Like an American Idol (2019) - full transcript
Eleven-year-old Moa wants to become a musician like her father. When he loses his job as an on-air performer, Moa tries to keep her family and their dreams together. A musical story about ...
story: A Music Story
The entire building is full of sounds.
Some people may call it noise.
The best thing with my school is, I can do
what I want and still go to school.
My name is Moa, I am 11 years old.
As you probably get, I love music.
All kinds of music.
My dream is to become a pop star,
to be just as good as Ace Wilder.
We have different teachers.
One of them teaches rap and pop music.
He told us:
"Always do what you believe in."
But we have other, boring teachers
who think scales and stuff are important.
Mom and Dad are also into music.
My Mom is a voice coach, but her
dream is to become a solo artist.
But she says she has to find
her voice first. I don't get why.
My Dad is a pianist.
He used to be famous,
he sold lots of records.
But nowadays,
people download music for free.
Anton, what the hell!
Don't you ever turn your phone on?
Dad's manager, Alexander, has crazy
plans for how Dad could make money.
I am sure he is kind, but I wonder
if he knows what he is doing.
I have to do everything myself.
Damn, no one ever helps out!
Wait a minute! You make everything
so damn complicated.
You don't need that many notes.
Calm down a bit, won't you.
I know you can use all your fingers,
but it's unnecessary.
People aren't impressed by competence,
you just have to seem competent.
Music is all about attitude.
People need to identify.
Not too many notes. Listen to this.
Listen and enjoy and learn something.
Simple, people get this.
Then, a choir in the background.
"Do be do"... Something like that.
This can be used
in commercials or something.
You can sell all sorts of garbage
with this music.
Or even better, sex.
Sex, that's commercial.
Kinky bizarre, that's what you are
Alexander is a bit wacko,
but he did get Dad a job.
One day at a time
Oh, you are in your prime
Oh, weather in mind!
I am back, the sunshine in your lives.
And like a storm I enter the show,
and our topic is indeed weather.
First I want to introduce our fantastic
bandmaster, Anton Widebeck.
This show is sponsored
by "Sweet Idols".
Apply now and win lots of money.
"Sweet Idols" seems like fun.
Get the cash, cop the trash
How can you tell me my record
got no creative message?
I'm in it to win it, do whatever it takes
Speed like an athlete, no brakes
Your rap is great
But right now you wanna listen to me
I wanna sing my heart out
I wanna sing my heart out
I really fell I'm a steal mics
coming around what you gonna do?
Great, all at once...
Rap works great in our competition.
-So it doesn't have to be classical?
-No, any kind of music is fine.
But you have to write the song yourself.
Then it's the audition.
But does the song
have to be ready then?
It's easier for us in the jury
to get a grasp of the song.
But you do have time later,
when you are making the video.
-Video? Is there going to be a video?
-Yes, of course!
-Yes, everyone gets to do a video.
-That's great!
-Is it going to be on TV?
-If you make it to the finals.
-Can I be in on it?
-Yes, write your name here.
See you at the audition, then!
And don't forget the sweets. "Sweet
Idols" has its' own sweets, of course.
There you are.
That sounds great.
-Dad?
-Yes.
-Dad?
-Yes.
-Dad!
-Yes.
"Sweet Idols".
It's a competition, you write a song.
-You go to Stockholm, get to be on TV.
-TV? Hm.
-Ace won that competition.
-Okay, right.
It would be great fun
to write my own song.
Are you going to apply for "Sweet Idols"?
Yes... Or, I don't know. Maybe.
-It's would be so cool to...
-No, I don't want you to apply.
It's so damn tiresome that everyone
has to compete all the time!
Everyone watches this on TV!
It's great fun.
No, I don't think so.
Of course you can write your music.
But the juries are all corrupt.
No one cares about the musicians.
-No, write your music... Music flows...
-Anton?
It comes from inside of you, juries and
TV-shows have nothing to do with it.
Music has to come from the heart,
you can't just be a sell-out.
-Play it again.
-Which one?
Place your thumb on "C",
then you can reach it.
Why don't you do concerts?
I have to figure out what music to write.
You can write a musical.
"Mamma Mia". People of yours
and Mom's age like that kind of thing.
Moa, that's not a good idea.
-Is it hard to write musicals?
-I don't know, but...
I know I've been a fool
I should have been there for you
How can I make it up
How can I make it up
How can I make it up
Make it up to you
I will write a simple song for you
Let me show you
What a simple song can do
It makes me never run away from you
Let me show you
what a simple song can do
It mustn't be that hard
Go easy on yourself
Don't don't don't run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't you run away
I will write a simple song for you
Let me show you
What a simple song can do
It makes me never run away from you
Let me show you
What a simple song can do
Don't don't don't run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't you run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't you run away
Don't run away
I watched that show
"Sweet Idols" yesterday.
A boy of four won
and went on to the next round.
-He had a fantastic voice.
-Why should kids compete in music?
On air, in two minutes! And remember,
no sheet music during live broadcasts.
Anton, things are changing. The
directors want a new target audience.
The demographic analysis says
you don't have the right persona.
-Are they going to replace the host, too?
-I think we have to clarify things.
You are a really good pianist, but I can
get a pianist for 1 000 Crowns.
You musicians and artists
can be replaced.
Your only job is
to attract money from sponsors.
And you don't do that, Anton.
You simply can't work here anymore.
-Yes, everyone else is an idiot...
-It's so humiliating to be there.
-After an hour, I was told to go online.
-You have to register at the Job center!
-And get a regular job?
-Take what you get.
There are no jobs for me there.
I am a musician, damnit!
What are we going to do, then?
-What the hell do you want me to say?
-What is 7 times 8?
56. - It's not all about you now.
You compose wonderful music,
but you are living in a dream world.
You have to sell the grand piano,
apply for a new job!
Stop fighting!
-We shouldn't argue in front of her.
-No, that was stupid of us.
"You have to apply for a new job!"
Anton?
My salary won't cover these.
If you don't take responsibility,
I want a divorce.
I don't want this anymore.
First comes the spark
Then comes the fire
Can't make a wish
Without desire
First comes the bubble
Then comes the burst
You can't come home
Without leaving first
Two broken wings without a dove
There's nothing I can do
Without your love
There's no desert with no thirst
You can't come home
Without leaving first
First comes the tear
Then comes the bliss
I'll lose my lips
Without your kiss
First comes the spark
Then comes the fire
Can't make a wish
Without desire
Two broken wings without a dove
There's nothing I can do
Without your love
There's no desert with no thirst
You can't come home
Without leaving first
Mom and I aren't so angry
with each other.
We discuss things, like grown-ups do.
I don't like it when grown-ups
discuss things.
I hope you aren't selling
the grand piano or the instruments?
No, I promise.
Don't they like your music anymore?
No, it seems not.
Mom says we have no money.
No, I have to find a new job.
But isn't music your job?
Why don't you write new music?
-You have to be inspired to do that.
-How can you be inspired?
All big stars do Christmas tours.
Alexander booked Dad
at elderly people's homes.
That was good,
because then I could come along.
Play some real music,
like something from "Mamma Mia".
-ABBA is great.
-Please be quiet!
Is that your Dad?
I have never heard anyone improvise
with Schubert's piano music like that.
-Do you play the piano as well?
-I sing.
