Welcome to a selection of reviews for Maini Sorri’s albums, EPs and singles.<\/p>\n
Review:<\/strong> You Are On My Mind<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> TunedLoud<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> October 26th 2018<\/a><\/p>\n “Maini Sorri\u2019s album \u2018Bring Me Home\u2019 was released only a month ago, yet she is back at work, and released a brand new single, entitled \u2018You Are On My Mind\u2019. The rushed release is due to the fact that on November 3rd people in Sweden celebrate All Saints\u2019 Day, and also during the Christmas period people often long for relatives and friends that have passed away. The song is a collaborative effort by lyricist Barbro Norberg, music composer Maini Sorri, who also sings the song, and instrumental maker Jaakko Viitala. The track deals with Norberg\u2019s sense of loss and longing after her dad\u2019s passing away. The song is released via Reya Music in Sweden, while an accompanying video for the song, was produced by Meshack Ndubi from Kenya. If you\u2019re looking for songs with lots of emotional depth and substance, this is the track for you.<\/p>\n The slight instrumental variation and downplay of typical radio single conventions on \u2018You Are On My Mind\u2019 complements Maini\u2019s seasoned voice, which can straddle range with ease. This doesn\u2019t sound like some teen diva throwing her journal entries into a blender and hitting the record button.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a track by a mature woman who has mastered expressing vulnerability and celebrating emotions without sounding predictable or highly-strung. The track, complete with infectious guitar strums and an indie-inspired vocal delivery, is a truly expressive song that demonstrates Maini\u2019s flair for adding a little something extra to her heartfelt anthems.<\/p>\n Maini Sorri\u2019s narrative skills in communicating Barbro Norberg eloquent words is refreshing, and surprisingly sincere. Had it been sung by some emerging star, it may have sounded hollow or disingenuous. Luckily, Maini\u2019s atmospheric voice and artistic prowess make it a song that rings truer than most.<\/p>\n While loss and longing are certainly well-trodden topics, there is something very organic and palpable about \u2018You Are On My Mind\u2019 that clearly comes from experience. Maini shows remarkable artistic vision by taking conventional music standards and adding enough vocal ambiance to keep it fresh and expressive.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s music fans expect artists to deliver vocals with immense technical proficiency. They expect artists to reach a wide range of notes without sacrificing power. However, impressive technical talent is merely a prerequisite for competing in today\u2019s world of mainstream music.<\/p>\n True greatness, instead, stems from the voice behind the vocals. A voice that has real world experiences to lean on, and is not lacking in emotion and identity. Elements which combine to give meaning to vocals. This ultimately is what Maini Sorri brings to the music and lyrics in \u2018You Are On My Mind\u2019.<\/p>\n Decidedly focused in construct and rich in personality, \u2018You Are On My Mind\u2019 provides Maini Sorri\u2019s with another opportunity to consolidate her identity and leave her own mark on the story-line. With a refreshing sense of honesty, tremendous musical instincts and an alluring vocal tone, Maini\u2019s connection to the music is an authentic one.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> You Are On My Mind<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> Stereo Stickman<\/a> Author:<\/strong>\u00a0Rebecca Cullen<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> October 22nd 2018<\/a><\/p>\n “Following the bold eclecticism of her album Bring Me Home, Maini Sorri returns to release yet another creatively unique single. You Are On My Mind is a notably smoother and more spacious, mellow offering than much of what came before. The ambiance brings together delicate pop vibes with just a few dashes of rock in the form of an intermittently appearing, distorted guitar part \u2013 adding a flicker of intensity to help heighten the emotion of certain melodic moments.<\/p>\n From a songwriting perspective, this is one of the most memorable melodies of Sorri\u2019s to date. There\u2019s a classically folk-like feel to the progression, these long-form lines rise up and descend in a familiar, comforting fashion. As always, Maini Sorri\u2019s characterful voice delivers with ease, suiting the gentle mood in a flawless way. Where before her voice presented a distinctive contrast with the intensity around it, here the soundscape and the vocals pour through as a more secure unit of singular expression; creating something of a settled and widely accessible vibe. This opens the song up to a wider audience \u2013 it\u2019s an easy piece to let play as you go about your normal life.<\/p>\n Lyrically the release is a stunning poetic ode to a lost relative. Barbro Norberg writes on the passing of her father in a commendable way, bringing through heart-breaking ideas but also a strong focus on the positives \u2013 the good memories, the togetherness. Maini Sorri\u2019s gentle voice lets the lyrics shine brightly throughout, yet without becoming the only focus of your attention as might be the case with a classic pop song. There\u2019s an Enya-like feel to the presentation, the voice drives as if simply another instrument, so the collaboration just works. It sounds pleasant in itself, and should you choose to listen a little more intently \u2013 the concept reaches out to connect in a very pure and relatable way.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> Bring Me Home<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> Warlock Asylum International News<\/a> Author:<\/strong>\u00a0Warlock Asylum<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> September 23rd 2018<\/a><\/p>\n “Swedish-Finnish singer and songwriter Maini Sorri is one of the few music veterans that has been blessed with a fountain of youthful continuity. Sorri\u2019s lifelong love affair with music began at the early age of eight years when she wrote her first melodies. Since that time her career has blossomed tremendously. Sorri holds a Bachelor of Arts and her discography contains 5 albums, 3 extended plays and 19 singles. Sorri has performed at numerous venues and her music has been featured on Swedish radio and television.<\/p>\n Sorri\u2019s musical expertise stretches beyond the limits of the genre. The depth of Sorri\u2019s genius is revealed in her new album titled Bring Me Home. The backstory behind the album\u2019s origins is truly remarkable. In 2015, Sorri received an email from Brian Lanese, a three-time Emmy Award winner and lead singer in the multiple Grammy-nominated LA band Permanent Ability. Lanese offered to produce Sorri\u2019s next record, which resulted in the new album.