Stockholm City 101129
By: KLAS EKMAN
JOEL PIECES Helen Sjöholm rediscovered artist Billy Joel a few years ago. Now a CD is released in which she interprets the artist’s songs, with texts translated by Tomas Andersson Wij.
It began when Helen Sjöholm unpacked her record collection after a removal. Her “old man” started run a quiz with records and old playlists. One of the songs he played was Billy Joel’s “She’s always a woman “.
– There was an old sweetheart, and then I was curious and listened more to Billy Joel. Around the same time, it became obviously, I would make my own album for the first time in eight years, she says, sitting in the cafe part of Dieselverkstan i Sickla.
The result was “Euforia – Helen Sjöholm singing Billy Joel.” Texts translated by Tomas Andersson Wij. The songs had to be presented in Swedish, it was a requirement.
– I hadn´t done it otherwise, it hadn´t felt enough interesting. And they needed furthermore to be processed a little. They are written from a very male perspective and colored by a certain time. To get Thomas involved was a jackpot. He had to work really hard, and he probably had an interesting summer.
SHE HAS A FULL understanding to the choice of the artist can be considered as a little surprising. Billy Joel is certainly not unknown, but not directly a pressing question here in Sweden.
– I understand he is bigger everywhere, except right here. I can´t say that my target was to proselytize for his songs, but it´s nice that they aren´t hackneyed. And it´s beautiful melodies, Helen Sjöholm says.
The album was recorded simultaneously by Helen Sjöholm rehearsing before the Stockholm City Theatre set of “Aniara”.
– Sometimes it’s good to not be over-focused. But I have no major role in “Aniara”, there is a collective show that is based on the group.
… And Andreas Kleerup´s music. The second unexpected meeting this autumn, at least for those who most associate Helen Sjöholm with musicals and Benny Andersson Orchestra.
– There was nothing strange at all. Andreas has really opted for this, and left us pretty much alone. He was very generous for changes. I met him for the first time when he was working with Jojje Wadenius, and I hope that the music for “Aniara” will be released at a CD. It would be a pity if it just disappeared.
During the year, Helen Sjöholm also made a movie. She was cast as the mother in “Simon and the oaks’ based on Marianne Fredriksson´s book. Simon is played by Bill Skarsgård.
– Spring and autumn have been a bit intense. I will take it pretty easy during next year, but I noticed that I lacked the studio jiggle. It was nice with new material.
Have any of the songs on Euforia a chance to outdo your Svensktoppen record with BAO’s “You are my man”?
– No, I don´t think Euforia is so direct. It is enough to hear “You are my man” by half, then you have grabbed it. It´s genius in that way. “Euforia” requires more, and it goes probably not as good in the Swedish charts.
In February, you have three concerts at Rival. What is the arrangement?
– It’s not just eleven songs on the album, but more Billy Joel than that. And some other songs too.
Is your three year old son a fan?
– No. Ruben just destroyed a CD for a journalist. He doesn´t like when I sing and says “Be quiet. Not singing mom”. He wants to sing himself. But so far a performance as a Gingerbread is his biggest qualification.
HELEN SJÖHOLM
Age: 40.
Location: Nacka.
Family: Husband and son Ruben, three years.
Current: Her second solo album, “Euforia”, and plays the blind poetissa in “Aniara” on Stockholm City Theatre.