meediamaterjalid

Meediamaterjalid is an Estonian contemporary music collective originating in Tallinn in 2010. The group was founded by singer‑songwriter Rasmus Saarela and producer‑composer Kaja Lukk, who together sought to blend elements of ambient electronica with folk instrumentation and spoken word. Their early work was self‑released online, gaining a modest following in the Baltic New Music scene.

In 2012 the duo released their debut EP titled “Sümfoonik Samudurd”, which was noted for its atmospheric textures and minimalist arrangements. The EP earned them coverage in local music magazines and a nomination for the Estonian Music Awards in the category of Emerging Artist. Following the EP, Meediamaterjalid expanded to a quartet by adding guitarist Mart Kaskand and drummer Jüri Rääde, enabling more complex live performances.

Their first full‑length album, “Kultasjalge”, came out in 2015 under the independent label Baltic Sound. The record incorporates field recordings from Estonian wetlands and is described as a sonic exploration of landscape. It received critical acclaim in Scandinavia and was shortlisted for the Nordic Music Prize. After a brief hiatus, the group returned with the 2018 single “Rahuldus”, a vocal‑driven track that charted on Estonian radio stations.

Beyond recording, Meediamaterjalid has collaborated with visual artists and theater companies, providing soundscapes for stage productions and documentary films. Their works are characterized by meticulous layering, subtle use of traditional instruments, and lyrical themes that often reflect Estonian cultural identity and environmental concerns. The collective remains active in the Estonian music community, performing at festivals and contributing to various multimedia projects.