Stinako announces a series of EP releases for 2024 – “ △: Mind / Body / Spirit”
We’re excited to announce a series of EP’s from Stinako (award winning artist Stina Koistinen), which will appear throughout 2024. Each EP has a specific theme and finds Stinako exploring various genres and working with different producers. The first EP – Mind, finds Stinako collaborating with musician and producer Timo Kaukolampi.
Listen to Stinako Mind
(Soliti 108) Release Date 26th April
1. Biding My Time
2 Scatter
3.Mess I’m In
4. Oblivion
Music, Lyrics, Vocals, Keyboards, Mixing and Producing by Stina Koistinen
Instrumentals Composed, Produced, Performed and Mixed in Half Skull Studio/Helsinki by Timo Kaukolampi. Mastered by Philip Shaw Bova. Cover art by Irja Nuru
Stina tells us of the new EP “Mind” delves into my thoughts and experiences regarding illness and mortality, exploring how these have shaped my perspective on life. The fear of death and uncertainty about the future are themes that resonate throughout this EP, influencing my music in profound ways. Produced with Timo Kaukolampi. Mind grows from 90’s minimalistic trip hop and 70’s alternative electronic music. Analog synths and effects give this ep a real Kaukolampi meets Koistinen experience.”
Initial reaction
“So, does this EP constitute “a genuine commitment to authenticity and creative integrity?” Are you kidding me? Authenticity should be her middle name.” Nordic Music Central
“Analog synthesizers are sensitive instruments, but Koistinen & Kaukolampi get to integrate them into STINAKO’s era-breaking expression. The shape is of course also important, but even more important is the internal strength of the material.” Desibeli
Stianko interview via Radio Helsinki
Stianko special via Rotosherrat (interview)
Stinako by Eemi Kettunen
Stina Koistinen explains more about the trilogy of forthcoming releases, revealing themes and collaborators.
“With Stinako △: Mind / Body / Spirit I’m exploring various genres and working with different producers. This release celebrates my diversity as an artist reflecting a genuine commitment to authenticity and creative integrity. This 3-ep collection is a testament to my willingness to explore and experiment, enriching the artistic landscape of my unique perspective and contributions.
I have outlined a deeply personal and introspective body of work, with each ep focusing on different aspects of my humanity – mind, body, and spirit. I’ve invited three wonderful producers and a group of talented musicians to realise this entity with me. All three eps represent different genres and I’ve carefully chosen producers for each one.
Mind delves into my thoughts and experiences regarding illness and mortality, exploring how these have shaped my perspective on life. The fear of death and uncertainty about the future, are themes that resonate throughout this EP, influencing my music in profound ways. Produced with Timo Kaukolampi, Mind grows from 90’s minimalistic trip hop and 70’s alternative electronic music. Analog synths and effects give this ep a real Kaukolampi meets Koistinen experience.
Body celebrates the physicality of existence, emphasising the importance of embracing and enjoying your body despite societal pressures and personal struggles. It acknowledges the challenges of living with illness or body image issues but also emphasises the resilience and capabilities of the human body. It also celebrates the joy of being alive. Body is a celebration of all bodily experiences from panic attacks to falling in love. Composed and produced with Tapio Viitasaari.
Lastly, Spirit examines my worldview and beliefs about the state of the world. It contains both reflections on current events, such as political elections, as well as expressions of hope and values. “Song of Love“ in particular offers a vision of a better world, where unity and joy prevail. In Spirit, flower power, 70’s folk music and non religious gospel meet to make a soulful entity. Recorded in Stockholm with wonderful musicians Hannah Tolf, Xenia Kriisin, Peter Morén, Wille Alin and Erik ‘Errka’ Petersson. Recorded and produced with Petersson at No Regrets Fonogram studio.
Stinako 2 by Eemi Kettunen
Praise for Stinako
“Sometimes I wonder if we Finns even realise what a treasure we have in Koistinen.” – Helsingin Sanomat
“Stinako’s second album, Ghostina (2022) flows into the listener’s consciousness and pierces the being with its spirit as if looking at the dark water of a river flowing under fragile ice.” – Totuus
“The art-pop outburst that reaches dreamy colors does not leave a trace of Kate Bush’s and Björk’s ambitious takeovers”. – Ilkka-Pohjalainen
“Stinako is one of few solo artists across the entire Nordic spectrum who is consistently working at this creatively cutting edge level.” – Nordic Music Central
“…a rare depth in Finnish music, the mysteriousness of Nick Cave and PJ Harvey, but also the palpable fragility, like the secret vulnerability of a strong woman singing alone in the middle of an empty church.”- Päivän Biisit
“In the brutal way of a hard-earned piano, the beautiful voice echoes in the shores of minimalism, harping around and above the song. Koistinen doesn’t hide behind sound barriers.” – Desibeli
“Along with the moon, the music also rises to the heights, reaching something that even an agnostic thinks is directly sacred.” – Soundi
Stinako bio
STINA KOISTINEN is a Finnish artist and music maker from Helsinki. She is known for her dynamic voice and intriguing music making skills. Koistinen has won the prestigious Finnish music award Teosto Prize with her former band, Color Dolor’s album Love (2018) and was nominated for Hyundai Nordic Music Prize 2020 with her solo album, Stinako’s Ikuisuus (2019). Koistinen has made many collaborations with other artists, such as Kuggur (IS), Antti Autio and Don Johnson Big Band.