Irina

Emerging as a suomirock figure comparable to compatriots Tiktak, PMMP, and Maija Vilkkumaa, Irina Lahtinen—known professionally as Irina—secured multiple Top Five placements in her native Finland throughout the early 2000s. Entry into the domestic scene arrived in summer 2002 after friend Toni Wirtanen, frontman of Finnish band Apulanta, asked her to record the theme for television miniseries Juulian Totuudet (Julian's Truths). The resulting title track became a major domestic success, prompting Irina to begin work on a project with EMI Finland. Debut album Vahva appeared in spring 2004, reaching number six on the Finnish charts and earning her an Emma for Album of the Year along with Best New Artist. Follow-up Ala Riko Kavaa followed one year later and peaked at number five, yet was eclipsed when 2007 release Liiba Laaba ascended to number one.