storyteller, biography
the journey of erik sjøholm
From inspiration to creation, my story
Erik Sjöholm is a storyteller and singer-songwriter from Ostrobothnia, Finland, whose craft is deeply influenced by both personal history and the mythological traditions of the Nordics. Raised in a small Swedish-speaking village, Erik’s storytelling journey began not through formal education, but at home, where music and stories were passed down through generations. His grandmother was a storyteller and singer, and his father carried that torch, integrating songs and tales into daily life—a tradition that Erik now continues.
Erik’s storytelling is often shaped by his family’s history, particularly the emotional undercurrents of loss, love, and connection. His show "GLENN, The Things We Don’t Speak About, A Storytelling Concert", dives into his family’s grief surrounding his uncle Glenn’s suicide on the day Erik was born, bringing to the surface themes of silence, memory, and the unspoken. These personal stories are woven with broader, timeless narratives from Finnish mythology, giving his performances a layered, reflective quality.
In his work, Erik often fuses music and narrative. As a musician, he brings his songs to life with stories that touch on themes of identity, finding one’s calling, and navigating the complexities of life’s moments. His storytelling is anchored in both the myths of the Kalevala — Finland’s national epic—and the Nordic tradition of using song as a tool for transformation and connection. His deep respect for nature and ancestral wisdom also permeates his stories, creating a narrative space where the past and present meet.
Erik has performed at storytelling festivals across Europe, including The Amsterdam Storytelling Festival, Festival At The Edge in England, and Skellefteå Storytelling Festival in Sweden. His work is often described as intimate and heartfelt, marked by a quiet intensity that leaves audiences both moved and introspective.
While Erik’s stories carry a personal weight, they are universal in their exploration of life’s deeper questions. His shows offer a space where listeners can reflect on their own journeys, drawing parallels between his tales and their own lived experiences.
Erik’s ability to combine music, personal narrative, and mythology into one seamless experience makes his performances unique and engaging. Whether through his songs, spoken word, or a blend of both, Erik’s mission as a storyteller is to foster connection—to help people see themselves in the stories he tells, and perhaps, through that reflection, find a piece of themselves they’ve been searching for.
The Long Version
Erik Sjøholm’s journey as a musician is a story of the soul’s quest for truth, authenticity, and connection. From an early age, Erik was captivated by the myths and stories passed down through generations of his Nordic ancestors. These tales, rich with symbolism and meaning, became the foundation of his artistic expression. As he grew, Erik found that music was the language through which he could best articulate these ancient narratives, as well as his own personal experiences. His songs are not just melodies, but vessels of storytelling—each one a chapter in the epic of human existence.
Erik’s path has been one of deep introspection and relentless pursuit of his true calling. The hero’s journey—a narrative arc that mirrors Erik’s own life—serves as a guiding principle in his work. It’s the journey of leaving the familiar, facing trials, and ultimately returning transformed, ready to share the wisdom gained along the way. For Erik, this journey is not just personal; it is collective, resonating with the experiences of those who hear his music.
As a singer-songwriter, Erik’s music is an invitation to embark on this journey with him. His lyrics, often infused with the imagery of nature, mythology, and spirituality, speak to the universal themes of life—birth, death, love, and the eternal search for meaning. His sound, a blend of acoustic folk, Nordic influences, and contemporary production, creates a sonic landscape that is at once intimate and expansive, grounding listeners in the present while inviting them to explore deeper realms of thought and feeling.
Erik’s work is also a tribute to the idea of legacy—the stories we inherit and the stories we leave behind. His connection to his ancestors is not just a source of inspiration but a responsibility. Through his music, Erik seeks to honor the voices of the past while creating something new and relevant for today’s world. His songs are bridges between generations, between the seen and unseen, offering a space for reflection, healing, and transformation.
In live performances, Erik’s presence is that of a storyteller around a fire—warm, engaging, and deeply connected to his audience. Each concert is a ritual, a shared experience where the boundaries between artist and listener dissolve, and the music becomes a communal act of creation. Whether he is performin