Artist Of The Week -- Salem

Salem is the stage name of Salem Al Fakir, a Stockholm, Sweden native born of a Syrian father and Swedish mother whose wistful soul/pop confections are proving increasingly popular in his native land and beyond. Salem began his musical training at age four on the violin; by age 14 he was accomplished enough to perform on a solo tour of Russia, but he opted to instead start studying jazz piano upon completion of the jaunt. He then went on to perform with such Swedish artists as electro-dance diva Robyn and Snook before releasing his debut full-length, This Is Who I Am, in January 2007 to great critical acclaim: the Obscure Sound music blog stated, “Salem Al Fakir has to be one of the most individually talented artists I have come across, playing literally every instrument on the album…whether it is classic 70s pop, soul, blues, or folk, Salem Al Fakir has the sort of musical grasp that is both easy to envy and adore.” In October 2007 he was named “Best Newcomer” by Swedish music publishers, and in January 2008 he also won four Swedish Grammis (Grammys) out of seven nominations, emerging victorious for Best Male Artist, Best Newcomer, Best Composer and Best Producer--more awards than any other act garnered that year.

Check out the Salem's free track: "It's Only You (Part II)"

www.myspace.com/salem