| Islaja | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Merja Kokkonen |
| Also known as | Islaja |
| Born | May 19, 1979 Helsinki, Finland |
| Origin | Finland |
| Genres | Folk, experimental, acid folk |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels | Fonal |
| Associated acts | Avarus, Kemialliset Ystävät, Hertta Lussu Ässä |
| Website | http://www.islaja.com/ |
Islaja or Merja Kokkonen (born May 19, 1979) is a singer-songwriter and musician from Helsinki, Finland. Besides her solo career, she is a member of free improv and psych folk bands Avarus, Kemialliset Ystävät, and the trio Hertta Lussu Ässä.
She has been compared to an acid folk version of Björk, a female Syd Barrett, and to Nico.
Her music is notably psychedelic and very intimate using a large variety of instruments.
Her solo music is often rather ethnic sounding. African, Middle Eastern and less easily categorized styles can be heard.