LET'S GO - MEXICO

Sometimes some awesome Mexican opportunities pretty much drops from the sky - so in two weeks time Klara Goliger heads to Mexico for five shows, including a performance at the gaming and culture festival SFactorX3 in Puebla. Still, nothing really just drops from the sky. 

When we first got in touch with Mexican promoter Arturo Díaz Uriza, it was to help string some dates together for Melody Fields' Mexican tour in October 2024. The collaboration worked well and we invited him to Viva Sounds 2024, supported by the Swedish Embassy in Mexico City. Fast forward 18 months, and the next chapter is now coming to life.

When Arturo and his crew, Nuevas Nuevas Olas MX, recently secured the opportunity to curate a live stage at the gamingevent SFactorX3 in Puebla, he reached out looking for a Swedish artist and pretty soon we talked to Klara Goliger about going far to play music. We've been fans of hers for a long time, she played Viva Sounds already 2023 and are set to return for November this year. However, for Klara, the invitation came completely out of the blue:

– A big part of being a freelance musician is facing these unexpected opportunities, and it's something I really like. But I have to admit this was one of the more unexpected calls I've received throughout the years. I was really happy, but I didn't really believe it until the tickets were booked.

Instead of traveling with a full band, she'll be joined by drummer and percussionist Frida Simmons for a stripped-back duo performance built around piano and drums.

– We're trying a new setup with just drums and piano. I think it's going to be really playful and fun, allowing the piano to take up more space without losing the energy and groove that comes with a full band.

Beyond the concerts themselves, Klara hopes to return home with much more than passport stamps.
– I'm hoping to bring home a deeper knowledge of the Mexican alternative music scene, new friends, and maybe some nice Mexican cooking hacks.

For Arturo Díaz Uriza, inviting Klara was an easy decision.
– Her music is sweet, but at the same time deeply emotional. Something connected immediately when I first heard it. It feels exciting and genuine, and that's something we value a lot in Mexico.

He also believes Mexican audiences will connect with her distinctive artistic voice.
– Yes, because her music is strangely optimistic while also being very profound. Everyone on our team felt she was a perfect fit for these shows.

Having worked with several Swedish artists over the years, Arturo says there's a reason he keeps coming back.
– Swedish artists are incredibly professional. The musicianship is amazing, but they also create very original music. They take their work seriously while still enjoying the process, and I think that's something we can learn from.

He also sees growing curiosity for independent Nordic artists across Mexico.
– Mexico is a huge music market, and there's definitely an audience here that's eager to discover artists from your part of the world.

For us at Westside, the upcoming tour is another prefect example of how working internationally and building relationships continue to create opportunities for independent artists, so if you're in Mexico, this is where you find the magic;

July 14 – Jazzatlán, Mexico City
July 15 – Maquiladora, Mexico City
July 16 – Bailongo, Cholula
July 17 – Foro Calupoh, Tehuacán
July 18 – NNOMX002 @ SFactorX3, Puebla

Instagram - Klara Goliger
Instagram - Nuevas Nuevas Olas MX

Picture by: Tove Nyberg