Nordic Notes | Akateeminen Kirjakauppa

Nouse Luonto is a unique collaboration of prominent Finnish folk musicians. The artists have come together for this album project with the aim of preserving the biological diversity of their homeland. The musicians share a deep love for nature, a belief in the power of collaboration, and admiration for the great richness of Finnish folk music. Traditional Finnish folk is filled with references to the fact that human life has long been deeply intertwined with ecosystems. Nouse Luonto is a fragment of an ancient magical spell, invoking courage and strength. But in Finnish, luonto also means nature.

Each band and artist has written or completely re-arranged a traditional song on this theme. Nearly all of the songs were newly composed for this album. The artists also collaborate with one another. The album features songs in Finnish, Swedish, Northern Sámi, and Romani, recorded in various parts of the country, from Helsinki to Nuorgam. The album culminates in a highlight: all the musicians sing together in one song.

The songs on this album speak of wolves, the sea, microbes, lichens, and spirits. The result of these encounters is music that encourages reflection while fostering an understanding of natural biodiversity, both past and present. At the same time, the album showcases the many different facets of Finnish folk music. Like biodiversity, Finnish musical tradition is rich and diverse. It is full of signs of how people's lives were intertwined with ecosystems: everyone knew they lived off nature. The environment has always inspired musicians, from fiddlers to composers of laments.

“This heartfelt album is our way of making a powerful statement through music and joining the discussion on the most important issue of our time: the preservation of nature’s diversity,” say the participating artists.

“It’s like the Live Aid of Finnish folk music, or ‘We Are the World,’ the most poignant album of all time! I am so happy that so many top-tier artists like Maria Kalaniemi, Kimmo Pohjonen, and Maija Kauhanen have come together to support these incredibly important causes. The album also features music in Finland’s minority languages, from Sámi joik to Romani songs, which I am also very pleased about.” - Charlotta Hagfors, Founder and Artistic Director

“The birds gifted us their song thousands of years ago. Now it is our responsibility to ensure the vitality of their song.” - Heikki Laitinen, Researcher, Musician, Emeritus Professor of Folk Music

Frigg Vid Stormyren
Antti Paalanen Laulu luonnolle
Kasvu Sammal
Maria Kalaniemi Suden tuutu
Piia Kleemola Kanatarhan polkka ja Haudanmaan toinen rastaan polkka
Desiree Saarela Evighetens ocean
Ánnámarét, Maija Kauhanen Háldi - Haltija
Akkajee Ikiliikkuva
Anette Åkerlund Panjako neer - Veden lähellä
Kimmo Pohjonen Unelma
Maria Kalaniemi, Maija Kauhanen Sadejärvi
Yhteiskappale Vaskilintu