Topliner

An artist’s novel diving behind the scenes of the international music business, were Scandinavian pop writing meets the inter- national scene.

Matias Heininen, a songwriter who has left his jazz pianist career behind to write songs for pop stars, desperately hopes for a breakthrough, while the situation with a newborn creates pressure and his family life suffers.

In search for a better life and greater collaboration opportunities, Matias moves to Berlin. The tensions between a ripping family life, a decadent lifestyle, the use of drugs and a profession that requires travel, is driving middle-aged Matias to the point of collapse. Experiencing his own mortality during the Fuku- shima earthquake in Japan marks a turning point in his life, and Matias finds balance in meditation.

Topliner closely describes the life and machinery of the insiders of the pop industry who build tomor- row’s stars. This debut novel is also a story about alienation, fatherhood, and life on the brink. Fans of High Fidelity and Bill Flanigan’s A&R will enjoy this read.