Mirel Wagner

Usually he tries to cloak his racism into saying he's just anti-immigration (or "critical of immigration", which seems to be the wordplay Finnish right-wingers prefer), but sometimes it still shines through, he's been sentenced for propagating hate speech in his blog. He's not the leader of the Finnish populist party, but he's been the most prominent anti-immigration/racist politician of recent years, the actual leader of his party focuses more on other conservative issues, such as opposing EU. So yeah, I'd say he's been a Big Thing in Finland in that he's managed to elevate racist discourse from something that's mostly done by marginal groups onto the level of national politics. He was elected to the EU parliament in the recent Euro elections though, which means his influence on local politics should diminish.

Whoa, I was reading here Wikipedia entry, I had no idea "When The Cellar Children..." actually made it to the top of the Finnish album chart when it came out in August! That probably speaks more of the state of record sales in here (foreign pop/rock rarely makes it to the top of the album charts anymore, so odder stuff like Finnish Memphis-style rap can actually rise to the top 10 on relatively small sales) than of her local popularity.

Great interview, lex! http://www.wonderingsound.com/feature/mirel-wagner-when-the-cellar-children-see-the-light-of-day-sub-pop-interview/

I'd just like to say I'm very into this photo of Mirel Wagner and I hope it means she's gearing up to release a new one soon.

https://i.imgur.com/3eJyjEG.jpg

I hope there's a third album someday.

Any recommendations for other dark, soft, minimal singer/songwriter stuff?

Was expecting a Transylvanian Saxon man based on the name, heh.

I'd never heard of her but these descriptions sound intriguing. I'm assuming her debut is the best place to start?

I'd say so, it's very special. I listen to the second album more these days, it really grew on me...it puts her voice & guitar in slightly sharper relief, but doesn't ruin the spell, just adds some subtle twists in the sound & songwriting. Also every song on 'When the Cellar...' is very distinct & memorable for me.

Thanks – added it to my list.

Slightly disappointed that revive wasn’t for some new material. Agreed that third album is long overdue. Kelsey Lu is in a similar space, especially her first EP which is starker and less poppy than her album ‘Blood’.