(3 / 5)
Swedish earth music artist Gaeya has released her second EP “Growth”, which aims to reconnect her listeners with nature and their inner power.
Gaeya (aka Sandra Zackrisson) derived her name from the Greek Goddess of the Earth, and this connection to the planet drives all of her endeavours.
She has founded multiple organisations and events including the ‘We Are Nature’ Festival, GAEYA Tipi Tour, Tell Us Podcast, and the FIND Foundation (GAEYA Foundation) – an initiative supporting rewilding, regenerative practices, and the protection of Indigenous lands, cultures, and creative expression.
Sandra’s heritage stems from the Sámi, a Scandinavian indigenous tribe, and she pays homage to them throughout her work. “Growth” is the follow up to her debut EP “Awakening” released in 2021, and continues the story arc of radical transformation.
Written by Gayea and producer Anders Rane (who also worked on “Awakening”), the four tracks seamlessly blends traditional Nordic instruments with a cinematic soundscape, underpinning her distinctive falsetto vocal.
Opening with “Higher Ground”, which starts with bright synths before introducing dramatic tribal percussion; a call to reach for a higher ground and choose a path to be set free.
Her Nordic heritage is brought front and centre with “Different in My Time”, which includes a chant inspired by the ancient Artic ‘Joick’ singing of the Sámi people, and the calls of ‘Kulning’, also known as theNordic herding call; a work song and refers to high-pitched herding calls that were developed centuries ago in Norway and Sweden. Her vocals build throughout the song, with the chants becoming loud and almost guttural before the final chorus refrain.
The rousing “Emptiness”, has an almost alternative feel, with a strong bassline and futuristic synths. The lyrics epitomise Gaeya’s purpose: “We were born to live a life beyond the projections on the wall”, reminding us that we have the power to change the future for the planet.
The release day for the EP and accompanying “Emptiness” video were aligned with Midsummer Eve (or the Summer Solstice), with the video visuals including clips from Midsummer Eve 1976. The timing and visuals served as both a celebration of earth and a reminder of a time before our modern technology took over. Closing track “The Lucky Ones”, is Gaeya’s final rally cry to stand with her and become “the fighters of our time”.
Overall, a unique EP from an artist with not only a distinctive sound, but a strong purpose and ethos. With such a strong foundation, I’d be keen to see how she would bring these songs to life in a live setting.
By Fran Parry
(1 / 5) ‘Dull Zone’
(2 / 5) ‘OK Zone’ (3 / 5) ‘Decent Zone’
(4 / 5) ‘Super Zone’
(5 / 5) ‘Awesome Zone’
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