Do you have a story behind your artist name?
Yes and no, because Ahva is my surname. When I was choosing an artist name, I had a list of ideas, mostly combinations of words I liked. I showed them to a friend from Brazil, and without hesitation he said: “Use your surname. It’s already unique and meaningful.” It’s hard to be objective about your own name, so that outside perspective really helped. In the end, it felt like the most honest choice.
Tells us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
I started making music in my teens, playing bass in various bands. Over time, bands came and went, and eventually I found myself wanting to continue making music on my own.
A big turning point came already around 2010 with the first iPad. I got really excited about the idea of making and performing music using a touchscreen. I can play with all my ten fingers, use motion controls like the accelerometer and gyroscope. That opened up a completely new creative space for me.
Since then, my sound has evolved into a balance between electronic and organic elements. That tension between the two is something I actively look for. It’s where things start to feel interesting. Playing live has always been huge for me.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
It’s a blend of electronic and organic sounds, for example combining drum machines with live instruments and percussion. There’s a playful surface, but underneath it’s made very intentionally. It’s music that can feel fun and quirky, while still being serious at heart.
What drew you to the genre / instruments you’re playing right now?
As long as I remember I’ve always liked hearing something “unexpexted” in music. It’s intriguing whenever I hear something experimental. At the same time, I really like pop music. I think the whole indie music scene of the early 2000’s had the kind of sound/feeling I wanted to start exploring.
The shift really came through experimenting with making music with the iPad. It led me toward what one might think of as electronic music, while still holding onto the live, organic side of playing. I could do things on my own, using the ipad to create big arrangements, but at the same time it allowed me to approach music in a more tactile and exploratory way. It was natural for me to start combining electronic music with live playing.
What inspires you to write music?
I’ve listened to so much music in my life that has inspired me deeply, and I want to give something back. If my music can create even a fraction of the feeling I’ve experienced listening to others, that would mean a lot. Also, seeing how people react in a live setting – how it brings joy and how it inspires other people – those are the biggest motivators for me.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/EP, or song you’re promoting?
My debut album Clean Your Soul is out on May 29. Ahead of that, I’m releasing singles Trapped in Freedom and Supercomfort (out May 8).
The album is built around observational pop songs that often revolve around contradictions or “collisions” between ideas. Someone once described it as a mix between Marie Kondo and Dan Deacon, which I think captures it quite well.
It’s experimental in approach, but the goal is to make something that feels alive, music that embraces complexity while still being fun.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
I want listeners to feel inspired.
Many of my songs deal with contradictions in everyday life—like in Inspector Kondo, which is about decluttering but also about our emotional attachment to things. There’s often tension between what we think we need and what actually brings us joy.
At the same time, I don’t want the music to feel heavy-handed. Even when the themes are serious, there’s always a sense of playfulness. If the music can both make people think and make them smile, that’s the ideal balance.
Who are your top three artists right now? If that’s not a fair question, what’s your favorite song right now?
Henry Blaeser has been a big one for me recently—an indie artist from the U.S. whose work I really connect with.
From Finland, I’ve been listening to Oiro Pena, a jazz group that blends free-form ideas into something very compelling.
I’m also excited about Avey Tare and Geologist’s (from Animal Collective) new project Croz Boyce.
As for a favourite song—Atlas by Battles has been a constant for years. It never gets old and continues to inspire me, especially rhythmically.
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
The easiest way is through Instagram and TikTok: @ahvasound.
For something more personal, Bandcamp is great: ahvamusic.bandcamp.com. The messages I share there tend to be more direct and less filtered than social media.
Social media:
https://www.instagram.com/ahvasound/
https://ahvamusic.bandcamp.com
Music links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7BBzskJpx5Se1AR0DG298M?si=0KnBCGjkSg2nBJ1uGiueyw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/fi/album/trapped-in-freedom-ep/1883134958
Youtube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kqMo7XJ0qssfJ28BjSu5VW6126mJnoqeY
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/934307891
Tidal: https://tidal.com/album/504899923/u
Pre-save the upcoming album:
What’s next for you?
I’m releasing Clean Your Soul on May 29, with singles leading up to it. I’m also preparing for live shows around the release and working on expanding the live setup.
There are a few songs that didn’t make the album, and I’m planning to release them later as an EP—either at the end of this year or early next year.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
If anyone ever wants to come and visit Helsinki, let me know and I’ll show you around.
Bio:
Ahva from Finland makes quirky observational pop songs like a collision between Marie Kondo and Dan Deacon. This is what experimental music sounds like when it’s actually having fun, while being serious at heart.
