Singer-songwriter Ukulele Alisa performs acoustic music with an encouraging message and soft sound. After singing for years in choirs and bands, she started learning how to play the ukulele about three years ago. Following that new skill, she then decided to start writing her own songs instead of performing cover songs only. First single was released in May 2024 and the latest, fifth single was released in May 2025. She is known for her warm vocals and song lyrics with a positive message.
With “Nyt ja tässä” out now, we took some time to hear from Ukulele Alisa. Read below to learn more about Ukulele Alisa, the story behind “Nyt ja tässä,” and what’s to come.
Hi Ukulele Alisa! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
‘Ukulele’ was an obvious choice to be included in the artist name, as ukulele is my main instrument and makes me stand out from the big masses. It is also the instrument that I use when writing my music. ‘Alisa’ in turn refers to the chain of generations, it is a combination of my mom’s and daughter’s names.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I’m from Kerava, a small town very close to Helsinki, Finland. I live here still.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
About 1.5 years ago, I decided it was time to tell my own story and start writing my own music. I asked my friend, an experienced musician to help me and asked: ‘How do I start writing a song?’ He told me to start with few chords that fit well together and try if you can create your melody from there. I felt instantly hooked on the feeling that I could create music.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
My family wasn’t that musical. My father sang occasionally at family gatherings, but that was it. However, I was encouraged to study well and participate in various hobbies. I played piano for a couple of years and sang in school choirs. After that, I wasn’t active in music hobbies for years until I was around thirty years old. Since that, I haven’t stopped singing/playing.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My songs are acoustic pieces with soft sound. They typically include ukulele, acoustic guitar, base guitar and other instruments that create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere to my songs. My vocals are often described as warm, and I always incorporate smiling in my recording sessions.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I enjoy outdoor exercise; I take walks daily. I also enjoy water sports. I still sing in a choir too and listen to all sorts of music for inspiration.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I admire big, global artists that have created timeless music: Elvis, Queen, CCR, Tina Turner, ABBA etc. On the other hand, I also have a big respect for local artists who keep pursuing their dreams with a little smaller income. In Finland, these would include artists such as Saimaa, Viitasen Piia or Maustetytöt.
What would be your dream music collaboration?
It would be to cooperate with a skilled music producer who is active in indie/country/folk music. Ideally, this producer would have a wide international network of contacts that would help in getting my music heard all over the world.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Releasing my first single, ‘Upein pallo.’ in May 2024 was a great moment for me. I was also very proud to win a song contest called Viikon Kovin Biisi in November 2024. My single, ‘Viis kautta viis,’ was voted to be the best song of that week on a site with thousands of followers.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Music industry is hard. Competition is fierce and it’s hard to stand out. Earnings for a small indie artist are small, and you must make your living by doing something else. Still, music is something that I will always carry in my heart and soul whether I will release new singles or go to gigs or not. The right kind of contacts are vital to make my music alive and heard, and I will continue to grow my network to find right partners for my next music career steps.
Now onto your release, ‘Nyt ja tässä.’ What inspired this song?
This song was inspired by the fact that time is limited in our lives. I sometimes notice how I think ‘things were better in the old days’ or ‘after five years, I finally have time to do this.’ At the end, these are just thoughts in my head while all we really have is the present moment. If I want to make a change in my life, I’d better start today.
What is ‘Nyt ja tässä’ about?
Song tells about the importance of living everyday to the fullest. It encourages listeners to start realizing their dreams today.
What was the creative process like when making ‘Nyt ja tässä?’
I had the message and the lyrics roughly in my mind when I started. I then listened to different kinds of songs to find the right sound and mood for my song. It turned out I wanted laid-back feeling with energizing chorus for the song and that’s where the musical side started to take its form. I wanted storytelling to take an important role in the song and the balance between vocals and accompaniment was influenced by that decision.
How long did it take you to complete ‘Nyt ja tässä?’
Hard to say as work was done in pieces. My writing and composing maybe took 1-2 weeks in total, while the producer took his time after recording and brainstorming.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from ‘Nyt ja tässä?’
I would be happy if fans would feel encouraged and a bit better about themselves after listening to the song. If somebody made a change today to pursue his/her dream, that would be the best reward ever.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I have one new song that is under work now, and I have a good feeling for that. As I said earlier, I’m looking for the right kind of contacts now to make my song as good as possible. Also, I will be performing at private parties and small festivals this summer. These will take place in Southern Finland.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukulelealisa/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ukulele.alisa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ukulelealisa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ukulele-Alisa/61558432317765/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/57CYT90btCfydDMQmjtMT0
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
