What makes your eyes sparkle the most when performing as a musician?
The greatest joy comes from the audience’s genuine and immediate emotions. When a concert feels like a true musical experience for the listener, there’s no greater compliment for an artist! Knowing that someone attends your performance and holds onto that experience in their memory and life for a long time never stops pleasing me.
The banjo isn’t exactly the most common instrument. How did you come to play it?
When I was playing in the country band Revals, I quickly felt the urge to add the banjo to our songs. It’s a very characteristic part of the country music style and adds so much—sonically, aesthetically, and visually. It also helped that none of the band members had played the banjo before, so I boldly took on the exciting challenge! I started practicing little by little, and now, a few years later, I’m one of the few banjo players in Estonia.
Do you feel different performing songs in English compared to Estonian?
I started my musical journey mostly with Estonian songs, including guitar pieces from the repertoires of Tõnis Mägi and Urmas Alender. Over time, international hits in English were added to my setlist—after all, English-language music surrounds us every day. If I had to compare the two, I’d say singing in Estonian is definitely closer to my heart. That said, performing foreign music is always a joy because there’s so much amazing work out there, timeless hits, and it has its own unique charm.
How would you describe your concerts?
For me, it’s important to feel the atmosphere of the venue and support it with the right music. If I’m performing on a summer terrace, I’d create a summery, relaxed, and cheerful vibe. At birthdays, I’d offer something energetic and danceable, aiming for a dynamic experience. At a seasonal event, like a Christmas concert, the musical journey would be warmer and more soulful. Regardless of the setting, my concerts are full of enjoyable listening, sing-alongs, and the joy of recognition from the songs I perform.
How has your experience as a soloist and instrumentalist influenced your creativity?
I haven’t written my own original songs alone yet, but I’ve been a co-writer in various lineups. At the same time, incorporating other artists’ work into my repertoire is a creative process in its own way. It lets you add your personal touch to a finished song and perform it with your own voice and style on an acoustic guitar. I especially love experimenting with how Estonia’s most famous songs sound on the banjo—it creates a completely new and unique version of the song.
What does your ideal day as an artist look like?
An ideal day starts the night before—I’d love to sleep in and rest well before the day begins. After waking up, I’d take a hot shower, and the rest of the perfect day would start with a calm morning. That way, there’d be enough time to prepare and do a small rehearsal before the upcoming performance, getting myself in the right mindset for everything ahead.
If you weren’t involved in music, what other form of creative self-expression would you pursue?
I’ve always loved good flavors, and someday I’d definitely like to develop my skills in the culinary arts.
The influence of American culture is clearly felt in your music. Where does that come from?
Although I don’t have a personal connection to America, I’m a true South Estonian country girl—I grew up in the countryside surrounded by horses and nature. Maybe my subconscious interest in country music stems from that! A major role in my musical journey was played by my vocal teacher, Ursel Oja, who greatly expanded my musical horizons. Thanks to her, I had the chance to explore and experiment with various music styles. Perhaps because of her, my biggest role model and source of inspiration became Norah Jones, whose mellow voice and blend of country and blues music completely captivated me.
If you could exchange ideas with one artist—past or present—who would it be?
I’d definitely choose the American country singer and songwriter Chris Stapleton. His songwriting skills are simply extraordinary. It’d be incredibly interesting to know what exactly inspires him and how a world-class artist like him goes through the entire creative process, from start to technical execution.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Nature is very close to my heart. Spending time with friends and family in a bog, forest, by the sea, or on a lakeshore always gives me new energy and helps me approach music creation in a fresh way.
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