Biography

For me, music is more than sound – it is a form of reflection, presence, and storytelling. My name is David Strömbäck. I was born in New York on March 13, 1962, but grew up in Finland. Music has been a constant companion since childhood, an essential piece of my life’s puzzle.

A Musical Journey

Music was always present in our home – my parents encouraged piano playing, and my mother, a choir leader and active singer, got us involved in various musical projects from an early age. I also took piano lessons, although my younger brother often occupied the piano, which led to my interest waning. Instead, I discovered the guitar and bass, and in the Närpes school music band, I played trombone.
In my twenties, I put music aside to focus on education, entrepreneurship, family, and career. For many years, music lay dormant – but it was never forgotten.
At the age of 43, something new awakened. A quiet longing, a restlessness, a need for expression. At the piano, I began humming melodies from the heart, putting words to emotions and thoughts. My very first song was born – and it won a local songwriting competition!

Daring to Start Over – and Keep Going

When producer Åke Grandell showed interest in my material, I dared to say yes – despite my own insecurities. This became the starting point of my musical journey. My first album Tänk om… (2006) opened doors: radio play, media attention, and opportunities to collaborate with talented musicians in Swedish-speaking Finland. It was followed by Tystnad (2008), where the lyrics became more personal, and Lilla människa (2010), where I discovered a more distinct personal expression.
Collaborations with producer Janne Hyöty and Paul Oxley led to my English-language EP Simplicity (2013). The song “Long Time Coming” received a music video, showing that I was willing to take bolder musical steps. In 2014, I released the album Simma motströms, exploring themes like patience, simplicity, and going against the current – concepts that feel essential in our hectic and increasingly polarized world.
Periods of pause from creating have also been important. After a two-year break, I rediscovered my sound alongside musician Mikael Svarvar. In 2017, we released two singles, and in 2019, three new songs, continuing to explore my inner landscapes.
In 2021, a new milestone was reached: the musical documentary Puzzel – A Musical Contemplation, during which new songs such as “Förundran” and “Dagarna går” were born. Over the years, audiences and critics have appreciated my everyday-philosophical lyrics and music that crosses genres – everything from folk to pop, sprinkled with jazz influences and harmonies.

My Art – Your Experience

My music is about noticing the small things, writing about the nuances of existence, and daring to swim against the current in a time that often celebrates surface and achievement. As a songwriter and artist, I aim not just to entertain but to create space for reflection, empathy, and connection. Sometimes I refer to my performances as “David Life-Style Music” – a form of song poetry based on the life I know.
I hope my music touches you, that the lyrics spark reflection, and that we can meet – on stage, in sound, in the moment. Thank you for being here!