adi & robin adi and robin are the newest talents from the renowned sene family to emerge on finland’s music scene. while both brothers from siilinjärvi create music independently, they often join forces on stage. robin released his debut single sanottavaa in spring 2023. known for his energetic and empowering sound, his debut album maailman reunalla will be out in spring 2025. his summer 2024 single ikuinen elokuu (ft. sexmane) gained strong radio airplay, and his latest release 1000h mummolassa dropped in february 2025. adi (adilio sene) made his debut in summer 2022 with asioit. follow-up singles unelmii (ft. isaac sene) and 40k pt. 2(ft. sexmane) have each surpassed over a million spotify streams. drawing inspiration from his own life experiences, he is currently working on his debut album, due out in 2025. his latest single a.d.i. was released in january 2025. together with their brothers sexmane and isaac sene, adi and robin featured on the track ihmeperhe and have performed alongside them at major finnish festivals such as ruisrock, provinssi, and blockfest. adi: –spotify –instagram robin: –spotify –instagram

aivovuoto aivovuoto is a rap group from east helsinki, founded in 2012, that has released six critically acclaimed records: aivovuoto, the vihaa karkkia ep, the split se tuli televisiosta / sushi drive-by with khidi, dötöx, the utopia sessiot ep, and most recently liikkeellä in spring 2020. the group’s latest singles, ayo party and parvi, were released in february and march 2024 and serve as a preview of their upcoming album seitseman, which will be followed by an album release tour starting at the end of march. the group consists of producer brothers mio and visa a.k.a. k.v.n & lobo (known for smc lähiörotat and instrumental albums), and rapper matti a.k.a. jodarok (associated with kemmuru, freerap, and meiän musiikki label). aivovuoto operates as a session-style band—their music is created in their own studio tÖi. typically, the brothers first create the instrumental, after which matti writes the song, and the track is usually recorded immediately. stream-of-consciousness. spontaneity. aivovuoto captured on tape. the group is also known for their unconventional videos, many of which they produce, write, and sometimes edit themselves. the videos expand the worlds of the songs. they have also produced videos for other artists under the name aivotuotos.

asa asa, also known as avain, asamasa, aatsipoppa, and mats nyckelström, is a long-standing finnish wordsmith. over a career spanning more than twenty years, asa has released albums consistently, earning recognition from both listeners and critics alike. from the very beginning, the artist has forged his own path. restless by nature, he has always sought more intriguing and intricate routes on his musical journey, without a fixed destination. asa has been called a pioneer of finnish-language rap, known for combining mischievous humor and folk poetry with socially conscious themes. this independent rapper, constantly exploring new forms of musical expression, tours actively across finland’s small venues and intimate spaces, often performing alongside dj polarsoul.

asla jo asla jo, who has quickly built a devoted fanbase, writes finnish melancholic pop about sorrow, girl crushes, loneliness, and growing up. signed to kaiku entertainment, the skilled singer-songwriter plays with musical interpretations of the finnish soulscape, drawing from personal experiences. the ostrobothnia-born artist released her debut ep kaikki alko siitä mihin me loputtiin in the fall of 2024. three singles preceded the ep: “poltan mun kotikaupungin,” “dementia,” and “ihan vähän vaan,” a collaboration with edict. in a short time, asla jo has already received significant acclaim from music circles, including recognition in helsingin sanomat.

bee among finland’s most exciting new artists, bee (bertta seppälä) has risen to the top spots on radio and spotify. in her music, she blends dark pop with soul, all tied together by her stunning and distinctive vocal sound. bee’s debut album hupsis, released in september 2023, immediately shot to the top of finland’s official chart during its first week. the album has already been streamed an impressive 40 million times—enough for double platinum—and out of its eleven tracks, four have gone platinum and one gold. in addition, the album’s fifth single viimeisiä sanoja (“last words”) became the most-played song on finland’s radio chart in december 2023. the album’s success was also recognized at the emma gala, where bee earned three nominations (breakthrough artist of the year, pop album of the year, and the audience choice award). a much-anticipated vinyl edition of hupsis was also released. bee first captured the attention of a wider audience with her third single, tequilakahvi (“tequila coffee”), released in 2022. the track stayed on spotify’s top 50 chart for a total of 77 days and became finland’s second most-streamed song. bee, who was also named ylex breakthrough of the year 2023, has a unique sound, and through her music she aims to lower the barrier for people to open up about their struggles—while also making sure her listeners can enjoy themselves and dance. “the songs on hupsis are stories and experiences from life. from a life where things happen—both good and bad. some of the songs were written closer to the release, and some years ago, so the lyrics represent different stages of life,” bertta explains. “making the album has at times been wonderful and inspiring, but often also heavy—especially with the most personal songs. blood, sweat, and tears have been poured into it, but now i can proudly release this album. above all, i feel grateful that the songs can finally be heard by others,” bertta continues.

