Spirit concludes the trio of EPs in the Stinako △: Mind / Body / Spirit series of releases
During 2024 Soliti has released two EPS from Stinako as part the Stinako △: Mind / Body / Spirit trilogy. The first release Mind – a collaboration with musical polymath Timo Kaukolampi. The second EP in the series Body, saw Stina Koistinen (Stinako) working with long time collaborator Tapio Viitasaari (Team Play, Anna Järvinen). The final EP of the trilogy now arrives in the form of Spirit.
“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. “Songs of Freedom“ 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 explains
Listen to Spirit
Soliti 113. Release date 1st November 2024
1. This Is Happening.
2. On The Edge.
3. I Believe
4. Songs of Freedom
All music and lyrics by Stina Koistinen
Backing vocals arranged by Hannah Tolf, Xenia Kriisin and Koistinen
Band arrangements by Erik Petterson, Peter Morén, Wille Alin and Koistinen
Lead vocals and piano (1) by Koistinen
Backing vocals by Hannah Tolf and Xenia Kriisin
Hammond organ by Erik Petterson
Electric bass, electric guitar (2, 3, 4) and acoustic guitar (1) by Peter Morén
Drums, percussions and acoustic guitar (1) by Wille Alin
Recorded by Petterson at No Regrets Fonogram Studio
Mixed and produced by Petterson and Koistinen
Mastered by Philip Shaw Bova
Cover art by Irja Nuru
Promo picture by Kerttu Malinen and Heli Blåfield
Initial reaction
“Now there are three EPs and easily enough numbers for a long play. As a supporter of the album format, I missed the unifying format, but I also see the advantages of the EP trio and the ability to highlight different aspects of STINAKO. After all, this is wonderful to listen to despite the portion size, and you can always bundle the EPs one after the other yourself.” Desibeli
“It’s a statement of my hopes and beliefs for a kinder world. A world where people would care for each other instead of starting wars. A world that wouldn’t be in the control of men who love power. So I think it’s a kind of utopia of a better place.” Short interview via Revista Arte Brasileira
“So once again Stinako present us with the best of Finnish alt/art rock and pop. Music that you can take at face value and just sit back and enjoy, or spend all night brooding over the lyrics.” Nordic Music Central
Once Chord to Another Fave Finnish EPs of 2024
Stinako Spirit EP: Promo picture by Kerttu Malinen and Heli Blåfield
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.”
Listen to the full Stinako △: Mind / Body / Spirit trilogy here
“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
Stinako special via Rotosherrat (interview)
“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
Promo picture by Kerttu Malinen and Heli Blåfield
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.