Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eeppi Ursin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eeppi, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
MY INDUSTRY
I’m a Singer-Songwriter, Jazz Vocalist, Composer, Arranger and Pianist. I have released five solo albums and I’m featured on numerous recordings as a guest vocalist, songwriter, musician or arranger. I have toured all around the world performing at festivals and all kinds of venues from concert halls to jazz clubs. I do a lot of performances as a “piano-woman”, just like one of my greatest idols Carole King, and also sing with various types of ensembles from duos to big bands and symphony orchestras. I also write music for theatre ensembles and different types of groups especially ones that deal with vocal harmonies.
If I’m not on tour, my typical work day is some music writing, some recording, some practicing and some office work like answering emails and managing and organizing upcoming performance details.
I was born in Helsinki, Finland where I started my professional career almost 30 years ago. Nowadays I split my time between the United States – especially New York, where I’m based – and Finland.
Eeppi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
MY JOURNEY IN A NUTSHELL
I always knew I was going to be a musician – never had any other plans for real. My journey to where I am today has been long but kind of logic, I would say. I started playing piano and oboe very young and learned to accompany my singing. I was listening to songwriters like Carole King and Stevie Wonder and started songwriting on my own as well. In high school, I got into jazz music, and after my high school diploma, I began my studies at the Helsinki Pop Jazz Conservatory with voice as my major.
I started singing with jazz bands and continued writing original music which has always been a combination of pop, jazz, and singer-songwriter tradition. I’ve always been very determined and worked my way further and further. I’ve always enjoyed working as a freelancer and be part of different types of projects and various work groups. For many years I was a member of Club For Five, which is a very successful Finnish A Cappella -vocal group. Years working with Club For Five were amazing in many ways with extensive tours and high end a cappella craft. I learned a lot artistically, business-wise and also about myself. Also at some point I started working with various theatre ensembles for which I’m very grateful for. Working with theatre gives you a lot of perspective.
I have released 5 solo albums which consist mostly of my original music, but also of my arrangements. My latest album “My Finnish Soul” is a tribute to my home country Finland as the songs are my original arrangements of very well-known Finnish classics. I’m very proud of this album since it was recorded live and it features only me on vocals and piano, so it’s a real solo album. It has a special feel to it. My other albums are more “produced” in a way cause they’re done with longer time in the studio. I love working in both of these very different ways while recording an album. Currently I’m working on a Christmas Album which will be released just in time for Christmas 2024. This album will be a combination of Finnish and American Christmas music.
IN LOVE WITH NEW YORK
I visited New York the first time in 2003 and the moment I got up from the subway and found myself on the street in the middle of Union Square in Manhattan, I knew one day I will live and work here. The city’s unique vibe just totally blew my mind. The ever-changing variety of cultures, religions, colors, styles, smells and looks is such an educating environment that everyone – especially an artist – should spend at least some time in New York in their lives. I believe living in New York makes me a better person – more understanding, more open and more tolerant. Don’t get me wrong, Finland is my great love, always, and for the last couple of years I’ve been touring the US especially within the Finnish communities. I’ve met a lot of third-generation-Finns in America and these encounters have been amazing. These people are very proud of their Finnish heritage as Finnishness stands out as something like perseverance, bravery and fortitude. Almost all of the people I’ve met know at least the word “SISU” in Finnish which is used to describe this kind of disposition of not giving up and enduring hardships. It’s been really special to bring my nostalgic concert with Finnish classics and original music to the Finnish communities all over the US. I’m fortunate to be touring in the US with my upcoming Christmas album as well. You can already check the dates from my website!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me the greatest moment in this job is when you know you’ve come up with a good song, or even just part of a song. A particular piece of music or lyric or both together that makes a difference and is unique, yet relatable. I’ve always been in love with harmonies especially. For me, the chords and the chord changes tell a story just as much as lyrics do. The mystery of songwriting is forever appealing to me: How come your brain or ear or soul, or whatever it is, takes you to certain paths? Where do these forms come from? Of course our history, the musical memory and everything we’ve done in the past few moments or in our past lives affects the process. Although you can give yourself a “task” to write a certain kind of piece, for instance an up-tempo song in the rhythm of waltz, still you are in contact with something unique and abstract that’s hard to put into words. Songwriting is like an ever-lasting conversation with who you are. Lyrics and poetry in general have become much more meaningful to me as I get older, although different musical elements are still the intuitive engine for my songwriting. But I must admit a touching phrase of lyrics can make me cry for countless times while practicing. Songs really make a difference. What would we be without songs?
On the other hand another great moment might be experienced on stage when something special happens in connection with you and the audience. A moment shared together with listeners, no matter what the size of the audience, is of course always a unique and in a way a sacred moment. I find performing at funerals and such also very meaningful. That’s when you really feel like your work has purpose as you bring real consolation to someone and you make a moment more tolerable.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I think being an independent artist and freelancer in the field of music is kind of finding your resilience and strength every day. There are a lot of unwanted answers, refusals and rejections on the way. At least for me who is always striving to go further and further. Sometimes I feel like I put 100 baits in the water and one of them catches something. It’s those moments when you realize that your hard work for years has actually been worth while and you see the results later in a bigger picture. I’ve been rejected by numerous record labels, festivals, venues, agencies, grants etc. But I’ve always managed to find my way so that I can do what I want. It has made me what I am today – managing my artistry totally by myself. I decide who to partner with in different areas of my work. And let’s be honest, it’s kind of luxury!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eeppiursin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eeppiursinofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eeppiursinofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eeppi-ursin-570461157/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/eeppiursin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EeppiUrsinOfficial
Image Credits
Eetu Myrskog Laura Malmivaara Rachel Monteleone Jyri Sariola Marko Nevanperä