Ehin says couples should turn relationship troubles into art

Kristiina Ehin said it is not polite to complain publicly about a relationship and that feelings are better expressed through art, such as novels and songs. She made the remarks on ERR’s morning programme Terevisioon, where she and her husband, musician Silver Sepp, discussed their recent 15th wedding anniversary and a new vinyl album.

Sepp said he began turning Ehins poetry into songs when they first got together 15 years ago. The couple have collected songs written over that period on the album. They had put off completing it as family life, including the birth of their children, took priority, Ehin said.

She said it mattered to her that they recognised themselves as a creative partnership, adding that no one else makes songs in the same way they do. Sepp said setting boundaries is important at every stage of a relationship, and that anniversaries should be celebrated properly.

The album opens with “Lähen ja laulan” (“I go and sing”), Ehin said. The song begins where her latest novel, “Südametammide taga,” ends. She said the novel explores how relationships can sometimes overwhelm a person.

Sepp described playing a note on his nail instrument as a refuge, saying music gives back what life takes away. Ehin joked that she needed a clever home designer to make room for his five instruments, so she would not snag her stockings on one in the morning.