dj ibusal “mukava paikka” is the fourth album from dj ibusal, set to be released digitally, on vinyl, and on cassette on october 4, 2024 via skorpioni records. “i’ve always been a comfort-seeking type. i’m good at avoiding all the difficult stuff and i put a lot of effort into making sure my life is as relaxed as possible. and maybe i’ve succeeded—i’ve got a nice home, a nice car, a nice job, and nice neighbors. despite all of this, i often feel quite uneasy. and for some reason, that feeling doesn’t go away, no matter how many nice things i surround myself with. by 2024, i had accumulated quite a lot of demos and sketches in my drawer. listening back, i realized they all revolved around that comfortable environment and the uneasy feeling. now the lyrics have finally been assembled into full songs, forming the album mukava paikka. you can take the title either with quotation marks or without.” – dj ibusal also known as thube hefner from gasellit, dj ibusal released his previous solo album yksin kotona 17 (home alone 17) in january 2018. the album, featuring hits like pilalla and anna mun olla rauhas (“let me be in peace”), offered a laconic, reflective style that became one of the year’s most delightful surprises for many rap listeners. ibusal’s rare live shows were nearly always sold out.

dj kridlokk highly acclaimed artist and producer dj kridlokk (kristo laanti) released his eagerly awaited new album hai in april 2024. the album, entirely composed, written, and produced by kridlokk himself, has been widely hailed as a landmark in finnish rap. laanti received the prestigious teosto prize for the album. kridlokk worked on the album over four years, mostly in his own head, alternating between contemplation and experimentation while wandering the marinas and shorelines of east helsinki. “environment affects thinking, and solitary reflection can easily become messy and distorted. i realized that almost all of my ideas contained some reflection on loneliness and the perspective it colors.” all three of the cult-status artist’s previous albums have been critical successes, with the 2014 album mutsi considered a masterpiece of finnish rap. kridlokk’s signature darkly hued lyrics, which examine the world with skepticism and humor, are also present on this fourth album:“i thought about that nearly 400-year-old wolffish that was observed off greenland a few years ago. it’s a creature that swims for half a century in icy waters, eyes pitch black and blind, living apart from all other vertebrates, storing its own urine in its body, making its flesh poisonous. is it a winner or a loser? impossible to say. one thing is certain: you cannot fuck with it.” critical reception: “every sound on the album is deliberate, and every rapped line carries meaning. the mosaic-like texture of the beats is rich in a way rarely heard in finnish rap.” – helsingin sanomat / mikko aaltonen, ***** “dj kridlokk has one of the most original voices in contemporary finnish popular music, and hai shows it at its sharpest. damn, i’ve missed this.” – soundi / niko peltonen, ***** “hai is unpredictable. hai is threatening. hai is enduring. hai is 5/5.” – kulttuuritoimitus / eero lassila “the new dj kridlokk album is a dark and fierce masterpiece.” – jylkkäri / niklas pelkonen, *****

edicti edicti, a rising name in finland’s alternative music scene, released their new album on october 25. joku, jonka luo palataincludes the artist’s breakthrough single en sitä tarkoittanut. the track, created together with f and now nearing double platinum, shot to the top of finland’s most-listened songs last summer—where it remains. “this album is a collection of songs about trust, vulnerability, and love = co-existence.” – edicti edicti’s music has been described as care pop—music that looks after its listener. signed to johanna kustannus in fall 2023, edicti released their second album vialla last year, which featured the delicate single muistanu.

eevil stöö eevil stöö, who has been in the hip hop game in finland for twenty years, is an original gem of finnish rap. unsurprisingly, eevil stöö's lyrics and compositions on the previous marsipan wave album were awarded the prestigious teosto award in may 2022. eevil stöö's most recent release is his advanced dungeons & dragons album, which was revealed in january 2024. after the release of his new album, the artist embarked on an album release tour starting from mid-february 2024. stöö is also known for the katakombi record label he runs.

