#MusicalMemories: Leena Ojala

If there is any justice in this world, Leena Ojala will be bigger than sliced bread by the time the tips for 2017 are announced. With echoes of Whinnie Williams, Ellie Goulding, Karin Park and Jana Josephina, Leena is a diverse songsmith that will make you sit up and pay attention. To celebrate her killer sound, we took her on a trip down musical memory lane.

What song reminds you most of your childhood?

When I was 10 I kept singing and dancing to Jamelia’s Superstar with my cousin all the time. We loved that track. It was really cool at the time.

Which song inspired you to become a musician/singer?

I always remember singing to all kinds of tunes, but after I performed Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful in front of my school at the age of 14, I thought I could actually do this.

Which song do you wish you had written?

It would be Tove Lo’s Talking Body, because the song has a great low-reaching verse, dynamic bridge, great chorus and a brilliant middle-8. It’s a track with so much in it. I love her voice in it as well. I am covering that track live in my stripped-back acoustic set.

Which artist/band has been the most inspirational to you?

There are so many to pick from, but if I were to pick one I’d say Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. I really love their sound and the great tracks such as Dreams, Go Your Own Way, Rhiannon and many others. I once did a presentation about the meaning behind the lyrics of Dreams and Go Your Own Way. Once you know the story and watch the Fleetwood Mac live performance videos from the 70’s you really get an appreciation for those tracks, their performance and the band dynamics.

Which song/album currently dominates your attention?

Dua Lipa and the Last Dance. I think she has an exciting sound.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I would say Hannah Reid and London Grammar. I love their sound.