Maja Lena - The Keeper

The Keeper is the debut album from Maja Lena and features singles ‘Avalanche’, ‘Sacred Practice’ and ‘Birch’ as heard on BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 1, played by Chris Hawkins, Sian Eleri, Gemma Bradley & Lauren Laverne, among others.

Formerly of alt-folk band Low Chimes, her solo moniker is an affectionate nickname given to her by the Swedish half of her family. She now brings us new material forged in the fires of fear and self doubt, brought on by setting out on her own musically after years of being part of a collaborative effort. Since her teens, for 15 years with Low Chimes (and various iterations of the band), Maja Lena experienced some of the highs and lows that the music world has to offer. Low Chimes enjoyed exposure performing live sessions on both Marc Riley's show on BBC Radio 6 Music, and Loose Ends with Clive Anderson on BBC Radio 4. They also toured extensively, and played at numerous festivals such as Glastonbury, Greenman, Festival No.6 and Secret Garden Party.

The Keeper itself tells haunting yet bold tales of endings and new beginnings. Driven by Marianne's unique vocal delivery and depth of emotion, this record teaches of life challenges and lessons, existentialism, escapism, musings of alternate realms and of our relationships with time. It tells of loss, the tracks ‘Antares’ and ‘Old Friend Night’ a dedication/ode to friends experiencing suffering, grief and tragedy. Marianne also reflects on the journey of growing up and getting older, finding solace in simpler things and in the mundane. Of learning to become better friends with yourself, and learning to let go, alter your expectations and accept things as they are. These themes are reflected in her relationship with and love of nature, such as in ‘Avalanche’. Here a personal experience and era in life coming to an end is metaphorically mirrored in an unsuccessful hike up a mountain.