eevil stöö & stepa stepa and teosto award winner eevil stöö released their joint album in april 2023. early that same year, eevil stöö and stepa embarked on a highly popular eight-city joint tour, which included full-length sets by both artists. most of the shows on the tour were sold out. eevil stöö, who has been in the game for twenty years, is an original gem of finnish rap. eevil stöö's lyrics and compositions on his marsipan wave album were awarded the prestigious teosto award in may 2022. eevil stöö's pen has not tired with his 2022 albums puolikas tiili and dungeon & dragon. stepa is known for his good humor and cheerful spirit, as well as his never-ending career as a rapper. the artist's previous album, siistii räppii, contains ten tracks, all of which are peppered with summer-y, laid-back productions. the sodankylä-based artist has an impressive and diverse music resume.

eevil stöö x kriso for fans of finnish rap, unprecedentedly sweet days are ahead as two of the scene’s most respected and original names, eevil stöö and kriso, release a collaborative album in the fall of 2025. the album is produced by pehmee goo. an eleven-show release tour kicks off at the end of september in joensuu and concludes in december at suisto. eevil stöö, who has been active in the game for over twenty years, is a distinctive gem of the finnish rap scene, boasting chart-topping hits and a teosto award. known for his prolific release schedule, he also runs the katakombi record label. kriso, a trailblazer in the jyväskylä finnish rap culture scene and a key member of the kpc collective, is recognized for his independent and holistic approach to his craft, as well as for his mastery of the spoken rap style. eevil stöö & kriso – album release tour 2025 5.9. kulttuuritalo fanny, vaasa 20.9. kerubi, joensuu 3.10. korjaamo, helsinki 11.10. sawohouse, kuopio 17.10. olympia, tampere 18.10. lutakko, jyväskylä 24.10. 45 special, oulu 8.11. dynamo, turku 22.11. torvi, lahti 28.11. skenesali, vantaa 29.11. house of rock, kouvola 12.12. suisto, hämeenlinna

elsa brotherus elsa brotherus is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from helsinki. music and playing instruments have been a part of brotherus' life since she was a little girl. the real spark for making music came when she went into the studio with her brother, johannes brotherus. the result was her debut single kämppiksii, released in may 2022, which was featured in ylex's nosteessa -series and charted on several spotify playlists. in autumn 2022, brotherus signed a record deal with vild music.

f emma award-winning rap/r&b artist f released her new album self-helpless in spring 2024. self-helpless is an antithesis to the constant pursuit of self-improvement and a celebration of incompleteness. visually, the album pays homage to iconic ’90s figures such as anna nicole smith and pamela anderson. the album includes five singles: taas mennään, muija on ku kone, teetä (feat. tuplakääk), naispaholainen ii, and exit, with taas mennäänparticularly standing out for its compelling music video. known for her bold and visually inventive live performances, f is best recognized for her gold-selling hit ihana. a versatile artist who creates strong, cohesive albums, f has received multiple emma award nominations and won the 2021 emma for best music video.

figaro figaro is an ambitious messenger of finnish psychedelic pop, whose new album taivaankappaleet (celestial bodies) was released in february 2025. self-produced by the artist, the album steps into the same canon as the likes of pariisin kevät, saimaa, mgmt, gorillaz, and tame impala. the album’s focus track kun mä tapasin sut (“when i met you”) also won mtv’s levyraati competition. figaro’s lyrical and sonic world expands the mind, aiming to provide a temporary hideaway from the worries of everyday life. the band’s sound and layered harmonies are easy to get lost in—both on record and in their live performances.

folk saimaa folk saimaa presents the beloved music of the saimaa band in an intimate quartet setting. the lineup features guitarist petri kautto and vocalists kimmo härmä, unna kortehisto, and liisa anastasiadis. in 2024, saimaa released the critically acclaimed albums vol. 6 and vol. 7, both earning five-star reviews, with the band also winning the emma award for schlager of the year.