<\/p>\n All songs on the album, except the title track Bring Me Home, were previously been released as singles. Bring Me Home is a strong electro-dance track filled with multiple out-on-the-town rhythms that paint a colorful good time in the minds of its listeners.<\/p>\n The Bring Me Home album brings together a smorgasbord of mood-altering songs that leaves us in Maini Sorri\u2019s dimension. Lost Love is another tune out of the album\u2019s treasure chest that crosses the borders of progressive and psychedelic rock music. Lost Love also has a nice dance mix that appears as the concluding track of the album. Never Said Goodbye is another hard rock song that melts with the world of pop music appeal.<\/p>\n Bring Me Home by Maini Sorri is a tasty offering from the songwriter that comes replete with an organic landscape that is both intelligible and moving. Contributions by Gary Cornman (lyrics) and Orlando Mestre (instrumentation) make this meeting of legends a timeless classic for the ages.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> Bring Me Home<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> Stereo Stickman<\/a> Author:<\/strong>\u00a0Rebecca Cullen<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> September 19th 2018<\/a><\/p>\n “Long time composer and artist Maini Sorri is set to release her latest album Bring Me Home. The title track from the project introduces things in a bold way, showcasing retro dance synths and a rising intensity, all woven in among a delicately optimistic and uplifting soundscape \u2013 with a vocal line that\u2019s as delicate and smooth as you might find in ambient trip-hop. The euro-dance vibe is strong but it comes with a level of heart and depth on this particular single. There\u2019s truth in the songwriting and this adds a lot of value and further intensifies that energizing feeling of possibility.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a strong display of eclecticism on this album, despite several threads that keep the Maini Sorri sound alive. Parting Of Our Way, for example, opens as a heavy metal soundscape, the distortion and high energy and weight of the musicality contrasts quite profoundly with the softness of the vocal delivery. It makes for something now familiar but again cleverly aware of the effectiveness of contrast. The song has elements of both chaos and calm, and the lyrics further this feeling \u2013 offering the classic, reflective honesty that is clearly inherent in Sorri\u2019s work. Lyrics by Gary Cornman paint a clear picture and offer a story-line that works well in this setting. The guitar work is brilliant and this, alongside of the melody, quickly comes to create a definite highlight from the album.<\/p>\n I Fall To Pieces emerges as familiar \u2013 this heavy, medieval rock intensity pours through, alongside of some lightly haunting, classical-style piano. Then the vocals take centre stage, and it\u2019s another unique melody, perhaps the most interesting yet. The switch to the joyful aura for the hook is unexpected but strangely satisfying in its resolve.<\/p>\n Lost Love follows, and where before there were fragments of an Enya-style sound, this now seems all the more poignant in the opening moments. However, as is the Maini way, the music soon explodes into its own realm of creativity and expression. This track is again a highlight, there\u2019s something extremely passionate and powerful about it. The quickness and the energy, the descending, repeating melody \u2013 all of this captivates and fills the room with so much detail and strength.<\/p>\n One of the most instrumentally emotive soundscapes on this album is that on Never Said Goodbye. The opening instrumentation draws a reaction from the offset, the aura is that of deep thought, self reflection, pondering and potential regret. The melody that follows has something beautifully real about it too, and the doubled vocal sound adds further to this sense of soul. As things progress, the musicianship is sensational, each layer and detail thoughtfully placed and passionately performed. The piece has an addictive quality, the shortness of the verse lines, the descending at the end of each line again \u2013 all of this is quickly memorable, and the music and details drive the experience in a stylish, skillful way.<\/p>\n The album also comes with a dance remix of Love Lost, an audio journey that reinvents the song and offers a thick and rhythmic version that still holds close to those essential threads of character. This track develops in a refreshing and heavy way, adding an element of now to a generally nostalgic aura, inviting the song and its ideas to be more closely involved in the EDM world. It seems that Maini Sorri\u2019s vocal style is compatible with many different musical outlets and genres. In every case, it\u2019s a compelling sound, and this album is one that offers an eclectic and emotional playlist, with plenty of impressive moments of power.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> Bring Me Home<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> TunedLoud<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> September 15th 2018<\/a><\/p>\n “Maini Sorri is a Swedish-Finnish singer, musician and songwriter living in Sweden who has composed music since she was 8 years old. She has studied song, piano and music theory and is a Bachelor of Arts. She has recorded her own songs and performed them in concerts and on radio and Swedish TV. Maini\u2019s discography contains 5 albums, 3 extended plays and 19 singles. You can read more on her Webpage and at Wikipedia. Brian Lanese, the three time Emmy Award winner and lead singer in the multiple Grammy-nominated LA band Permanent Ability, contacted Maini Sorri in 2015, for the opportunity to produce her next record. The result is the 6 track album, \u201cBring Me Home\u201d, which also features guitarist Orlando Mestre, the co-producer, arranger and instrumentalist on the album, who has participated in America\u2019s Got Talent, and toured around the world.<\/p>\n All songs on the album, except the title song \u201cBring Me Home\u201d, have previously been released as singles. \u201cBring Me Home\u201d is based on a true story that Maini told Gary Cornman from USA. Gary, the lyricist of all the songs on the album, surprised Maini by writing a poem about her adventure that she then composed. The song \u201cLost Love (Dance Remix)\u201d climbed on two national DRT Toplists for 5000+ radio stations in June 2015. The song is also featured amongst the incredible 50 song soundtrack in the stunning videogame \u2018The Metronomicon: Slay the Dance Floor\u2019.