ABOUT US
Symbio is regarded as one of the most prominent new bands from the Nordic Folk & World music scene. With a magical interplay of hurdy-gurdy & accordion, an electrifying stage presence and captivating original compositions – the duo has become known as a phenomenon and have toured extensively in more than 20 countries – Europe, USA and Canada. In 2023 the duo was chosen to perform as the Official Showcase Artist Selection at WOMEX- World music Expo.
The music of Symbio has been described as imaginative and soulful – where virtuoso folk & electronic dance music meet and becomes a cinematic experience for the listener. Hearing this symphonic duo makes you doubt about the fact that they are only two musicians on stage. Their latest album Endeavour is a sound painting where heartfelt melodies, dreamy soundscapes and hypnotic beats depict life-affirming themes. The album was awarded ”Best Album of the Year” at the Swedish Folk & World music Awards 2023.
They met during a jam-session in 2011, and when playing together for the first time – they both felt that there was a special energy and musical connection between them. Right there, after their very first meeting – they decided to form Symbio. Since then, their journey as a duo continues to take them to new places, musically and geographically.
Symbio Consists of:
LarsEmil Öjeberget
Accordion / Stomp Box / Electronics
Johannes Geworkian Hellman
Hurdy-Gurdy / Electronics
”I haven’t had the privilege of seeing Symbio live, but after enjoying the music on “Endeavour”, the duo’s third album – a live performance is now high on my wish list”
“The Swedish duo Symbio convinced their audience with extraordinary sounds and the combination of accordion and hurdy-gurdy made singing unnecessary.”
“Swedish duo Symbio is a lively exclamation mark! It is about airy chamber music with wide views, with elements of elegant club music, and it often feels larger than duo music.”
”Charged with energy and with a fascinating mix of irresistible grooves, virtuosity and musical finesse, Johannes Geworkian Hellman and Lars Emil Öjeberget thrilled their audience! Symbio is music that carries out everyday life in elysian feelings and provides cinematic quality”
”These two musicians love each other, that’s for sure. It almost has to be, because, I dare to think, it is damn difficult to expose yourself musically. There are only two of you so you have to…it’s wonderful to see. Two masterful musicians, who completely find each other and who purify beautiful melodies from that – what more could one ask for from a record?”
The Swedish duo Symbio kidnapped the audience in to a world of Nordic folk music. The duo thrilled the audience with unique and melodic sounds of hurdy-gurdy and accordion. Professional and above all international music.”
”The musicians of Symbio know how to create drama and intensity. Easily accessible, smartly made and modernized Swedish folk music where the songs drip of melody. The listener is sucked into the swirls. And the strange feeling afterwards is that you have traveled a long distance and still remain in the same place.”
“Symbio enchants us with their hypnotic playing of hurdy-gurdy and accordion. Even though they are only two, the duo produce an incredibly rich sound that fills the whole room. But above all, Symbio has something very unique. I liked them from the first time I heard them.”
“When the two musicians of Symbio give their concert, I feel like a muggler. On the stage are two wizards who use magic to create crazy swinging and up-to-date music on instruments that are not associated with contemporary popular music. I have not heard anything like it, while the duo’s own songs feel strangely familiar.”