gasellit gasellit started in 2009 as a group of friends having fun and, over the years, has grown into one of finland’s most popular bands with eight albums and numerous hit songs such as imus, laulu ilman sanoja (feat. abreu), kuvittele meidät siellä, and mitä mä malagas (feat. jvg). the melodic rap group’s success is reflected in two emma awards, four platinum albums, and top positions on both album and spotify top 50 charts. above all, gasellit thrives on live performances, having played nearly 800 shows across finland. the band—consisting of hätä-miika, päkka, thube, and musa-jusa—aims to channel their chemistry into creating a great atmosphere on stage that spreads to everyone in the audience, whether at an intimate wedding or one of the summer’s biggest festivals. their approach has been widely praised by audiences and has established the band as a fan favorite (helsingin sanomat, june 17, 2023). gasellit’s shows are a combination of impeccable skill and pure joy in performing music—in short, guaranteed fun. press inquiries:sony music finland / sami rikalasami.rikala@sonymusic.com

good boys good boys on viime vuodet niittänyt mainetta yhtenä genrensä raikkaimmista ryhmistä. bändi tunnetaan räjähtävästä energiasta ja omintakeisesta pilkehdinnästään suomiräpin silmäkulmassa. good boys julkaisi äänekästä suosiota niittäneen ensimmäisen pitkäsoittonsa "suurenmoinen unelma" keväällä 2023. siitä saakka good boys on ahertanut uusi mahtava kokonaisuus mielessään, eikä aio tuottaa pettymystä. tammikuussa 2025 ilmestynyt uusi levy 'hittaa' sädehtii taivaalla, nyökyttää savuisissa saleissa ja kulkee katupölynä pitkin betonimetsää. sample-pohjaiset aariat, bängerit ynnä muut maalavat toinen toisensa jälkeen kuuntelijan ympärille maailman, ja trap-vaikutteinen rytmisektio tuo elävän sykkeen tähän maailmaan. levyn räpeissä on myös oma uusi rytminsä, painonsa ja henkensä, joka huokuu osaamista ja intoa.

gracias standing out in the finnish rap canon with his elegance, gracias released his long-awaited finnish-language debut album in may 2020. released by pme records, graciasi lp is an in-depth personal portrait of the artist’s life and includes hits such as tyylit and ajaton. gracias first came to wider public attention with the 2010 music video hki. he had previously released two english-language albums, elegeni and globe. his finnish-language rap can also be heard on platinum-streamed tracks by gettomasa, including entä sä and ei mitää järkee. “graciasi lp is mature yet sensitive, trendy yet timeless. it’s classic material.” – linda söderholm / soundi

grande mahogany grande mahogany reflects the spirit of music pioneers, breaking boundaries and crafting a sound pulsing with the vitality of funk, the rawness of alt-rock, and the expansiveness of psychedelia. born in finland, the musician absorbed global rhythms from an early age, and moving to manchester at 11 deepened the multi-layered tapestry of his music. as a respected multi-instrumentalist, grande mahogany largely composed and produced his debut album grande mahogany – as grande as, released in spring 2024. the album received acclaim from finnish music critics, as well as from internationally renowned reviewers like anthony fantano of the needle drop, and prestigious music platforms such as colors and sleeping on gems. it was also warmly received on radio stations including bbc 6 and bbc 1, as well as on kcr platforms in the united states. the summer 2024 festival season peaked with a sold-out performance on the balloon stage at flow festival, one of the year’s most atmospheric domestic shows. tens of meters of queues filled with curious listeners remained outside the venue during the performance, while inside, a thrilling energy prevailed as the audience cheered for grande mahogany with spontaneous waves and shouts.

hassan maikal the unique singer-songwriter hassan maikal is a touching and fearless storyteller. blending pop, rap, and afro-inspired sounds in a fascinating way, the artist released his much-anticipated second album ilmaista terapiaa (free therapy) in autumn 2024. this moving concept album takes listeners on a journey through the many layers and dimensions of love. “this album was inspired by love and the journey i’ve gone through over the past few years. powerful emotions, first encounters with new experiences, realizations about life—and above all, about love. the album captures my raw and honest experiences of recent years, from family and relationships to personal growth as a human being,” hassan maikal says of the record. his debut album betonitarha (concrete garden), released in 2021, was met with critical acclaim in the music industry. recognized for his courage to be original and trust in the power of storytelling, the album earned four emma award nominations, including album of the year. following its release, hassan has performed at numerous festivals, on tv shows, and at major award galas. interview requests:sony music finland / maija niemimaija.niemi@sonymusic.com

