Helsinki-based pop singer-songwriter Anni Pohto recently released “Deep,” the first single/music video lifted from her forthcoming concept album, The Rising, slated for release near the end of Summer 2021.
Explaining, Anni shares, “’DEEP’ is the first song on my upcoming album The Rising. It tells a story about facing our inner darkness, and why that is crucial in order to find joy. Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world three times in a row. But against expectations, it’s not because Finns are overtly positive, but quite the opposite.
“The album is based on a concept of emotional vibrations: each song represents one frequency. The songs are not just to feel the emotions, they’re also to heal them. DEEP is about the lowest vibration, shame, and its antidote, safety and acceptance. It’s an invitation to dive deep into your own darkness and become friends with it. Only that way you can truly heal yourself and find happiness.”
Talking about “Deep’s” singular sonic signature, Anni says:
“The song was made this way by playing the original piano melody from a different key on a slower tempo with other instruments including my voice. The original recording was then sampled and chopped to bring the song a more contemporary vibe while retaining its acoustic and softcore.”
Although a native of Finland, Anni later attended the Berklee College of Music, while simultaneously working on her master’s degree in Global Political Science. With the release of her Redemption Street EP, she collected vast attention: YleX Radio selected “Stains” as the song of the week, while music critics have called her “the female Jack Garratt” and “the Nordic Alicia Keys.”
Along with Anni (piano, vocals), “Deep” features the talents of Maija Kauhanen (kantele), Andre Vasconcelos (guitar), and Jude Kim (bass).
“Deep” opens on a mysteriously inflected piano, followed by the entry of Anni’s distinctive voice, vaguely reminiscent of Alanis Morissette. Once the melody takes shape, R&B flavored pop tinctures roll on a hip-hop-lite rhythm, imbuing the song with glossy, tantalizing allure.
Anni Pohto is a name to remember. If “Deep” furnishes a foretaste of her forthcoming album, then listeners are in for a definite treat.
