Single release: Háldi - Haltija collaboration between Maija Kauhanen and Ánnámáret

Háldi - Haltija song is a collaboration between Maija Kauhanen and Ánnámáret, two of the most topical female artists on the Finnish folk music scene. It is a single release from the Nouse luonto album, a collaboration between the Finnish folk music artists, which will be released on 7 February 2025. Háldi - Haltija song combines Sámi and Finnish living music traditions in a fresh and unique way.

In Háldi - Haltija Ánnámáret yoiks the háldi, which is a guardian and protector of nature. Maija Kauhanen responds with her singing and lyrics, which deal with the loss of biodiversity and the loss of human and environmental diversity. When humans destroy their environment through their actions, it also affects their relationship with nature and distances them from the natural world. At the same time, people are losing their natural roots and origins in nature and stories and beliefs that originate from there. In the Sámi tradition, háldis are part of everyday life and, for example, fells, lakes and other natural places each have their own háldi. The háldis are the protectors and guardians of their places and are taken respectfully taken into account when moving around and using the sites. In the yoik, Ánnámáret gently yoiks the háldi, building a connection with her environment. Maija Kauhanen sings and plays the instrumental parts of the song on kantele, harmonium and percussion.

Maija Kauhanen, photo credits Antti Kokkola

Man is irreversibly destroying ancient nature with his actions. We do not know which parts of nature influence each other and live in an inseparable symbiosis. For example, the fairy-tale stories about trees communicating with each other are scientifically proven true. How can we be so indifferent to the future of our nature and the irreversible effects of human actions?

Nouse luonto -album is an unique collaboration of prominent Finnish folk musicians. The artists have come together for this album project with the aim of preserving the biological diversity of their homeland. The musicians share a deep love for nature, a belief in the power of collaboration, and admiration for the great richness of Finnish folk music. Traditional Finnish folk is filled with references to the fact that human life has long been deeply intertwined with ecosystems. Nouse Luonto is a fragment of an ancient magical spell, invoking courage and strength. But in Finnish, luonto also means nature.

Credits:

Ánnámáret - yoik

Maija Kauhanen - vocals, kantele, harmonium, cymbals, bells

Composition: Ánnámarét, Maija Kauhanen

Lyrics: Lyrics in Finnish by Maija Kauhanen, Luohti yoik text by Ánnámáret

Arrangement: Maija Kauhanen, Ánnámarét, Mika Jokela

Production: Maija Kauhanen, Mika Jokela

Recording & mixing: Mika Jokela

Mastering: Vesa Norilo

Label: Nordic Notes

Cover art: Paula Susitaival

Link to the song on all platforms: https://bfan.link/haldi-haltija