Berlin-based Finnish artist Jonsjooel has just released his latest EP, 'Voices of a First Day', a captivating blend of folk, jazz, and electronica that forms an expansive sonic tapestry. Following the release of his contemplative singles 'Goodbye Ah' and 'Somewhere Else Than Here', this new EP further explores Jonsjooel's fascination with the spiritual connection between humanity and the natural world.
Inspired by Robert Lawlor's book of the same name, which delves into the profound environmental knowledge of Australia's aboriginal population, the EP is a sonic homage to nature. As Jonsjooel himself explains, "It is a homage to the book 'Voices Of The First Day' by Robert Lawlor which has inspired me hugely both in life and music. The music on this EP depicts my ideas and feelings of the world which our eyes cannot reach."
'Voices of a First Day' follows Jonsjooel's debut solo album, 'Lullabies for Younger Self', released in October 2023. While both projects share themes of self-care, forgiveness, and compassion, the EP ventures into a more experimental realm, pushing the boundaries of genre and sound.
Through the five tracks, Jonsjooel shares a mesmerising journey through folk, jazz, and electronica, capturing the listener in an expansive soundscape that explores humanity’s spiritual bond with nature. Written, recorded, and produced solely by Jonsjooel, the EP is a testament to his skill as a multi-instrumentalist and composer, with intricate mixing by Totte Rautiainen and mastering by Milan Adamik. Each track is a lush, introspective landscape, making the EP both a sonic homage to the natural world and a contemplative exploration of self.
The focus track, 'So Many Ways', is a particularly poignant example of this experimentation. A deeply resonant song that balances precariously between restraint and collapse, it features heavy notes and cinematic tension, threatening to buckle under its own weight. Jonsjooel's vocals act as a meandering narrator, reflecting on time, consequences, and missed opportunities.
"'So Many Ways' feels very divided both through the tuning and the lyrics," says Jonsjooel. "I like the idea of playing with the tuning and being on the edge of a total collapse. Other than that I would like the listener to find their own meaning for the song."
Showcasing his diverse musical background, Jonsjooel wrote, recorded, and produced the entire EP himself, with mixing by Totte Rautiainen and mastering by Milan Adamik at Masterworks. Each of the five tracks offers a unique reflection of Jonsjooel's experiences and worldview, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of introspection and sonic exploration.
Following a recent performance on Radio Eins, Jonsjooel is set to embark on a November tour in Finland and Estonia with Estonian composer Erki Pärnoja. This is an exciting opportunity to experience the nuances and depth of 'Voices of a First Day' in a live setting.
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