Meet Eeppi Ursin | Vocalist, Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eeppi Ursin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eeppi, what do you attribute your success to?
Determination and Courage

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a Singer-Songwriter, Jazz Vocalist, Composer, Arranger and Pianist. I was born in Helsinki, Finland where I started my professional career. Nowadays I split my time between the United States – especially New York, where I’m based, and Finland. I do a lot of performances as a “piano-woman”, just like one of my greatest idols Carole King, and also sing with various types of ensembles from duos to big bands and symphony orchestras. I also write music for theatre ensembles and different types of groups especially ones that deal with vocal harmonies.

I always knew I was going to be a musician – never had any other plans for real. I’ve always been fond of writing as well, which is a very useful skill to have as an independent artist. My journey to where I am today has been long but kind of logic, I would say. I started playing piano and oboe very young and learned to accompany my singing. I was listening to songwriters like Carole King and Stevie Wonder and started songwriting as well. In high school, I got into jazz music, and after my high school diploma, I began my studies at the Helsinki Pop Jazz Conservatory with voice as my major. I started singing with jazz bands and continued writing original music which has always been a combination of pop, jazz, and singer-songwriter tradition. I’ve always been very determined and worked my way further and further. I’ve always enjoyed working as a freelancer and be part of different types of projects and various work groups. For many years I was singing in Club For Five, which is a very successful Finnish A Cappella -group. Also at some point I started working with various theatre ensembles for which I’m very grateful for. Working with theatre gives you a lot of perspective.

I have released 5 solo albums which consist mostly of my original music, but also of my arrangements. My latest album “My Finnish Soul” is a tribute to my home country Finland as the songs are my original arrangements of very well-known Finnish classics. I’m very proud of this album since it was recorded live and it features only me on vocals and piano, so it’s a real solo album. It has a special feel to it. My other albums are more “produced” in a way that they are done with longer time in the studio. I love working in both of these very different ways while recording an album. Currently I’m working on a Christmas Album which will be released just in time for Christmas 2024. This album will be a combination of Finnish and American Christmas music.

If I’m not on tour, my typical work day is some music writing, some recording, some practicing and some office work like answering emails and managing and organizing my next performance details.

The greatest moment in this job is when you know you’ve come up with a good song, or just part of a song. A particular piece of music or lyrics or both together that makes a difference and is unique, yet relatable. On the other hand another great moment might be experienced on stage when something special happens in connection with you and the audience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In New York City I take my friends to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or The Museum of Natural History. These museums are close to Central Park which is of course a must – the lungs of New York City. Even in the summer when it can be very hot and humid in New York, Central Park gives you a little break from the heat. Also I love to stroll down the streets and avenues of Upper West Side and in Upper East Side would stop at Maman Café on Third Avenue. In the evenings I would take my friend to enjoy the endless scene of great jazz in the Village or modern, independent opera and theatre say in Brooklyn. Also love to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. There’s always so much to do and learn in New York City!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Finlandia Foundation National, an organization supporting Finnish culture and artists in the United States

Website: www.eeppiursin.com

Instagram: @eeppiursinofficial

Linkedin: @eeppiursin

Twitter: @eeppiursin

Facebook: @eeppiursinofficial

Youtube: @eeppiursinofficial

Image Credits
Ari Myllymäki Marko Nevanperä Arto Kunnola Katri Kallio Rachel Monteleone