Jarle Skavhellen
Norwegian folk singer-songwriter Jarle Skavhellen is heavily influenced by the old-timey guitar stylings of American icons Chet Atkins and Dave Van Ronk despite having lived in Bergen his whole life. Growing up in the small, lush town with a family of artists and musicians, he got his start early when he was taught how to play at age eleven by iconic Norwegian guitarist, Mads Eriksen. His father’s love for vinyl of all genres and his uncle’s ever-expanding guitar collection enabled Jarle’s passion for music to grow. He played in numerous bands over the years from indie-rock to funk to even a Metallica cover band in high school before having the courage to start writing and performing his own songs three years ago. He blends the warm vintage sounds of yesteryear with his own distinctive mumblings over lush acoustic guitars. After topping the Spotify Viral Hits Charts both globally & in the US for his first single “The Ghost In Your Smile” back in December 2016, Jarle was found and signed to International label Nettwerk Records (Angus & Julia Stone, Boy & Bear, Passenger). Jarle’s debut album The Ghost In Your Smile will be released on May 11th, 2018.

“Echoing artists like Sufjan Stevens and José Gonzelez during their earlier days, the young man from Bergen prefers to stick to the acoustic folk sounds of the genre’s history. It results in melancholic little acoustic gems.” (Nothing But Hope and Passion)

“A truly timeless songwriter, his acoustic style is rooted in the past but firmly looks to the present.” (Clash Magazine)

”He has one of those special vocals that's as stunning as it is haunting...he's the kind of performance that'll make anyone who comes across it a fan." (Hillydilly)