Daniel Stahre

The Margin Call-series

Gothenburg-based pianist and songwriter Daniel Stahre release the album 'Margin Call III' September 18, 2026. The album marks the third and last in Daniel's “Margin Call”-call series. This time with a trio - alongside Stahre on piano and composition, we find drummer Erik Bodin (Little Dragon), bass player Viktor Turegård (Franska Trion). 

Margin Call III (2026-09-18)

The Margin Call album series consists of three personal and melodic albums (2022, 2024,
2026) that draw inspiration from a single theme: the encounter between the system and
the individual. Inspiration is drawn from the irrational and absurd coexistence of a
sometimes destructive present and our personal life. With his own stripped-down, personal music, Stahre contrasts our performance-oriented economic system. With clear melodies, the theme reminds us that our current economic system is a historical exception, and that we once had a completely different view of what it means to be human:

- Our mechanistic view of humanity shapes our entire contemporary world and relations. And sometimes even our view of music. But in what is unpretentious, playful, and intuitive, there can be a refuge from self-exploitation. Margin Call draws inspiration from seeing the present for what it is - in order to understand, change, and emancipate. Coming to terms with our times and undergoing ones own enlightenment coexists beautifully with the warmth and simplicity of an ordinary life. Where real life happens, that is a
great source of inspiration, says Daniel Stahre.

A spacious and playful jazz trio
On the two previous albums, the music was recorded in a quartet format with an electric
guitarist, but this time it’s just piano, drums, and bass.

“I agree with Bill Evans that the trio format creates a more open and playful soundscape”,
says Stahre.

Margin Call III was playfully produced and recorded live at Little Dragon’s studio in
Gothenburg by Erik Bodin and carefully mastered by Kristofer Gustavsson. Painter Isis Maakestad is once again the cover artist for the album.
 

Margin Call II (2024-06-23)

In the sequel "Margin Call III", Daniel Stahre comments on contemporary life in a personal way, almost out of necessity. In songs like 'Infinite Liquidity' and 'Market Maker', inspiration is drawn from the great financial endpoint that also adorns the album series: Margin Call - to cover a loss or be forced to sell.

The music is lyrical, fine-tuned and melodious and in between folk music, film music, jazz and pop. Touching instrumental pop, yet progressive and deeply rooted in the Nordics, the music sounds clear despite a difficult terrain and carries a bright appearance reminiscent of the Swedish musical tradition of Lars Jansson, J:son Lindh and Bobo Stenson.

Background

Classically trained modern jazz pianist, active in Stockholm during the 2010's writing and playing music in various pop bands. Now active in Gothenburg, Sweden. 

Previous

Has previously released Margin Call (2022) on AMP Music & Records and the debut album Notes (2014) on the record company Strangers Candy, under the name Daniel Westin Quartet, which was met with good reviews in the Swedish daily press and played frequently on Danish jazz radio. 

Genre: Instrumental Music / Modern Jazz

Awards

Swedish Region Halland Artist Working Grant, 2025-02-27

”Daniel Stahre is awarded Region Halland’s working grant for his stylish and versatile musicianship. His recordings are characterized by an impressive variety of strong melodies, beautiful interpretations and interesting arrangements. He has collaborated with several prominent Swedish artists, but it is in his own projects that he truly emerges with his own unique musical world.”  

Read the full pressrelease here.

STIM Award 2023