Mikaela Finne Releases Self-Titled Album
Mikaela Finne released her first full length record earlier this month. This record is the result of a close collaboration with producer Oscar Harryson, and recorded at his studio SoundHabits Studios in Stockholm.
Finne is from Sundom outside of Vasa, Finland. Her unique voice is highly praised and in 2019 she’s been mentioned as “one of the hottest up and coming country acts from Scandinavia” by West Coast Country Festival.
Growing up, which artists would you say represent the history of country music in Finland?
Honestly, I don’t know. The country music I grew up listening to was Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Shania Twain etc.
How have these artists influenced your music?
Dolly Parton especially influenced me from the start because her music led me to so many other fantastic female country artists, such as Loretta Lynn, Linda Ronstadt, Tammy Wynette, Tanya Tucker and most importantly (to me) my No. 1 inspiration Emmylou Harris. But also so many more artists and bands, of course.
Can you tell us about the current country music scene in Stockholm?
The country scene in Stockholm has been growing slowly but surely the last 5–6 years or so, and it shows specifically on the amount of American artists in country/Americana that tours through here now. It’s quite small still but it is going to keep growing, I’m sure.
What did you get to experience on your trip to Nashville last month?
Oh my God, so much music! I was there for AmericanaFest mainly but stayed for about a week afterwards. I fell in love with Nashville and the people I got to met there. I guess it can sound like a cliché, but I mean every word of it. I felt very much at home in Nashville.
Favorite guitar to play?
I’m 100% a Gibson girl. Ain’t nothing like holding and playing a Gibson guitar. My main baby is my vintage Country Western from 1963. I named her Ol’ gal Goldie, and she’s absolutely amazing.
What was it like working with Grammy nominated producer Oscar Harryson on your album?
It was SO awesome! Oscar is not only a phenomenal producer, but also a really good person. We had so much fun whilst recording this record.
How did you choose “When You Lose / The World Song” as the first single?
I talked to Oscar about it, then pondered upon it and went with my gut, it just felt right you know?
Can you share the backstory to “Home Sweet Home”?
“Home Sweet Home” was released the first time on Finland’s Independence Day, December 6, 2016. It’s my own homage to Ostrobothnia, Vaasa and my village Sundom.
It’s one of the most important songs I’ve ever written because I wanted to write something that would do my roots justice and get the listener to relate to the kind of homesickness that can hit you hard sometimes. And to feel the warmth of one of my favorite places on earth.
Will you continue Livingroom Sessions on YouTube?
Yes, I’ll keep up the Livingroom Sessions thing for sure! It started out as a thing I started to talk about the songs on the record, but I’m enjoying it a lot actually so it’ll continue.
Can you share details on your album release party on November 8 in Stockholm?
It’ll be a fun and intimate night! I’m super excited about it. The release party is gonna be at one of my regular places here in Stockholm, called Twang. Some music friends of mine, Miss Winter will open the evening with some tunes and then me and my band will take the stage and play the record straight through. It’ll be crazy fun!
Bucket list venues to play?
The Ryman and The Grand Ole Opry. It’s every country girl’s dream.
What’s ahead in 2020?
Such a complex question, and I can’t possibly know for sure but my main goal is to play more live shows then I’ve ever done so far in my music career.
