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  • Mirella: A Heartfelt Pop Star

    22.11.2024 Ella Jaakkola
    With her hit song Timanttei, Mirella rose to explosive popularity. Now she answers the phone in the middle of rehearsals for the Elämä Lapselle concert, her hair curled and her make-up ready for tonight’s performance. She exudes a joyful, bubbling, engaging energy.

    A year of success

    2024 has been a huge success for Mirella. With five singles and two music videos to her name, the young artist has become a phenomenon. Her songs have already gathered over 60 million streams on Spotify, her single “Timanttei” was chosen as the Finnish Music Publishers’ Song of the Year, and she also won the YleX Breakthrough vote.

    On Mirella’s mind, however, is her first festival summer that has just ended. “I was really stressed in spring, but that eased after I got such a wonderful band,” Mirella says. “We sync so well with the band that I can completely let go when I’m performing.”

    The summer festival was full of unforgettable moments, and Mirella highlights a few of them. A long-standing dream to perform at Ruisrock’s legendary Rantalava venue came true this summer. “The sea was full of boats and there was even an audience on the opposite shore,” Mirella recalls. “It was absolutely crazy.”

    The most moving experience was the gig at Allas Sea Pool, where the audience consisted of Mirella’s own fans as well as family and friends. “I almost burst into tears during the performance several times,” Mirella reveals. “The gig warmed my heart”

    Emotional encounters

    Compared to international superstars like Tate McRae and Zara Larsson, Mirella is the perfect pop star and a remarkable multi-talented artist. She both sings and dances, and in addition, writes and composes her own songs. It’s no wonder that she has a large fan base.

    Meeting fans is an emotional experience for both sides. Young fans may become teary-eyed when meeting their idol in person. “In those moments, I think about how I would like to be treated if I were to meet my own idol,” Mirella reflects. “I tell them not to worry and offer comfort. I always try to put myself in their shoes”

    An important and safe team

    Having grown up in a musical family, Mirella has been familiar with the industry and its realities from a young age. For example, she first heard about Gramex in elementary school. “My dad has been in the music industry for a long time, starting around the same age as I am now. I’ve heard many stories at home about how the industry works, and it has helped me understand its realities from a young age,” she says.

    In addition to her family, the 19-year-old artist has formed a close-knit team that takes care of both practical matters and her well-being. “It’s a great blessing to have such wonderful people around me.” A&R Kristiina Wheeler and promoter Meri Timgren feel especially important: “It’s so easy to work with them. And it doesn’t even really feel like work when we’re doing things together,” Mirella laughs happily.

    Confidence is growing

    Currently, Mirella is finishing high school and preparing for the upcoming fall and spring matriculation exams. At the same time, she is working on her debut album, but as a perfectionist, she wants to ensure that the album is perfect before its release. The process is moving forward steadily, without any rush.

    The festival summer has taught Mirella to enjoy the moment and trust herself: “I no longer overthink whether I’m good enough. My self-confidence in singing has grown, and I’ve noticed I’ve also developed as a writer and composer. It feels really rewarding.”

    The call is nearing its end when Mirella glances at the clock. “I need to start changing clothes, the rehearsal is about to start!” she calls out. Her bubbling energy is still present, ready for the evening’s performance.

    At the Gramex Winter Season opening at Tavastia’s Backstage, Mirella and the band: Ossi Maristo (guitar), Kasperi Kallio (keyboards), and Joonas Kaikko (drums). Photo: Camilla Hanhirova.
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