Maarja Nuut / Estonia

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Maarja Nuut, the violinist and vocalist from northern Estonia, is fascinated by the works of early rural musicians – the melodic lines, construction and trance quality of their songs.

The minimalist sounds of Maarja’s looper take listeners on an imaginative journey to constantly changing soundscapes, intertwining traditional dance tunes, songs and elements of live electronics. Her music has been described as soothing, but this calm does not come from lazy, chilled-out, synthetic sounds. She seeks the sense of life and profound meaning. Someone once said that her music is like a cat – seemingly lazy, but ready to pounce at any moment.

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Maarja herself says, “This state is like an impulse which means that music starts and grows within me. It is always ‘now’, and old pieces are as fresh as improvisations they inspired seconds ago.” This way, the artist tells the listeners her personal, intimate stories by using her violin, her own voice and electronic instruments. She approaches tradition with respect and great interest, while realising that if an artistic effort is to make sense, these inspirations and delights must also include something of one’s self. Maarja released her debut album “Soolo” in spring 2013; it was enthusiastically received around the globe, receiving particular praise from the acclaimed British magazine “fRoots”.
 

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The concert took place in 2015.