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Hal Asmar 2:410:00/2:41
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Dingi Dingi 3:450:00/3:45
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Joskvarnleken 4:140:00/4:14
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Lär Mig Du Skog 4:580:00/4:58
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Shamali 4:300:00/4:30
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Vals från Vilhelmina 4:390:00/4:39
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0:00/4:02
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Al-Rozana 3:450:00/3:45
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Sobb al Rashrash 4:500:00/4:50
Debut album release
Now available for digital download
About Staerna
Staerna is a new acoustic quartet scattered across the Northern Hemisphere. Two worlds collide: Arabic folk songs are artfully sewn together with traditional Scandinavian melodies. Staerna has been inspired by the striking similarities between these two musical traditions, once separated by an entire continent. They dedicate their diverse identities to harmonizing what is shared, and elevating what is unique. Like the sterna - the bird that migrates the furthest distance of all - the music of Staerna travels from its birthplace to a new home where it can take new life.
Staerna is fronted by two powerhouse vocalists: the warm and ornamented tone of Nemat Battah, a Palestinian-Jordanian singer, beside the sharp and cool vocal style of Isa Holmgren, from Sweden. The music shows compelling solos from them both, and it is raised to a climax by the beautiful, pervasive sound of Isa and Nemat singing together. Guitarist Hampus Grönberg of Sweden, and double bassist Robert Alan Mackie of Canada are the energetic back-line. Driven by Celtic and American folk music, they bring the group from quiet comfort all the way to last-chance-dance-party and back.
Staerna had a successful start to their career in the fall of 2019, including performing at Världens Fest in Flen, SE, and many packed showcases at Folk At Heart in Örebro, SE. Although their busy schedule was erased by the Corona Virus pandemic, they recorded their first full-length album in the summer of 2020 with the help of bedroom studios, Zoom rehearsals, and phone calls through all hours of the night. This self-titled debut album was produced by the band’s own Hampus Grönberg.
The music of Staerna often displays two songs side by side. As the two voices and two melodies seem to slowly meld into one, so do we see that we can help create a sense of belonging for our listeners and ourselves, no matter our histories.