Biography
Tuulikki Bartosik is a versatile musician and composer known for her innovative approach to the accordion. Hailing from Sweden and Estonia, she is an accordionist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who has been compared to neoclassical greats like Eric Satie and minimalist icons like Philip Glass. Her music has been described as raw and authentic, evoking deep emotions in listeners and speaking to the deeper layers of life. Bartosik's latest album, PLAYSCAPES, released on limited exclusive vinyl and digitally worldwide on all major streaming platforms on January 21st 2023 under Tuulikkis own label Efni Records, has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its groundbreaking compositions, soundscapes, and instrumentation. Bartosik combines accordion, pedal-board effects, synthesizers, and electronics to craft a captivating soundscape.
Playscapes was shortlisted by Bandcamp in January 2023 and made it to Songlines Top of The World selection in June 2023. Playscapes was also listed as best folktronica album in 2023 in Swedish music magazine Lira focusing on folk, world and jazz music and chosen as one of the best albums worldwide of 2023 by Beehype Magazine.
Tuulikki’s signature instrument accordion remains at the centre of things but she has extended its possibilities immensely, while also playing Estonian zither, piano and harmonium and adding ethereally layered vocalizations and field recordings that reflect on echoes from “memory of a memory” - Beehype
Throughout, I’m struck by her huge range of textures and dynamics: Bartosik works like a sculptor, taking her materials back to the studio and listening to and crafting the music. Fiona Talkington, Songlines
The mixing of acoustic folk music with sensitive electronic embellishments is far from obvious. Often, it feels flat and contrived. However, accordionist Tuulikki Bartosik's latest album is a prime example of how seamlessly two seemingly disparate expressions can blend together into something so natural. - Patrik Lindgren, Lira
Accordion player Tuulikki Bartosik delivers tunes so effortlessly, as if the instrument forms part of her physical being. Her compositions are flowing instrumental pieces, gently framed with pedal-board effects. - louderthanwar.com
“(...) one of the most memorable and well-observed 40 minutes of music that you could hope to see.” - Max Pilley, undertheradarmag.com
"The fascinating sonic experience that Tuulikki Bartosik takes you through on this experimental folk pop journey is nothing short of bewitching, a strange mixture and interlude of sounds both traditional and dystopian all at once. It oscillates from robotic to barebones, a confluence that has you perplexed as much as it does grounded and intrigued for more." - FindNoEnemy.com
"Bartosik's beautiful phrasing, accordion, and kantele gracefully cut through the multimedia stream. Movement, interstice, and journey were visible themes of the compositions, intertwining in various directions alongside the music. At times, the sonic landscape evoked memories of Steve Reich's minimalist masterpiece "Music for 18 Musicians," while elsewhere, images were guided by the technoprimitivist clang of Kraftwerk's iconic "Trans-Europe Express." Nevertheless, a full audience was captivated by the unwavering flow of the uncompromising music." - Soundi
Discography
2023 Playscapes (ER002) digital release & limited exclusive vinyl album
2022 London solo single digital release
2022 Reval: Pettäsaamislugu/Reval: A Cheating Story solo single digital release
2022 Robertsfors solo single digital release
2021 Fýri solo EP (ER001) digital release
2019 "Tempest in a teapot" solo album (PWM32; NN132)
2016 “Primary reception” solo EP (Crónica)
2016 “Storied Sounds” solo album (RBRCD31; CDNN091)
2015 “Upa-upa ubinakõnõ” (Võro Instituut 2015) with Mari Kalkun and Pastacas
2015 “Chatterbox” (RBRCD25) with Hannah James
2014 Estonian Folk Orchestra “Imemaa/Wonderland” (EFO001)
2006 “Gubbdrag” (TUEMCD1) with Emma Reid not available online
Download Press photos
Photos by Alice Whitby Photos by Ingridient Photos by AnnaReet Gillblad
Social media
Management
Contact: management@tuulikkibartosik.com
Bookings
Musikcentrum Öst info@musikcentrum.se
bookings@tuulikkibartosik.com Ciprian Moga ciprian@jazzmine.world
Labels
Efni Records (Tuulikkis own label) Contact: efnirecords@tuulikkibartosik.com