Antti Paalanen is a Finnish experimental performer and composer; master of the diatonic accordion. The instrument itself was invented in the 1800s and became an essential part of the variety of folk traditions. However, Antti Paalanen doesn't play the traditional, meaning ordinary, music. He created his own style and gave it a new name - breathbox.
It was exactly this new approach that caught my attention on the Centria Night Music event in the end of September. I didn't expect anything new from the traditional instrument performance, but that one delightfully surprised me.
Later on, I found out that Antti Paalanen is pretty famous in Finland. In 2015 he graduated as a Doctor of Music from Sibelius Academy, and now he works as a lecturer in Centria's music department, plays in several music bands and records albums.
So, next time, I intentionally went to the Corner's pub to listen to his play. The place was really crowded which isn't common in Kokkola. With the first sounds of the accordion everyone went to the dance floor. Check this song out! The point is that it is really difficult to categorize Antti's music: not "folk", not "alternative". Something really special which is worth to hear once than to read twice. I really loved this unique, mesmerizing sound. Hope, everyone will enjoy it!
Mönni or Mönnimafia is a Punkrock group band. It was formed in May 2014 in Helsinki. Those five guys are making their own music and songs with original influences: Vivaldi, Beethoven, Chopin & Jaakko Teppo. They combine those influences with their own band's signature.
On the 29 of October they were in Kokkola at the West Coast Billiard. I went there with friends to enjoy this concert and discover what kind of music is punk rock. They have a really funny style by clothes they wear during concert.
Their music is really dynamic but their lyrics are screamed and you feel that they are hungry about something. The songs are in Finnish so I couldn't understand but they look like rebellious teenager.
Their catch phrase is:
"Tämä on enemmän kuin totuus,
tämä on enemmän kuin elämä,
tämä on Mönnimafia"
meaning :
"This is more than the truth,
This is more than life,
This is Mönnimafia"
The band members incluses:
Bass: Pekka Monni
Drums: Mopo Vartiainen
Guitare & Co: Mika Keimo
Guitare : PETO
Vox: Raivo-Elvis
Legendaariset Kulmalla – jamit! On 21th of September there was a music event in the Corner’s pub in
Kokkola. When I came to pub there were so many people inside and the atmosphere
was really good. There were young people inside and some them were student musicians
from Centria. Different bands have played and sung. There were different genres
of music such as pop, country, rock and blues. They were mostly singing in
English. There were various instruments such piano, drums, electric guitar and
saxophone. In general, I liked the event because the band was always changing
and you had a choice to listen different kind of music genre. Also, the singers
and other musicians were young people so I felt like I am in the concert with
my friends.
Centria
Night Music avaa musiikin koulutuksen syyskauden
Also, on the 30th of September I visited ‘Centria Night
Music' event in Centria Conservatory. It has started at 18:00 and it was
divided into six parts. There were breaks between the parts and you could have
coffee with your friends. In the concert, we had a chance to listen various
kind of music genres. Students and teachers were playing and singing all
together. It has started with a popular song ‘It was always you’ in acoustic
form and I liked it. Also, I saw different instruments that I have never seen
before.
The most beautiful part of the concert was the second
part, Kamu Karkeloi. Musicians played their national instruments such as
5-kielinen kantele, tikkukantele and 2-rivinen haitari. I think 2-rivinen
haitari was the best part of the concert. It was really interesting and
different than the others.
All in all, the event was really good and I liked the
performances.
On the 30th of September me and Margarita visited "Centria Night Music" event in Kokkola conservatory where music students and teachers were performing. The event was divided into 6 parts where each one lasted an hour. From "Let it go" to Joseph Haydn - concert united variety of genres, styles and names. Most of all, we were impressed by the part "Kamu karkeloi". Musicians played their own compositions on national instruments such as tikkukantele and 5-kielen kantele. Also, the part with improvisations can't be overlooked as it is something what inspires you.
Atmosphere of the event was very homely and friendly like if it was a get-together with your friends. During the breaks you could have coffee with tasty cakes.
I was asked to make a post about Finnish music, so here I am!
I will be linking a few songs I personally enjoy, and a couple songs my friends suggested I link, so that you guys will get a broad view of the lively music scene here in Finland!
I'm personally more into early 2000's girl bands and artists. One big name is Maija Vilkkumaa - my childhood star. She surely divides people into two groups though, due to her quirky voice and powerful lyrics.
Someone who represents the softer female side is definitely a lady called Johanna Kurkela! Her songs are softer and almost ethereal. I really love her songs! (Extra fact: Johanna is together with Tuomas Holopainen, from Nightwish :)) Here's one of my favorites from her!
If you're more into mainstream music, I can't help you much. That's why I called my sister! :D She gave me 3 great songs that play/have played in the radio that her and her friends jam out to!
This first one is by Sanni, a young Finnish singer/songwriter. Her songs have been popular in the last couple of years. This one's her newest (I was told) and it's called Vahinko (Mistake).
Secondly we have Antti Tuisku. He competed in the Finnish version of Idols (you know the singer competition?). He came in the third place way back in 2006 and was pretty famous among young girls back then. Things looked pretty tame but recently he rose back into fame after participating in a TV-show where Finnish musicians hang out together and cover each others songs. (The show is called Vain elämää, and they made many seasons already! Look it up on Youtube, if you will, there's a lot of good music that came out of that!) This is Antti Tuisku's version of an old 80's hit song called Sata salamaa.
The last song my sister wanted me to share with you is by a gentleman called Jari Sillanpää. In the past he has been more of an "old people thing" since he rose to fame in 1995 trough a tango singing competition. In 2012 he signed to appear on the first season of the TV-show I mentioned earlier, and got more famous throughout the whole population. Here's one of his newer songs!
This was just a small scratch into Finnish music. If I covered everything, this post would be longer than life! We have a lot of great metal bands, folk music, punk, evergreens, never to mention the classical music! What kind of music do you like? Have you found any good Finnish bands? Link your favorites down in the comments! If you haven't found anything you like yet, go explore! Finnish people make a lot of different types of music, you'll surely find something you like :) If you're stuck, I can recommend something based on the genres you like! Just ask!
