AJ is a Nordic rock duo born from the fusion of Anna's Swedish roots and Jasmine's Finnish ancestry. Their distinctive sound reimagines ancient instruments, including the Nyckelharpa and Kantele, within the realm of modern electronic dance music and the edge of post-punk.
Often referred to as musical twins, Anna and Jasmine are multi-instrumentalists whose distinctive harmonies and groove transcend borders and generations.
What truly sets AJ apart is their commitment to integrating cultural heritage into their musical tapestry. This dedication enriches their unique sound inviting listeners on a journey through time.
OUR ROOTS: KANTELE & NYCKELHARPA
AJ’s music draws on the roots of Scandinavian heritage.
Jasmine’s Finnish Kantele is central to this sound, a harp-like instrument first celebrated in Finland’s Kalevala, where it was crafted by a mythical hero from the jawbone of a giant pike. The Kantele’s enchanting tones carry over 2,000 years of Finnish stories, joy, and healing, symbolizing resilience through long winters and reverence for nature.
Often called the “instrument of joy” or ilo in Finnish, the Kantele’s music connects past and present, and the use of it in AJ’s music is here to guarantee its future.
The Nyckelharpa, Anna’s Swedish counterpart, equally captivating. Known as the “keyed fiddle,” this centuries-old instrument creates hauntingly layered melodies that mirror Sweden’s natural landscapes. With origins dating back to the 14th century, the Nyckelharpa has been a voice of Sweden’s people for generations, evoking everything from melancholy to festivity. Its unique combination of bowed and resonant sympathetic strings offers a sound that is ancient and timeless.
Together in AJ, the Kantele and Nyckelharpa connect and expand their Scandinavian heritage. These ancient sounds are amplified and reinvented through electronic effects for a modern sound. Jasmine’s and Anna’s work as ethnomusicologists deepens AJ’s mission to reintroduce these instruments around the world.