BENJAMIN Folke Thomas is a Swedish songwriter. His influence audible for all to hear. 

Before coming to The Forge later this month Thomas talks to The Gazette about his memories of Basingstoke and why Swedish musicians have become more in demand than their department stores. 

Originally from a small, idyllic fishing village just outside of Gothenburg, Thomas' journey from the twee beginnings in one of Sweden's most progressive cities to acclaimed folk troubadour perhaps explains why there is a freewheeling sensibility at the heart of his compositions. The brittle tone that resides through his grizzly, yet bewitchingly angelic at times, vocals offer the perfect accompaniment for the country sounds chugging away below it.

"I moved around London for around seven years living in places like Crystal Palace and Tottenham and because Gothenburg is such a big city coming to places like Basingstoke is an intimate, moving experience," Thomas begins as the internet connection between Basingstoke and Switzerland finally begins to work. 

"I remember coming here once before to play a house concert and I just remember walking into this flat and thinking "woah, what is that?

"It turned out to be this massive picture of Margaret Thatcher staring down at me and I just thought to myself I can't imagine what this crowd is going to be like."

The truth is, however, Thomas is in exceptional company. Perhaps not for his last visit to the town, but certainly when he goes back to Sweden. Fellow residents of his hometown include members of the chart-topping act Ace of Base, warped electronic outfits Little Dragon and The Knife and the chilling José González. The only stain on an otherwise flawless roster Crazy Frog. But then again Australia gave the world Peter Andre, so nobody is perfect. 

Perhaps what is most startling about Thomas is his novel approach to crafting his songs. Given the fact he is Swedish born, the layers of double entendres that resonate out from his words often leave the listener astounded to realise English is not his first language. 

"Sometimes when you write, it can be easier and more imaginative to work with a second language." Thomas continued.

"You are not as bound to different words first meaning so you can use another word differently without it being wrong but I have been speaking English since I was 7.

"There has been a significant amount of Swedish songwriters and performers coming out of Sweden at the moment and it's interesting to understand why this has happened.

"The culture, the good arts programmes and different grants musicians get out her really give us something.

"Always people think of the hit culture we had with, obviously Abba, Ace of Base and Max Martin [Grammy award winning producer behind artists such as The Weeknd, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry] and perhaps that helps too."

Benjamin Folke Thomas will be performing at The Forge on Thursday April 14 at 8pm.

Tickets are £15 and for more information visit anvilarts.org.uk.