Drums are at the heart of Simulated Youth's music.
Since its inception more than 30 years ago, Trästock has consistently been built upon the passion and commitment of local musicians. This free festival, the largest of its kind in Sweden, was originally produced by the bands of the then Musikfabriken as a way to engage a larger audience.
Featuring renowned performers alongside a diverse selection of up-and-coming artists, the festival attracted crowds to the Nordanå area. Although Kulturförening Mullberget have taken over as the new organizers today, the festival's fundamental principle remains unchanged.
This unique framework captivated American musician Zach Tanghetti, who goes under the name Simulated Youth. He was considering relocating to Skellefteå for work just over a year ago.
– I knew nothing about Skellefteå, mostly thinking it was just a vast forest up north, but I wanted to find out what was happening there. That's when I stumbled upon this music festival that was seeking volunteers. So, I signed up, says Zach.
Side by side with the association's musicians and other volunteers, Zach helped organize the festival. It was a way to get more acquainted with the city, and soon Zach realized he could also secure a rehearsal space at Mullberget. Now, he spends a significant portion of his free time there, in a soundproof basement studio, crafting new music.
– It's perfect, I can come here anytime, day or night, Zach exclaims, reflecting on how his perception of Skellefteå has been enriched over the past year. Today, he finds himself genuinely impressed by the city's charm and the tangible international influence it exudes.
His musical career began many years ago in a small town outside Detroit, Michigan.
– If some people think that Skellefteå is small, it's nothing compared to my hometown. I think maybe 3,000 people live there, says Zach.
Simulated Youth, also known as Zach Tanghetti, likes life in Skellefteå and plans to stay at least a few more years.
Detroit is primarily recognized for its significant contribution to the Motown sound, which left an indelible mark on the black soul music scene of the 1960s. Legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross emerged from this cultural epicenter.
However, Detroit is a thriving melting pot for a wide array of musical genres. For Zach, rap and hip-hop took center stage during high school as he sat in his bedroom crafting beats.
– That's how it all began. I took on extra jobs to afford new equipment and tried to turn it into a business by inviting people to come and record in my bedroom, Zach says, chuckling at the memory.
Then college came along, and his focus shifted to other pursuits. He studied chemical engineering, and after graduation, he embarked on a nomadic lifestyle, hopping between battery factories in the United States and China. This journey eventually led him to Skellefteå, where he landed a job at Northvolt as the education program manager.
– Between 2009 and 2020, I took a break from music. I traveled around and focused solely on work, Zach explains.
Then the pandemic arrived. Zach is not the first person in the world to discover that solitude and isolation can awaken something within oneself that, ideally, leads to something productive. Suddenly, the desire to create music resurfaced once again.
Simulated Youth from Detroit creates new music in Skellefteå. On Friday and Saturday, he plays his first gigs at Trästockfestivalen.
– I wanted to do things a little differently. Taking inspiration from acts I love, such as Björk, Die Antwoord, and Crystal Castles, I aimed to blend their influences into my own unique style. Simultaneously, I wanted to bring this vision to life on stage and in music videos, incorporating captivating visual elements that grab the viewer's attention, explains Zach, whose alter ego, both in streaming music and on stage, is a one-man act, Simulated Youth.
The result is a genre of music that can best be described as house-influenced electronica, infused with acoustic elements. On stage, Simulated Youth uses programmed tracks while delivering live performances that involve rapping, singing, and playing drums — an undoubtedly rare combination. However, this unique blend keeps the audience on their toes.
During his limited live gigs in Skellefteå thus far, Zach spices up his performances with surprise elements such as spontaneous confetti showers in unexpected places, delighting the unsuspecting crowd.
– It may be goofy, but I enjoy putting on a show, Zach admits.
He views music as a means of pushing his own limits and exploring new frontiers.
– I want to create something that challenges and stands out, where I can express myself through words, music, and visuals. I hope people enjoy it. The response from those who have attended the concerts so far has been fantastic, Zach says.
However, there is fierce competition for the attention of music-lovers.
– I don't need to make money from this; I just want people to hear my music. However, reaching a wider audience is a daunting task — it feels like participating in a big lottery. I can't control it, so I'll just keep doing my thing, Zach explains, remaining unfazed.
– I'm still in my 30s and have plenty of time to refine my music and performances.