Norwegian and Swedish folk music trio MOJNA releases their second studio album.

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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 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 is released today. If you with to catch them live, 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/composition) is a freelance musician and composer living in Oslo. He has worked as a theater musician in 13 productions at Västanå Theatre since 2016, as well as as a composer/musician in bands such as MOJNA, Thomas & Guro and GKN5. During the spring of 2022, Thomas composed music for the theater performances Kven var Odin and Skarvespelet, and in 2023 he composed 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 kjenslevare. In 2020, she composed the commissioned work Andsyning for the Osa festival. 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 theater productions at Estrad Norr and Gothenburg City Theatre.