Ale Möller - Xeno Manía - Lusten till det okända, a concert film

It all started with a special inquiry from Swedish Radio which later resulted in the album "Xeno Manía", it all grew into a major musical venture for a spectacular nine piece band, where we can witness Ale's fascination for the rhythmic power of the melodies and inspiration from traveling as well as meetings with musicians in different continents. Therein lies the significance of Ale Möller's great artistry, the desire for the unknown, and the universal musical language that have led to Ale Möller to being one of our big stars having performed  lots of concerts both in Sweden as well as internationally.
Ale's music is never mainstream and he manages to combine the traditional with a new fresh approach for the musical content.

"I had to do  something extraordinary, so we decided to make a concert movie, instead of doing a regular tour of ten gigs. We made sure that nothing, not even the pandemic would stop Ale and Xeno Manía!
In this movie, we wanted to give the viewer a fantastic concert experience, where you get to be even closer to Ale and the musicians than you´d normally be in a live context.
 We take the viewers behind the scenes, into band meetings, rehearsals, to witness all the hard labor and joy of meeting up and play. This film is a story about inspiration, the power of music and the teamwork that´s required in our industry to  put together every tour, every gig, every note! ”
- Hilda Sandgren, MTA Production AB

"The digital revolution that followed the footsteps of the pandemic has created new opportunities for cultural workers. With this concert movie, we utilize both music and image. In this unique format, we get closer, we go deeper and dive into Ale's fantastic universe.
- Emil Westberg, producer Hälsingland Live

This pandemic year has really reminded us of how much we´re longing for other people.
When the Xeno Manía crew finally got to together in Bollnäs, there was a suppression of pent-up  joy of playing - and human joy. Everything was channeled through the music! - Ale Möller

I wrote the music. At the premiere, the musicians had already made the notes come alive. But it was still my music.
Then we recorded a CD. After that the musicians began to twist and turn every note their own way. But it was still my music.
Now we have started playing live. Now the music is changing. Phrases are added, new transitions occur, whims are acknowledged. Now it is no longer My music - it is Our music. XenoManía! - Ale Möller


“The past year has taught us that the live experience is difficult to replace. But with a movie you can add something more, an exclusive intimacy with the artists, other perspectives and a visual experience that adds to the music. I want you as a viewer to feel that you are there. Not in a row far back in the salon, but on stage, in the rehearsal room, at the hotel, with Ale, the musicians and the whole team behind. Authentic, inviting and inspiring. ”
- Herman Brolin, director / editor

Short quote Herman:
The movie brings viewers close to Ale and the musicians and adds a visual layer to the live music. I want you as a viewer to feel that you are there, on stage, in the rehearsal room, at the hotel, with Ale, the musicians and the whole team behind. ”
- Herman Brolin, director / editor

Participants:
Ale Möller (various instruments)
Jonas Knutsson (saxophones)
Anna Malmström (clarinets)
Johan Graden (piano / keyboard)
Karin Hammar (trombone)
Erik Rydvall (harp)
Felicia Westberg (bass)
Liliana Zavala (percussion)
Robin Cochrane (drums, balafon)

Hilda Sandgren: tour manager, agent, booking agency, and record company.
Emil Westberg: producer Hälsingland Live
Herman Brolin: director and camera operator
Hans Surte Norin: sound engineer
Stefan Netsman: sound engineer
Alexander Thyberg: sound engineer
Lars Bernström: lighting technician
Peder Olsén: artist host
Björn Liljegrääs: Camera operator and color grade
Siggi Holm: camera operator
Pontus Wicksell: camera operator
Andreas Hamrén: camera operator
Derek Andrews: Tour producer in Canada

Others working on the project
Christina Glaeser: PR & social media
Julia Boman: PR & social media
Malin Kairis: PR & social media
Andreas Törnqvist: PR & social media
Teijo Askilä: Plugged Records, physical distribution

The album Xeno Mania was released in 2021 by the record company Quality Recordings
(a division of MTA Production AB)

An idea by Hilda Sandgren, Herman Brolin and Emil Westberg
Produced by Berättelsebolaget in collaboration with MTA Production, Söderhamn Municipality and Bollnäs Municipality

Thanks:
Bollnäs Municipality
Söderhamn municipality
Scandic Bollnäs
The Red Cross, Bollnäs
Little K
State Council for Culture
Vinnova
Malin Kairis
Julia Boman
Andreas Törnqvist
Johan Winge
Lars Sköld