The inspiration for music always starts from somewhere. The worst comes from hollow trend-chasing concepts, and the very best comes from those who observe their world and set it to well-suited music.
The serenity of Finnish summers is the incentive for half Finnish, half Ukrainian beatmaker Misha’s debut E.P. Midnight Sun. In midsummer parts of Finland have no real night time. During this natural phenomenon, the sun never sinks beyond the horizon for a certain period of time. In the Northern parts of Finland, it lasts over two months!
Misha uses this as his influence as he draws from ’80s funk, soul and R&B to create his soundtrack for these long summer nights before the lingering darkness of winter arrives.
Misha’s (F.U.N.C.) outstanding skill is he knows when and how to use space – when to add a vocalist or not. He begins with Sunrise before inserting beat-driven tracks like Luv Pact, and Always, almost intentionally allowing your summer party guests to engage in conversation in an ideal atmosphere.
On Let it Go, Misha collaborates with Minneapolis-based R&B singer Ashley DuBose. The result is a smooth caramel coloured groove which has summer stamped all over it. 100% gorgeous soul! For me, every summer should sound like this.
Finnish Soulstress Heini Ikonen (Dolla Lova) makes her reappearance alongside Jussi Halme and Soul Food Horns on Praisin’ You and reminds me of how much I’ve missed her since Dolla Lovas sudden end. Hearing her on this sumptuous soul single, with sweet harmonies and lyrics to inspire the singer in you, almost brings tears of joy to a Dolla Lova fanboy like myself!
Are you looking for a lush, late-night, hip-hop-infused track?
No worries, Misha has you covered. Used To Be is like a wonderfully rich cream in a delicious cake with Jesse Markin and IKE delivering vocals and Jussi Halme & DJ Beha providing the essential hip-hop and R&B ingredients.
When it comes to the electronic sound of the Talkbox, I’d admit to being a little tired of it. However, I’m sure even Roger Troutman would have been proud of the superb use on Funny Funk ’18 by 6mäki. This is dancefloor FUNK in big flare-filling capital letters!
No matter the style of influence, the production oozes authenticity and loving revival.
I feel like I’m on a mission to ensure the good times last, so the short run time of this E.P. is my only bugbear. Just like Finnish summers, I didn’t want this E.P. to end.
The Review
As good as anything you'll hear stateside. Miss this, and you'll never know how fabulous your summer could have sounded.
Review Breakdown
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5
