you give her 2021 live album Live på Clandestino Festival a listen. You can really hear the power in her voice and the heavenly sounds of the music.