With elements of improvisation and voicing based on counterpoint techniques, MOJNA has developed an original and unique sound. This Swedish/Norwegian trio, formerly known as Eriksson/Myhr/Malmström, performs newly composed, inventive Nordic folk on guitar, Hardanger fiddle, and clarinet/bass clarinet.
In 2022 MOJNA was named “Instrumental band of the year” by the music magazine Lira and their debut album was nominated for “Release of the year” at the Swedish Folk & World Music Gala 2023 and for “Folk music of the year” at the Swedish Manifest Gala 2023.
Since then they have played many concerts in Norway and Sweden and have become a trio with a clearer musical expression, something that is reflected on their new album Väntenätter (Nights of waiting).
Composer and guitarist Thomas Eriksson tells us about the songs on the new album:
“This record builds in many ways on our debut album with music that is often interwoven in contrapuntal voicings, which gives the music a characteristic flow. The melodies arise from contemporary musical elements such as improvisational soundscapes and we often look for the breaking point between nice and beautiful music and that which gives resistance and creates tension.”
After three years as a trio and with many concerts in the bag, they know each other better both musically and personally. During this recording, they could therefore be more open to the music and allow themselves to make more spontaneous changes in, for example, the arrangements.
On Väntenätter they have also collaborated with the well-known folk musician Erlend Apneseth as producer.
“Erlend Apneseth was a fantastic resource in seeing and shaping the entirety of the album. He contributed a lot with ideas and input about the improvisational elements but also with improvements and adjustments in the arrangements.” – Thomas Eriksson
The result can be heard on Väntenätter, which will be released on 14 June 2024. In connection with the album release, MOJNA will perform at a number of festivals during the summer, including Førdefestivalen in Norway, Into the Woods in Sweden and Musikk over Præstø Fjord in Denmark.
Thomas Eriksson – (guitar/composer) is a freelance musician and composer living in Oslo. He has worked as a theatre musician in 13 productions at Västanå Theatre since 2016, as well as a composer/musician in bands such as MOJNA, Thomas & Guro and GKN5. During the spring of 2022, Thomas composed music for the theatre performances “Kven var Odin” and “Skarvespelet”, and in 2023 he is composing for the dance performance “Taus”. He has a bachelor’s degree from the “Academy of Music and Drama” in Gothenburg.
Helga Myhr – (Hardanger fiddle/vocals) debuted as a solo artist with the album “Natten veller seg ut” (Motvind Records, 2019). The music consists of exploratory and free interpretations of folk music from Hallingdal, and received a nomination for the Spellemann prize. Myhr also participates in several other projects and is a permanent member of groups such as Kvedarkvintetten, Morgonrode, impro duo together with Tanja Orning and Dei kenslevare. In 2020, she composed the commissioned work “Andsyning” for Osafestivalen. “Andsyning” was released at Heilo 2022 and was nominated for the “Folkelarm-award”.
Anna Malmström – (clarinet/bass clarinet) is a folk musician with roots in the urban folk and world music scene in Sweden. With Nordic folk music at heart, she also embraces Eastern European melodies, jazzy solos and poetic taksim improvisations inspired by Ottoman music culture. With Anna’s great curiosity and rich sound, she constantly finds new ways to express herself. Since 2014, she has toured with bands such as Sallyswag, GKN5, Världens Band, Ale Möller’s Xenomania, Erik Dahl Ensemble etc. Anna also works with stage art productions for children with Zenta Scenkonst, and has also participated in theatre productions at Estrad Norr and Gothenburg City Theatre.
Artists’ website: https://www.mojnamusic.com/
‘Halling’ – official live video:
We all give our spare time to run folking.com. Our aim has always been to keep folking a free service for our visitors, artists, PR agencies and tour promoters. If you wish help out and donate something (running costs currently funded by Paul Miles), please click the PayPal link below to send us a small one off payment or a monthly contribution.
Thanks for stopping by. Please help us continue and support us by tipping/donating to folking.com via
You must be logged in to post a comment.