“Morning Haze” by Julia Andersson

Although she’s been quite active over the last 5 – 6 years, Finnish pianist and composer Julia Andersson has only released one album to date: 2023’s excellent Dröm. Which makes it exciting that Moderna Records has just announced her second full-length, titled Forever the Forest Sings.

According to Moderna, Andersson’s latest is “a collection of piano pieces inspired by the Finnish forest, the changing seasons, and the emotional landscapes they so often reflect.” Of course, musicians finding inspiration in nature is nothing new, but as expected from Andersson, her own particular style of nature-inspired music is serene and contemplative.

Recorded on her home piano, “Morning Haze” is a showcase for Andersson’s gracefully intuitive playing, which feels both restrained and deeply emotional at the same time. As befitting its title, it’s the perfect song for the early morning hours, when the house is still dark and quiet and you’re reflecting on — or perhaps steeling yourself for — the day that lies ahead.

Forever the Forest Sings will be released by Moderna Records on October 23, 2026. In the meantime, you can buy the song’s sheet music from Andersson’s website.