Awilas
Awilas is the dynamic freefolk duo of Larisa Ljungkrona-Mönttinen and Anki Ebonsdotter. Having been bandmates in various groups and constellations since their time studying world music at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg, these two friends started to wonder what would happen if they merged their artistic ideas and musical expression into one. And so in 2012, Awilas was created.
Awilas was awarded “Newcomer of the Year” at the Swedish Folk and Worldmusic Awards in Helsingborg 2017, due to their innovative play and broadening of the folk musical expression. Their debut album was released in late 2016 and is described as one of the most interesting and beautiful Swedish records that year.
The music of Awilas is a never ceasing stream of playful improvisation, poetic lyrics, mindblowing sincerity and total dedication. With a variety of musical trinkets, such as kalimba, carillon and dripping water, alongside layers of voice and accordion, Awilas tell their own stories of life, love, sorrow and happiness.
From the highest peaks to the tiniest grain of sand, from ancient northern forests to the new-born seed, tenaciously making it’s way through the cliffside, Awilas music takes us on a journey through space-time. For a little while, you get to be a part of something both big and small, healing and heartbreaking, tender and strong. It’s already there, ready to be heard, if you choose to listen.
Awilas
Freefolk in an intimate and poetic musical landscape.
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BOOKING AND CONTACT
MEMBERS
Anki Ebonsdotter Wallgren
Larisa Ljungkrona-Mönttinen
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REVIEWS
“A few times each year a Swedish record is released that just knocks me out and seems almost impossible to stop listening to. …and now the new duo Awilas debut album has emerged - fantastic! Voice- and accordion based, partly improvised new folk that has the courage to take its time up to the fabulous outbursts that tells about the hardships and heartfelt sides of human life.”
- Per Guldbrandsen P2 Världen about Awilas debut album
“Folk music is tradition and tradition is progress, transformation. To find new trails along old paths is what makes folk music alive. Here, tradition and innovation meet in a particularly strong way, here is a winner that with intricate musical dialogue and curious minds looks beyond the old fences and invites us to new experiences.”
- The jury’s motivation for Awilas award “New comer of the Year” and the Folk- and Worldsmusic Gala 2017 in Helsingborg