Indica

Indica is a Finnish pop rock group that forms in 2001 and remains active. The line-up includes Jonsu, Heini, Sirkku, Jenny, Laura and Alina Toivanen. The band’s main sound sits between pop rock and symphonic metal.

Origins and line-up

The group forms in Finland in 2001, with Jonsu on vocals and violin, Heini on bass, Sirkku on keyboards, Jenny on guitar and Laura on drums. The members grow up surrounded by classical music and have already played in several different bands before forming the group.

Recording career

Indica signs a management contract in 2002 and a record deal with Sony Music in 2003. Its debut album, Ikuinen virta, appears in 2004 and sells 30,000 copies. The album includes the title track and “Scarlett” as singles. The second album, Tuuliset tienoot, follows in 2005 and sells over 20,000 copies. Kadonnut puutarha is released in 2007, and Valoissa appears in 2008.

English-language release and collaborations

After supporting Nightwish on a Scandinavian tour, Indica begins working with Nightwish frontman Tuomas Holopainen. He produces Valoissa and also helps mix A Way Away, a collection of the group’s best-known songs re-recorded in English for international release. That album is co-produced by Roland Spremberg and mixed by Mark Schettler.

Writing and style

Jonsu writes the band’s music and lyrics. She says that film music is one of her main influences, alongside nature, and that the lyrics come from her own life, her friends’ lives and dreams. The group is also known for a lively stage presence and for a distinctive sound that combines pop rock with symphonic metal elements.