Jazzhaus+Records | Akateeminen Kirjakauppa

Finnish-born, Berlin-based artist Ina Forsman unveils her most personal and dynamic album yet, After Dark Hour. Known as one of the leading voices in the European roots scene, Ina's explosive live performances and powerful, honey-dripping vocals have captivated audiences for over a decade. With this new release, she takes listeners on an emotional and groovy journey of rediscovery and resilience.

Recorded in Helsinki with a team of Finnish musicians and produced by Michael Bleu and Ina, After Dark Hour is steeped in Retro Soul, Funk, Motown-inspired grooves, and R&B. The energy of live performance was a driving force behind the album's creation. "I wanted to make songs that would be fun to play live, songs that would make people leave my shows sweaty and smiling,"

The title track, After Dark Hour, was the spark that reignited her creativity after over a year of writer's block. "I was going through it--what I call the postpandemic blues. I couldn't get myself to write songs or even listen to music. Then one day, I wrote the title song, and it was like magic. It was such a relief to know I still had it in me after a year of not having it. After dark hour represents the first moment you see the light coming through the blinds you've been keeping shut. It's the feeling
that things are finally getting better."

The album takes listeners through an eclectic mix of soul sounds, from sultry power ballads to James Brown-style funk explosions, tender sweet soul, and uptempo Motown grooves. The lush production includes cinematic strings, bold horns, and gospel-like backing vocals, all serving as a backdrop to Ina's signature vocals.

Ina has been performing since she was 17, dedicating her career to crafting music that blends classic soul with her unique voice and vision. With After Dark Hour, she delivers an album that invites listeners to dance through life's darkest moments.