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Toni Holgersson
Despite long periods marked by addiction and homelessness, Holgersson has made several remarkable comebacks to both stage and studio. He has continued to expand his repertoire with compelling songs, carried by his distinctive voice and unflinching sincerity. In recent years, he has collaborated with his son Dante Kinnunen and released several highly praised albums, including the trilogy that concluded with Nordic Noir (2016).
Holgersson’s music has always combined emotional depth with a rare intensity. His dedicated audience has followed him through triumphs and setbacks, while his life story lends unusual gravity to his songs – testimonies of struggle, love, and survival. A striking example is his interpretation of Cornelis Vreeswijk’s Jag smakade på döden en dag (I Tasted Death One Day), an unflinching portrayal of life’s darker sides.
His forthcoming release, Apotek Vintergatan, is an album that has not been rushed, but instead matured into what can be described as Holgersson’s most intimate and stripped-down work to date.
“This record has been a long time in the making. We recorded it three times.
The voice is a good thermometer of how things are – whether you’re really there or not.
In June 2024 I was in Finland, and after a concert the sound engineer prayed for me in tongues.
I’m not a believer, but I recognize an opportunity when I see one.
I stayed there for five weeks, in a small house on the organizer’s property.
Circumstances and luck.
When I came back, I contacted Halapi, and we recorded the songs just as they were written.
The two of us, two guitars. Third time’s the charm. Life goes on.
Even during the years these songs were being written.
You live beneath what clouds over.
At the core, there is no difference.
Only occasionally do you look up and catch a glimpse of it – Apotek Vintergatan.”
On stage:
Toni Holgersson – vocals and guitar
Lars Halapi – guitar
Despite long periods marked by addiction and homelessness, Holgersson has made several remarkable comebacks to both stage and studio. He has continued to expand his repertoire with compelling songs, carried by his distinctive voice and unflinching sincerity. In recent years, he has collaborated with his son Dante Kinnunen and released several highly praised albums, including the trilogy that concluded with Nordic Noir (2016).
Holgersson’s music has always combined emotional depth with a rare intensity. His dedicated audience has followed him through triumphs and setbacks, while his life story lends unusual gravity to his songs – testimonies of struggle, love, and survival. A striking example is his interpretation of Cornelis Vreeswijk’s Jag smakade på döden en dag (I Tasted Death One Day), an unflinching portrayal of life’s darker sides.
His forthcoming release, Apotek Vintergatan, is an album that has not been rushed, but instead matured into what can be described as Holgersson’s most intimate and stripped-down work to date.
“This record has been a long time in the making. We recorded it three times.
The voice is a good thermometer of how things are – whether you’re really there or not.
In June 2024 I was in Finland, and after a concert the sound engineer prayed for me in tongues.
I’m not a believer, but I recognize an opportunity when I see one.
I stayed there for five weeks, in a small house on the organizer’s property.
Circumstances and luck.
When I came back, I contacted Halapi, and we recorded the songs just as they were written.
The two of us, two guitars. Third time’s the charm. Life goes on.
Even during the years these songs were being written.
You live beneath what clouds over.
At the core, there is no difference.
Only occasionally do you look up and catch a glimpse of it – Apotek Vintergatan.”
On stage:
Toni Holgersson – vocals and guitar
Lars Halapi – guitar