Producer Stein Austrud
Sara Ajnnak and producer Stein Austrud began their fruitful collaboration back in 2017. Stein Austrud is a music producer based in Mandal, Norway’s southernmost tip. Stein is a classically trained musician and was originally a pianist, who switched to experimenting with keyboards, synths and oriental instruments. As a producer, Stein has a extensive discography, including a wide variety of collaborative work. For 25 years, Stein has been the bandleader for the Sami Grand Prix and has wide experience of working with Sami music. Sara Ajnnak’s and Stein Austrud’s collaboration has been praised and described by Swedish reviewer, Jan Gradvall, as a mix between Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel.
The album Homo Sapiens and my People is the second album that Sara and Stein collaborated on and where developed a unique music style where tradition meets contemporary soundscapes.
The album has developed over time in incorporating several different layers weaving together thoughts, ideas and music. Of course, the pandemic has also affected production and the approach as we both live in different countries.
Translation Sophia Rehnfjell
An important person in the creative process is Spohia Rehnfjell who tirelessly supported me with help, corrections, inspiration and translations of my sami texts. Without her help, my music would not have been based on the beautiful Ume Sami language.
Photographer Lena Lee
Lena Lee https://www.lenaleephoto.net is a professional photographer from Umeå in Västerbotten with both a master’s degree and long experience in the profession. When I asked if she was interested in supplying my cover photos, she immediately accepted the assignment. With enthusiasm, she researched different locations for the photo shoots and came up with suggestions in Umeå and the surrounding area. With an eye for detail and professionalism, she managed to capture what I wanted to convey with the pictures. If you want to know about Lena, visit her website.
Layout Linjalen/Andreas Johansson
Sara Ajnnak and Linjalen in Storuman have collaborated since 2014 when Sara released her debut album Suojggat. Andreas Johansson has with his professional skills lifted the visual impression and created layout for Homo Sapien and My People.
Mastered by Roald Råsberg
Roald Råsberg, also from Norway, has patiently mastered the album and put the finishing touches on the production.
Project funded by
The album has been financed with project funds from both the Swedish Sami Parliament https://sametinget.se and the Norwegian Sami Parliament https://sametinget.no and Statens kulturråd.