photo: Mikko Malmivaara
Folk music, pop, opera
Vilma Jää is a musician, singer, composer, fiddler and researcher who works in the fields of folk music, pop music and opera.
In October 2023, Jää released her much-anticipated debut album, Kosto, where centuries-old stories are woven into electronic music. In early 2024, Kosto won the Ethno Album of the Year award at the Emma Gala and the Folk Music Album of the Year award at the Eläköön FOLK! Gala and was nominated for the Teosto Award.
Selected for YleX's Breakthrough 2023 list, Vilma Jää’s singles Saatanan saalistaja (Fucking Predator) and Humalahullu (The Raving Drunk) featured on the YleX playlist, while Jäinen neiti (Icy Maiden) was added to the Radio Suomi playlist. In 2022, a panel of music experts ranked Saatanan saalistaja among the top 100 global songs in a survey by Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s leading newspaper.
In addition to her solo music, Jää is known internationally for her role as a folk singer in Kaija Saariaho’s opera Innocence. The role of Markéta was composed especially for Jää, and received international acclaim for her unique vocal techniques and powerful interpretation.
Jää is a versatile composer. Alongside her solo ethno-pop work, she has composed music deeply rooted in tradition for groups like SibA Folk Big Band and her vocal ensemble, Jäine. Her musical style reflects her folk music roots as well as her extensive background in a cappella and instrumental music. Her solo piano compositions have been described as cinematic and captivating.
In 2021, Vilma Jää graduated with a Master of Music from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. Her research focuses on Finnish and Karelian herding call traditions, and she is developing a graphic notation system to capture as much of this unique musical genre as possible. Her research has been supported by the Niilo Helander Foundation and the Finnish Arts Promotion Centre.
An enthusiast of crafts and upcycling, Jää also designs and sews her performance outfits, drawing inspiration from traditional and folk costumes. Additionally, she creates and sells jewelry made from upcycled materials.
Folk music, pop, opera
Vilma Jää is a musician, singer, composer, fiddler and researcher who works in the fields of folk music, pop music and opera.
In October 2023, Jää released her much-anticipated debut album, Kosto, that combines centuries-old stories with electronic music.
In early 2024, Kosto won the Ethno Album of the Year award at the Emma Gala and the Folk Music Album of the Year award at the Eläköön FOLK! Gala and was nominated for the Teosto Award.
Selected for YleX's Breakthrough 2023 list, Vilma Jää’s singles Saatanan saalistaja (Fucking Predator) and Humalahullu (The Raving Drunk) featured on the YleX playlist, while Jäinen neiti (Icy Maiden) was added to the Radio Suomi playlist. In 2022, a panel of music experts ranked Saatanan saalistaja sadan maailman parhaan laulun joukkoon Helsingin Sanomien kyselyssä. Etnopopiksi kuvailemaansa musiikkia Jää tekee yhdessä tuottaja-säveltäjä Mikko Renforsin kanssa.
In addition to her solo music, Jää is known internationally for her role as a folk singer in Kaija Saariaho’s opera Innocence. The role of Markéta was composed especially for Jää, and received international acclaim for her unique vocal techniques and powerful interpretation.
Jää is a versatile composer. Alongside her solo ethno-pop work, she has composed music deeply rooted in tradition for groups like SibA Folk Big Band and her vocal ensemble, Jäine. Her musical style reflects her folk music roots as well as her extensive background in a cappella and instrumental music. Her solo piano compositions have been described as cinematic and captivating.
In 2021, Vilma Jää graduated with a Master of Music from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. Her research focuses on Finnish and Karelian herding call traditions, and she is developing a graphic notation system to capture as much of this unique musical genre as possible. Her research has been supported by the Niilo Helander Foundation and the Finnish Arts Promotion Centre.
An enthusiast of crafts and upcycling, Jää also designs and sews her performance outfits, drawing inspiration from traditional and folk costumes. Additionally, she creates and sells jewelry made from upcycled materials.