Barely Ann-Mari

Peacemaker is a successful Finnish TV series starring Finnish singer and actress Irina Björklund in the leading role of Ann-Mari Sundell, an expert peace negotiator. While preparing for filming Björklund began writing songs that explored the complex inner feelings of her on-screen character in diary-like lyrics. “As an actress, I was intrigued by what kind of person can work as a peace negotiator,” Björklund says. “What keeps pushing her forward? What kind of emotions does she hide in her everyday life? What dreams does she have to give up because of her career? And in the end, is peace even in her hands…?”

Janne Lappalainen (ex Värttinä) composed the music with her and they brought in Finnish folk band Pauanne whose fascination with pagan heritage and forest spirits inspire the earthy, gritty nature of their music. They were awarded the Newcomer of the Year prize at Finland’s Ethnogala in 2019. The sound is TV soundtrack, big production and few tracks work as a stand-alone without knowledge of the series. Bjärklund’s voice is hypnotic and compelling and it would be interesting to hear the songs in a much more pared down version.