<\/p>\n Others who collaborated on the album include, Anthony Dini, Brandon Bujnowski, Dan Thomas Runway Studios, Janne Jutila who recorded the vocals, and Johan Zetterlund who took care of the artwork. This might be Maini Sorri best album. Let\u2019s just state that at the outset.<\/p>\n It\u2019s dramatically rocking as hell, as this dynamic Nordic talent showcases yet another chapter of her musical life. \u201cBring Me Home\u201d acts like part of a gripping ongoing series. It\u2019s dramatic, action-packed, tightly wrapping up its lyrical narratives and providing artistic closure. It\u2019s mature, grounded and with the benefit of hindsight, bolsters the caliber of Maini\u2019s previous records.<\/p>\n The tracks simultaneously recognize the grandiose effect of people like Lanese, Mestre and Cornman, while hinting towards their ongoing upward trajectory. This gives the album an impacting collective feel, like the finale of a mesmerizing opera. The narratives has been sculpted with precision and a delicate touch.<\/p>\n The production delivers coherent, flowing works that absorb. The songs grow with each play, becoming increasingly transfixing, drawing the listener in with their spiral soundscapes and employing Maini Sorri\u2019s high-pitched vocals to great, yet subtle, effect.<\/p>\n The opening title track, \u201cBring Me Home\u201d, quickly injects some kaleidoscopic color by way of mellifluous choruses seemingly drawn from the heavens and outfitted with luscious layers of keys and synths, while it takes a bow with a driving four-to-the- floor rhythm and a melody that remains in the memory long after the music fades. The album closes with the drone and buzz of more synthesizers, banging drums and soaring choruses on \u201cLost Love (Dance Remix)\u201d.<\/p>\n But it\u2019s in-between, on songs like \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d, \u201cI Fall To Pieces\u201d and \u201cNever Said Goodbye\u201d that Maini succeeds in doing what her voice is intended to do: contrast the fully formed rock aesthetic of the overdriven electric guitar.<\/p>\n The adrenaline spike is immediately and effectively centered, with the rush of rocking riffs on \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d as Maini\u2019s vocals bring an ethereal fairytale-like aura into an infectious mix of pomp and passion. The steadily undulating piano intro on \u201cI Fall To Pieces\u201d turns into fiercely renewed energy once the arrangement explodes into full bloom.<\/p>\n Skipping the original version of \u201cLost Love\u201d, our ears are given the outstanding treat of \u201cNever Say Goodbye. Opening with a simple guitar melody that gradually develops with layers of sounds and swelling riffs supplemented by inspired vocals.<\/p>\n The track is thumping and anthemic, pulsing and in your face, with Maini at the top of her game. This is as downright amazing as it could have been. There\u2019s just so many ideas in the heads of Maini Sorri and her collaborators that 6 tracks just doesn\u2019t seem enough. There\u2019s depth, intensity, emotion, and interesting collaborations on offer, which ticks all the boxes for an extremely memorable recording from Maini Sorri.”<\/p>\n Review: <\/strong>Bring Me Home<\/a>\u00a0Publisher: <\/strong>The BandCamp Diaries<\/a> Author:<\/strong>\u00a0Peter Vidani<\/a>\u00a0Publish Date: <\/strong>September 10th 2018<\/a><\/p>\n “Maini Sorri is definitely one of the most diverse and forward-thinking artists I\u2019ve had the chance to discover in recent years. She is always keen on experimenting with a wide variety of different genres, often exposing different creative possibilities and setting the bar higher in terms of what it is possible with music, often collaborating with different artists and songwriters along the way. Recently, Maini set out to release a fantastic new album titled \u201cBring Me Home.\u201d The release features 6 fantastic new songs, which were created with the help of lyricist Gary Cornman and instrumental producer Orlando Mestre. The songs were also co-produced and engineered by Brian Lanese, as well as mixed and mastered by Brian Lanese, Anthony Dini, Brandon Bujnowski, and Dan Thomas, who really brought a nice international scope to this release.<\/p>\n The tone of the album is very diverse, yet Maini really set out to maintain a stunning sense of cohesion throughout the release, highlighting her amazing musical mastery. The sound of the album is inspired by a wide range of genres, including pop, rock and dance music alike. In particular, the title track (Bring Me Home) is really an amazing example of what this album stands for, with its memorable melodies and unforgettable textures!”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> When Two Worlds Meet<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> More More Sound<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> May 24th 2018<\/a><\/p>\n “Maini Sorri & Magneto Dayo are two talented artist with different music backgrounds and styles. Yet, their amazing sensibilities are a perfect match, and together the pair set out to create wonderful music with a rather unique feel.<\/p>\n Their most recent studio release is a fantastic album featuring 10 songs. The project is aptly titled When Two Worlds Meet, and it signifies the collaboration and synergy between these two artists, whose sound works so well together even when they are actually coming from different artistic paths. These songs are heartfelt, direct and humane, making for a really unique feel. Maini has a really stunning vocals, which is easily recognizable and very distinctive. She obviously puts a lot of heart into her work, and Magneto complements her beautifully with a strong vision and an amazing approach to music, bringing his hip-hop and R&B influences to the table, further enriching the group\u2019s artistic vision.<\/p>\n The quality of the mix in this release is particularly excellent. Every track is really balanced, and there is a strong attention to the sonic details in this release. The low end spectrum of the frequency is focused, yet deep and wide, adding weight to the mix. The mid range is crisp and warm, but never fatiguing, while the top end is sparkly and clear, adding definition to the mix, without ever sounding brittle.<\/p>\n In addition to that, every aspect of this production is incredibly curated, from the feel of the performances, down to the amazing twist of the lyrics.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> When Two Worlds Meet<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> TunedLoud<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> May 21st 2018<\/a><\/p>\n “After having listened to her songs, Magneto Dayo contacted Maini Sorri on Twitter, with the desire to do a track together. They ended up putting together a 10 track album, \u201cWhen Two Worlds Meet\u201d, released via the Reya Music Label, and winning the Arzuk Music Award 2017 in the Best Hip-Hop\/Freestyle category. Maini Sorri is a Swedish-Finnish singer, musician and songwriter living in Sweden. She has studied piano, music theory and composing, with her qualifications including a Bachelor of Arts degree. Maini\u2019s discography contains 3 albums, 3 extended plays and 19 singles, in pop, dance, electronica, and rock category. The singles, \u201cBlue Song\u201d (2014) and \u201cSecond Chance\u201d (2016) are collaborations with Magneto Dayo, and are included on the new album, along with \u201cLost Love\u201d co-produced by Brian Lanese and Orlando Mestre from Grammy nominated LA-band, Permanent Ability. The instrumental is by Orlando Mestre.<\/p>\n Dashawn Williams, better known by his stage name Magneto Dayo, is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He is also part of a ghostwriter team who have written songs for some of today\u2019s top artists in rap, hiphop, and R&B. Besides his collaborations with Swedish-Finnish singer Maini Sorri, Dayo is also known for his VHS retro and S i m p s o n w a v e videos. He was one of the most promising new artists on Pandora radio 2015, with almost a million radio plays during the first month.<\/p>\n Some artists or albums can hit you so hard on a personal level that you can\u2019t help but fall for them at first listen. Such is my liaison with Maini Sorri. Maini\u2019s voice is such that it blends perfectly with the many varied instrumentation of her compositions.<\/p>\n She sounds sincere in a manner that travels the listener right into the scene of the tale she narrates. Her musical flavors can transport you all over the world. Most of all though, her work is introspective; by listening to her music, one can view life from a different perspective.<\/p>\n Maini has been dazzling the devotees of a host of musical styles for many years. With her breathtaking synthesis of Pop, Rock, and Electronic music, she has enthralled many, and now on \u201cWhen Two Worlds Meet\u201d, she takes her airy angelic voice deep into urban music territory.<\/p>\n And the impact is the equivalent of picturing Enya or Bjork singing on a set of rap or hip-hop songs. At first it\u2019s hard to imagine, and even on the first listen, you\u2019ll need to customize your perceptions, and acquaint yourself with the opposing styles forged by Maini and Magneto across these tracks.<\/p>\n He\u2019s hard, she\u2019s soft. He\u2019s tough, she\u2019s gentle. He gets down, she moves up. He\u2019s the earth, she\u2019s the sky. Together they represent the Yin and Yang in every song, completely confirming the theory of how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.<\/p>\n Maini sings sweet melody lines with the elegance of a sea nymph, while Magneto releases a stream of consciousness with his streetwise wordplay, attractive rhyme schemes and smooth vocal flow.<\/p>\n Prime examples of their delicious deliveries come in the form of standouts; the upbeat \u201cBlue Song\u201d, the dancefloor banger \u201cShiny Eyes\u201d, the languid and haunting title track \u201cWhen Two Worlds Meet\u201d, the rock-influenced \u201cPlease Go Away\u201d and \u201cOh Echo\u201d.<\/p>\n This is an album built to be consumed with as many speakers as your room can hold \u2013 the beats, the voices, the atmosphere and overall beauty overwhelming your senses and painting lush rhythmic landscapes in your mind. If the loose term \u201cworld music\u201d ever held any meaning, it is exemplified in the global sound that Maini Sorri & Magneto Dayo create here from varying styles.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> When Two Worlds Meet<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> Kulturbloggen (Culture Blog)<\/a> Author:<\/strong> Petter Stjernstedt<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> May 18th 2018<\/a><\/p>\n “Uppsala and Brooklyn. Synth and metropolis rap. Two worlds meet when Finnish Swedish Maini Sorri and American Magneto Dayo beat their bags together. With 20 singles and 5 albums behind her, Uppsala-based Maini Sorri, 57 years old, was looking for something new. At the same time on the other side of the globe in the hipster neighborhood of Brooklyn, an enthusiastic Magneto Dayo is listening to Maini. He loves the music and contacts her immediately. Maini and Dayo decide to meet. And four years later, the duo has completed his first joint album. “When Two Worlds Meet”? is not a bad album, but is well nostalgic in its design. Dayo is famous rapper and producer, who has written and produced for many great artists in the hip hop scene. With his quick jaw and big vocabulary, he gives weight to the production. And Maini with her unique voice adds an elegance. Magnetos rap and Mainis synth create exciting dynamics. It’s hard to slip Maini Sorri’s love for the 90’s. “When Two Worlds Meet” is 90’s-snorting dancehall and electropop with hip-hop rhymes and Daft Punk-like beats. Influences exist from past tense to present, from Daft Punk to the Human League. It’s very sprawling, yet kept built together with the strongest wallpaper glue. The nostalgia sometimes weighs and the modern sound becomes nothing but a memory.<\/p>\n Blue Song was released in 2014 and quickly climbed up on the National Airplay Top Charts list. It’s a dance-like piece where the tough reggae is mixed with dance hall and electro. “Second Chance” puts a nice synth-breaks across the beats.<\/p>\n With “An Echo” offers calm acoustic pop where painful echoes from the past are reminiscent. “When Two Worlds Meet”, the great highlight of the album, is the modern Kendrik Lamar that hits perfectly. The texts with few exceptions are written by Maini herself and revolve around love disaster and identity crisis. But the great retention is not narrative – the composition is. It’s a nice production with details like echoes, noise and LP scrunch that boost the sound image. The genres are mixed with mixed results.<\/p>\n Several pieces feel synth-swamped or otherwise overfeeded. The hybrid between melodic metal and ultra rapid electropop in “Lost Love” does not belong to the favorites, but I like the courage. To actually dare to test. Together, they explore conventions and clamps with resolute strides over established domains. “When Two Worlds Meet” is an album with a big courage. When two worlds meet, beautiful things can happen. In these times of tightened migration policy and xenophobia, it is a message we cannot hear too many times.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong>\u00a0Parting Of Our Way<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> Sleeping Bag Studios<\/a> Author:<\/strong> Jer<\/a> Publish Date: <\/strong>March 7th 2017<\/a><\/p>\n “Alrighty then!\u00a0 Lots of information out there regarding this new single from Maini called \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d \u2013 in particular the amount of hands involved in bringing this song to life was what I\u2019d personally noticed right off the bat.\u00a0 I\u2019d assume it all gets traced back to original-composer\/singer-songwriter Maini Sorri based-out of Sweden\u2026and the ideas become continually collaborative from that point forward.<\/p>\n For instance\u2026Maini composed the new single \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d \u2013 but she didn\u2019t play it; that she left up to the extreme talents of ace-musician Orlando Mestre to provide.\u00a0 Or another example: while Maini wrote the music and sang the song \u2013 she also chose not to do the recording on her own particular track and left that up to Janne Jutila.\u00a0 Or how about ANOTHER twist for you in mentioning that while Maini ends up being the voice to this new song \u2013 the lyrics themselves were written by Gary Cornman.\u00a0 Add in the guidance and expertise brought to the project by producer Brian Lanese and you\u2019ve got the majority of the people involved in creating \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d from the ground up.\u00a0 Impressive when you look at it in written form though isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 It\u2019s kind of like \u2018telephone-tag\u2019 where each person whispers the next part of the song to the next artist involved and by the end, it\u2019s all so much more different and unique from where it started; I enjoyed this collaboration of talents and mentally picturing how each artist fit into their place to write, play and record this new tune.<\/p>\n \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d ends up becoming quite the ride through a clever metal-melody that\u2019s got a brilliant display of contrast between sweetness and the extreme.\u00a0 Orlando Mestre of the USA slays the guitar-parts completely, flexing much musical-muscle, style, chops & skills\u2026drums and synth-parts are all in line and the music itself is riotously entertaining throughout.\u00a0 What perhaps impressed me most about \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d was how insightfully well the music works with the vocals; so now we\u2019re talking about talented performers \u2013 but let\u2019s not forget that someone out there, probably Maini, hand-picked these people to execute the vision of sound in-full \u2013 and that takes talent too.\u00a0 Or rather, it\u2019s only by the end result sometimes that we understand there was talent or care in the selection \u2013 and I think you can hear that there most certainly was in this particular case.\u00a0 Orlando was a perfect choice to bring out the vibrant guitar-riffs and non-stop energy that fuels the music of \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d \u2013 and Maini is an equally-perfect choice to bring the lyrics\/vocals to life through stunning contrast.<\/p>\n Not even kidding \u2013 I think her voice a huge part of this song.\u00a0 As a writer it can be tougher to \u2018stay\u2019 with a song when the words come out with certain gaps in what\u2019s being communicated\u2026and truthfully, there\u2019s still a bit of that here on \u201cParting Of Our Way.\u201d\u00a0 The important emotions and thoughts are communicated effectively\u2026but grammatically there\u2019s a few spots that make this song tougher to absorb and a rhyme-scheme that when reading it on paper seems\u2026well\u2026almost too-rhymey!\u00a0 This is where Maini comes in to save the day with her unique approach and stylistic vocals.\u00a0 Don\u2019t get me wrong\u2026Gary\u2019s done a pretty solid job on those lyrics and there\u2019s no doubt he\u2019s pulled something off in English a million times better than I could write anything in Swedish\u2026so credit where credit is due, his ideas DO come across \u2013 but it\u2019s the magic in Maini\u2019s performance that makes these words come alive.\u00a0 Her sweetened tones sound innocent, yet bold in the mix of the music around her voice\u2026and the way that she sings this one makes what could have sounded too-rhymey become uniquely entertaining.<\/p>\n Overall\u2026seriously interesting stuff here on \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d and a whole bunch of talents & skills contributing to a focused vision, writing and structure of this composition to execute it in the wildly-entertaining style & sound that I\u2019m sure Maini had to have been going for to begin with.\u00a0 I think it would be incredibly rewarding for a composer to hear the final versions of a song like this come to life\u2026Maini certainly found the right people for the job to deliver maximum entertainment in under three-minutes on \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d \u2013 solid stuff.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong>\u00a0Parting Of Our Way<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> Got That Music LLC Records\/All Purpose Music Group LLC Author:<\/strong>\u00a0A&R team\u00a0Publish Date: <\/strong>March 6th 2017<\/p>\n “TALENT – \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d has a cool, upbeat rock style balled build with an eccentric pulsating melody. The music composition format has a hard style groove with a great drum pattern and percussion change up. The vocal performance has a soft angelic delivery with good melody range. Great background ad libs that layer the song well! The songwriting has a deep convictional style lyric, solid message and song concept. The main chorus could stand out more, to be more distinct. The song could also incorporate a better verse to chorus transition. Great introduction. The overall track sound is up to industry standards, good mix. Maini Sorri is a talented singer with a powerful produced musical composition!<\/p>\n MARKETABILITY –\u00a0\u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d is a marketable record. It is a visual style song that needs a bigger platform in order to brand this sound. It\u2019s a great song to be placed in movies and on television. The record should be pitched to music supervisors within the film and television industry. Very marketable record!<\/p>\n OVERALL –\u00a0Maini Sorri has created an appealing hard rock record. It has an emotional heartbeat design through the passion of the music. This record has what it takes to brand this artist for creating a signature sound. Maini Sorri should craft an official music video to use as an extra tool to expand the promotional campaign of the record. Keep up the great work.\u00a0 Great overall sound, this team of producer, songwriter and singer have a lot of potential together!”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong>\u00a0Parting Of Our Way<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> JamSphere<\/a> Author:<\/strong> Rick Jamm<\/a> Publish Date: <\/strong>January 31st 2017<\/a><\/p>\n “I\u2019ve known of Maini<\/strong> for a few years or so, and like the artist enough, that I\u2019ve listened to 99% of her previous offerings. Anyone who has listened through her catalog knows that over the years Maini\u2019s<\/strong> sound has developed, expanded and has become more progressive. I think this new approached is very apparent in Maini\u2019s<\/strong> latest single \u201cParting Of Our Way\u201d<\/strong>\u2013 music by Maini<\/strong> and lyrics by Gary Cornman<\/strong>, while the instrumental is done by Orlando Mestre<\/strong>. The whole rock, ambient metal idea, is really cool, and blending it with Maini\u2019s<\/strong> airy, high pitched vocals provides an interesting contrast.<\/p>\n Let me tell you, on this track, Maini <\/strong>is absolutely solid. The quality of melody, rhythm structures, and direction of the song is fantastic. The song flows very nicely from intro to verse to chorus, all of which makes sense to the listener. Also, and because of this, the track is very approachable to new listeners.<\/p>\n Looking at things a little deeper, I\u2019m am very impressed with Maini\u2019s<\/strong> deadpan vocals on this track. Her delivery is excellent, she has wonderful tone, and her harmonies sound absolutely beautiful. While harmonies are very apparent and heavily used on this track, I believe it is not over done, it is well thought out, and precise.<\/p>\n Plus, effects used on Maini\u2019s<\/strong> voice also change in key areas of the song, which kind of goes back to the thought of ambient metal. When the music transitions from a heavier phase of the song to a dreamier, spacy feel, these transitions flow nicely. Guitars fade appropriately, percussion switches to a softer, electronic effect, and the vocals take the forefront, highlighting the strength and beauty of Maini\u2019s <\/strong>voice.<\/p>\n As for the music as a whole, each individual part can be highlighted away from everything else that\u2019s happening. At the same time, it does form an overall sound! This is a strong showing of the musicianship and production values on this track.<\/p>\n Bass tracks are always interesting and apparent. I appreciate this, as it gives the song\u2019s sound a strong bottom-end, but it also doesn\u2019t take anything away from the guitar work. I\u2019ve noticed that the guitar work is overall very creative without going over the top. I think Orlando Mestre<\/strong> has pretty much figured out what role the guitars should play in this arrangement.<\/p>\n As for drum tracks, fills are interesting and appropriate, but what is most important in my mind, is how the drum tracks help the band transition from heavier parts into the more ambient ones. I like the tone of the drums, even though they do sound kind of electronic throughout.<\/p>\n Finally, I must touch on the production of this album. Brian Lanese<\/strong> & Orlando Mestre<\/strong> produced the track, and they did a fantastic job. I can imagine that this style of music could have a million directions in terms of how a producer might fiddle with the sound and layout of these songs. But, the two producers seemed to have clear ideas, without over producing. In conclusion, this is simply a fantastic track.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong>\u00a0Parting Of Our Way<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> I<\/a>ndependent Spotlight<\/a> Author:<\/strong> Brett Stewart<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> January 25th 2017<\/a><\/p>\n “Dating back nearly two years now, Maini Sorri has been a continued feature here on the Independent Spotlight. The intensely prolific songwriter, who now has 25 albums in her discography, has proven to be a resilient and compellingly creative talent. A veteran of the indie music scene, Sorri has traversed a slew of genres with ever-increasing prowess. Her first release of 2017, a single entitled \u2018Parting Of Our Way,\u2019 is out now. Let\u2019s dig into it.<\/p>\n Predictably, Sorri has jumped genres since the last time we delved into her tunes. \u2018Parting Of Our Way\u2019 has a decisively rock and roll oriented sound, one that walks a line between 1980s nostalgia and contemporary pop sensibility. Written by Gary Cornman with instrumentation by Orlando Mestre, the powerhouse track is arguably one of the more driving, bombastic efforts in Sorri\u2019s catalog. It\u2019s a huge sound, which is contrasted in an intriguing way with Sorri\u2019s signature soft-spoken croons.<\/p>\n Vocally, I\u2019d perhaps align Sorri with a performer like Yoko Ono. She has a very expressive, unique voice, and it\u2019s a good one, too. It is, however, unconventional. The included lyric sheet will help guide listeners through their first few listens of this track. After that, though, the song will slowly seep into one\u2019s mind with its infectious hooks and explosive production. I adore how Sorri harmonizes with herself; it\u2019s a great sound.<\/p>\n \u2018Parting Of Our Way\u2019 is a wham, bam, thank you, ma\u2019am<\/em> sort of track. Clocking in less than three minutes, the song is a perfect \u2018radio single.\u2019 As per usual, Sorri has included an instrumental version of the track as well. In truth, it feels very empty. Sorri\u2019s presence and personality is what makes her music excellent. Without it, the music just feels like a shell of its former self. For fans who would like to explore Mestre\u2019s composition without Sorri\u2019s vocals, however, it is available.<\/p>\n \u2018Parting Of Our Way\u2019 is an excellent track. I love that Maini Sorri is continuing to experiment within her sound. It\u2019s a great pop rock single that offers some classic sensibility that\u2019ll be nostalgic for fans of 1980s rock and roll. Stream it below!”<\/p>\n Review: <\/strong>Parting Of Our Way<\/a>\u00a0Publisher: <\/strong>The BandCamp Diaries<\/a> Author:<\/strong>\u00a0Andrea Caccese<\/a>\u00a0Publish Date: <\/strong>January 22nd 2017<\/a><\/p>\n “Maini is a rare talent: she is great on melodies and on moody vibes, but her brand new single, \u201cParting of Our Way\u201d is also proof that she can really rock when she wants to. The song features really great overdriven guitar tones as well as some really powerful drums and some beautiful synth keys. The energetic music really works well with Maini\u2019s amazingly melodic voice. I particularly love the romantic lyrics and how they correlate to the music in a very special way. Maini particularly shines on this track by layering multiple vocal harmonies that truly constitute the vocal strength of this track.<\/p>\n The song is fairly different from most of her previous work, and it is incredibly refreshing to see an artist that isn\u2019t afraid to challenge her own boundaries and constantly experiment with new things and new takes on sound.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> I Fall To Pieces<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> JamSphere<\/a> Author:<\/strong> Rick Jamm<\/a> Publish Date: <\/strong>June 1st 2016<\/a><\/p>\n “Like all of Maini<\/strong> recordings, \u201cI Fall To Pieces\u201d<\/em><\/strong> proves to be an extremely rewarding listen as its internal complexities unfold. The amount of detail to be found in the song is amazing. Due to Brandon Bujnowski\u2019s <\/strong>ingenious mix, and Brian Lanese\u2019s <\/strong>co-production with Orlando Mestre, <\/strong>the composition is rife with nuance. I particularly enjoyed their use of a wider palette of sounds, taken from rock to pop and techno, adding textures and atmospheres to the song like never before.<\/p>\n \u201cI Fall To Pieces\u201d<\/em><\/strong> is radically different from its predecessors, except for \u201cNever Said Goodbye\u201d<\/em><\/strong> which it resembles in shape, sound, and direction \u2013 as Orlando Mestre <\/strong>has built a complex song that is rhythmically evolved with exquisite drumming.<\/p>\n His sound is larger and more focused covering a broad spectrum of sound colors, enhancing the guitar solos as well as the strings. The instrumental version tends even further towards the progressive rock arena, with a harder feel.<\/p>\n As usual Maini <\/strong>once again shows that she is at the top of her game vocally. The song\u2019s musical and lyrical thoughts are delivered in the clearest manner they could ever be, while at the same time capturing a universal celestial feeling that is a common thread throughout her entire body of work. A feeling not unlike that of the passing of the seasons \u2013 a promise of something forever constant, yet always changing in the most inexplicable ways.<\/p>\n I have always been able to relate to Maini\u2019s<\/strong> music of the past, and it is even more pleasing to hear an expression in her music \u2013 written by Gary Cornman<\/strong> (Lyrics) and Orlando Mestre<\/strong> (Music) \u2013 that is new and equally heartfelt, yet also so familiar and relatable.<\/p>\n Anyone who has even the smallest scrap of emotion, or who knows even the slightest thing about music will have no problem appreciating this new track for what it is: A work of crossover art.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> I Fall To Pieces<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> BandCamp<\/a> Author:<\/strong> Bradley Rust<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> May 31st 2016<\/a><\/p>\n “Maini follows up the impressive collaboration single ‘Second Chance’ with a new single of her own. To start with, my first vibe is a little Nightwish style from the opening 30 seconds before the pace eases a little and her voice takes centre stage. I really like that the song structure isn’t the same as everything else out there in pop music, you truly don’t know what is coming in ten seconds time which ensures you are listening closely. My only fault.. I wish that guitar solo went a bit longer!”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> I Fall To Pieces<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> BandCamp<\/a> Author:<\/strong> Bree Morcroft<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> May 31st 2016<\/a><\/p>\n “After a slow-building, atmospheric introduction, ‘I Fall To Pieces’ explodes into a slightly unexpected, but pleasing bright burst of pop goodness the moment the vocal kicks in. Unexpected, in that the lyrics are quite sad, so it is an interesting mix. The hooks capture your attention instantly, almost away from the music, but then it fights back courtesy of a guitar solo front and centre. By the end, the main lyrics have stuck in your mind. Bright delivery of a sad song. I like it.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong> I Fall To Pieces<\/a> Publisher:<\/strong> Independent Spotlight<\/a> Author:<\/strong> Brett Stewart<\/a> Publish Date:<\/strong> May 29th 2016<\/a><\/p>\n “For over a year now, Maini Sorri has been a semi-regular feature here on the Independent Spotlight. I\u2019ve delved into a broad spectrum of her work and her ability to harness an array of genres in a seemingly effortless fashion has kept me in a position of lauding her creativity. In particular, her production techniques are fascinating. Her latest effort is \u2018I Fall To Pieces,\u2019 a straight-up rock and roller. How is it against her impressive catalog? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n To preface, it\u2019s worth reminding readers that Sorri is uniquely prolific. She\u2019s got twenty-four CD\u2019s in her catalog now, spanning pop, rock, dance, and techno. Within each of those spheres, Sorri experiments a bit to make each track her own. On \u2018I Fall To Pieces,\u2019 she\u2019s opted for a bombastic, anthemic track that slams the listener with a whole lot of heavy instrumentation.<\/p>\n That instrumentation was performed and recorded by Orlando Mestre, who lives in the US. (Remember, Sorri is based out of Sweden and collaborates with artists all around the world to achieve her sound.) Mestre\u2019s performance is good, though the atmosphere he\u2019s created does feel a bit dated. The solo at 2:25, for example, feels like it was pulled out of a 1980s Bon Jovi track. That\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing, but it\u2019s not contemporary. (Thus, this is only a problem depending on how Sorri wants the track to feel.)<\/p>\n Sorri\u2019s vocals are solid, as usual. She\u2019s got a signature style that one becomes accustomed to as they spend more time with her catalog. I\u2019d actually align her vocal style to that of Yoko Ono. I mean that as a compliment, too. Ono has produced some exceptional work. (Just listen to \u2018Season of Glass.\u2019) Sorri’s typical pop sensibility is infused into \u2018I Fall To Pieces\u2019 as well, and it\u2019s a catchy tune.