Emmi Maaria is a London-based Finnish artist we’ve featured a lot on the blog already. With an unconventional approach to her music, she takes a lot of inspiration from female artists and writers past and present, so it feels only appropriate to be sharing her new track on International Women’s Day. It’s called why would we girls be sad.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Maija Vaara

The title comes from the name of a sung poem from Finnish Karelia, a region of Eastern Finland that now sits within Russia. The traditional style of performing the poem gives Emmi’s piece an unusual rhythm and flow, yet there is a welcoming liveliness about it, and Emmi’s vocals are utterly mesmerising in their delivery.

I’m a big fan of Emmi’s work, and why would we girls be sad feels like an extra special offering from her. You can give the piece a listen below.