Ina Forsman – After Dark Hour CD

Ina Forsman – After Dark Hour

Finnish-born, Berlin-based artist Ina Forsman unveils her most personal and dynamic album yet, After Dark Hour. Known as one of the leading voices in the European roots scene, Ina’s explosive live performances and powerful, honey-dripping vocals have captivated audiences for over a decade. With this new release, she takes listeners on an emotional and groovy journey of rediscovery and resilience.

Recorded in Helsinki with a team of Finnish musicians and produced by Michael Bleu and Ina, After Dark Hour is steeped in Retro Soul, Funk, Motown-inspired grooves, and R&B. “I knew even before any of the songs were written that I wanted Michael Bleu to produce the album,” Ina shares. “Michael produced half the songs on my last album, and this time I wanted to make a full body of work with him. We have a very similar taste in music, so the production came together very intuitively. I told him I wanted to make a groovy soul album with a retro sound, and the songs needed to work perfectly not only on record but also live on stage.”

The energy of live performance was a driving force behind the album's creation. “I wanted to make songs that would be fun to play live, songs that would make people leave my shows sweaty and smiling,” Ina explains. “I think that was the most beautiful part of my inspiration.”

The album reflects Ina’s journey from a period of personal and creative stagnation to renewed inspiration and joy. The title track, After Dark Hour, was the spark that reignited her creativity after over a year of writer’s block. “I was going through it—what I call the post pandemic blues.
I couldn’t get myself to write songs or even listen to music. Then one day, I wrote the title song, and it was like magic. It was such a relief to know I still had it in me after a year of not having it. After dark hour represents the first moment you see the light coming through the blinds you’ve been keeping shut. It’s the feeling that things are finally getting better.”

Groove is the heartbeat of the album. “I thought about how many times I’ve made a bad day turn good just because I put on some groovy music and danced in my pyjamas alone at home. I did it a lot when writing this album, it was like therapy. I wanted to bring some of that energy to this album.”

The album takes listeners through an eclectic mix of soul sounds, from sultry power ballads to James Brown-style funk explosions, tender sweet soul, and up-tempo Motown grooves. The lush production includes cinematic strings, bold horns, and gospel-like backing vocals, all serving as a backdrop to Ina’s signature vocals. “I have a tendency to write really difficult things for myself to sing,” she laughs. “But I trust whatever comes out first is what the song is meant to sound like.”

Ina highlights After Dark Hour, Stubborn, and Four Seasons as her favorites. “The title track is my favorite song ever because it represents such deep hope for me. I can feel that relief every time I hear it. Stubborn is just such a vibe—I love the dark, sexy verses mixed with the chill, sweet chorus. And Four Seasons is my favorite lyrically; it’s like a deep dive into my soul. Michael Bleu brought the music to life and even came up with the flute riff, which I hated at first, but now I love it!”

Ina has been performing since she was 17, dedicating her career to crafting music that blends classic soul with her unique voice and vision. With After Dark Hour, she delivers an album that invites listeners to dance through life’s darkest moments. “I hope this album becomes a pickme-up for people - a soundtrack for dancing, cleaning, or just feeling free and silly at home. On your worst days, put it on, dance, and feel a little better. And if it makes people want to come to a show and sing along, that would be a dream come true.

Tracklist:
1. Four Seasons
2. After Dark Hour
3. Stubborn
4. Pass You Bye
5. Freedom Manifesto
6. That Is All
7. Alone
8. As Long As It Takes
9. Good Man
10. Mama's Groove
11. (I Can't Belive) We Made It
12. Firs of June

Label: Jazzhaus Records
Released: 2025