On September 22, 2023 Finnish Experimental musician Jonsjooel’s debut solo album “Lullabies for Younger Self” was released alongside the latest single “Wonder Why” accompanied with a meditative, slow motion video that captures the essence of the LP ruminating on family, memory, and the healing journey grief to recovery. Featuring the artist slowly traveling through his memories presented as vignettes of rural and urban spaces, the video captures the essence of this profound album ruminating on the past and the present, inspired by the passing of Jonsjooel’s beloved late grandmother. Jonsjooel’s affinity for the stillness of wildlife and wilderness is also captured in a scene of a hare which is quietly observed from a distance.
Watch the officxial video for the track “Wonder Why” through the YouTube player below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOgRg7I0qBU&ab_channel=KiekuRecordsPurchase and Stream the album here: https://jonsjooel.lnk.to/lullabies
Jonsjooel on the “Wonder Why” video: “This is an image that travels through the lost memories of childhood. Now seeking new memories to replace the old forgotten ones. This image is a place where I didn’t have to define what I saw or heard, I was alone. A place where the less important became the most important. A world where I could wonder in peace”
“Lullabies for Younger Self” is a genre defying, Experimental expression of catharsis through music, functioning as a healing balm for the soul as Jonsjooel reflects upon the special moments shared with his grandmother: those moments of sharing a typically Nordic lunch of cabbage rolls with a piping hot pot of black coffee in the Finnish mid-winter, as well as quiet talks about life and music in the heart of Helsinki.
“Lullabies for Younger Self” is amalgamation of the artist’s Experimental approach to songwriting and production and quiet contemplation with the full record being recorded and produced in Jonsjooel’s small flat in Lauttasaari, a maritime district in Helsinki. Finding solace in the seaside and the wilderness of Finnish nature, JonsJooel has written an album that steers away from melancholia and opts for a private reverie of the past and the present which listeners can find companionship in during those quiet moments that yearn for the loves lost. The misty lakes, Finnish forests and typically Nordic quiet rumination illustrate the sound of “Lullabies for Younger Self,” with an Experimental edge that creates a striking medley of sound that showcases Jonsjooel’s remarkable versatility as a multidisciplinary musician and trained Jazz drummer.
The album release follows from the five previous singles “Piano,” “Noise I, II & III,” “Lullaby,” “Sopranino“and “Grandmother” released earlier this Year. The haunting, largely instrumental track is a transportative experience with its emotive sonic landscape that is accompanied by delicate vocals that linger with you like a phantom.
Previously known as the frontman of the Finnish band Lake Jons which attracted both national and international interest in music media as well as being one of the most high rising Finnish bands of the past 10 years with popular singles including “Up Here North,” “Human” and “I Don’t Care,” Jonsjooel’s solo debut weaves together elements of Folk, Jazz and Electronic into a distinctive sound that sonically gravitates towards a variety of genre defying artists including Nils Frahm, Olafur Arnalds, Peter Broderick, Efterklang and more.
Jonsjooel on “Lullabies for Younger Self“: “The album is an effort to support and care about oneself in a retrospective manner. They are lullabies to comfort our past selves and help us to be more understanding of the faults we have. My late grandmother has another big impact on this album as she was a big support to me my whole life, one of those elderly lullabying people we all need. The same day she passed away I recorded the final tracks on this album. It was the turning point that made this album a process of learning to sing your own lullabies and cherish the legacy of your loved ones. I hope this album has succeeded in compressing something dark into something more joyous and hopeful.”
ABOUT JONSJOOEL
Jonsjooel is a Finnish artist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. Some may recognize him as the frontman of Lake Jons, while others may know him for his versatile songwriting and production work. Originally a Jazz drummer, Jonsjooel‘s music defies genre definitions, weaving together elements of Folk, Jazz and Electronics into a distinctive and Experimental sound.
Jonsjooel‘s debut solo album, “Lullabies for Younger Self” is a deeply personal and reflective work that seeks to provide comfort and support for listeners. The album is inspired by Jonsjooel’s late grandmother, who was a source of constant love and support throughout his life. Through a series of tender and intimate songs, Jonsjooel explores the themes of self-care, forgiveness, and compassion, urging listeners to be kinder to themselves and those around them.
