Jenny Räisänen, an Irish singer-songwriter, and she is from Limerick. Since she is originally from Finland, her folk-pop style incorporates Scandinavian music. On April 14th, she will release her debut solo single, “In A Whisper.”
People have remarked that her voice and music have a distinctive sound. In her song, she incorporate the traditional Finnish kantele with a jazzy bass and a funky fiddle. The song is about a person who, deep down, is terrified and obsessive but wants to be strong and take care of others. Although this song is brand-new and original, folk music is where its roots are deeply ingrained. Check out the exclusive interview below:
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1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: I am originally from Finland, but currently live in Limerick, Ireland. I have been singing since I was a child. In high school I started writing songs because I needed to put my thoughts and feelings somewhere.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: I am an educated voice teacher and last fall I graduated with a master’s degree in songwriting. I also play the piano and have studied it as a second instrument.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘JENNY RÄISÄNEN’?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: When I was a kid, I saw the movie The Bodyguard and heard Whitney Houston sing in it. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a singer. I have published music in Finnish with bands. The songs in English are mostly written by me, so it seemed natural to me to release my new material under my own name.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: Emotions, stories and a unique folk-pop sound. My sound is a mix of Scandinavian tradition and folk-pop. It has spices from around the world such as blues, soul and sometimes even Argentine tango.
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5. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: I have no choice. Music is a way of life. And I enjoy the whole journey. I hope I could sing my songs for as many people as possible.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: If I or anyone else has something to say, why not say it through music? Of course, my songs are telling things that are important to me. But I don’t have any agenda with the songs. The most important thing is that I have a good idea and something to say and that I can convey emotions with my music that people can relate to.
7. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: Most of the time, I start with an idea and a lyric. Sometimes about melody or rhythm. Ideas often arise from a single word, image or happening. I write down small ideas, words and sentences. Sometimes I just improvise with my piano. Sometimes I co-work and songs can start from others’ ideas as well. So various ways.
8. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as FOLK-POP?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: Curiosity to find new ways to sing and write songs is my driving force. In my training as a singing teacher, I have studied many styles from jazz to rock and from soul to Latin music. I could say that one of my biggest influences is a broad interest in music. I love wooden instruments and that musicians bring their own vision to the songs. I compose the songs almost ready, but I give the musicians freedom to implement their own ideas. Experimenting and learning new things are my thing.
9. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: I like to work in peace and go with the flow, but I love interaction! Interaction drives out something that you cannot produce yourself. Energy moving between people is the force that makes magic happen.
10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
JENNY RÄISÄNEN: Everyone should definitely have the freedom to connect to music in their own way. I think a song is good if people can relate to it in different ways. Music is something you feel, not something you need to understand.
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Photo Credit: Juhani Konttinen