The voice is
the hardest instrument of all.
It reaches right into the soul.
-My name is Maja. What is yours?
-Moa.
Could you please come visit
and sing for me sometime?
How do we get young people
to listen to classical music?
Don't worry, Per Arne. Our youngsters
know their stuff, the music is perfect.
Everything is going to be okay.
Here, listen to this.
Yes. Is this Ice Wider?
-Ace Wilder, you mean.
-Alright.
I am sure this music has qualities
I don't perceive.
-But I want to learn this.
-Moa, we should start with the basics.
That's important. Place your hands like
this and we do what we always do.
It's so fun you came back to visit me.
-How are you doing?
-The teacher doesn't let me pick songs.
He can't decide these things.
But I have decided
to compete in "Sweet Idols".
-The music competition?
-Yes, for song composers.
But I am too scared
to tell Mom and Dad.
You don't have to tell them everything.
This can be our little secret.
-Do you have a song?
-No.
That's the problem
and the audition is coming up.
Dad had to get a job as a painter.
He said: "If you can't play what you want,
it's better to do something else."
But he didn't factor in
Alexander's new idea.
I've got the greatest idea!
You and me are going to make
our own label of beer!
All the celebrities have
their own label of beer nowadays.
"Anton Widebeck's beer", right?
8,5 percent.
Let's get everyone in Sweden drunk!
Hi there.
Hello. Alexander, I just called.
Here is this contract
for the AW beer, After Work.
You just have to sign right there.
-No, I don't know what...
-Let's say 15 000 beers by Wednesday.
15 000? That's impossible.
-We have to label them and...
-I'll do these things.
If you could deliver the bottles
to the restaurant by Wednesday.
We are doing a showcase then.
-Yes, but you have to pay in advance.
-In advance...?
Sometimes Dad daydreams,
that's when the music comes to him.
Like from another world.
The most beautiful words
That I've written
I have tied to a wreath of dreams
I no longer take words for granted
I'm released from all balance it seems
What becomes of a letter from spring?
A voice that's approaching again
I still wonder what it can bring
I hope my poor heart starts to sing
Springs from the past are
A strange art of presence
They've never felt stronger than now
I'll remember our foxtrot
To Beethoven's fifth
When your kiss flew away like a swift
Anton.
I ran into Alexander. He was talking
about some bill for beer labels.
What are you two up to?
I got the bill for the beer labels,
they were damned expensive.
-I didn't ask for 15 000 bottles.
-We got a bulk discount.
-But I am broke.
-You must have something worth selling.
I've helped you lots. I got you the job
at "Weather In Mind".
And now I got this beer label.
Now you have to do your part.
Hand me a dollar
Hand me a pound
Hand me your diamonds
Hand me the crown
I'm not waiting for Santa
I'm not waiting no more
I've paid for the ticket
And travelled a thousand times before
But it seems right now
Right now
Right now
I'm stuck on the bus
Right now
Right now
Right now
But soon I will come home to you
To you
To you
With dollars of my own
Sorry. "Transaction not permitted."
Do you have any cash?
Damn it... Here's what we can do.
Leave your meter running,
I'll pawn these things-
-and then I'll be right back.
No smaller bills?
I'm just joking.
-What's up, Moa?
-The instruments are gone!
-It's alright, Moa.
-But where are they? I need my synth!
I left them... I lent them to a friend.
-But he is returning them real soon.
-But my synth!
Wait. Sorry, Moa.
Anton, Bengt comes back tomorrow.
So there is no more work for you.
Moa? Hello, Moa?
How am I going to finish my song
for "Sweet Idols" without my synth?
Everything is just crap.
I'm never going to be a pop star.
One, two, three... One, two, three...
One, two, three, one, two, three...
-What are you doing?
-I'm writing a song.
Showing it to my fans. - Hi!
-For "Sweet Idols"?
-Maybe.
-Do you want to help me?
-Mm.
This is how we do it. We need a verse.
The verse isn't super important,
but we need it.
It has to be emotional, and start low.
Then a bridge, we build it up,
and a massive chorus.
A massive chorus
where we sing out loud.
I know! Let's write a song
about a song competition.
Priscilla went to the desert
With her mix tapes in a trunk
She never called me since that day
When the band became too drunk
We all end up like celebrities
Watching dreams that disappear
Illusion is reality
You'd better franchise your tears
But I all I wanna do is to bring her back
She disappeared
With the suitcase that I packed
And all that's left for me to do is cry
Like an American idol
Like an American idol
Like an American idol
Like an American idol
Oh yeah
Like an American idol
Like an American Idol
Like an American idol
Like an American idol
-Nice display.
-Thanks.
-I'm in the music industry.
-Oh, really?
I've manufactured my own beer.
It's called "AW".
It's the initials
of the musician Anton Widebeck.
Oh, right.
-Maybe you want to test-sell it?
-I don't know, there are so many beers.
The target group has to be very defined.
-Which beer sells best?
-During summer, it's this colorful "AB".
-"AB"?
-Yes, "After Beach".
-Packaging is everything.
-Yes, absolutely not the contents.
Bye, now.
-I'm writing a musical.
-A musical?
-What's the point of that?
-Listen to this, then.
First comes the spark
Then comes the fire
Wait, wait...
A musical? Finally, you get an idea
that could bring in some money.
The song isn't that great,
but that can be changed.
Play something, just hammer away...
You get it, right? We have to...
Who is that, singing?
-That's Moa.
-Oh, yes?
I can't hear anything!
-You have a beautiful voice.
-Thank you.
-What song is this?
-I'm trying to write my own song.
But it's a bit hard,
I don't have a synth anymore.
No, right...
Is there a special purpose for the song?
I want to compete in "Sweet Idols".
But it's a secret. Don't tell Mom and Dad.
I promise.
I lost my painting job today.
The regular guy is back at work.
Nothing is ever easy for us!
You aren't the only one with dreams.
I would have liked to take
a course in improvised singing.
And how could you sell Moa's synth
and keep the grand piano?
That's great, let's continue
these improvisations.
-If you want to. Do you want too?
-Yeah.
-Great! Until next week, then.
-Yes. Bye now!
Damn it all, what the hell!
Welcome. Today we are going to
talk about my big love.
That is, the written word, the lyrics.
When I was younger,
I hated to read and write.
Until I realized
how powerful words are in music.
I thought of the English word "spelling".
"Spell", sounds like wizardry.
Then I thought about
the Swedish word for "spelling".
That's "stava". What's "stav"?
You walk with it,
or it's a magical wand.
Then I thought:
"Hm, words are magical."
My music affects me in so many ways
And I'm leaving my place here on Earth
And take to the skies
I live in the moment
Give me an umbrella
'Cause music and lyrics are falling
I'm growing, but everything's here
Gathered it's laying but kept in its' pieces
Written in ink and it's ever so precious
Cast me in bronze
And I'll take down the speakers...
Cast me in bronze
And I'll take down the speakers...
I swear
Make of me a statue when I am gone
Put me in a place
Where you'll come along
Show all the living
Art is all that is really true
Show all the living
It all will come through
I'm seeking my music attempting I labor
Fighting and biting, I sing and I clamor
Give all for culture the beats and the mic
Poems come first feeling depleted
Look down the road check out the statue
Watch how they glare
Stop all the panic, my house stands tall
Return to the traffic, doctor's on call
Make of me a statue when I am gone
Put me in a place
Where you'll come along
Show all the living
That art is all that's really true
Show all the living
It all will come through
I applied to "Sweet Idols" for you.
