Swedish singer-songwriter The Tallest Man on Earth returns to Iowa City

When lockdown commenced, Kristian Matsson was living in New York City. Like many in Manhattan, Mattson left Gotham but for a different reason.

"My father was sick, and I had to go back to Sweden," Mattson said. "It was difficult since I left many friends behind. I knew once I left to help care for him, I wouldn't be able to return to America anytime soon because of the pandemic."

However, Matsson re-embraced his roots. The cerebral singer-songwriter recently made his first album in Sweden in 14 years. "It felt so good to be back there," Matsson said while calling from Buffalo, New York. "It felt like home again. For the last two months I've been in my studio there, and the flood gates opened, and I have a number of new songs that I'm excited about."

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The prolific Matsson released "Henry St.," his first album backed by a full band, in 2023.

"’Henry St.' wasn't that long ago, and it was great," Matsson said. "That was fun since I got to hang out in rooms with people, which is something I needed to do after the pandemic."

Producer Nick Sanborn (Sylvan Esso) helped Matsson flesh out his sound and impress with a warm, provocative collection of tunes. Expect Matsson to showcase songs from "Henry St." and preview fresh material when he returns Thursday, April 17 to the Englert Theatre.

"I'm very excited about the new songs since it was such a great experience recording the songs," Matsson said. "I invited a lot of talented musicians to come out to the studio where I live in Sweden, which is in the countryside, where it's very beautiful. I spent a couple of very productive months making this album. I'm very excited about playing this stuff during a very interesting time.

“Many dark things are going on,” he continued. “We're seeing people at their worst behavior. I live close to Ukraine, and it's difficult seeing what's happening. Our responsibility on this planet as humans is to do better than this. I don't understand what's going on since I believe as humans we should seek beauty and happy feelings."

Matsson, 42, has obviously been impacted by his hero, Bob Dylan. But don't mention the comparison with Matsson, who shares a number of sonic traits with arguably the greatest living songwriter.

"That used to put me over the edge," Matsson said. "It's not like I ever set out to write a certain way. But I guess it's a complement since so many singer-songwriters I admire were compared to Dylan." Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello and a myriad of acclaimed and unique recording artists have been compared to the iconic songsmith.

Matsson became a huge folk aficionado after learning who influenced Dylan when he was a teenager. "That's how I found out about people like Pete Seeger," Matsson says. "Dylan opened the door for my discoveries."

Matsson has made the most of his musical journey. The Tallest Man on Earth, who is actually 5-foot 7-inches, has crafted seven studio albums, played countless shows around the world and has a devoted fan base.

"I'm incredibly fortunate that people come out to see me," Matsson said. "I love performing in America. I particularly enjoy the Midwest. I remember when I played for the first time in Iowa City. I played a small arts place. After that show I was invited to a fan's house. There was a backyard party. I had the loveliest time there back around 2009. Since I played that arts place, I've played the Englert Theatre a number of times, and it's always a great experience. I love coming back to Iowa City."

Mattson enjoys playing live first and foremost. What's surprising is that the laid back songsmith is quite different from his life far from the lights, so his performances can be surprisingly intense.

"I feel free up there," Matsson said. "I can do things on the stage I can't do at home."