The Curly Strings recently concluded a highly successful tour of Japan, staging 8 performances in 8 cities between September and October.
Curly Strings Curly Strings is a four-piece Estonian ensemble formed in 2012 by folk-music graduates who set out to create a “non-folk” band using folk instruments, blending elements of pop, classical, bluegrass, and even punk elements. Singing in their native Estonian and collaborating with renowned poets whose words harmonized beautifully with their music, their 2014 debut Üle ilma was hailed as authentic folk and won four Estonian Music Awards, including Album of the Year. Their rising success soon brought international acclaim, with Curly Strings named European Bluegrass Band of the Year at the 2016 European World of Bluegrass Awards. When they released their first singles from their debut album in 2014, their attempt at avoiding folk music ironically made them even more folk and both audiences and critics embraced Curly Strings as true folk. Their songs found their way onto mainstream radio and were sung by soldiers, grandparents, children, and young people alike. Perhaps it was the upbeat acoustic sound, Eeva’s emotive vocals, the fresh arrangements, catchy melodies, or heartfelt lyrics that just few months later, they were honored with four Estonian Music Awards for their debut album Üle ilma, including Album of the Year. By 2016, it was clear that Curly Strings’ music had a global appeal, and they were honored with the European Bluegrass Band of the Year award at the European World of Bluegrass Awards.” In a decade, they have toured in Europe, Japan, and Canada, released 7 albums, played with symphony orchestras in Estonia and Germany. Although they sing in Estonian, audiences abroad are always engaged with the stories that they tell through our music. They often say that Estonian sounds like Elvish and brings a magical layer to our music. Some say that our performance is “powerful but also tender” and that we “show people what Estonian soul sounds like”. Just as Estonia’s nature has many faces, with its four seasons and stunning landscapes, Curly Strings takes audiences on diverse emotional journeys during their concerts. They move from the grandeur of vast forests to the intimacy of kitchen parties, sharing songs, dances, and stories with friends and loved ones.
We are deeply honored to have had the opportunity to interview Curly Strings.
Min-On: In 2021, you toured Japan under strict COVID-19 restrictions. Reflecting on that experience, what moments or feelings remain with you, and how did performing in such challenging circumstances influence your growth as musicians?
Villu: I think for the musicians on this tour—myself included—really saw how powerful music can be, and how it has the force to bring light into the darkness. During our concerts, you could actually see it happening: people’s faces lighting up, as if little sparks were growing throughout the audience. And after every show, when we met the audience, there was so much joy in their eyes. That’s when I truly felt it—I realized that what we do really matters, that this is an important job.
Taavet: On a personal level, we really felt well taken care of throughout the tour. When we arrived, we quarantined for ten days to make sure we didn’t catch COVID from anywhere, and during that time we felt genuinely supported. It also made us feel that what we were doing was truly important. We even visited the Estonian Embassy, which helped organize the trip, and we flew here on a private plane. All of that made us realize how meaningful this experience was. It was actually a kind of private plane—there weren’t many people traveling to Japan at that time. So I felt really privileged and grateful to be part of it, and to be able to share this experience with the audience. The halls were so big, and there was such a powerful exchange—we were giving so much, but also receiving so much energy and emotion in return.
Eeva: I’d also like to add that it wasn’t always easy staying in the COVID hotel—we had some difficult moments. But the staff at Harmony Fields, the Min-On team, and everyone involved really took care of us. They did everything they could to make us comfortable, and we truly felt their kindness. We’re deeply grateful for all the care and support they gave us.
Min-On: This is your second visit to Japan as part of Min-On tour. How did it feel to perform here again, and what are your impressions after completing your final concert in Maebashi?
Taavet: It’s been a wonderful two weeks — it actually feels like a month because we’ve experienced so many new things! We’ve seen more of Japan than ever before, and it’s truly beautiful. Everyone has been so kind, and we feel very welcomed and at home here. The nature is absolutely stunning, and we’ve traveled using almost every kind of transportation—bikes, taxis, minivans, big buses, trams, subways, trains, and even the Shinkansen!
Andre: For me, it was a doubly exotic experience—my first time in Japan and my first time touring with a band. I think it will take some time for me to fully process all the emotions and experiences. It feels a bit strange that this experience is also coming to an end with the band. In that sense, these eight concerts in Japan were really something very special.
Eeva: I think this time we were able to experience much more of Japan’s nature, which was truly special. Last time we were only in Tokyo, but this time we even rode bicycles in the mountains of Kochi. Being in the forests and surrounded by such beautiful nature gave me an incredible sense of awe — something we don’t have in Estonia. It was absolutely incredible and brought me so much joy and energy.
And of course, all the concert halls were enormous. We don’t have venues like this back home, so performing in them was a unique opportunity. Overall, the whole experience has been amazing and unforgettable.
Villu: I feel that the production team has really become like a family for us. This is our second tour with them, and this time we got to know them even better— we even visited the light room and the spotter room. It’s amazing to see such a large team working so smoothly together to make our concerts possible. It feels very special, and I’m truly grateful to work with such a professional and dedicated team.
Min-On: Could you share your upcoming goals as a band? Are there any new projects or artistic directions you’re interested in pursuing?
Eeva: Our plan is to create a new album, and right now we’re in the process of developing and working on the material. We don’t want to reveal too much just yet, but it will include some very interesting ideas related to Estonia and our experiences growing up there—definitely something to look forward to.
We’re also open to collaborating with other musicians. At the end of the year, for example, we’ll be doing a Christmas tour with the amazing singer-songwriter Mari Jürjens, performing six concerts together across Estonia. So this will be a new project for us—a special Christmas concert collaboration.
Taavet: We’ll also be touring in Germany this coming March, and next summer will probably be just as busy as this one has been.
Min-On: Min-On’s mission is to bring people together from around the world through music and culture. What are your thoughts on this philosophy, and how does it feel to be part of this vision?
Eeva: I find Min-On’s work truly inspiring. The fact that they brought us here as an Estonian band—even though no one speaks Estonian—and still appreciate our music and efforts as musicians from a small country, is an incredible feeling. We’re deeply grateful to be included in your organization.
Of course, we also have our dreams. If it’s ever possible to bring international bands together here in Japan, my dream would be to perform with artists like Molly Tuttle, the American guitarist and singer, Billy Strings also an American guitarist and singer, and Chris Thile, an American Mandolin player and singer. To meet them in Japan and collaborate on a project would be amazing—it’s something I hope can happen someday.
Villu: I think for a small country like Estonia, this is especially important. Through music and stories, we can see that people on the other side of the world have similar experiences and lives. At the same time, their perspectives feel fresh and new. I believe it’s very natural for people to be curious about others and to connect, rather than being isolated.
Taavet: I also think it’s really important to connect cultures and people. That exchange always works both ways and gives us a deeper understanding of what the world has to offer. For us, Japan is on the other side of the world–everything feels so fresh and new. And it works the other way around too! For example, storks are ordinary in Estonia but not here. I love being part of that exchange!
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