David Åhlén
Biography David Åhlén
David Åhlén
The Swedish artist David Åhlén is the son of a Baptist pastor and was literally raised in the church. The simple songs and hymns made an impression on him at an early age. At age six, David started to study classical violin, which he continued through high school. However, when it came down to a choice between playing in an orchestra or writing songs for a pop band, he chose the later. Since the mid-90’s, David has been involved with a variety of indie bands. He spent several years as the songwriter and lead singer for the band Namur, where you could hear his voice among monotonous guitars, danceable drums, and roaring electronics.
Over the last ten years, David’s musical language has developed toward a simpler expression. With producer Andreas Runeson’s involvement, the arrangements have been peeled back to the core with David’s voice and more intimate, and complete, music remaining. This process of undressing to expose only voice, acoustic guitar and subtle arrangements has allowed his musical journey to reach the surface. The spirit which penetrated his live performances when he played in bands is still the same, but echoes from the years of violin lessons and the tone of the simple songs of faith he never stopped singing now emerge loud and clear.
David creates a peculiar hybrid of indie and hymn, sung with an inimitable voice. Kulturnyheterna SVT (Swedish Public Television) called him “indie pop music’s answer to Arvo Pärt.” David’s critically acclaimed debut album We Sprout in Thy Soil (Compunctio) features Uppsala Cathedral Boys’ Choir, Stefan Östersjö, Johan Berthling, Mariam Wallentin (Wildbirds and Peacedrums) and Emil Svanängen (Loney, Dear). David self-released his second album Selah in 2013 (and 2015 via the dutch label Volkoren). The album Selah was recorded in David’s home, the parsonage of Stenkumla on the island of Gotland.
In September 23, 2016, David released a third solo album - Hidden Light (Volkoren) in collaboration with Nicolai Dunger, Andreaz Hedén, Svante Henryson, Sofia Jernberg (Fire! Orchestra), Jonas Nilsson, Jonas Nyström and Manne von Ahn Öberg.
