Iiris Viljanen sums up a difficult year - with a Christmas album

The Finnish-Swedish singer and pianist Iiris Viljanen had actually planned more than she would have time for by 2020. Two new albums and tours.

But then came the pandemic and put a stop to public gigs, so now you get to listen to her new Christmas album at home instead.

"Started with a Finnish notebook"

It is a finely tuned mix of instrumental piano pieces and more arranged songs with Christmas present as the theme.

But also the contemporary state of human distancing, lack and lack of community.  

- It started with me having a Finnish music book with old classic Christmas songs, says Iiris Viljanen.

- It inspired me because they are real pieces and that they are melancholic also suited me because I myself write quite melancholic music. I have captured emotions that I have noticed among people I know and it will be a different Christmas.