Noiduin is a Finnish Dark Folk project that intertwines ancient Finnish mythology and folklore with a contemporary sound. Known for their use of self-built traditional instruments like the jouhikko and kantele, the band creates an immersive, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
For this interview, I had the opportunity discuss with Noiduin’s founder Jemina to explore their journey, inspirations, and the creative process behind their unique music.
How did the idea of Noiduin come about, and what inspired you to focus on Finnish mythology and folklore in your music?
It wasn’t an “aha” moment where I decided, this is what I’m going to do. At first I was simply playing the jouhikko, and songs started to take shape. I felt like they deserved to be shared. At the time, Nordic folk and so-called Viking folk were gaining popularity, but they didn’t feel like the right fit for me. Finnish mythology has always resonated with me on a much deeper level. We also have a rich tradition of folklore and epic poetry, including the Kalevala and ancient spells, much like the Edda, which offer an incredible wellspring of inspiration. Singing in Finnish initially felt like an odd idea, but I had a strong sense that Finnish folk music should be expressed in a truly Finnish way – not, for example, in English. Slowly the pieces started falling into place like a puzzle and Noiduin was born.
Could you share some insights about the journey of Noiduin? How did it evolve over time to reach its current lineup?
I started Noiduin on my own, and it was initially meant to be a way to express my creativity, a sort of proof to myself that I could create music. Soon I realized that Noiduin gave me so much inner strength that it was hard to stop once I had started. I thought I would never perform live, so I felt free to record the songs however I wanted. I received a lot of positive feedback, and then the gig requests started coming in… First I said no but slowly the idea began to feel enticing, so I decided to take the leap and booked Noiduin’s first show! My husband Henri joined to play the jouhikko and kantele, and we found Mikko, a mutual friend, to play drums, as well as Matilda, who became our multi-talented member, singing and playing the jaw harp and percussions. In just six months, we had to adapt the songs for a four-piece setup and solve countless challenges to make everything work live but it was all worth it!
“Noiduin” what does that mean? And what does it mean to you personally and artistically?
“Noiduin” is a Finnish word that loosely translates to “I cast spells” or “I enchanted.” It’s derived from the Finnish word noita, meaning “witch” and the verb noitua, meaning “to cast a spell” or “to perform witchcraft.” The name evokes themes of magic, mysticism, and connecting with something otherworldly. I think it’s the perfect name to describe our music, especially when you consider Finland’s ancient history – we didn’t solve things with swords, but with spells. Through our music, we try to connect with something beyond this world, something mystical and intangible that feels deeply rooted in the essence of who we are. Personally, I also feel that the word itself has a unique beauty. For foreigners it might seem unusual or even difficult at first, but as you get used to it, it reveals a certain elegance, almost as if it could have come from something J.R.R. Tolkien might have written.
Are there particular artists or bands that have inspired your sound and thematic focus?
Well, of course, Heilung and Wardruna have had their influence – that’s undeniable. But I believe the seeds were planted much earlier in my youth by Finnish bands like Moonsorrow, Amorphis and CMX. Their music carries a distinct melancholia, something that feels deeply rooted in Finnish identity, and I think that same essence can be heard in our music as well. Overall, I’ve always listened to music across a wide range of genres, so there’s probably complex mix of influences in the background. However, now that I’m actively creating music myself, I find I don’t listen to as much music anymore. Sometimes it’s good to seek inspiration from others to grow and evolve, but silence is even more important so you can reflect and hear your own thoughts.
Have any of you played anything else than dark folk music?
All of us have diverse musical backgrounds and play different instruments. After the jouhikko, I’m most comfortable playing piano and guitar, but both Henri and I have a bad habit of collecting instruments, we probably have around 20-30 right now, ranging from saxophones and banjos to 70s organs. I particularly have a soft spot for alternative country and I’m also currently working on Henri’s psychedelic rock project which hopefully will see the light of day soon.
Have any of you played in other bands?
Most of us have very little experience. I have been in metal band as the singer-guitarist and in a rock band as a singer, but it was nothing major. Henri has the most experience in different bands and playing shows around the world.
What instruments do you play in the band, and what elements define the distinctive Noiduin sound?
On a live setup I sing and play the jouhikko, but I compose and record Noiduin’s music mostly on my own so I play all the instruments we use, except the kantele. I think the Noiduin sound comes from a fusion of many elements – my vocals, which span a wide range from deep to very high, paired with Henri’s black metal inspired tone, the melodic jouhikko, and the rich, multi-voiced background vocals. Those harmonies have a folkinspired quality, giving the music a depth and earthiness. Together, these elements create a unique blend that feels distinctly our own.
Can you tell us about the experience of crafting your first instrument? How did that shape the band’s sound and identity?