Alexander.
Before I let you free to take your
phone calls and texts, I just want to say-
-try to listen to the music,
analyze the lyrics.
And see if you can find
some magic for yourselves.
-Are you good at writing lyrics?
-No, not really.
The audition is the day after tomorrow-
-and I don't know what it's supposed to
be about and I don't have any lyrics.
When I was a kid, I learnt a rhyme.
It goes round and round like a melody
Round and round to set you free
Round and round like a spinning wheel
Round and round in harmony
Round and round...
Round...
-Elisabet.
-Mom?
-Is it still unpaid?
-Mom, how do you spell "clouds"?
No, I understand.
I will do it. Definitely. Thank you.
I have no Internet access.
Did you take the router, Moa?
How do you spell "clouds"?
C, L, O, U, D, S.
Is this English homework?
No, I am writing lyrics. "Clouds"...
Clouds! Clouds...
I had no idea you were writing a song.
Can't you sing that song
you sang for me when I was a kid?
Right. No, I have to pay
a really important bill.
I should have paid it two weeks ago.
Mom had lost the joy of singing and was
stuck in some grey everyday life.
-What's happened?
-Anton lost his job.
And he is so established!
It's a long story.
But I am a member
of the Swedish Hymnal Board.
-Could Anton imagine writing a hymn?
-Yes, absolutely!
And we need someone
to perform the hymns.
Oh... I will have to think about it.
Hymn lyrics should strive to be very free-
-but they have to submit
to the teachings of Christ.
Sometimes I come along with Mom when
she works. It's not always great fun.
Can a free verse be done solo,
and the congregation sings the chorus?
Hymns are not sung solo, they should
encompass the praise of the people.
"What do you believe in, Mom?"
-What are you saying?
-"What do you believe in, Mom?"
You can't disturb me now.
Why are you speaking English?
-Please Mom, sing that song to me.
-Not now!
-What song, anyway?
-You sang it to me when I was little.
You ask in whom I put my trust
If there's a temple far from here
Flights of angels with no wings
If there's a judge it won't be me
What else is here for me to see?
I believe in gravity
I believe in all the things I see
Right here in front of me
Like eternity
Like you and me
If I was blind
And you could see
Is there a place you'd rather be
Is there a truth that's always true?
A place where skies are always blue
-I am writing the song.
-Oh! Could you sing it to me?
-I'm not done with it yet.
-Do you want to sing something else?
What else is here for me to see?
I believe in gravity
I believe in all the things I see
Right here in front of me
Like eternity
Like you and me
Darned, that's good!
You have a great voice!
I'm going to tell you something.
When I was your age,
I wanted to be a rock drummer.
Imagine, we could have
formed a band together.
-We could do that anyway.
-No.
My tired arms couldn't hold on
to the drumsticks anymore.
But I would want you to
continue with your singing.
Per Arne might have a job for you.
I hope you didn't say yes.
Only You
Brings the love into
A broken heart of a fool
Anton, "mercy" is two syllables.
"Heart" is just one.
I would prefer the number
of syllables to be the same.
-I can strike the word "heart".
-Good.
Moving on.
Without You
I'm half as good
Like an angel with no wings...
-The word "you", do you mean "God"?
-"You" sounded right.
It's good to know
who the lyrics are about.
We are facing great challenges,
as you can see.
On the one hand, we are trying
to renew the practice of hymn singing...
...but on the other hand,
we have to show respect for tradition.
What if we try improvising a little?
Elisabet. Could you step forward
and try to improvise a part?
-Come on, have a go!
-I could try, I guess.
From here.
A guitar with no strings
A song with no words
Dad must have listened to me, he got
more inspired to write the musical.
I just got an idea.
Make believe as the old song goes
It will last all my life
Act the master - you may regret it
Someday you'll lose your lines
I tried learning my lesson
I tried dropping my mask
I found no magic carpet left on the ground
But a few grains of sand
Tried to walk on the new Milky Way
Down memory lane
A storm with no wind
A tear with no eye
The truth with no faith
Where in the ecclesiastical year
would this hit song fit in?
Alexander never stopped dreaming of
how him and Dad were going to be rich.
Hi there! Who is in your target group?
If your answer is "everyone", you are
making the most common mistake.
A target group must be defined
in every last detail.
At pitch forum, we don't rely on chance.
Are you a winner or a loser?
This is great. You get to present
your ideas to several investors.
You can get millions, if you are lucky.
-Who invests in music?
-Aren't you doing a musical?
-Yes.
-Then you need money.
Pitch forum is just one of my ideas.
And I figured out, you can apply for
different cultural grants and stuff.
But you have to write something
so they are willing to give you money.
-I don't believe in this.
-Help me a bit, won't you!
Come on! Say something.
I would write something along the lines
of "Jesus Christ Superstar".
But about an eleven-year-old girl
who wants to be a star.
-What the hell have you been smoking?
-But it's great!
Say the project is
for children and young people.
That's great. Everyone likes children and
young people. Well, children, at least.
Hi Moa! Is your song for "Sweet Idols"
going to be done in time? Alexander.
Moa! Open the door!
-Give me my synth first!
-You can't have that now!
-What are you doing in there?
-I don't want to talk.
You can't enter that competition.
It doesn't matter anymore!
What would you say if I already entered?
I have to decide some things for myself!
Okay, thanks Moa. Really good.
Could you imagine playing
with a bit more feeling?
When you got something to be proud of
Just sing it out louder
Excuse me, could you lower the tempo?
-Slow down?
-Yes.
I think your chances would be better
with a sad piano ballad.
It goes round and round and round
Like a melody
-Well... What do we say?
-Is it "sweet"?
The song doesn't seem to be finished,
but you are very musical for your age.
I would be willing
to give her another chance.
But then your song should be finished
when you come back here.
It felt so strange that the jury
wanted to decide so many things.
-Can you make a happy song sad?
-What do you mean?
Everyone says something different.
The jury wants me to make it sad.
What do you want?
I want it to be upbeat and happy.
My big idol was John Bonham
in Led Zeppelin.
I just loved how he played the drums!
I started practicing. My goal was
to sound exactly like John Bonham.
But it didn't go that great. I understood
I had to simplify things, play like Maja.
Then it sounded much better.
-Has Alexander taken up singing?
-Sounds improbable to me.
Strange. He called me
and wanted vocal coaching.
I have always wondered,
how you find your own voice.
That's a good question.
I have given that a great deal of thought.
I am thinking, that you do have
to find your own voice.
And it's not always
like...what you want it to be like.
You have to search for your own voice.
Not anyone's you want to emulate.
Then your voice can
grow much larger, become more-
-than what you first imagined.
Your daughter Moa,
she has a fantastic voice.
-She must get it from you.
-Yes, she has.
I have been thinking about
starting a musical project.
I'm going to apply for money for this.
There could be school tours and the like.
Funny you should say that!
We have a flute teacher here at school.
Jan, he is very informed
about these things.
He is even chairman of a foundation-
-handing out money
for regional development purposes.
You have to speak to him.
But he can be a bit difficult.
He sees through anyone who applies
to gain something personally.