ilta the virtuosic ilta first charmed finns by singing the chorus in cheek’s hit sillat. her debut single koukkuun (“hooked”), released in summer 2017, has since gone platinum. in september 2020, ilta released her debut album näitä hetkiä varten(for these moments). before that, she had already won the newcomer of the year award at the iskelmä gala, and with the album she also earned her first emma award nominations. in 2021, ilta competed in finland’s uuden musiikin kilpailu (umk, the national eurovision selection) with the song kelle mä soitan (“who will i call”), finishing in third place. the track has been streamed double platinum, peaked at #8 on the finnish radio chart, and climbed as high as #3 on spotify’s top 50 in finland. ilta’s second album mä oon vaan ihminen (i’m only human) was released in september 2023, and had already gone gold in pre-release streams. in addition to the hit kelle mä soitan, the album includes singles such as ei kukaan muu (“no one else”) and taivas maan päällä(“heaven on earth”). with this second record, ilta was nominated for the emma award for schlager of the year. ilta’s music radiates joyful positivity while also touching on relatable heartbreak. on the 2019 season of tähdet tähdet(“stars stars”), she impressed both judges and audiences with her stunning interpretations and personality. in autumn 2023, she was one of the featured soloists on the hugely popular tv show elämäni biisi (“the song of my life”), and in 2024 she joined the cast of vain elämää (“just life”), where she added new hits like kiire (“rush”) and tässä talossa(“in this house”) to her repertoire. ilta’s voice is captivating—marked by powerful powerhouse vocals often accompanied by piano. she performs in clubs, concert halls, and festivals with her band, while her legendary christmas concerts have sold out for several years in a row.

isaac sene isaac sene, the eldest of the sene family, is a multi-talented artist and singer-songwriter whose r&b-influenced modern pop crosses genre boundaries with versatility. in his music, he shares daily emotions as well as stories from his own life and surroundings. his realistic lyrics are naturally interwoven with imaginative worlds and narratives. the prolific sene has released multiple singles, along with the eps koko kansan ep (2021) and sori bro (2023). his latest single, “ympyrää” (ft. turisti), released in november 2024, immediately hit spotify’s top 5. a highly adaptable and phenomenally charismatic performer, isaac sene has frequently appeared on television. he rose to national recognition in 2022 after competing in uuden musiikin kilpailu with the song “kuuma jäbä.” in 2024, he starred in tanssii tähtien kanssa, dancing his way to the finals. he has also been featured in programs such as suomi love, laulu rakkaudelle, and kummien joulumielellä. isaac sene is renowned for his highly energetic and visually striking live performances, where euphoria is guaranteed.

jesse kaikuranta jesse kaikuranta is a captivating performer whose calm and soulful voice has truly won the hearts of finnish audiences. having performed since the early 2000s, he rose to national fame through the voice of finland in 2012 and his debut album vie mut kotiin. the triple-platinum record earned five emma award nominations, with its title track vie mut kotiinand singles järjetön rakkaus and näytän sulle rannan becoming major hits. his second album vaikka minä muutuin (2013) went gold and featured vielä täällä, a song that stayed at the top of finnish radio charts for weeks. the most recent full-length jesse kaikuranta was released in 2017, followed by several singles. currently, kaikuranta is working on new, more personal music. his 2024 single tuu tuu tupakkarulla proves once again that his songs go straight to the heart. a credible and deeply moving live performer, he shines both on grand stages and in intimate settings.

jesse markin “folk (2019) was a good album, noir (2021) slightly better, and now pump is markin’s best album yet.” – aki nuopponen / soundi jesse markin released his third album pump on september 27, 2024. produced by totte rautiainen and receiving a full five-star review from soundi, the album thematically explores love. however, it is not a traditional love album in the usual sense. in his lyrics, markin reflects on the purest forms of love and considers the role of love in the world. true to his style, he continues his musical exploration across genres, creating a body of work that navigates between rap, electronic, afrobeat, pop, and rock. markin describes the album in his own words: “the album explores themes of connection, starting from the universal bond formed in the womb, symbolizing the purest form of love. this connection is fundamental and difficult to repair if broken. when we seek love and connection, we may look for it in misleading ways—through sex, drugs, or money. true connection, however, is unmatched and cannot and should not be forced. the album also highlights the power of love and empathy in a world full of division. but is love merely a unifying mechanism, or something more? sonically, i wanted to embrace the unknown, bringing together various genres and rhythms alongside electronic soundscapes. challenging myself has always been the foundation of my music, and on pump i feel that i have stretched the boundaries even further.” markin, originally from viljakkala and previously part of the band the megaphone state, rose rapidly with his 2019 debut folk. he collected two emma awards, a teosto prize, and was named artist of the year at the femma gala, as well as album of the year at the indie awards. his 2021 sophomore album noir, a stylish blend of various musical genres, continued the path set by his debut. critically acclaimed, noir earned markin an emma nomination in the rock category. international media has also taken note of the liberian-born finnish artist, with coverage from npr, kexp, american songwriter, fault magazine, afropunk, complex, clash magazine, and gq japan. markin returned to the spotlight in early 2024 by participating in umk, finland’s eurovision selection, where he finished fourth. his competition song glow has received significant radio play in finland and across europe, including germany, france, italy, ireland, and lithuania.

