I am Anna-Kaarina, a 25-year-old Finnish singer/songwriter. My style of music is perhaps best described as alternative pop/rock. There have been several artists influencing me over the years, as I've written dozens of songs. Composing ballads has touched me the most personally. I have chosen to write mainly in English, but I also have Finnish songs.
I began playing cello at the age of 5. At that time my family got a piano, which I taught myself to play. I composed my first song when I was in 1st grade. I remember a song book with some tune about a woodpecker. I knew how to read the lyrics but not the music. I made up accords and a melody to suit it. I still remember how my composition went but I have no idea what the real woodpecker song is like...
At about the age of 14 I started to seriously compose. My style has changed many times since, and the songs I made ten years ago aren't my style anymore. I quit playing the cello when I was in high school, switching into singing lessons instead. While practising I've also broadened into jazz, which has had an effect on me as well. I sang at an ethnic singing group "Parku" for a couple of years.
To sum it up I have always been open to all kinds of music - it doesn't matter what the genre is, as long as the song and the performance are well done.