I do love the austerity
of Edgard VarŠses music.
Sorry, I am a bit late.
What did you want to talk about?
I have understood
that you are very informed-
-about grants suitable
for a music project-
-for children and young people
in this region.
First of all I have to say...
My time is very limited.
And when I engage in something-
-I have to feel completely dedicated.
Do you have any kind of budget?
I have some ideas. Maybe we could
sit down and talk about it?
Alexander, why do people lie?
-What do you mean?
-I will repeat my question.
Why do people lie, Alexander?
I guess you do it to gain something.
That's the right answer!
Yes, people lie
in order to gain something.
My opinion is rather-
-that this is something you do
for your own benefit.
-Isn't that so, Alexander?
-What are you talking about?
Do you admit it, Alexander?
Do you admit it?
-Do you admit it?
-Yes, I admit it!
There, there. Since I am a member
of the board, I can tell you-
-that it would have been refused anyway.
I have something for you. It's a kind of
music program I bought a while ago.
It's like a music studio for home use.
And you, you need it
much more than I do.
-Go home and write your song.
-Thank you.
-Hello?
-Hi Anton, Alexander here.
I am going to get a free consultation
from pitch forum.
I don't believe in that pitch forum.
And one more thing. Moa isn't going to
compete in some song competition.
-That's why she was writing a song.
-Yes.
But I think she is too young
to compete in music.
Do you really think so?
-Tell me, what did you want?
-I've seen you on Youtube and...
You can begin by telling me why your
project is going to make an impact.
-Well, I have a great idea...
-A pitch, ten seconds!
-Stand up! Come on!
-What? A pitch.
-Stand on both legs!
-Yes, I am standing up.
-Come on! Ten seconds.
-Classical music...
-...meeting improvisations...
-One, two, three.
Stand tall, speak up!
Stand tall!
Think of your target group.
What is behind it all?
Falling
Falling apart
When you are running out of time
You couldn't see
You couldn't see it from the start
What you can't see you cannot find
When you're falling apart
You think you'll never be the same
The puzzle's falling apart
Just put the pieces back again and again
Just put the pieces back again
Falling
Falling apart
Face the music and let go
When you're falling apart
Just put the pieces back again and again
Just put the pieces back again
Again and again
Just put the pieces back again
Just so you know,
we speak English at pitch forum.
That's not a problem.
I am good at English.
I am very honored to be here today-
-and talk to you all
about the Swedish music wonder.
It's a real wonder,
popular, all over the world.
And, and we have, in the seventies,
ABBA, you know.
ABBA, "Waterloo".
And also, today, we have
the Polar Music Prize, with also...
We have the winner there, Max Martin,
who is also Swedish and famous.
And, I also want to...say...
We also have the,
the...the flowing in the cash.
And I also feel that...
Our most important project...
...is a young artist called Moa.
And I am also sure that it will go very
long and be very famous...
Very famous, world...wide.
I'm done with music now.
I'm going to work
on the beer label instead.
We will get 40 ”re per bottle,
then to hell with it.
I did tell you Moa is too young
to compete in music.
It comes natural for kids these days
to compete in music.
Every nine-year-old
has their own Youtube channel.
Don't you see
why Moa doesn't dare speak to you?
It's you who is stopping her.
You have one daughter.
Help her with the song instead.
Please Moa, open the door.
Things don't always work out
the way you planned.
Go away! Where is my synth?
You sold it.
-I didn't sell it.
-You pawned it, for peanuts!
-But Moa, I promise you...
-You can't promise anything anymore!
This feels terrible.
I can get the synth immediately.
Moa, I don't know
how my thoughts went about your synth.
-I shouldn't have done that.
-No, you shouldn't have done that.
I have been really stupid.
I should have listened to you.
But I want to tell you something.
I want to... I would like to...
I want to tell you something.
I'm thinking...
Why is it so hard for grown-ups
to say "I am sorry"?
-Do you really want to enter?
-I have wanted it all along.
Moa, I'm sorry. Of course you
should be in the competition.
Thanks, Dad!
-How is it going with the musical?
-I am doing the last scene.
But I don't know if the end
is going to be happy or sad.
But Dad, everyone wants a happy end.
-Well, hello!
-Hi there.
I am so glad it's working out for you.
We at pitch forum are going to
arrange a charity event.
What if Moa and her family could
make a performance?
No one gets paid, but to be seen there
really benefits the musicians.
Really? It's no good at all
for the musicians.
It might be good for pitch forum,
but it's no good for the musicians.
But listen, try one of these!
Damned cheapskate!
-The song turned out great.
-Yes, it did.
Did you remember to apply to "Sweet
Idols"? It should be stamped today.
-Did you post it, Anton?
-Damned...!
What do we do now?!
This is completely crazy!
Damned rolls...
Are you totally wacko?
Are you going to swim to town?!
Yes!
-It's too late. It's already emptied.
-Damn!
But you know what... Hello?
Good thing then, I already mailed it.
What about giving me 50 percent?
Without me, you would be shot.
15 percent.
15 percent?! No...
Okay.
-Anton Widebeck, the piano player!
-I recognize you.
-How is it going with your music?
-Well, you have to follow your dreams.
I got the best job. I'm going to write new,
cool music for the church.
-Are you going far away?
-We are going to Stockholm.
-I'm going to be in "Sweet Idols".
-Wow, are you joking? Neat!
-It's going to be so exciting.
-Good luck!
Now for our final music video.
The music is written
by eleven year old Moa Widebeck!
-Welcome, Moa. Good to see you here!
-Thank you. It's fun to be here.
Your song is about...
It's about doing your thing-
-and about singing what you like,
and above all, enjoy yourself. And I did.
That's good to hear. We tried to help out
a bit, and give some advice...
Per Arne, Moa is on TV!
Let's go! The last music video is
"Round and round" with Moa Widebeck!
I've got something to sing
I'm going to sing it to you
When you've got something to say
Say it right away
When you've got something
to be proud of, just sing it out louder
If you haven't got a clue
I'm going to give it to you
It goes round and round and round
Like a melody
Round and round and round
To set you free
Round and round and round
Like a spinning wheel
Round and round and round
In harmony
I think she is
going in the right direction.
Round and round and round
Like a melody
Round and round and round
To set you free
This is so exciting.
Look, the envelope.
Soon we are going to find out
who has won "Sweet Idols" this year.
The prize is sweets, of course.
But you also get a time slot to make
a recording in a professional studio.
And I am pulling the string...
Let's see...
The winner of this year's competition
is Moa Widebeck!
Yes!
I won, Dad!
That's how I won "Sweet Idols".
Everyone celebrated like crazy-
-and Mom and Dad were so proud they
laughed and cried at the same time.
And Maja even took out her old drums-
-and started a rock group
with some other old people.
But Alexander was happiest of all,
he thought he was going to be rich.
But he did arrange for a theatre
in Gothenburg to stage Dad's musical.
That Mom and I get to sing together-
-and that us three get to do
what we love most in the whole world-
-that was the best thing of all.
If I was blind and you could see
Is there a place you'd rather be
Is there a truth that's always true?
A place where skies are always blue
And Mom, she was singing
like never before.
I think she finally
found her voice again.
Don't you think it's good enough?
I believe in what I see
The miracles are real
I can't touch you right in front of me
Like reality
Like being free
What else is here for me to see?
