Finnish singer-songwriter Jenny Räisänen returns with ‘Warrior’, her most ambitious single to date, combining expansive production, hypnotic vocals and alt-rock energy in a powerful exploration of resilience, rejection and self-acceptance. Following a string of releases this year, including June’s ‘Save’, the new track marks another significant step towards her third studio album, Halo, scheduled for release in early 2027.
Opening with ethereal textures and mesmerising vocals, ‘Warrior’ gradually builds into an anthemic alt-rock statement, driven by staccato guitars and propulsive rhythms. Drawing on the spirit of 80s music while embracing a contemporary sound, the track highlights Räisänen’s versatility as a songwriter and her ability to weave contrasting influences into a distinctive, cinematic soundscape.
Working closely with her long-time collaborator Juhani Konttinen, who contributed to the songwriting, bass, guitar, drums, mixing and visual elements of the project, Räisänen has created a track that balances sonic ambition with a deeply personal message. Set against a fantasy-inspired narrative about someone being told they are not enough, ‘Warrior’ finds its protagonist searching for strength in rejection and darkness, transforming adversity into a source of empowerment.
The song’s lyrical inspiration came from a fascination with history, particularly the persecution of women and the individuals who challenged the expectations placed upon them. Reflecting on the writing process, Räisänen explains, “the song’s lyrics actually draw from a couple of books and TV series I engaged with a little over a year ago. I became interested in topics such as witch hunts, the changing status of women throughout history, and the strong women who have shaped the world into what it is today.”
Those historical themes take on a contemporary significance as the song turns its attention to the pressures of modern life and the struggle to fit within society’s expectations. For Räisänen, the idea of being a warrior extends beyond grand gestures or conventional notions of heroism, instead recognising the everyday battles people face in their own lives.
“At the same time, I reflected on these ideas in the context of today. People still struggle with not fitting the mold and with the weight of various expectations. Yet, we are all warriors in our own lives, battling our own challenges. And that is enough! We shouldn’t judge each other. Musically, this is perhaps the track I’ve reworked the most, and I wanted to retain something from each version. That’s why you can hear such diverse elements in the style, but I actually liked that, as it captured my idea of blending the past and the present (and perhaps the future, too). Can you imagine, the first version of the song was a bossa nova.”
That unlikely beginning offers a glimpse into the creative evolution behind ‘Warrior’, a song that has travelled a considerable distance from its original form. Its combination of atmospheric passages, driving rock instrumentation and retro influences reflects Räisänen’s desire to bring different musical eras into conversation, allowing each stage of the writing process to leave its mark on the finished track.
With two decades of experience making music and performing in Finland, Räisänen brings considerable depth to her latest work. Her background includes a bachelor’s degree in Music Pedagogy and a master’s degree in songwriting, alongside time spent in Italy and volunteer work in Tanzania. These experiences contribute to the perspective of an artist whose creative identity has been shaped by both musical study and a wider engagement with the world.
Originally from Finland, Räisänen has spent the past five years immersed in Ireland’s culture and landscapes, influences that have gradually found their way into her songwriting. Her music draws on the melancholy and gloom associated with long Finnish winters while also capturing the delicate beauty of spring, creating a striking contrast between darkness and light. The result is a cinematic, enchanting style that feels both introspective and expansive.
