Body arrives on the 30th August via Soliti Recordings
This April Soliti released the first of three Stinako EP’s for 2024 – the first release being Mind – a collaboration with musical polymath Timo Kaukolampi. The second EP in the series – Body – arrives on the 3oth August. Body sees Stina Koistinen (Stinako) working with longtime collaborator Tapio Viitasaari (Team Play, Anna Järvinen).
Koistinen discusses the themes of Body; “Body EP 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.”
Listen to Body (Soliti 111)
All music composed by Stina Koistinen and Tapio Viitasaari
All lyrics by Stina Koistinen
Lead vocals by Stina Koistinen
Backing vocals by Koistinen and Viitasaari
Synthesisers, drum machine and programming by Tapio Viitasaari
Produced by Koistinen and Viitasaari
Mixed by Joonas Saikkonen
Mastered by Philip Shaw Bova
Cover art by Irja Nuru
Press photo by Heli Blåfield & Kerttu Malinen
Initial reaction
“It’s all rather sumptuous and confirms yet again that Stinako never ceases to come up with something fresh and new.
She could be a hit machine if she wanted to but she’s too erudite for that and will always seek a way to tantalise her audience. Long may that continue to be so.” Nordic Music Central
Body EP was also featured at Austin Town Hall and One Chord to Another
Stinako Body Press photo by Heli Blåfield & Kerttu Malinen
Discussing the concept of the EP series, Koistinen tells us
“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.”
The last in the series of EPs, Spirit will follow later in 2024.
Press reaction to Mind
“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 synthesisers 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
Stinako special via Rotosherrat (interview -audio)
Stinako by Eemi Kettunen
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.