I believe in gravity
I believe in all the things I see
Right here in front of me
Like eternity
Like you and me
The entire building is full of sounds.
Some people may call it noise.
The best thing with my school is, I can do
what I want and still go to school.
My name is Moa, I am 11 years old.
As you probably get, I love music.
All kinds of music.
My dream is to become a pop star,
to be just as good as Ace Wilder.
We have different teachers.
One of them teaches rap and pop music.
He told us:
"Always do what you believe in."
But we have other, boring teachers
who think scales and stuff are important.
Mom and Dad are also into music.
My Mom is a voice coach, but her
dream is to become a solo artist.
But she says she has to find
her voice first. I don't get why.
My Dad is a pianist.
He used to be famous,
he sold lots of records.
But nowadays,
people download music for free.
Anton, what the hell!
Don't you ever turn your phone on?
Dad's manager, Alexander, has crazy
plans for how Dad could make money.
I am sure he is kind, but I wonder
if he knows what he is doing.
I have to do everything myself.
Damn, no one ever helps out!
Wait a minute! You make everything
so damn complicated.
You don't need that many notes.
Calm down a bit, won't you.
I know you can use all your fingers,
but it's unnecessary.
People aren't impressed by competence,
you just have to seem competent.
Music is all about attitude.
People need to identify.
Not too many notes. Listen to this.
Listen and enjoy and learn something.
Simple, people get this.
Then, a choir in the background.
"Do be do"... Something like that.
This can be used
in commercials or something.
You can sell all sorts of garbage
with this music.
Or even better, sex.
Sex, that's commercial.
Kinky bizarre, that's what you are
Alexander is a bit wacko,
but he did get Dad a job.
One day at a time
Oh, you are in your prime
Oh, weather in mind!
I am back, the sunshine in your lives.
And like a storm I enter the show,
and our topic is indeed weather.
First I want to introduce our fantastic
bandmaster, Anton Widebeck.
This show is sponsored
by "Sweet Idols".
Apply now and win lots of money.
"Sweet Idols" seems like fun.
Get the cash, cop the trash
How can you tell me my record
got no creative message?
I'm in it to win it, do whatever it takes
Speed like an athlete, no brakes
Your rap is great
But right now you wanna listen to me
I wanna sing my heart out
I wanna sing my heart out
I really fell I'm a steal mics
coming around what you gonna do?
Great, all at once...
Rap works great in our competition.
-So it doesn't have to be classical?
-No, any kind of music is fine.
But you have to write the song yourself.
Then it's the audition.
But does the song
have to be ready then?
It's easier for us in the jury
to get a grasp of the song.
But you do have time later,
when you are making the video.
-Video? Is there going to be a video?
-Yes, of course!
-Yes, everyone gets to do a video.
-That's great!
-Is it going to be on TV?
-If you make it to the finals.
-Can I be in on it?
-Yes, write your name here.
See you at the audition, then!
And don't forget the sweets. "Sweet
Idols" has its' own sweets, of course.
There you are.
That sounds great.
-Dad?
-Yes.
-Dad?
-Yes.
-Dad!
-Yes.
"Sweet Idols".
It's a competition, you write a song.
-You go to Stockholm, get to be on TV.
-TV? Hm.
-Ace won that competition.
-Okay, right.
It would be great fun
to write my own song.
Are you going to apply for "Sweet Idols"?
Yes... Or, I don't know. Maybe.
-It's would be so cool to...
-No, I don't want you to apply.
It's so damn tiresome that everyone
has to compete all the time!
Everyone watches this on TV!
It's great fun.
No, I don't think so.
Of course you can write your music.
But the juries are all corrupt.
No one cares about the musicians.
-No, write your music... Music flows...
-Anton?
It comes from inside of you, juries and
TV-shows have nothing to do with it.
Music has to come from the heart,
you can't just be a sell-out.
-Play it again.
-Which one?
Place your thumb on "C",
then you can reach it.
Why don't you do concerts?
I have to figure out what music to write.
You can write a musical.
"Mamma Mia". People of yours
and Mom's age like that kind of thing.
Moa, that's not a good idea.
-Is it hard to write musicals?
-I don't know, but...
I know I've been a fool
I should have been there for you
How can I make it up
How can I make it up
How can I make it up
Make it up to you
I will write a simple song for you
Let me show you
What a simple song can do
It makes me never run away from you
Let me show you
what a simple song can do
It mustn't be that hard
Go easy on yourself
Don't don't don't run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't you run away
I will write a simple song for you
Let me show you
What a simple song can do
It makes me never run away from you
Let me show you
What a simple song can do
Don't don't don't run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't you run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't don't don't run away
Don't you run away
Don't run away
I watched that show
"Sweet Idols" yesterday.
A boy of four won
and went on to the next round.
-He had a fantastic voice.
-Why should kids compete in music?
On air, in two minutes! And remember,
no sheet music during live broadcasts.
Anton, things are changing. The
directors want a new target audience.
The demographic analysis says
you don't have the right persona.
-Are they going to replace the host, too?
-I think we have to clarify things.
You are a really good pianist, but I can
get a pianist for 1 000 Crowns.
You musicians and artists
can be replaced.
Your only job is
to attract money from sponsors.
And you don't do that, Anton.
You simply can't work here anymore.
-Yes, everyone else is an idiot...
-It's so humiliating to be there.
-After an hour, I was told to go online.
-You have to register at the Job center!
-And get a regular job?
-Take what you get.
There are no jobs for me there.
I am a musician, damnit!
What are we going to do, then?
-What the hell do you want me to say?
-What is 7 times 8?
56. - It's not all about you now.
You compose wonderful music,
but you are living in a dream world.
You have to sell the grand piano,
apply for a new job!
Stop fighting!
-We shouldn't argue in front of her.
-No, that was stupid of us.
"You have to apply for a new job!"
Anton?
My salary won't cover these.
If you don't take responsibility,
I want a divorce.
I don't want this anymore.
First comes the spark
Then comes the fire
Can't make a wish
Without desire
First comes the bubble
Then comes the burst
You can't come home
Without leaving first
Two broken wings without a dove
There's nothing I can do
Without your love
There's no desert with no thirst
You can't come home
Without leaving first
First comes the tear
Then comes the bliss
I'll lose my lips
Without your kiss
First comes the spark
Then comes the fire
Can't make a wish
Without desire
Two broken wings without a dove
There's nothing I can do
Without your love
There's no desert with no thirst
You can't come home
Without leaving first
Mom and I aren't so angry
with each other.
We discuss things, like grown-ups do.
I don't like it when grown-ups
discuss things.
I hope you aren't selling
the grand piano or the instruments?
No, I promise.
Don't they like your music anymore?
No, it seems not.
Mom says we have no money.
No, I have to find a new job.
But isn't music your job?
Why don't you write new music?
-You have to be inspired to do that.
-How can you be inspired?
All big stars do Christmas tours.
Alexander booked Dad
at elderly people's homes.
That was good,
because then I could come along.
Play some real music,
like something from "Mamma Mia".
-ABBA is great.
-Please be quiet!
Is that your Dad?
I have never heard anyone improvise
with Schubert's piano music like that.
-Do you play the piano as well?
-I sing.
The voice is
the hardest instrument of all.
It reaches right into the soul.
-My name is Maja. What is yours?
-Moa.
