The Tallest Man on Earth | |
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Matsson in 2010
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Background information | |
Birth name | Saras Per Kristian Matsson |
Born |
Leksand, Dalarna, Sweden |
30 April 1983
Genres | |
Instruments | |
Years active | 2005–present |
Labels |
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Associated acts | Montezumas, Bon Iver, Strand of Oaks, Idiot Wind |
Website | www |
Kristian Matsson (born 30 April 1983) is a singer-songwriter from Dalarna, Sweden who performs under the stage name of The Tallest Man on Earth. Matsson grew up in Leksand, and began his solo career in 2006, having previously been the lead singer of the indie band Montezumas. His music has often drawn comparisons to the music of Bob Dylan.
Since 2006, Matsson has released four full-length albums and two EPs. He records and produces these in his home, and usually records his voice and guitar together on one track. He is known both by critics and his fans for his charismatic stage presence.
He was previously married to Amanda Bergman, also known by the stage name Idiot Wind. Together, they wrote the music for the Swedish drama film Once a Year (Swedish: En gång om året).
Matsson was born on 30 April 1983 and grew to a height of 5' 8" in Leksand, Dalarna, Sweden. Before he began his solo career, he was the lead singer of the indie band Montezumas.
Matsson's first solo release, The Tallest Man on Earth, was released in 2006. The EP received positive reviews.
At the start of his solo career, Matsson didn't plan to make music full time, and he released his music without providing personal information or photographs of himself to journalists.
In 2008, Matsson released an album, Shallow Grave which was praised by the music site Pitchfork and was listed #47 on Pitchfork's list of the 50 Best Albums of 2008. The album received generally favorable reviews. Following Shallow Grave's release, Matsson was chosen as the opening act for the American indie folk band Bon Iver. The resulting publicity led to a solo tour throughout the United States, Australia and Europe, where he attracted large crowds in spite of the lack of a record deal or distribution in the United States.
The song Pistol Dreams, also released as a single, appeared in the Swedish television serial How Soon Is Now? (Swedish: Upp till kamp).