In this monumental installment of the Nordic Sound, Jameson is joined by Mari Boine to reflect on her childhood, the rise and influence of her career through Gula Gula, how she has come to be an influential icon to so many around the world, and her place as a powerful voice for Sámi culture since the 1980s.
Along the way, Mari explains what Joik means to her and how it relates to her belief that music has an ineffable power to remind us of our elemental humanity, while also reflecting on how proud she is of the new wave of Sámi poets, artists, and musicians today. To conclude, we discuss Mari’s perspective on the cultural exchange between Nordic and Sámi music, and the indisputable influence Sámi music tradition, and Mari’s music specifically, continues to have on the new Nordic and global “Viking” music scene. In this summary, I’d be remiss to ignore the touching and raw conversation Mari sparks about her struggle with, and for, her identity and heritage throughout her career.
On a personal note from Jameson: this conversation has singularly made the years of effort put into the Nordic Sound project my most meaningful endeavor as a musicologist. My sincerest gratitude to Mari for giving me her time amidst her tour, and to ByNorse for organizing this special interview. I could end the project here and feel like I’ve done something worthwhile… but we all know I’m taking this thing to the grave.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with the qu– an icon of Nordic music.
0:00 Intro
0:47 Signing with ByNorse
4:05 Mari’s Childhood
8:55 What is Joik?
13:29 Into the Music Industry
17:18 Learning Sámi History in College
18:35 Gula Gula and Sámi Heritage
23:11 The Reception of Gula Gula
27:40 Music as Catharsis
29:19 A Reluctant Leader
36:20 Alva
40:46 Sámi Issues and Environmentalism
49:37 Sámi Arts and Culture Today
54:25 Misconceptions about Sámi Music
56:52 Sámi Influence on New Nordic Music (Wardruna, etc.)
The Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:
Alex
George
Bets
Carrie
Gen
Leigh
Mike
Cindy
Clayton
Drake
Eric
Jamie
Julia
Mary
Michael
Sean
Simon
You too can support the project at patreon.com/nordicsound
The Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons over on Patreon.com/nordicsound
The Nordic Sound is supported by its patrons:
George
Bets
Carrie
Gen
Leigh
Mike
Cindy
Clayton
Drake
Eric
Jamie
Julia
Mary
Michael
Michael
Sean
Simon
Tony
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