Iiris Viljanen is a Finnish-born, Stockholm-based pianist and songwriter known for her subtle compositions and expressive piano style. For her debut at the Stockholm Jazz Festival, Iiris Viljanen carefully curated a delicate, dreamy atmosphere, inspired by real-life events and true kindness that comes with it.
Viljanen presented her new album So much of you was sleeping, mixing the tunes with charming intermissions full of personal stories, daily anecdotes and showing the real person in front of the audience. She shared that it’s been 30 years since her first piano lesson and brought the Carl Bertil Agnestig notebook she first learned pieces from in early childhood. Such small moments drew a line between her overall positive melodies and the long-cherished experiences.
Viljanen’s songs might seem to some borderline naive, but actually they carry so much wisdom in their most idealistic ways. She successfully managed to twist reality to seem simpler in its sorrow and grander in its joy, bringing a liberating feeling to those who are tired of responsibilities, to-do lists and planning in their serious adult lives. With her relieving style, Viljanen carefully slowed down the haste of tasks and duties, bringing honest, joyful and life-affirming jazz.
For instance, her song El Retiro is about the main park in Madrid. I have many personal memories with this part as I’ve lived in Madrid for years, so when Viljanen introduced the name after playing the song, I would completely identify her musical interpretation with my impressions about El Retiro: springy not only in spring, vibrant, busy and quiet in its hidden corners.
Keys of Peace (in both parts) is an unapologetically optimistic, forward-looking and fearless piece, synthesising something quite bright and hopeful inside every one of us.
At times, her listeners might find themselves diving into their childhood memories, something they have seen in films or heard in the stories of others. The beautiful, warm images just start popping up in your head, reminding you to make time for being childish because, as children, we were free and unburdened by responsibilities. At that time, the biggest problem was missing your favourite show on TV, and, since you couldn’t scroll back, it was a true tragedy.
After her smashing performance at the National Museum, I had a chance to chat with Iiris on her take on today’s jazz and approach to music.
On the jazz scene
How do you see the jazz scene today, is there something that worries you?
I love how the jazz scene continues to grow and change but I’m concerned about funding and opportunities for jazz musicians. It’s really hard to afford making new albums when platforms like Spotify don’t pay enough. Still, I feel hopeful that there will be some kind of revolution soon and that musicians will be able to take back their art and keep creating the soulful, unique music that jazz is all about.
Do you think jazz is becoming more accessible to new audiences, or is it still a niche space?
I think jazz is becoming more and more accessible, especially with festivals, social media and collaborations with other genres. But it’s still a niche in many ways, it takes curiosity from the audience to really explore it. It feels like more young people are discovering jazz and that’s definitely encouraging.
On creativity
What do you need around you to create a new piece: peace and quiet or chaos?
Mostly, I like peace and a tidy space because it helps me relax and focus, which I need for composing. But sometimes I also create small pieces in unexpected moments, like during a soundcheck at a venue, just playing around on a new piano.
Improvisation or structure? What do you prefer to do in concert?
Improvisation because it makes me feel alive. Even if it’s riskier, I love the unexpected things that can happen and the new places you can take the audience. It’s a challenge and I enjoy challenges, even if they sometimes stress me out a little (laughs).
Do you learn from other musicians?
Yes, of course, so much! When I see other musicians live, I often get new ideas for my own performances, and also a lot of motivation and new energy. I love talking about practising with my colleagues: how to improve, how to structure your practice and how to stay focused and keep growing.
What do you want people to experience when they listen to your music?
I hope the playfulness in the music lets their imagination wander, giving a little escape and maybe a touch of healing and freedom.
Off stage
Favourite artists at the moment?
Sarah Reich, Ian Berg, Xavier Thollard, Jacob Mann Big Band.
What non-musical influences shape your music: books, cities, art, nature?
In the last few years, a few long train trips through Europe have really shaped my music. All the beautiful new places I’ve experienced and all the time I’ve had sitting on trains, reflecting on life.
What’s bringing you joy outside of music these days?
My cats, time at the sea or in the mountains, long talks with friends and sunshine.
All photos © Nina Uddin
