The Tallest Man on Earth
Kristian Matsson (born 30 April 1983) is a Swedish singer-songwriter who performs under the stage name The Tallest Man on Earth. Matsson grew up in Leksand, and began his solo career in 2006, having previously been the lead singer of the indie band Montezumas. His music has often drawn comparisons to the music of Bob Dylan.[3][4][5]
For a list of the tallest people on earth, see List of tallest people.
The Tallest Man on Earth
Kristian Matsson
30 April 1983
Leksand, Dalarna, Sweden
2005–present
- Gravitation
- Dead Oceans
- Mexican Summer
- ANTI-
5 ft 7 in (170 cm)[2]
Since 2006, Matsson has released seven full-length albums and four EPs. He records and produces these in his home, and usually records his voice and guitar together on one track. He is known for his charismatic stage presence.[6][7]
He was previously married to Amanda Bergman, also known by the stage name Idiot Wind.[8] Together, they wrote the music for the Swedish drama film Once a Year.[9]
Musical style[edit]
Critics have compared The Tallest Man on Earth to Bob Dylan both in terms of songwriting ability and vocal style.[60][61][62] When asked about his lyrical style, Matsson explains that he began listening to Bob Dylan at fifteen, and upon hearing Dylan's cover material, he "tried to figure out where those songs came from" and became slowly exposed to early American folk, such as Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. But he is careful to qualify this, saying "I don't consider my work to be a part of any tradition. This is how I play. This is how I write songs."[63]
With regard to his guitar technique, Matsson uses a variety of open tunings, and standard tuning to a lesser degree. He had classical guitar training in his youth, but says he "never really focused on it" and that by the end of high school he "got bored playing guitar because it was like math",[64] until he then discovered open tunings while listening to Nick Drake in his early twenties. He was drawn to this style of playing because it allowed him to focus on singing while still performing intricate music.
