Violins and distorted guitars – the Finnish sound
The music scene in Finland reflects the general status of the nation: no megastars on the international circuit, but take a closer peek and you'll discover an interesting school of artists swimming up the mainstream, expressing themselves from a perspective shaped by a harsh climate and peripheral location.
A sense of longing and melancholy, even a certain element of gloom, has been characteristic of Finnish music since its early days. From post-war era singers to modern popular artists, Finnish audiences have never had difficulties identifying with heavy-hearted performers telling tragic tales of the trials of life. For instance tango, known for its fateful form of expression, has long had deep roots in Finnish music and dance culture. The most visible manifestation of this is an annual festival dedicated to tango, namely the Tango Festival in Seinäjoki.
In the last decade, heavy metal has become household music in Finland
Heavy metal has become household music in Finland
The melancholy approach to making music is evident today in the various types of heavy music that Finland's younger flock of musicians produce. HIM is the best known of our rock exports, with the more pop oriented The Rasmus and the metalheads in Children of Bodom and Nightwish following suit. In the last decade, heavy metal has become household music in Finland, with a radio station, a music fair and several festivals dedicated to the genre, Tuska in Helsinki, Sauna in Tampere, Nummirock in Kauhajoki just to name a few.
Finland has managed to win the Eurovision Song Contest once, with shock rock monsters Lordi taking the prize in 2006.
Summer Feelings in Festival Finland
From tribal music festivals in Northern Lapland to city happenings in the south
In the last ten years, Finnish rap music has risen from being considered humorous to a serious form of expression. Rap records have even won national awards, often getting critical praise for their socio-political messages. In August 2011, the biggest hip hop event in the Nordic countries, Pipefest, takes place in Himos ski resort in Jämsä, Central Finland. The Rentolava (translates freely to Chill Out Stage) at one of the longest running Finnish rock festivals, Ilosaarirock in Joensuu, is dedicated to rap and other rhythmic music.
As far as festivals go, summer in Finland is the place to be. Events big and small are held all over the country throughout the short but light-filled summer, from tribal music festivals in Northern Lapland to city happenings in the south. The Pori Jazz festival is the biggest in its genre, while Ruisrock and Provinssirock, celebrated in Turku and Seinäjoki respectively, are major rock and pop happenings.
Tammerfest is Finland's biggest city festival, drawing crowds and performers from all walks of life to celebrate in the centre of Tampere. In Helsinki, Flow Festival pulls together indie-lovers with soul, jazz and club music enthusiasts and urban culture aficionados to enjoy music, arts, good food and drink in a cosily decorated urban festival space.
Finland has gained quite some recognition in the chamber and folk music scenes as well
Music lovers preferring a more traditional approach will be happy to learn that Finland has gained quite some recognition in the chamber and folk music scenes as well. Naturally, there's a festival dedicated to each. Since its inception in 1970, the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival has enjoyed wide international acclaim and recently received the Finnish Travel Quality Award for its integrity and capability of attracting both performers and audiences year after year. The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival celebrates its 44th edition in 2011.
Perhaps surprising to some, Finland is also well known in the opera circuit. The main stage of the Savonlinna Opera Festival, held for the first time in 1912, is the Olavinlinna castle looking over Finland's grand Lake Saimaa. The 2011 event features more than 300 performers from 12 countries.
Exhausted? Just wait until the summer's over.
-
Apocalyptica is a heavy metal band from Helsinki, Finland. Their music borrows elements from many genres including classical music, post-grunge, neo-classical, progressive, thrash and symphonic metal.
Links
|