On Friday evening, at the Viljandi Traditional Music Center, the longest applause and highest recognition went to the ensemble RÜÜT, who took home three Etnokulp awards. The band was voted the best in the categories of Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and New Folk Artist of the Year.
The Song of the Year award went to MandoTrio for their song "Kui Peetrilinnas." The Debut Album of the Year award was given to 6hunesseq for their album "ma olen maa peal v66ras". The award for Authentic Traditional Music Album of the Year was presented to Kirbla Trio for their album "Lükata-tõmmata, hargiga-roobiga". Katariina Tirmaste was named Musician of the Year. All of this year's winners received an Etnokulp for the first time.
The panel of industry specialists, who selected the winners for Debut Album of the Year, Authentic Traditional Music, New Folk Artist, and Musician of the Year, highlighted that 6hunesseq captivated with their debut album's unique concept, innovative sound, and the timeless dignity of their dialect. RÜÜT stood out among new folk artists for expanding the sound of traditional instruments and the maturity of their musical language. Traditional musician Katariina Tirmaste has the ability to paint vivid pictures with her performances, which flow like living film scenes before the audience's eyes. Kirbla Trio, meanwhile, demonstrates how the music of a genuine folk musician can create an irresistibly danceable ensemble, where each member's mastery and sensitivity elevate the music, lifting listeners off the ground.
The jury selected the nominees from 23 albums and 21 singles that were released between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024. The winners were chosen from among the nominees through a public vote, with 2,242 people participating. Additionally, two special awards were presented.
The laureate of the R2 Special Award was selected by the Radio 2 editorial team, and the award went to Erik Laar, an Estonian musician living in Canada. His acceptance speech was read to the audience by editor-in-chief Margus Kamlat. The Estonian Traditional Music Center's special award was presented to Liina Vainumetsa, who has been leading the weekly radio show "Folgialbum" on Klassikaraadio for 20 years. When announcing the award, the head of the Estonian Traditional Music Center, Tarmo Noormaa, noted that the special award goes to a journalist whose show is currently the only one dedicated to traditional music across ERR’s various channels. "Dozens, if not hundreds, of traditional musicians have been featured on "Folgialbum", and she has given them all the opportunity to showcase their music and albums. This weekly show will celebrate its 20th year on air in just a month, on November 5," Noormaa praised.
This year, the Estonian Traditional Music Center presented the Etnokulp award for the 16th time. The Etnokulp tradition began in 2009, when artists were recognized for their achievements in 2008.
Etnokulp 2024 Laureates:
Debut Album of the Year:
6hunesseq
"ma olen maa peal v66ras"
Authentic Traditional Music of the Year:
Kirbla Trio
"Lükata-tõmmata, hargiga-roobiga"
New Folk Artist of the Year:
RÜÜT
"Kiriküüt"
Musician of the Year:
Katariina Tirmaste
Song of the Year:
MandoTrio
"Kui Peetrilinnas"
Album of the Year:
RÜÜT
"Kiriküüt"
Artist of the Year:
RÜÜT
R2 Special Award:
Erik Laar
Estonian Traditional Music Center Special Award:
Liina Vainumetsa
Photo: Martin Kosseson / Estonian Traditional Music Center
Traditional Music Center
Tasuja pst 6, Viljandi, 71011
We are open Tuesday to Saturday at 12:00-19:00 and during events.
ESTONIAN TRADITIONAL MUSIC CENTER NGO
Reg nr: 80116582
VAT nr: EE100623277
AN SEB Bank: EE691010220008039018
Info
folk@folk.ee
+372 434 2050
(Mon–Fri 9:00–17:30)
Tickets
+372 434 2070
Venue rent
+372 5552 2683
Located at the Traditional Music Center on the 2nd floor and terrace
Open TUE-SAT at 12:00-19:00 and during eventsViljandi Folk Music Festival
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