Join Magnus Zetterlund as he welcomes Swedish artist Malin Foxdal to discuss her journey with the octave mandolin, from knowing just four chords to performing solo concerts. Malin shares insights on her two new ensembles—one rooted in Swedish and Celtic folk, another exploring improvised poetry and jazz. Discover her philosophy of learning through doing, the liberating power of stage improvisation, and how the octave mandolin became her creative voice. Plus, hear live performances of "Ingens Lilla Flicka" and "I Sing" from her acclaimed music theater work about Swedish immigration, and learn Magnus's secret trait: unstoppable grit.

Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Malin Foxdal's website:
https://www.malinfoxdal.com/

Show Notes

Topics Covered:

Discovering the Octave Mandolin

• First encounter with Esbjörn Hazelius's instrument in 2009
• Buying an octave mandolin knowing only four chords—and never regretting it
• Why the octave mandolin creates a perfect "third voice" for singer-songwriters
• How it blends beautifully with violin, guitar, and other string instruments

Learning Philosophy: Be Brave & Curious

• Teaching yourself through performance rather than waiting to be "ready"
• The importance of getting on stage with whatever you know
• Adding songs one by one to build your repertoire
• Learning to fail forward and staying curious to avoid boredom

New Musical Projects

• Trio with Emma Reid (violin) and Dan Knagg (multi-instrumentalist): Swedish and Celtic folk with newly composed music rooted in tradition
• Experimental trio with Anders Hagberg (flute/sax) and Rickard Åström (piano): Improvising poetry live on stage, including audience-contributed words
• The art of trust, presence, and listening in live improvisation

20 Years as an Artist

• Celebrating two decades of building experience and tools
• Recent album receiving fantastic reviews and cultural awards
• The journey from experimental beginnings to confident improvisation

Music Theater & Social Commentary

• "På andra sidan Swede Hollow" (On the Other Side of Swede Hollow): A play about Swedish immigration to America
• Drawing parallels between historical Swedish emigrants and modern immigrants to Sweden
• Using music theater to cultivate sympathy and perspective

Instrument Spotlight: Weber Bridger A

• Custom-made octave mandolin from Weber factory (2009/2010)
• Tuned G-D-A-E with flatwound strings for a mellow tone
• Comparing sounds with Magnus's similar model
• One of only two octave mandolins in their household!

Current Practice Focus

• Developing more rhythmical playing patterns
• Experimenting with picking hand technique
• Playing the same songs with fresh presence each time

Featured Music (Live Performances):

• "Ingens Lilla Flicka Längre" (No One's Little Girl Anymore) - Original composition with lyrics by poet Kristina Lugn
• "I Sing" - From the music theater "På andra sidan Swede Hollow" about Swedish immigration

Magnus's Secret Revealed: Malin shares that Magnus's defining trait is his unstoppable persistence—once he decides to do something, he never gives up. Pure grit!

Connect with Malin Foxdal: Website: malinfoxdal.com Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms

Recommended Albums:

• Latest album celebrating 20 years as an artist
• "Natt Fjäril" (2010) - Gillian Welch songs interpreted in Swedish with an Americana vibe
• "Jag längtade" - Traditional Swedish folk songs with blues/Americana touch

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Esbjörn Hazelius (Swedish musician)
• Emma Reid (violinist from Newcastle, England)
• Dan Knagg (multi-instrumentalist)
• Anders Hagberg (flutist/soprano saxophonist)
• Rickard Åström (pianist)
• Gillian Welch (American songwriter)
• Kristina Lugn (Swedish poet)

Resources:

• Full video performances available exclusively in Mandolin Secrets Academy
• Previous podcast episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Join Magnus Zetterlund as he sits down with Swedish mandolin player, bandleader, and composer Karl Tirén to discuss his innovative Atlas project—a unique trio featuring mandolin, trombone, and double bass. Karl shares his compositional process, the journey from injury to inspiration with the tune "At Last," and how he practices through playing rather than drilling scales.

Links:

Visit our website for more episodes:

https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Connect with Karl Tirén: Instagram: @karltiren.music

https://www.instagram.com/karltiren.music

Bandcamp - Karl Tiren

https://karltiren.bandcamp.com/album/atlas

Music available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms Physical CDs available by contacting Karl directly

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rlnxnGG3xgGMG16lRIh7D?si=VxT_r2iJRQ-OoaEf0x8Ybg

Mandolin Secrets Academy

https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/academy

Topics Covered:

The Atlas Project

• Unique instrumentation: mandolin, trombone (Magnus Grumer), and double bass (Johan Lindblom)
• Released as three EPs, now available as a complete album
• Blending American mandolin traditions with Scandinavian sensibilities
• Modern approach to releasing music in the streaming era

Composition & Creative Process

• Karl's workflow: starting with instrumental phrases that "stick"
• Voice memos and long-form development (some tunes take years)
• Writing specifically for ensemble voices (like "Tromb" for trombone)
• Balancing melody and rhythm on the mandolin

Practice Philosophy

• "Practice listening" as the foundation
• Desire-driven rather than strictly disciplined approach
• Learning through playing tunes instead of isolated exercises
• Influences from David Grisman, Chris Thile, and Brazilian mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda

Overcoming Injury

• Karl's tendonitis story and years away from playing
• How Atlas bandmates share a history of performance injuries
• The importance of listening to your body
• "At Last" as a turning point in regaining inspiration

Band Leadership

• Self-releasing music without a record label
• Building a touring quartet (adding trumpet player Karl Valmyr)
• Balancing music with day jobs
• Planning and sustaining a long-term project

Instruments

• Karl's Bouvier F-style mandolin (refinished from purple!)
• Also plays a Nordic flat-top mandola by Mats Nordvall
• Discussion of American vs. Nordic mandolin traditions

Featured Music:

• Åre Polskan (Swedish traditional, mandolin duo with Magnus)
• "At Last" (original composition that launched the Atlas project)
• "Tromb" (written specifically for trombone)
• Bridal march (Scandinavian-influenced original)
• Bach Menuet in G Major (duo arrangement)

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Johan Lindblom (double bass)
• Magnus Grumer (trombone)
• Karl Valmyr (trumpet)
• Former band: Primus Motor
• Hamilton de Holanda (Brazilian mandolinist)
• Mats Nordvall (Nordic mandolin builder)

Resources:

• Full video version available in Mandolin Secrets Academy
• Bach Menuet and Åre Polskan arrangements available in the Academy