Could you please come visit
and sing for me sometime?
How do we get young people
to listen to classical music?
Don't worry, Per Arne. Our youngsters
know their stuff, the music is perfect.
Everything is going to be okay.
Here, listen to this.
Yes. Is this Ice Wider?
-Ace Wilder, you mean.
-Alright.
I am sure this music has qualities
I don't perceive.
-But I want to learn this.
-Moa, we should start with the basics.
That's important. Place your hands like
this and we do what we always do.
It's so fun you came back to visit me.
-How are you doing?
-The teacher doesn't let me pick songs.
He can't decide these things.
But I have decided
to compete in "Sweet Idols".
-The music competition?
-Yes, for song composers.
But I am too scared
to tell Mom and Dad.
You don't have to tell them everything.
This can be our little secret.
-Do you have a song?
-No.
That's the problem
and the audition is coming up.
Dad had to get a job as a painter.
He said: "If you can't play what you want,
it's better to do something else."
But he didn't factor in
Alexander's new idea.
I've got the greatest idea!
You and me are going to make
our own label of beer!
All the celebrities have
their own label of beer nowadays.
"Anton Widebeck's beer", right?
8,5 percent.
Let's get everyone in Sweden drunk!
Hi there.
Hello. Alexander, I just called.
Here is this contract
for the AW beer, After Work.
You just have to sign right there.
-No, I don't know what...
-Let's say 15 000 beers by Wednesday.
15 000? That's impossible.
-We have to label them and...
-I'll do these things.
If you could deliver the bottles
to the restaurant by Wednesday.
We are doing a showcase then.
-Yes, but you have to pay in advance.
-In advance...?
Sometimes Dad daydreams,
that's when the music comes to him.
Like from another world.
The most beautiful words
That I've written
I have tied to a wreath of dreams
I no longer take words for granted
I'm released from all balance it seems
What becomes of a letter from spring?
A voice that's approaching again
I still wonder what it can bring
I hope my poor heart starts to sing
Springs from the past are
A strange art of presence
They've never felt stronger than now
I'll remember our foxtrot
To Beethoven's fifth
When your kiss flew away like a swift
Anton.
I ran into Alexander. He was talking
about some bill for beer labels.
What are you two up to?
I got the bill for the beer labels,
they were damned expensive.
-I didn't ask for 15 000 bottles.
-We got a bulk discount.
-But I am broke.
-You must have something worth selling.
I've helped you lots. I got you the job
at "Weather In Mind".
And now I got this beer label.
Now you have to do your part.
Hand me a dollar
Hand me a pound
Hand me your diamonds
Hand me the crown
I'm not waiting for Santa
I'm not waiting no more
I've paid for the ticket
And travelled a thousand times before
But it seems right now
Right now
Right now
I'm stuck on the bus
Right now
Right now
Right now
But soon I will come home to you
To you
To you
With dollars of my own
Sorry. "Transaction not permitted."
Do you have any cash?
Damn it... Here's what we can do.
Leave your meter running,
I'll pawn these things-
-and then I'll be right back.
No smaller bills?
I'm just joking.
-What's up, Moa?
-The instruments are gone!
-It's alright, Moa.
-But where are they? I need my synth!
I left them... I lent them to a friend.
-But he is returning them real soon.
-But my synth!
Wait. Sorry, Moa.
Anton, Bengt comes back tomorrow.
So there is no more work for you.
Moa? Hello, Moa?
How am I going to finish my song
for "Sweet Idols" without my synth?
Everything is just crap.
I'm never going to be a pop star.
One, two, three... One, two, three...
One, two, three, one, two, three...
-What are you doing?
-I'm writing a song.
Showing it to my fans. - Hi!
-For "Sweet Idols"?
-Maybe.
-Do you want to help me?
-Mm.
This is how we do it. We need a verse.
The verse isn't super important,
but we need it.
It has to be emotional, and start low.
Then a bridge, we build it up,
and a massive chorus.
A massive chorus
where we sing out loud.
I know! Let's write a song
about a song competition.
Priscilla went to the desert
With her mix tapes in a trunk
She never called me since that day
When the band became too drunk
We all end up like celebrities
Watching dreams that disappear
Illusion is reality
You'd better franchise your tears
But I all I wanna do is to bring her back
She disappeared
With the suitcase that I packed
And all that's left for me to do is cry
Like an American idol
Like an American idol
Like an American idol
Like an American idol
Oh yeah
Like an American idol
Like an American Idol
Like an American idol
Like an American idol
-Nice display.
-Thanks.
-I'm in the music industry.
-Oh, really?
I've manufactured my own beer.
It's called "AW".
It's the initials
of the musician Anton Widebeck.
Oh, right.
-Maybe you want to test-sell it?
-I don't know, there are so many beers.
The target group has to be very defined.
-Which beer sells best?
-During summer, it's this colorful "AB".
-"AB"?
-Yes, "After Beach".
-Packaging is everything.
-Yes, absolutely not the contents.
Bye, now.
-I'm writing a musical.
-A musical?
-What's the point of that?
-Listen to this, then.
First comes the spark
Then comes the fire
Wait, wait...
A musical? Finally, you get an idea
that could bring in some money.
The song isn't that great,
but that can be changed.
Play something, just hammer away...
You get it, right? We have to...
Who is that, singing?
-That's Moa.
-Oh, yes?
I can't hear anything!
-You have a beautiful voice.
-Thank you.
-What song is this?
-I'm trying to write my own song.
But it's a bit hard,
I don't have a synth anymore.
No, right...
Is there a special purpose for the song?
I want to compete in "Sweet Idols".
But it's a secret. Don't tell Mom and Dad.
I promise.
I lost my painting job today.
The regular guy is back at work.
Nothing is ever easy for us!
You aren't the only one with dreams.
I would have liked to take
a course in improvised singing.
And how could you sell Moa's synth
and keep the grand piano?
That's great, let's continue
these improvisations.
-If you want to. Do you want too?
-Yeah.
-Great! Until next week, then.
-Yes. Bye now!
Damn it all, what the hell!
Welcome. Today we are going to
talk about my big love.
That is, the written word, the lyrics.
When I was younger,
I hated to read and write.
Until I realized
how powerful words are in music.
I thought of the English word "spelling".
"Spell", sounds like wizardry.
Then I thought about
the Swedish word for "spelling".
That's "stava". What's "stav"?
You walk with it,
or it's a magical wand.
Then I thought:
"Hm, words are magical."
My music affects me in so many ways
And I'm leaving my place here on Earth
And take to the skies
I live in the moment
Give me an umbrella
'Cause music and lyrics are falling
I'm growing, but everything's here
Gathered it's laying but kept in its' pieces
Written in ink and it's ever so precious
Cast me in bronze
And I'll take down the speakers...
Cast me in bronze
And I'll take down the speakers...
I swear
Make of me a statue when I am gone
Put me in a place
Where you'll come along
Show all the living
Art is all that is really true
Show all the living
It all will come through
I'm seeking my music attempting I labor
Fighting and biting, I sing and I clamor
Give all for culture the beats and the mic
Poems come first feeling depleted
Look down the road check out the statue
Watch how they glare
Stop all the panic, my house stands tall
Return to the traffic, doctor's on call
Make of me a statue when I am gone
Put me in a place
Where you'll come along
Show all the living
That art is all that's really true
Show all the living
It all will come through
I applied to "Sweet Idols" for you.
