My artist bio for José González—a masterful storyteller blending delicate melodies, intricate guitar work, and cultural depth. Explore his journey here.
Image by Olle Kirchmeier
José González
José González is a 46-year-old folk/indie singer-songwriter and classical guitarist. Over the past 20+ years and across four albums, the artist has carved a unique and powerful niche in the music world.
Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, but of Argentine descent, González grew up surrounded by music, thanks to his father. He first picked up the guitar at age 14 and eventually learned to sing in Swedish, English, and Spanish. While pursuing music, he attended the University of Gothenburg but dropped out after two years to fully chase his dream.
In 2003, González released his debut album, Veneer, earning instant success in Sweden. Inspired by folk, bossa nova, and emo, his success spread to northern Europe and the United States, featuring on Grey's Anatomy and charting in the top 10 across five countries. Veneer sold over 1 million copies worldwide, achieving IFPI SWE Platinum, BPI Platinum, and ARIA Gold certifications.
The album includes González’s rendition of "Heartbeats" by The Knife, his most-streamed track on Spotify with 550 million plays. Originally about a shallow one-night stand, González's interpretation transformed it into a song about two people deeply in love for one night, dreaming of their future together.
In 2007, González released his second album, In Our Nature, which explored darker themes such as religion, inner struggles, and human flaws. The album charted in the top 50 across six countries, earning ARIA Gold and BPI Silver certifications. Following its release, González took a hiatus from solo music before returning with his powerful third studio album, Vestiges & Claws.
Vestiges & Claws captures the vulnerability and emotional depth first showcased on Veneer but with greater maturity and composure. Filled with soft vocal melodies and soothing classical guitar, the album is intimate, inviting listeners into González’s inner world. It charted in the top 100 in eight countries and won the IMPALA Album of the Year Award. Critics praised its emotional resonance, with AllMusic describing it as "incredibly moving… full of bittersweet asides that strike with haiku-like simplicity."
In February 2021, González released the Spanish single "El Invento," which later appeared on his latest album, Local Valley, in September 2023. This album marked the first time González sang in English, Spanish, and Swedish. Featuring hypnotic melodies, fingerstyle guitar, and narratives delving into humanity and harmony, Local Valley is a testament to his multicultural artistry. González describes its themes as reflecting "humanity stuck here on earth – our local green valley in a vast, inhospitable universe – and… two dogmatic tribes unable to see each other's perspectives."
Despite his quiet and humble nature, González's music takes on a life of its own during live performances. Accompanied only by his guitar, he creates an immersive experience without complex visuals, allowing audiences to feel the essence of his music. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House and London's Royal Albert Hall, both known for their classical arts, showcasing his elegance and sophistication.
Off-stage, González's music has gained significant traction, with over 1 billion combined streams and views across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. He currently has 6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, 140,000 Instagram followers, and 182,000 YouTube subscribers.
A brilliant artist, musician, and storyteller, José González stands out as a unique creator in today’s music landscape. His ability to address profound themes that others shy away from while remaining calm, comforting, and gentle is a talent that very few posses.
"When your hair is rising, that's when you know it's a good song—that's happened to me with some artists and some songs" González says. "It's great to make those moments yourself."
Contact:
Darius Baharlo
d.baharlo28@gmail.com
(213)-215-7499
Darius Baharlo
d.baharlo28@gmail.com
(213)-215-7499