jv jv’s music career is long and prolific. he has collaborated with numerous artists, including eevil stöö, kriso, jodarok, and gasellit. jv has composed and produced a significant portion of his own catalog and has regularly appeared on other artists’ albums, both as a rapper and a producer. after a period of relative quiet, jv’s new album a.w.o.l. was released via dödstil in february 2025. the album’s sound and production blend wholesome gospel samples, lo-fi drums, and jv’s blunt vocal presence into a minimalist masterpiece. “this album is about a new life. this album is about passion for music. this album is also about loneliness and difficult emotions. this album tells where i’ve spent my time,” jv explains.

karri koira one of finland’s most popular artists, karri koira, released his second album, aina ja aina, on may 24. this is karri koira’s first full-length album in 12 years and follows his highly acclaimed live performances. in addition to his signature danceable sound, aina ja aina explores new, more organic musical shades that expand his artistic expression. the songs draw inspiration from themes close to karri koira’s heart, such as friendship, love, and close relationships. the album features 10 tracks, including the summer hit suoraan sydämeen, the emotional title track aina ja aina, and the dancefloor-ready i love u. “it took a long time to find the right direction and idea for what kind of music i wanted to make next. eventually, through curiosity and exploration, i discovered many new shades, moods, and feelings that haven’t been heard in my music before. softer, more sensitive colors. now it feels like this became exactly the album i wanted to make,” karri koira explains. production was handled by biniyam and karri koira, alongside a roster of top producers including veikka erkola, aleksi asiala, fractious frank, väinö karjalainen, and aaro630. the album also features contributions from acclaimed musicians such as jukka perko, mirella roininen, riku rajamaa, pekka nisu, shrty, and ossi maristo. karri koira’s platinum-selling debut album, k.o.i.r.a. (2012), has become a classic over the years, touching new audiences continuously.

m the artist m is the singer-songwriter minja koski. her albums tehtaantyttö (2017), näytän missä asun (2019), punainen ovi (2020), lauluja 1960-luvulta (2022), and mustarastaat tulivat (2024) have received critical acclaim, earned emma and teosto award nominations, and led to performances at a variety of domestic festivals. m’s narrative and danceable electropop is infused with folklore, otherworldliness, and feminine energy. in the world of m, animals, trees, death, the moon, and other strange guests all join the same party. anki sings in the volvo tape deck. live, m performs as a five-member band that skillfully blends electronic and acoustic soundscapes—without backing tracks. the shows offer a mix of emotion, joy, and everything in between.

maija vilkkumaa maija vilkkumaa is one of finland’s most beloved songwriters and performers. she has received numerous awards, including the juha vainio prize for distinguished songwriting, the teosto prize, and multiple emma awards. her songs, such as satumaa-tango, ingalsin laura, ei, lottovoitto, and viimeinen elämä, have become hits across four decades. as a live performer, vilkkumaa and her energetic, stylish band are unparalleled. currently, maija vilkkumaa is experiencing a new creative surge and a powerful period of artistic growth. she is in the process of composing new music; her previous album, 1973, was released in october 2022.

