Baltic folk music from Estonia can call forth an idea of magical, but antiquated sound. Not so with Maarja Nuut’s tunes. This fiddle player and singer incorporates technology in a way that manages to strengthen and elevate folk-influenced pieces in a modern way, that creates an atmospheric and meditative atmosphere.

Rather than removing the ‘natural’ element with the use of technology, Nuut uses loops, layers and effects to create a droning, hypnotic soundscape that calls forth visions of green, mysterious forests. The effect is edgy, often unsettling and enchantingly calm. Her technique allows Nuut to create music that is simultaneously ancient and contemporary, familiar and estranging, natural and technological. She explains why the repetition in her songs doesn’t end up sounding mechanical:

‘My original idea was that repetitions are an authentic phenomenon, and that that’s what they would sound like. […] The listener’s attention shouldn’t go to the technique, but to the stories I’m telling: ancient but timeless, meticulously refined metaphors for life, love and death.’

Nuut’s album ‘Une Meeles’, meaning ‘Gripped by a Dream’, is full of songs that are based on dreams. They feature fantastical stories, and even listeners who don’t speak the language will be transported to the worlds she creates through her music. Though enchanting, these lands do not necessarily feel comfy and safe. Nuut’s fiddle conjures up images of demons, and lurking creatures staring at you from the shadows. Her fiddle, accompanied by her cool vocals, is both plucked and bowed. Although she generally performs alone, her album includes an improvised duet with fellow Estonian fiddler, Eeva Talsi. At Crossing Border, she will also perform together with Ruum.