Building my first jouhikko was a turning point in my life, it felt so different from any instrument I had ever played. I became somewhat addicted to that feeling and started exploring ancient instruments, developing an interest in their construction. Crafting instruments became an important cornerstone for Noiduins music: if I want a specific sound or tone, I try to think about how it could have been built in a way that would have been possible in ancient times. This approach has definitely influenced both the band’s sound and our identity.
What was it like to perform at the Pakanalliset Syysmessut in Helsinki for the first time as a live act?
We were all incredibly nervous! There were some issues with the PA system, and we were scrambling to fix things while people were staring and waiting. The hall was packed, and someone later told us they couldn’t even get in because the doorway was full of people. When we started playing, I didn’t dare look at the audience at first, but when I finally did, I saw that some people were even singing along. It was an amazing experience! We’ve grown a lot as a live act since then, so it wasn’t our best performance, but it was definitely not our worst either. Originally, we planned to do just that one show, but as they say, appetite comes with eating…
How do you prepare for live shows to create such an immersive experience?
We put a great deal of thought into the overall presentation of our live performances. Beyond the music itself, we carefully consider elements like stage design, lighting, and costumes to create an atmosphere that feels truly mystical and magical. Our goal is to transport the audience into another world, making the experience immersive and memorable from the moment the show begins.
Have you as a band done any collabs with others?
I’ve mainly contributed vocals for other artists as Noiduin. For example, I collaborated with Bjorth and we released the hugely popular song Svinfylking. With Nattramn (Ursprung), we’ve released the tracks När jag tiden tar and Balders drömmar, which has been a fun experience because I had to sing in Swedish! I’ve also provided vocals for Myrrys on the tracks Joukawainen and Wäinämön soitto
Do you plan to collaborate with other folk or dark folk artists internationally?
Sometimes I have to decline collaborations simply because there isn’t enough time for everything. However, it’s always nice to do collabs and right now a perfect moment has come and I’ve committed to a couple of really cool projects that will be released in 2025. Wish I could say more but you just have to wait and see!
What message do you hope listeners take away from your music?
My heart aches at how disconnected we’ve become – from nature, from ourselves, and from our true purpose. Life has turned into a celebration of consumption, and in the process, we are destroying this planet. Patience has been lost; we want everything and we want it now. Our music challenges this mindset as it requires stillness and reflection. You might wait for a chorus but it might never come. I hope our music
inspires people to slow down, find calm, and seek out the forest, where they can reconnect with their true thoughts and needs.
Where do you typically get your inspiration to compose/ produce music ?
Inspiration can really come from anywhere. Sometimes, I have to force it by picking up an instrument and just playing around. Other times, during particularly creative periods, melodies simply start playing in my head. Sadly, my biggest muse is often sorrow, but since I don’t want to live in sadness all the time, I find that visiting nature, historical sites, rock paintings, or museums provides a completely different and uplifting kind of creative energy.
Any new releases of tracks or albums soon?
We’re set to release a full-length album in 2025, and it’s shaping up to be our most ambitious work yet. The album will feature a rich blend of traditional Finnish instruments like the kantele and jouhikko, combining familiar elements with new sounds and themes. Each track feels like a journey, and we’ve poured our hearts into creating something that feels authentic and timeless. We’re currently working on a music video for one of the songs, which should give a glimpse of the atmosphere we’re aiming for. We can’t wait to share it with you and hope it resonates deeply with our listeners.
Are there any particular moments in the band’s journey so far that stand out as especially meaningful or transformative?
One moment that stands out for me was when I was about to release the song Uni. I was really nervous because it’s such a personal song, and its tone is a bit different from the rest of Noiduin’s music. I honestly wasn’t sure if I should even release it. But it quickly became our most popular track, and the feedback we’ve received has been incredible. It has truly helped build my faith in this whole journey. Another significant moment has been and always is performing live. Preparing for shows can be incredibly challenging, and adapting our acoustic instruments into an electric setup that works on a festival stage hasn’t been easy. But when I see how many people come to watch us and hear them describe our music as something that speaks
to their soul, I feel profoundly grateful to have chosen this path.
Anything new from Noiduin you would like to share with us?
We recently released a new song and video, Nouse Maa, which offers a first glimpse into our upcoming album. It’s been incredibly exciting to share this piece of what we’ve been working on, and we’re thrilled with the response so far. Keep also an eye for the next music video that is in the works. Additionally we have some amazing shows lined up for next year, like Nummirock and Tuska Festival – which are the biggest metal music festivals in Finland and our biggest shows yet. We can’t wait to bring our music to both familiar and new audiences. Stay tuned for updates!
We would like to thank you for answering our questions about your band, and glad we could do this written interview, we are sure many are interested in getting to know you better….
Thank you very much, it was a pleasure!