Alexander.
Before I let you free to take your
phone calls and texts, I just want to say-
-try to listen to the music,
analyze the lyrics.
And see if you can find
some magic for yourselves.
-Are you good at writing lyrics?
-No, not really.
The audition is the day after tomorrow-
-and I don't know what it's supposed to
be about and I don't have any lyrics.
When I was a kid, I learnt a rhyme.
It goes round and round like a melody
Round and round to set you free
Round and round like a spinning wheel
Round and round in harmony
Round and round...
Round...
-Elisabet.
-Mom?
-Is it still unpaid?
-Mom, how do you spell "clouds"?
No, I understand.
I will do it. Definitely. Thank you.
I have no Internet access.
Did you take the router, Moa?
How do you spell "clouds"?
C, L, O, U, D, S.
Is this English homework?
No, I am writing lyrics. "Clouds"...
Clouds! Clouds...
I had no idea you were writing a song.
Can't you sing that song
you sang for me when I was a kid?
Right. No, I have to pay
a really important bill.
I should have paid it two weeks ago.
Mom had lost the joy of singing and was
stuck in some grey everyday life.
-What's happened?
-Anton lost his job.
And he is so established!
It's a long story.
But I am a member
of the Swedish Hymnal Board.
-Could Anton imagine writing a hymn?
-Yes, absolutely!
And we need someone
to perform the hymns.
Oh... I will have to think about it.
Hymn lyrics should strive to be very free-
-but they have to submit
to the teachings of Christ.
Sometimes I come along with Mom when
she works. It's not always great fun.
Can a free verse be done solo,
and the congregation sings the chorus?
Hymns are not sung solo, they should
encompass the praise of the people.
"What do you believe in, Mom?"
-What are you saying?
-"What do you believe in, Mom?"
You can't disturb me now.
Why are you speaking English?
-Please Mom, sing that song to me.
-Not now!
-What song, anyway?
-You sang it to me when I was little.
You ask in whom I put my trust
If there's a temple far from here
Flights of angels with no wings
If there's a judge it won't be me
What else is here for me to see?
I believe in gravity
I believe in all the things I see
Right here in front of me
Like eternity
Like you and me
If I was blind
And you could see
Is there a place you'd rather be
Is there a truth that's always true?
A place where skies are always blue
-I am writing the song.
-Oh! Could you sing it to me?
-I'm not done with it yet.
-Do you want to sing something else?
What else is here for me to see?
I believe in gravity
I believe in all the things I see
Right here in front of me
Like eternity
Like you and me
Darned, that's good!
You have a great voice!
I'm going to tell you something.
When I was your age,
I wanted to be a rock drummer.
Imagine, we could have
formed a band together.
-We could do that anyway.
-No.
My tired arms couldn't hold on
to the drumsticks anymore.
But I would want you to
continue with your singing.
Per Arne might have a job for you.
I hope you didn't say yes.
Only You
Brings the love into
A broken heart of a fool
Anton, "mercy" is two syllables.
"Heart" is just one.
I would prefer the number
of syllables to be the same.
-I can strike the word "heart".
-Good.
Moving on.
Without You
I'm half as good
Like an angel with no wings...
-The word "you", do you mean "God"?
-"You" sounded right.
It's good to know
who the lyrics are about.
We are facing great challenges,
as you can see.
On the one hand, we are trying
to renew the practice of hymn singing...
...but on the other hand,
we have to show respect for tradition.
What if we try improvising a little?
Elisabet. Could you step forward
and try to improvise a part?
-Come on, have a go!
-I could try, I guess.
From here.
A guitar with no strings
A song with no words
Dad must have listened to me, he got
more inspired to write the musical.
I just got an idea.
Make believe as the old song goes
It will last all my life
Act the master - you may regret it
Someday you'll lose your lines
I tried learning my lesson
I tried dropping my mask
I found no magic carpet left on the ground
But a few grains of sand
Tried to walk on the new Milky Way
Down memory lane
A storm with no wind
A tear with no eye
The truth with no faith
Where in the ecclesiastical year
would this hit song fit in?
Alexander never stopped dreaming of
how him and Dad were going to be rich.
Hi there! Who is in your target group?
If your answer is "everyone", you are
making the most common mistake.
A target group must be defined
in every last detail.
At pitch forum, we don't rely on chance.
Are you a winner or a loser?
This is great. You get to present
your ideas to several investors.
You can get millions, if you are lucky.
-Who invests in music?
-Aren't you doing a musical?
-Yes.
-Then you need money.
Pitch forum is just one of my ideas.
And I figured out, you can apply for
different cultural grants and stuff.
But you have to write something
so they are willing to give you money.
-I don't believe in this.
-Help me a bit, won't you!
Come on! Say something.
I would write something along the lines
of "Jesus Christ Superstar".
But about an eleven-year-old girl
who wants to be a star.
-What the hell have you been smoking?
-But it's great!
Say the project is
for children and young people.
That's great. Everyone likes children and
young people. Well, children, at least.
Hi Moa! Is your song for "Sweet Idols"
going to be done in time? Alexander.
Moa! Open the door!
-Give me my synth first!
-You can't have that now!
-What are you doing in there?
-I don't want to talk.
You can't enter that competition.
It doesn't matter anymore!
What would you say if I already entered?
I have to decide some things for myself!
Okay, thanks Moa. Really good.
Could you imagine playing
with a bit more feeling?
When you got something to be proud of
Just sing it out louder
Excuse me, could you lower the tempo?
-Slow down?
-Yes.
I think your chances would be better
with a sad piano ballad.
It goes round and round and round
Like a melody
-Well... What do we say?
-Is it "sweet"?
The song doesn't seem to be finished,
but you are very musical for your age.
I would be willing
to give her another chance.
But then your song should be finished
when you come back here.
It felt so strange that the jury
wanted to decide so many things.
-Can you make a happy song sad?
-What do you mean?
Everyone says something different.
The jury wants me to make it sad.
What do you want?
I want it to be upbeat and happy.
My big idol was John Bonham
in Led Zeppelin.
I just loved how he played the drums!
I started practicing. My goal was
to sound exactly like John Bonham.
But it didn't go that great. I understood
I had to simplify things, play like Maja.
Then it sounded much better.
-Has Alexander taken up singing?
-Sounds improbable to me.
Strange. He called me
and wanted vocal coaching.
I have always wondered,
how you find your own voice.
That's a good question.
I have given that a great deal of thought.
I am thinking, that you do have
to find your own voice.
And it's not always
like...what you want it to be like.
You have to search for your own voice.
Not anyone's you want to emulate.
Then your voice can
grow much larger, become more-
-than what you first imagined.
Your daughter Moa,
she has a fantastic voice.
-She must get it from you.
-Yes, she has.
I have been thinking about
starting a musical project.
I'm going to apply for money for this.
There could be school tours and the like.
Funny you should say that!
We have a flute teacher here at school.
Jan, he is very informed
about these things.
He is even chairman of a foundation-
-handing out money
for regional development purposes.
You have to speak to him.
But he can be a bit difficult.
He sees through anyone who applies
to gain something personally.
I do love the austerity
of Edgard VarŠses music.
Sorry, I am a bit late.
What did you want to talk about?
