Johan Agebjorn is a Gothenburg based Swedish electronic music producer/composer and part of the collaborative “neo-italo disco” group Sally Shapiro. Getting started, lets address the confusion surrounding Sally Shapiro, Sally Shapiro is not only the alias for the vocalist of the group Sally Shapiro. Sally Shapiro is the name of the project formed by Johan and the pseudonym of his “muse”, an anonymous and intentionally unnamed singer. Therefore, when you see a track that says (featuring Sally Shapiro) like the brilliant : “Casablanca Nights” off of the album with the same title or this spectacular Holy Ghost! Remix, who is featured on the song is actually both Johan and the singer contributing under the collective name Sally Shapiro…enigmatic…mysterious…Moving on.

Johan Agebjörn & Lovelock feat. Sally Shapiro – Casablanca Nights by Johan Agebjörn

“Casablanca Nights” has such a gloriously authentic retro feel. With so many bands and producers looking to capture that Late 70’s / early 80’s style it is notable when someone not only pulls it off but does it in a way that shows you just how weak some of the other attempts really are. The balance of instrumentation adds a dreamy ethereal quality without shattering the illusion of a familiar and haunting song from the past and adds validity to the title ‘composer”.

There’s just an elegant quality to the craftsmanship behind this composition. Beautiful vocals recounting heartbreak, love, missed opportunity…Can anybody relate? Casablanca Nights also grows on you. It’s a rarity that can be played on so many different occasions and hold a different meaning in relation to the surroundings. Poignant and transportive. A new favorite!

Wolfram feat. Holy Ghost! – Hold My Breath (Johan Agebjörn feat. Sally Shapiro Remix) by Johan Agebjörn

Instantly loving this song. Usually it can be challenging for me to erase the impression of a often played original version, this song started off with quite a bit to prove as both the original and Wolfram version had preceded and set the expectation level dangerously high. The tempo, the synths, the wailing background and shimmery keys/strings, the perfectly pitched bass line.. So well done. Part dance floor motivator part sing along pop gem ala Phoenix. When everything drops out and the strings and vocals sustain you are magically swept away and gently released. Tender and bouncy. Great song. Johan Agebjorn makes music that feels thoughtful and deliberate. Orchestral with out seeming pompous, disco without feeling empty or shallow. Binary approves.

Check out Johan Agebjorn on his soundcloud and support the artist by picking up the “Casablanca Nights” cd, it is gorgeous and full of great songs. Also this year Johan has a release of his “arctic ambient” work titled “The Mountain Lake.”Check it out!