A new SVT documentary offers an intimate look at Martin Hederos, the Swedish musician whose genre-bending career has captivated audiences for decades.
“It would be fun if people thought it was fun to play music!” keyboard master Martin Hederos said, describing what he hopes viewers will take away from the new documentary about his life and operate.
And the film, Kontakt, available on SVT Play, delivers on that hope. While perhaps lacking groundbreaking revelations or flashy filmmaking techniques, the documentary more than compensates by conveying a genuine love for music – for all music. Anyone familiar with Hederos’ journey from a music school in Grums, Värmland, through his work with bands like The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Tonbruket, and Ane Brun, understands his ability to seamlessly navigate diverse musical landscapes.
Hederos has develop into something of a modern Jan Johansson, a comparison he himself shies away from, though in reality, he expands upon Johansson’s musical boundaries even further. The documentary premiered on March 20, 2026.
The strength of Kontakt lies in its intimacy and respectful approach. The film offers a close look at both Hederos the person and his musical collaborators, and especially, the music itself. Over 70 minutes, a series of sequences unfold that almost place the viewer alongside Hederos as he immerses himself in his craft – an experience truly appreciated by those who have seen him perform live. One of the documentary’s more compelling moments features Hederos questioning musicians who don’t fully connect with their music, viewing that connection as fundamental and essential.
Kontakt, created by Ulrika Stenström, Jonatan Gammel, and Kristoffer Ljungqvist, is primarily an open window into Hederos’ life and music over the course of a year. It also includes segments about his collaboration with Irya Gmeyner on the score music that has received such acclaim in series like Tunna blå linjen. The film also features insightful moments where Hederos summarizes his musical vision – simply put, he believes there is greatness in all music.
However, the most poignant moments come when he reflects on times when he felt adrift, both as a musician and as a father.
During my time at a record label, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Martin Hederos on half a dozen releases. That experience made me approach the film with some trepidation. I desperately wanted him to come across as the calm, humble, enthusiastic – and I’ll allow myself to say, brilliant – person I knew him to be. There was no cause for concern. Anyone who watches Kontakt can only come away with a positive impression.
Speaking of trepidation, last summer I was near him while the group Avantgardet performed an intimate garden concert in a village on Öland. The setting meant that Hederos and Avantgardet’s keyboardist, Mats Björke, were literally within two meters of each other. I briefly wondered if Martin was harboring critical thoughts, as he is, after all, a Swedish master of improvised rock keyboard.
A second later, I saw him completely absorbed in Björke and Avantgardet’s music, visibly moved by what he was seeing and hearing. He radiated: “It would be fun if people thought it was fun to play music!”
Kontakt is highly recommended.
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Sveriges Television may be facing challenges in a changing media landscape, with a surprising amount of questionable content falling under the public service umbrella. However, its exceptional programming consistently shines through. While searching for Kontakt, I found it alongside documentaries about Darin, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Ted Gärdestad, Zara Larsson, Laleh, David Bowie, Imperiet, Cornelis, Olle Adolphson, AC/DC, Dolly Parton, ABBA, Wilmer X, Siw Malmkvist, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. A vacation week could easily be spent exploring just the music offerings on SVT Play. Thank you, public service.
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