I have understood
that you are very informed-
-about grants suitable
for a music project-
-for children and young people
in this region.
First of all I have to say...
My time is very limited.
And when I engage in something-
-I have to feel completely dedicated.
Do you have any kind of budget?
I have some ideas. Maybe we could
sit down and talk about it?
Alexander, why do people lie?
-What do you mean?
-I will repeat my question.
Why do people lie, Alexander?
I guess you do it to gain something.
That's the right answer!
Yes, people lie
in order to gain something.
My opinion is rather-
-that this is something you do
for your own benefit.
-Isn't that so, Alexander?
-What are you talking about?
Do you admit it, Alexander?
Do you admit it?
-Do you admit it?
-Yes, I admit it!
There, there. Since I am a member
of the board, I can tell you-
-that it would have been refused anyway.
I have something for you. It's a kind of
music program I bought a while ago.
It's like a music studio for home use.
And you, you need it
much more than I do.
-Go home and write your song.
-Thank you.
-Hello?
-Hi Anton, Alexander here.
I am going to get a free consultation
from pitch forum.
I don't believe in that pitch forum.
And one more thing. Moa isn't going to
compete in some song competition.
-That's why she was writing a song.
-Yes.
But I think she is too young
to compete in music.
Do you really think so?
-Tell me, what did you want?
-I've seen you on Youtube and...
You can begin by telling me why your
project is going to make an impact.
-Well, I have a great idea...
-A pitch, ten seconds!
-Stand up! Come on!
-What? A pitch.
-Stand on both legs!
-Yes, I am standing up.
-Come on! Ten seconds.
-Classical music...
-...meeting improvisations...
-One, two, three.
Stand tall, speak up!
Stand tall!
Think of your target group.
What is behind it all?
Falling
Falling apart
When you are running out of time
You couldn't see
You couldn't see it from the start
What you can't see you cannot find
When you're falling apart
You think you'll never be the same
The puzzle's falling apart
Just put the pieces back again and again
Just put the pieces back again
Falling
Falling apart
Face the music and let go
When you're falling apart
Just put the pieces back again and again
Just put the pieces back again
Again and again
Just put the pieces back again
Just so you know,
we speak English at pitch forum.
That's not a problem.
I am good at English.
I am very honored to be here today-
-and talk to you all
about the Swedish music wonder.
It's a real wonder,
popular, all over the world.
And, and we have, in the seventies,
ABBA, you know.
ABBA, "Waterloo".
And also, today, we have
the Polar Music Prize, with also...
We have the winner there, Max Martin,
who is also Swedish and famous.
And, I also want to...say...
We also have the,
the...the flowing in the cash.
And I also feel that...
Our most important project...
...is a young artist called Moa.
And I am also sure that it will go very
long and be very famous...
Very famous, world...wide.
I'm done with music now.
I'm going to work
on the beer label instead.
We will get 40 ”re per bottle,
then to hell with it.
I did tell you Moa is too young
to compete in music.
It comes natural for kids these days
to compete in music.
Every nine-year-old
has their own Youtube channel.
Don't you see
why Moa doesn't dare speak to you?
It's you who is stopping her.
You have one daughter.
Help her with the song instead.
Please Moa, open the door.
Things don't always work out
the way you planned.
Go away! Where is my synth?
You sold it.
-I didn't sell it.
-You pawned it, for peanuts!
-But Moa, I promise you...
-You can't promise anything anymore!
This feels terrible.
I can get the synth immediately.
Moa, I don't know
how my thoughts went about your synth.
-I shouldn't have done that.
-No, you shouldn't have done that.
I have been really stupid.
I should have listened to you.
But I want to tell you something.
I want to... I would like to...
I want to tell you something.
I'm thinking...
Why is it so hard for grown-ups
to say "I am sorry"?
-Do you really want to enter?
-I have wanted it all along.
Moa, I'm sorry. Of course you
should be in the competition.
Thanks, Dad!
-How is it going with the musical?
-I am doing the last scene.
But I don't know if the end
is going to be happy or sad.
But Dad, everyone wants a happy end.
-Well, hello!
-Hi there.
I am so glad it's working out for you.
We at pitch forum are going to
arrange a charity event.
What if Moa and her family could
make a performance?
No one gets paid, but to be seen there
really benefits the musicians.
Really? It's no good at all
for the musicians.
It might be good for pitch forum,
but it's no good for the musicians.
But listen, try one of these!
Damned cheapskate!
-The song turned out great.
-Yes, it did.
Did you remember to apply to "Sweet
Idols"? It should be stamped today.
-Did you post it, Anton?
-Damned...!
What do we do now?!
This is completely crazy!
Damned rolls...
Are you totally wacko?
Are you going to swim to town?!
Yes!
-It's too late. It's already emptied.
-Damn!
But you know what... Hello?
Good thing then, I already mailed it.
What about giving me 50 percent?
Without me, you would be shot.
15 percent.
15 percent?! No...
Okay.
-Anton Widebeck, the piano player!
-I recognize you.
-How is it going with your music?
-Well, you have to follow your dreams.
I got the best job. I'm going to write new,
cool music for the church.
-Are you going far away?
-We are going to Stockholm.
-I'm going to be in "Sweet Idols".
-Wow, are you joking? Neat!
-It's going to be so exciting.
-Good luck!
Now for our final music video.
The music is written
by eleven year old Moa Widebeck!
-Welcome, Moa. Good to see you here!
-Thank you. It's fun to be here.
Your song is about...
It's about doing your thing-
-and about singing what you like,
and above all, enjoy yourself. And I did.
That's good to hear. We tried to help out
a bit, and give some advice...
Per Arne, Moa is on TV!
Let's go! The last music video is
"Round and round" with Moa Widebeck!
I've got something to sing
I'm going to sing it to you
When you've got something to say
Say it right away
When you've got something
to be proud of, just sing it out louder
If you haven't got a clue
I'm going to give it to you
It goes round and round and round
Like a melody
Round and round and round
To set you free
Round and round and round
Like a spinning wheel
Round and round and round
In harmony
I think she is
going in the right direction.
Round and round and round
Like a melody
Round and round and round
To set you free
This is so exciting.
Look, the envelope.
Soon we are going to find out
who has won "Sweet Idols" this year.
The prize is sweets, of course.
But you also get a time slot to make
a recording in a professional studio.
And I am pulling the string...
Let's see...
The winner of this year's competition
is Moa Widebeck!
Yes!
I won, Dad!
That's how I won "Sweet Idols".
Everyone celebrated like crazy-
-and Mom and Dad were so proud they
laughed and cried at the same time.
And Maja even took out her old drums-
-and started a rock group
with some other old people.
But Alexander was happiest of all,
he thought he was going to be rich.
But he did arrange for a theatre
in Gothenburg to stage Dad's musical.
That Mom and I get to sing together-
-and that us three get to do
what we love most in the whole world-
-that was the best thing of all.
If I was blind and you could see
Is there a place you'd rather be
Is there a truth that's always true?
A place where skies are always blue
And Mom, she was singing
like never before.
I think she finally
found her voice again.
Don't you think it's good enough?
I believe in what I see
The miracles are real
I can't touch you right in front of me
Like reality
Like being free
What else is here for me to see?
I believe in gravity
I believe in all the things I see
Right here in front of me
Like eternity
Like you and me