#50 Four Chords to Solo Concerts: Malin Foxdal's Octave Mandolin Journey

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/podcastMalin Foxdal's website:https://www.malinfoxdal.com/Show NotesTopics Covered:Discovering the Octave MandolinFirst encounter with Esbjörn Hazelius's instrument in 2009Buying an octave mandolin knowing only four chords—and never regretting itWhy the octave mandolin creates a perfect "third voice" for singer-songwritersHow it blends beautifully with violin, guitar, and other string instrumentsLearning Philosophy: Be Brave & CuriousTeaching yourself through performance rather than waiting to be "ready"The importance of getting on stage with whatever you knowAdding songs one by one to build your repertoireLearning to fail forward and staying curious to avoid boredomNew Musical ProjectsTrio with Emma Reid (violin) and Dan Knagg (multi-instrumentalist): Swedish and Celtic folk with newly composed music rooted in traditionExperimental trio with Anders Hagberg (flute/sax) and Rickard Åström (piano): Improvising poetry live on stage, including audience-contributed wordsThe art of trust, presence, and listening in live improvisation20 Years as an ArtistCelebrating two decades of building experience and toolsRecent album receiving fantastic reviews and cultural awardsThe journey from experimental beginnings to confident improvisationMusic Theater & Social Commentary"På andra sidan Swede Hollow" (On the Other Side of Swede Hollow): A play about Swedish immigration to AmericaDrawing parallels between historical Swedish emigrants and modern immigrants to SwedenUsing music theater to cultivate sympathy and perspectiveInstrument Spotlight: Weber Bridger ACustom-made octave mandolin from Weber factory (2009/2010)Tuned G-D-A-E with flatwound strings for a mellow toneComparing sounds with Magnus's similar modelOne of only two octave mandolins in their household!Current Practice FocusDeveloping more rhythmical playing patternsExperimenting with picking hand techniquePlaying the same songs with fresh presence each timeFeatured 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 immigrationMagnus'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 platformsRecommended 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 touchMentioned 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 AcademyPrevious podcast episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcast