Yoga is my religion.
I took a few minutes to write about my passion - astanga yoga.
I started practising astanga yoga some around 8 years ago. I had lived the life as a full time musician and music teacher, my schedule was busy and my mind and body needed some balance. Like long time balance, sustainable solutions to keep my mind and body in shape.
Yoga school, Shanti.
Some photos from Athens & New York.
Marrakesh, Marocco.
Last one from Agafay desert - Marocco.
I’ve practised ‘astanga yoga’ in 6 different countries. It is inspiring to get to know Shala’s, yoga students and teachers in different countries. As a travelling musician, ‘astanga’ is the most practical way to keep your mind and body in balance in all the fuzz. Do it in the morning, sun salutations in the hotel or at the local ‘Shala’.
This Spring I will take a trip to a retreat for a longer time. As a student. Updates later.
The retreat will include silence, meditation and astanga third series poses and I will do some fasting.
Astanga or Ashtanga (aṣṭāṅga) is a Sanskrit compound translating to "having eight limbs or components". There is a philosophy, in which person - by completing certain amount of meditation - will find the light.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, divided into eight limbs. The treatment will be practised at the retreat. Relaxing, herb medication and meditation will practised daily. Body, as a holistic system will keep the homeostasis in balance. But sometimes, it needs our help. Homeostasis is not static and unvarying; it is a dynamic process that can change internal conditions as required to survive external challenges.
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, a style of asana-based modern yoga founded and popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois
Mind, body and soul. Lets unite those three. And find some peace.
Creative break.
This spring will be time to finalise some songwriting and get back to studio.
The world is in a constant change and artists do reflect.
I’ll give my mind and body some time to adjust and rest. Breaks are important - to meditate and spend some time with loved ones.
Then it is time for some new tunes…
The subject for songs like Love Army, the single to be released from the EP.
Unconditional love, dreams, the difficulty in being present, norm breaking love and freedom. The surrounding norms fighting against our will to live free. Free of society’s norms, to love one we want to - to be individuals. Human rights.
Music makes us free in a moment. Music heals.
Photo by Satu Laine.
I came back to think that I wanted to become a musician to express emotions. Though also I loved sharing musical moments with people the main reason always was the message and emotions.
Photo by Satu Laine.
Take a scroll and read more about the creative process behind recording the EP to be released later in 2024.
Last year we got to the studio to continue recording my EP. I thought I wanted to share some of that creative process with you.
On bass and as fellow arranger, beloved, trusted colleague, the most amazing person and creative head Roxsy Lundén on bass!
Roxsy has also helped me with the lyrics.
On of the hardest things I find in songwriting is to find the solution and skip the mind freeze. Make decisions. That is something I’ve struggled with in songwriting process. To let go is the thing.
Astanga yoga has always helped me to be present. To get back to my original ideas. Yoga is to feel my body and give my mind some space.
With Aapo Kauppinen at Hollywood House 2023.
Creative process…. and all that.
At the Hollywood House Studios 2023.
Photo: Satu Laine.
I feel the process has taken such a long time, but actually, we started year 2019.
Well, I have had the most lovely crew right there, I have to tell.
On this record, it is an absolute pleasure to work with Aapo. Aapo Kauppinen is a sound engineer, but also the most talented producer! He is a multi -instrumentalist and his ideas and creativity are priceless. He plays guitar, drums, bass.. amazingly talented person!
Roxanne Lundén - bass
Hollywood Studios 2023
Days in the studio just flew… It is a kind of creative dream you step into.
I learned that the creative process is something one has to rely on.
Sometimes one gets stuck on a line or a melody phrase.
We did a lot of arranging and wrote lyrics in the studio, that was the best way to finalise the songs as collaborations are interesting and sourceful with such creative and talented professionals.
It is a challenge to write lyrics, arrange and record the music. Even though I have years of experience the process is every time a bit different. That’s what makes it interesting!
Reflecting with other musicians and collaborating is rewarding.
We worked with a small crew and recorded the tracks one by one, this time. The demo included piano, acoustic guitar and some singing. At Hollywood House Studios there is a home alike atmosphere, It is a very cozy studio with all the equipment needed from recording the string section to mastering the song. And of course, great people in the staff.
Sneak peak…
Gigs & Gear.
So, last year was busy. 2023, oh my, it just passed with a lot of events and music, new projects.
I got endorsed by my old trusted brand Kawai for the gigs I did last year. I could not be happier for the support and great products. For the latest gigs I’ve used Kawai MP-11 SE or Casio Privia keyboard, Mainstage and my Macbook Pro, as the music we played required a lot of customed presets and sounds. It is a blessing to have right kind of tools when working. Easy set up, handy to road with and usable for many projects.
A couple of reasons why I love Kawai’s midikeyboards and specially Kawai MP-11 SE - the reason is the hammer touch on the keys. The touch gives one an authentic feel of an acoustic piano, and right kind of feel when playing on a piano sound or even more kind of a pad or a saw sounds. Casio Privia models are lighter to road and do not take a lot of space but the Kawai model is the most authentic to play on. If you are looking at a very easy option to road, get a light midikeyboard with you but when more delicate hammer touch is required then take a look at the more pricey midikeyboards.
Here some facts:
Kawai MP-11 SE:
Class-leading Grand Feel wooden-key keyboard action
■ Stunning SK-EX, SK-5, and EX acoustic grand piano sounds
■ Strong selection of realistic electric pianos and other sounds
■ Intuitive panel with independent sound sections and effects
■ Powerful 4-channel MIDI master controller functions
■ 1/4" and XLR outputs, 1/4" inputs with Line In level fader
■ Brand new GFP-3 triple pedal unit manufactured by Kawai
■ Sturdy metal chassis with black polish wooden side arms
Mainstage - no introduction needed.
The most handy live performer program connected to your favourite midikeyboard. It is definitely the easiest live player program to build your concert according the set list.
On stage set, Mainstage.
On stage for Anzi Destruction 15th of March @ Bar Loose, Helsinki. FUN TIMES! <3
Music in these times.
We got together to create.
Organic elements mixed with electrics - being there and beyond.
New album: Music for the minds - Sessions for Cello and Piano Part I.
Thanks to the cellist Elisa Wistuba Lorca and the technician Aapo Kauppinen for the collaboration. 
Composing for an art documentary The Cleaners - Siivoojat.
Berg composed music for documentary series & art documentary The Cleaners - Städarna - Siivoojat directed and written by filmmaker Hanna Nordenswan. Berg composed the music - also recorded and played the piano parts.
The documentary tells a story of six cleaners - from different back rounds. The narrators tell about their dreams, fears, love and stories from their home countries.
The series - acclaimed by critics - had its premiere at Yle Areena on 19th of April 2021. The long version documentary was premiered the same day.
The music was recorded at the Hollywood House Studios located in Vallila, Helsinki during December 2020. The crew consisted of a sound engineer Aapo Kauppinen and composer / artist Andreas Af Enehielm. The music was written in collaboration with the artist Enehielm.
Photo by Johanna Karttunen.
Touring with the ensemble 2019.
Summer 2019 Berg played a concert series with her trio. Repertoire consisted of music from her idols Norah Jones and Melody Gardot. She arranged the music for new instrument setting and hit the road with musicians to have concerts in Helsinki and in Ostrobothia.
Quartet recorded an EP at the Robert Godzinsky Studios in Hinthaara. EP got various cover songs - also a couple of swedish folk songs - and Berg’s own compositions arranged for a quartet. These songs were also performed live on the tour.
Work within Arts is responsible.
Year 2019 she modeled for local designers clothes. “For me music is sustainability - in every meaning of the term. And I like to wear clothes that make me feel strong and beautiful when I perform.”
Wearing responsible brands and recycling is a way of respecting the nature and biological diversity.
“Music is not waste. It is immaterial, something that will exist on sheet music, digitally or within the moment it is performed. Music can be recycled - by playing it again and again.”
The dresses were by the designer Martzu Berg - independent artist who makes her own clothes by hand.
Photo by Jenni Holma.
Producing music and events for the hearts.
Berg has always wanted to work within challenging environments - in places that are in need of a communicator and ideas.
While living in several countries she gained experience from working in different kind of environments. In past she also worked as a studio musician in Los Angeles, playing demos for artists. Several years she gathered experience from different studio rooms. It is like being a chameleon - it is adjusting your mind for something greater - and that is music. Or a mutual goal - within the group of artists.
Next event is coming up in August 2022 for the Artist’s health organization. yoga in the park for all whom want to join.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
Berg is also studying health sciences and is interested in the studies within sleeping habits and how music is improving ones well-being. Her studies will also lead her into the world of medical research as well studies in pharmacology. and biostatistics.
Berg has been working at the epidemiological unit - tracking Covid-19 virus variants and cases during Spring 2021.
Currently she works at the neurosurgical unit in Helsinki. She is working on her Master’s Thesis in Health Sciences.
