Khemeia

KHEMEIA

Imagine a person who has played chess since childhood. And a person who has baked cakes since childhood. Combine them and ask them to write a song.

In January 2023, Aurora Marchese and Mikael Máni Ásmundsson met in Amsterdam. They were brought together by a shared love for lyrics, jazz ballads, and, unexpectedly, chocolate. This mutual sensitivity became the foundation for their unique musical chemistry.

Their creative connection grew within the vibrant and multicultural music scene of the Amsterdam Conservatory – an environment that became a natural space for two different, yet harmoniously complementary, personalities to meet.

Mikael's Icelandic musical background and poetic approach to the guitar meet Aurora's Italian sensitivity and strong connection to voice and storytelling. This gives birth to a musical language where sound and story evolve together.

The very name of the project hides the essence of their work. KHEMEIA comes from the Greek word χημεία – "to fuse," "to melt together." It is a space where two different musical perspectives gradually become one.

Over time, this creative principle grew into a repertoire capable of existing in different forms. Although the project is based on voice and guitar, in concerts the music can expand into a larger ensemble, providing more energy, interaction, and dynamic variety, while preserving the essential identity of KHEMEIA.

Since its inception, the KHEMEIA project has been presented in various European musical contexts. These include a performance at Amsterdam's "Roode Bioscoop," supported by the "Amarte Fonds," as well as projects associated with Italy's "Fondazione Estro Musicale," which also contributed to the recording of their debut album.

In 2025, KHEMEIA began releasing their first music – the singles "Little Bird" and "The Lake." Later that same year, their debut album "KHEMEIA" was released under the "RNC Music" label. In 2026, the album was nominated in the "Best Album" category at the Icelandic Music Awards.

Their music also reached the airwaves – KHEMEIA's work was featured on "DC Notte" and played on "Radio Splash" and "Como Radio International."

2026 became another important step forward for KHEMEIA – the project was selected for the final of the "Grachtenfestival Jazz Competition." This recognition marks a new stage in their creative journey and another step in strengthening KHEMEIA's voice on the European music scene.

Aurora Marchese - vocals (Italy)

Mikael Máni Ásmundsson - guitar (Iceland)