mary ann hawkins helsinki-based mary ann hawkins cemented their place as finland’s flagship surf rock act with their debut album released in 2022. the self-titled record received rave reviews both domestically and internationally. even before that, the band had already become a talking point in the finnish music scene thanks to their ecstatic live performances and two cult-status self-released eps. extensive touring across finland and europe further established their reputation. the band’s second album, released in february, helsinki surf city, is a twelve-track gateway into the world of mary ann hawkins. a world where foamy waves crash as high as helsinki’s skyscrapers, and the city’s sounds invite listeners to dive into the whirlpool of rock ’n’ roll. shimmering streets echo with the melancholy sound of guitars, like a siren’s call, drawing the listener into a surf rock cinematic universe. reality and dream blend seamlessly, and soon the listener finds themselves surfing through the night-time city, illuminated by its glowing lights. it’s a beautiful, fast-paced, and slightly frightening journey, at the heart of which lies danceable surf rock. the album delivers the dynamic mary ann hawkins surf sound that fans and critics have come to expect. mostly instrumental, the record continues where the debut left off, but the band refuses to simply meet expectations—they bring new flavors to the table. this time, a few tracks feature vocals, with collaborators who are true stars across finland’s music scene. on the lead single beatlesin viisaat sanat (“the wise words of the beatles”), top finnish rapper stepa joins the band. yöjuna (“night train”) evokes cinematic moods perfectly embodied by legendary artist marko haavisto. rock ’n’ roll sydän (“rock ’n’ roll heart”) is poised to become a rock classic, featuring the enigmatic artist maria stereo. the closing track, ison cityn valot (“lights of the big city”), elevates mary ann hawkins’ artistry to new heights with ethereal and intensely powerful vocals by minja koski, known as m. in recent years, mary ann hawkins has been celebrated for their versatile performances, appearing at front-row festival stages, skate event afterparties, conquered central european venues, and domestic concert halls. the band’s distinctive sound fuses traditional surf rock and twang with cinematic textures, often enhanced by lead saxophone, creating atmospheres ranging from spaghetti westerns to high-energy rock mayhem. their elegant visual presentation and short-film-style music videos have captivated fans and critics alike, earning the band acclaim as one of finland’s best live acts and the new rulers of surf rock.

mc koo mc koo is a helsinki-based rapper who has been making music with all his heart for 14 years. mc koo released his debut album koon maailma in april 2017 and his singles kuuma mimmi and kolamies have garnered hundreds of thousands of listens on streaming services. the artist's music videos have garnered almost 800 thousand views on youtube. in march, mc koo released a new ep called kiertorata, which received very good reviews on the lyömättömät -program. according to the creators of the program, kiertorata ep is the best album from mc koo so far, and the songs work perfectly live. mc koo's concerts are full of energy and the fireworks of good vibes only end when the last song is played. the artist is present at the gigs in a unique way and this guarantees a very special gig experience. in addition to the maestro himself, mc koo's live performances include vocalist lilli aro and lossi t, who works as a dj and doubler.

mikko joensuu mikko joensuu is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter whose latest album long ark was released in january 2024—his first in seven years. the 82-minute record, spanning ten tracks, has received praise as far as abroad. the album’s release concert at helsinki’s musiikkitalo in february was completely sold out. “the theme of long ark means two things to me; the great arc of human consciousness, or a vessel in which every human being can, for a brief moment, exist as a conscious being and experience connection, meaning, and their own existence.” – mikko joensuu between 2015 and 2017, joensuu released the amen trilogy—an extraordinary artistic work that earned him the prestigious teosto prize. he is also known as the vocalist of the band joensuu 1685.

new ro new ro is a helsinki-based singer, songwriter, and producer whose stunning vocal talent and sparkling personality win people over instantly. writing and producing her own songs has allowed her creativity to truly flourish in the studio. her debut album late bloomer, released in february 2021, reveals who she really is. it’s a complete, relatable, and beautiful coming-of-age story of someone who has found her own path—and her home. new ro’s sound is brighter than ever: a brilliant fusion of modern pop and r&b, flavored with nostalgia from the ’80s and ’90s. her infectious rhythms, intoxicating melodies, and killer hooks are in a league of their own. and on top of it all, new ro is hilariously funny—as every follower already knows. photos: hayley lê

