Award-winning guitarist and blues powerhouse Erja Lyytinen is set to release her highly anticipated studio album, Smell the Roses, on March 28, 2025, via Tuohi Records. The album is available to pre-order now.
The lead single and title track, Smell the Roses, drops on January 29, accompanied by a brand-new music video. On the track, Erja shares: “The message is simple—wake up and smell the roses. There’s so much beauty in the world, so why don’t we stop and enjoy it rather than fighting and wanting more.” The single will be available on all major streaming platforms.
A New Era for the Queen of Slide Guitar
It’s been three years since Erja’s last solo studio album, Waiting for the Daylight, and in that time, she’s toured relentlessly, gracing major festivals such as Byron Bay Blues Festival and the Rory Gallagher Festival. Alongside her live success, she starred as “Skeleton” on The Masked Singer Finland, reaching the finals and delivering standout performances of Metallica’s Master of Puppets and Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah—the latter of which she released as a single.
Erja also celebrated 20 years in blues rock with the release of 20 Years of Blues Rock!, a live album capturing a milestone performance in her hometown of Helsinki. Her contributions to the genre were further recognized when she was honoured as an Angel of Rock at the HRH Awards 2024, joining the ranks of legends like Doro Pesch and Jackie Chambers.
A Gritty, Guitar-Driven Album
Recorded at Hollywood House Studios in Helsinki, Smell the Roses sees Erja returning to a raw, guitar-focused sound, inspired by classic ’70s rock albums. “I wanted the focus on guitar riffs and solos, with each instrument standing out,” she explains. The album was mixed with analogue gear, adding a vintage warmth to its blues-rock intensity.
Erja handled production duties, recording the backing tracks in just three days before layering her signature guitar work and vocals. “I pushed myself harder than ever—this album has some of my most advanced solos,” she reveals.
Lyrically, Smell the Roses explores themes of sorrow, forgiveness, hope, and betrayal, offering depth beyond the riffs. Tracks like Going to Hell, Abyss, and Empty Hours hint at a darker, edgier narrative, but Erja assures fans: “The album lifts you up. The grooves are fun, and I can’t wait to play these songs live!”
UK Tour & Album Release
With Smell the Roses set to drop in March, Erja is gearing up for her biggest UK tour since before the pandemic, bringing her fiery slide guitar and dynamic stage presence back to audiences across the country.
Smell the Roses is available for pre-order now. For more details, including tour dates, visit erjalyytinen.com/tour.