<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to put out music\u2026 period. It\u2019s dramatically harder to do so at the expedited rate that Maini Sorri does, and maintain any level of quality. She does that, though, and \u2018I Fall To Pieces\u2019 is a nice entry into her rock portfolio. In the future, I\u2019d be very interested in hearing Sorri in a more stripped down soundscape – perhaps with acoustic instrumentation. For now, though, listen to \u2018I Fall To Pieces\u2019 below.<\/p>\n (Oh, and I\u2019d recommend spinning the track with vocals. The instrumental version feels a bit void of emotion, as Sorri is the catalyst for the personality of the track.)”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong>\u00a0Second Chance<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Publisher:<\/strong>\u00a0JamSphere<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Author:<\/strong>\u00a0Rick Jamm<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Publish Date:<\/strong> January 28th 2016<\/a><\/p>\n “Damn, I didn\u2019t expect this from Maini Sorri<\/strong>.\u00a0She brings out her sexy side and her vulnerable side while maintaining a cool groove, singing the hook in \u201cSecond Chance\u201d<\/em><\/strong>, her second collaboration with American rapper. Maini has delved into, explored and executed a plethora of music styles over the past years, lending her feathery toned, sky-high pitched,\u00a0Jhen\u00e9-Aiko-styled vocals, on tracks ranging from Hard Rock to Electronic Dance Music. This time she turns to Rap music based on an almost Eastern European, Polka sounding beat.<\/p>\n I really didn\u2019t know what to expect from Maini\u2019s most recent effort except for the fact that she will always remain true to herself no matter what musical path she ends up taking. Maini Sorri<\/strong> is beautiful in every way that a grown woman can be beautiful. And that beauty permeates through her music. In \u201cSecond Chance\u201d <\/em><\/strong>her performance is almost angelic and plays a perfect foil to Magneto Dayo\u2019s<\/strong> easy-paced rhymes. He flows and she flies. Like heaven and earth, the two of them make absolute sense as the track mixes a relentless forward motion with a carefully preserved \u2018electronicness\u2019.<\/p>\n Eurodance, dream dance, synth, techno, polka-pop, electro-pop, rap \u2013 if you love any of these, you will love this track.\u00a0It incorporates elements of all the above to create a sound that will entrance all dance and rap music lovers. The music for \u201cSecond Chance\u201d <\/em><\/strong>was composed by Carsten Lehmann<\/strong>, while the lyrics were taken care of by Maini Sorri & Dashawn Williams<\/strong>. All instruments, music arrangement, mixing and\u00a0mastering was done by Carsten Lehmann<\/strong>. \u201cSecond Chance\u201d<\/em><\/strong> by Maini & Magneto Dayo<\/strong> is out on the Reya Music Label<\/strong>.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong>\u00a0Second Chance<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Publisher:<\/strong>\u00a0Middle Tennessee Music<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Author:<\/strong>\u00a0Joshua Smotherman<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Publish Date:<\/strong> January 26th 2016<\/a><\/p>\n “Get ready to bust a move and slip right into the groove when you click play on Maini and Magneto Dayo\u2019s<\/strong> new single \u201cSecond Chance<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cSecond Chance<\/strong>\u201d is the product of a recent collaboration between Swedish-Finnish songwriter, Maini<\/strong>, and Brooklyn rapper Magneto Dayo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n With it\u2019s upbeat, make-you-move energy and the vocal stylings of Maini\u2019s singing blended with Dayo\u2019s flow, this single is a must for your next dance party. Don\u2019t be surprised when you hear this the next time you hit the club.<\/p>\n This is not Maini and Magneto Dayo\u2019s<\/strong> first collaboration, however. Following up their last release \u201cBlue Song\u201d, this power duo hopes \u201cSecond Chance<\/strong>\u201d can exceed 11 weeks and #9 on the DRT National Airplay Charts.<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong>\u00a0Second Chance<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Publisher:<\/strong>\u00a0Independent Spotlight<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Author:<\/strong>\u00a0Brett Stewart<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Publish Date:<\/strong> January 22nd 2016<\/a><\/p>\n “In this evening\u2019s edition of the Independent Spotlight, we revisit an artist we\u2019ve regularly delved into over the last year: Maini Sorri. The Swedish-Finnish singer, musician, and songwriter has been lauded several times here on the Spotlight for her refreshing tunes that span a variety of genres. She\u2019s tackled pop, electronic dance music, love ballads, and so much more. Her latest endeavour is \u2018Second Chance,\u2019 a collaboration with the American rapper Magneto Dayo. Let\u2019s dig right into it and figure out what it\u2019s all about.<\/p>\n Magneto Dayo discovered Sorri online and reached out to record with her, and thus, the two crafted \u2018Second Chance.\u2019 The track aligns closely with Sorri\u2019s previous dance music efforts, relying entirely on electronic instrumentation, thick, danceable beats, and intensity. One of the hallmarks of a Sorri recording is infectiously fun synthesizers; she\u2019s particularly good at that. They\u2019re in abundance on \u2018Second Chance.\u2019 Her signature crooning is in force again as well.<\/p>\n I love the induction of Magneto Dayo to Sorri\u2019s style. She mixes perfectly with his strong, powerful hip hop delivery. One of the things about Sorri\u2019s music that I\u2019ve always found especially compelling is her ability to work with a myriad of artists and collaborators across great distances to significant success. It\u2019s quite difficult to create a cohesive product when half of the work is being done in Sweden and the other half in America. \u2018Second Chance\u2019 pulls this off in spades, and you\u2019ll forget entirely that the two weren\u2019t actually in a studio together.<\/p>\n The lyricism is quite good, too, especially on Magneto Dayo\u2019s end. It isn\u2019t terribly deep, but it is well rhymed and executed. I will say this, though: I would like to hear Sorri release a stripped down track. She should shed the electronic instrumentation and drum machines and accent herself less intense orchestration. Her voice is wonderfully unique, and I think it would be so remarkable against a simplistic soundscape. That, however, is for another day. In the meantime, check out \u2018Second Chance\u2019 when it drops this Monday, January 25<\/strong>. It\u2019s a great tune.”<\/p>\n Review:<\/strong>\u00a0Second Chance<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0