Biography
Marika Ara Band is a melodic rock ensemble that first came into existence in Helsinki, Finland, in 2005. The band is formed around the music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Marika Ara. The Band underwent some changes during the recording process of the debut album Going (released in March 2008). Currently band tours with power of the six versatile members who all contribute their own flavour into the mix with influences varying from soul via classical to down right progressive rock.
Marika Ara started her musical career in France in 1998 in Bootleg Zest with French singer-songwriter Rachelle Bardin. In 2000 she moved on to the UK to emerge herself in her first studio recordings in Scotland. After her return to Finland in 2003, she started to concentrate on her solo career only to find that a rock band was what she wanted. Marika Ara Band was formed with now the only original band member Tiina Eloranta remaining.
Having met bass player Ville Salmi 2006 was a turning point in the musical development of Marika Ara and the merging of the two lead to the basis of Marika Ara Band sound being established. Herkko Eskelinen and Toni Salmi joined the band in spring 2007 and recordings were well underway already when MAB found the last missing link the drummer Jani Suvivuo in summer 2007.
Marika Ara: lead vocals, piano
Herkko Eskelinen, keys
Toni Salmi, guitars
Tiina Eloranta: flute, backup vocals
Jani Suvivuo: drums, percussions
Ville Salmi, bass guitars, guitars