Born in Frillesås, Sweden, musician Joel Wästberg, most commonly known for his stage name sir Was, is most known for the blending of different music genres. From childhood he took up playing the saxophone which led to him pursuing jazz studies at the University of Kwasulu-Natal. It was during his time in South Africa that Was was inspired by the Pan-African rhythms that he learned the drums. This background in music is what helped to create a new style of music that sir Was is most popularly known for by highlighting uncommon instrumentation with varying styles.
This led him to start the recording of his first EP Says Hi (2016) and later his debut album Digging a Tunnel in 2014 which was later released in early 2017. It was in these albums where he was able to highlight different musical styles including hip-hop beats, textural synths, pop structures, and ambient production. More specifically for example, in Digging a Tunnel you can hear hints of bagpipes and synths alongside his vocals.
It wasn’t until 2019 where he released his second album, Holding on to a Dream. Which we have … in our own Ninja shop!
Now, Sir Was has a brand new song out called Spend a Lifetime. Listen on Spotify here.
Sir Was on Spotify and Bandcamp.
Sir Was’ official website.
