While preparing herself for her role in the TV series 'Peacemaker', Irina Björklund thoroughly studied the work of professional peace negotiators, which usually goes under the public's radar. Also, being a musician, she began to write songs reflecting the inner life of the woman she portrays. In her songs she intended to express the feelings she was not allowed to show in the series where Ann-Mari's personality is depicted as rather complex and mysterious. For her album 'Barely Ann-Mari' Irina Björklund therefore started to work with Finnish folk ensemble Pauanne, composing the music to the songs together with Janne Lappalainen, long-time member of her own backing band.