Introducing betterArts Resident John Dunsö

 

John Dunsö, a guitarist and singer from Malmo, Sweden, last week joined us Better Farm for a month-long betterArts residency.

He's  the former guitarist and back up vocalist from a Swedish pop band called Billie the Vision and the Dancers (check out their amazing music here!), a band that released five records while Dunsö was on board from 2004 on and toured extensively throughout Sweden and Europe. John left the band a few years ago to pursue his own, solo music; taking off to travel throughout South America and the United States, write, and gig. While he traveled, he wrote what would become the beginnings of his solo album.

During his betterArts residency, John is working on the completion of his solo album. He's also working all the marketing for these songs; which involves daily Skype calls to Swedish radio stations seeking placement. After this, he will go on tour and perform the album live. His goal is to start and finish at least two or three songs and record them to bring home to Sweden for proper studio recording.

So why choose a betterArts residency at Better Farm? This guy loves open space, and he loves physical work. Perfect for us! "I would so much want to avoid distractions and really concentrate and get inspired by other artists," he told us in his application. "When I traveled in South America I spent a lot of time working on farms far from the big cities. I wrote so much there, so I know that isolation together with physical farm work really helps my creativity."

Some of his work in South America included constructing a greenhouse at a place called Finca Biodinamica Cosmos out of the adobe straw-bale method:

 

Here's the short list of John's upcoming contributions during his time at Better Farm—all in addition to creating lots of wonderful music:

• Cooking
• Performing live at various locations throughout the North Country
• Helping with assorted construction/demolition projects slated this month
• Providing chicken care
• Volunteering in kids' arts 'n' crafts room at North Country Goes Green Irish Festival March 15 and 16

We will be archiving his song tracks for distribution through Better Radio, on-air and online.

We'd like to extend the warmest welcome to John! Stop in at 8 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Redwood Tavern to see John perform live! There is no cover charge for this performance.


To learn more about betterArts residencies and to apply, click here. The music video posted above was recorded in Saxemara, Sweden where John grew up. The video is mixed with old, filmed material his father shot of his family 26 years ago.