Maija Sofia
Maija Sofia | |
|---|---|
| Born | Maija Sofia Makela Ireland |
| Origin | County Galway |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Labels | Trapped Animal Records, Cargo Records |
| Website | maijasofia |
Maija Sofia Makela is an Irish folk singer-songwriter from County Galway.[3][4][5] She is known for combining contemporary folk music with themes drawn from mythology, folklore, feminism and overlooked historical narratives. Her debut album, ''Bath Time'' (2019), was nominated for the Choice Music Prize, while her second album, ''True Love'' (2023), received critical acclaim for its broader musical palette and exploration of mysticism, identity and memory.[6][7]
Early life
Maija Sofia Makela was born in County Galway and went to school in Headford. After finishing school Sofia moved to Dublin for a time before moving to England. She lived in London for two years before returning to Dublin to study English Literature in Trinity College Dublin.[8][9]
Maija Sofia Makela has described growing up near Lough Corrib as an important influence on her songwriting. She has cited her mixed Irish, Finnish and Turkish Cypriot heritage, together with her studies in English literature, as shaping her interest in folklore, mythology and historical narratives.[10][11]
Career
After releasing the EPs ''sentient light'' (2014) and ''The Sugar Sea'' (2015), Maija Sofia Makela established herself on the Irish independent folk scene through live performances and self-released recordings. Her early work blended traditional folk influences with literary songwriting and atmospheric arrangements. [6]
Her debut album Bath Time was described as "a collection of songs exploring the female experience throughout art, history and folklore"; it was nominated for the Choice Music Prize.[12][13] Bath Time featured songs relating to marginalised women such as Elizabeth Siddal and Bridget Cleary.[14]
Discography
EPs
Studio albums
- Bath Time (2019)[17]
References
- ↑ Hendicott, James (9 March 2020). "Choice Music Prize: Lankum take the title at Ireland's music showcase".
- ↑ "On The Rise: Maija Sofia". The Line of Best Fit.
- ↑ "Awwww thank you for the birthday song @thecopresent #nottodaysatan". 7 July 2017.
- ↑ "my cup matches my dress matches my glasses. good birthday aesthetic pic.twitter.com/qhrtGSPnAG". 7 July 2016.
- ↑ "Bath Time With Maija Sofia". www.universitytimes.ie.
- 1 2 "Maija Sofia | Other Voices Artists". www.othervoices.ie. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ td-sub (23 September 2023). "Sound: True Love - Maija Sofia". Totally Dublin. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ Amos, Katy. "Bath Time with Maija Sofia". University Times.
- ↑ "Maija Sofia Makela: 'I'm not part of any scene. But I like it that way'". 20 March 2021.
- ↑ "Maija Sofia Makela: 'I'm not part of any scene. But I like it that way'". Irish Independent. 20 March 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "Maija Sofia | Other Voices Artists". www.othervoices.ie. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "2019 RTÉ Choice Music Prize winner for Album of the Year revealed". www.officialcharts.com.
- ↑ "Maija Sofia on Breaking Tunes". breakingtunes.com.
- ↑ "On The Rise: Maija Sofia". The Line of Best Fit.
- ↑ "sentient light, by Maija Sofia and Ferdia".
- ↑ "The Sugar Sea, by Maija Sofia". Maija Sofia.
- ↑ "Bath Time, by Maija Sofia". Maija Sofia.