ABOUT
Vilma Jää is a musician, singer, composer, fiddler and researcher who works in the fields of folk music, pop music and opera.
Jää's role in Kaija Saariaho’s last opera Innocence has received critical acclaim from all around the world. In the opera she uses old Finno-Ugric vocal techniques she has specialized in in her folk music studies at The Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. Jää graduated with a Master of Music degree in 2021.
Vilma Jää uses those same acclaimed folk singing techniques in her music as a solo artist. As an artist Vilma Jää combines centuries old stories with electronic music. She creates her solo music together with producer-composer Mikko Renfors . Jää has released five singles out of which Saatanan saalistaja, Jäinen neiti and Humalahullu have been added to major radio playlists. Saatanan saalistaja was chosen on a list of 100 best songs in the world in Finland's leading newspaper Helsingin sanomat in January 2022. Vilma Jää was chosen on music media YleX's list of artists they predict will make their break-through in 2023. Vilma Jää releases her debut album Kosto on October 27, 2023.
Jää and Saariaho in rehearsals for Innocence, by Jean-Louis Fernandez
Jää is a versatile composer. In addition to the ethno pop she makes as a solo artist she has composed heavily tradition-inspired music for SibA Folk Big Band and her a cappella ensemble Jäine. Jää's roots in traditional music as well as her long background in both a cappella and instrumental music have had a great impact on her compositional style. Her compositions for solo piano have been described as cinematic and capturing.
Jää researches Finnish and Karelian herding call tradition and has invented a graphic notation system to convey as much information about this unique style of music as possible. She has done this research with the support of the Niilo Helander Foundation and Arts Promotion Centre Finland.
Besides working as a musician, Jää works as a model and is interested in fashion and jewellery design, sewing, drawing and painting and everything DIY.