päkä päkä’s first solo album menestysalbumi (success album) was released in november 2022. put out by pme records, the album tells deeply personal stories ranging from gratitude to arrogance, showcasing the artist in a vulnerable light. “the theme of the record is success. in our society, there’s this recurring narrative where professional success is considered synonymous with happiness. that’s how i learned to think too. we chase after success, and when we finally achieve it, we’re left disappointed—because external validation or financial gain doesn’t solve our problems, and the same restlessness still lingers,” salminen explains. as a taste of the album, the single bensaa (“gasoline”) was released, about which klangi wrote: “the track is highly relatable, and päkä seems to be continuing just enough from where he left off with gasellit.” the album was produced by dj arsi (loost koos), with visa mäkinen (known for aivovuoto, among others) serving as executive producer. “i wanted the record to sound timeless, and i’ve been vibing with arsi’s work in that field since i was a teenager, so i asked him to join,” päkä says. since dj arsi was based in london, they brought in old friend visa mäkinen to help out in the studio. “in the end, visa’s role grew far beyond recording—he was coaching arsi on the beats and me on the raps,” päkä continues. päkä, real name pekka salminen, is a musician, author, and one of the three mcs of gasellit, a rap group that has grown into major popularity in finland. gasellit, founded in 2008 in oulunkylä, helsinki, has won emma awards in both the band of the year and rap/r&b of the year categories. alongside music, salminen has written gasellit: matka (2021), a biographical book chronicling the group’s story, as well as sä maksat (2017), a novel about graffiti-painting friends, co-written with his bandmate hätä-miikka.

pesso emma award-winning artist pesso, known for sold-out shows, released his fourth album sadboi in march 2024. renowned for creating strong, cohesive albums, pesso describes the new release as a project that brought him peace. “the sadboi album is a comfort record for myself,” pesso explains. the album features three singles: tennistä feat. pykäri, kauan (ihan liian), and kermavaahtoo. pesso is a singer, songwriter, and producer who writes, composes, produces, and arranges all his own music. prior to sadboi, he released the albums kunnes mä tapasin sut (2018), miks sä et oo niinku kaikki muut? (2020), and 33 (2022), solidifying his position as one of today’s most compelling artists and live performers. throughout his career, pesso has collaborated with artists such as gasellit, pehmoaino, pyhimys, f, karina, and yona. some of his most-streamed songs include 1000 viikkoo (feat. pehmoaino), haikee, and fye. interview requests:sony music finland / anniina antti-roikoanniina.antti-roiko@sonymusic.com

pyhimys pyhimys is currently on an indefinite performance hiatus. one of finland’s most popular artists, pyhimys is a long-standing rapper known for his clever, multi-layered, and thought-provoking lyrics. at the 2019 emma gala, pyhimys took home an impressive six emma awards, and he rose to massive popularity with his 2018 album tapa poika, which included the year’s most-streamed song, jättiläinen. this was followed in 2019 by the collaborative album olisinpa täällä with the band saimaa, led by matti mikkola. pyhimys’ most recent solo album, mikko, was released in january 2020. the artist went on an indefinite performance hiatus following his career-spanning pyhimys isona concert, held at a sold-out helsinki ice hall on september 10, 2022. pyhimys is also known as a member of teflon brothers and the late band ruger hauer.

raappana raappana is a long-standing artist who has brought summer vibes to finland year-round with his music since 2007. counted among the country’s most successful reggae artists, raappana has released one mixtape and five studio albums. among his extensive catalog, standout hits include maasta maahan, kauas pois, and chilii, featuring sini yasemin. the mega-hit chilii was one of the most-streamed finnish songs of summer 2016. raappana’s latest release is the kipinä takas ep, released in february 2024, and he is currently touring in support of the album. in addition to his own work, raappana has collaborated with some of finland’s top artists, appearing on tracks by jvg, asa, jukka-poika, and nopsajalka.

rebekka holi in the music of helsinki-based singer-songwriter rebekka holi, delicate folk, playful storytelling, and raw grit intertwine to create an irresistible combination. the lyrics are often built on small observations and fleeting moments – sharp-eyed poetry of everyday life. holi’s third full-length album vyöry will be released in autumn 2025. the singles “saippuoita haistelemaan” and “tämä kirahvi” have already been released as previews from the album. holi has previously released the albums posliinijättiläinen (2021) and kukkaan (2024). the cover art and visual design of her releases are also created by holi herself. in 2025, she received the alternative of the year award at the indie awards gala, recognizing her distinctive and bold artistry. in addition, the music video for kukkaan won the kultapumpeli award at the oulu music video festival. the video was praised for its clean and gently humorous style, built around a simple idea.

robin robin (robin sene), a rap artist from siilinjärvi, released his debut album in march 2025. the album maailman reunalla (“at the edge of the world”) was preceded by five singles, including ikuinen elokuu (ft. sexmane), which made it onto ylex’s playlist and has already gone gold. creating energetic and empowering music, robin released his first single, sanottavaa, in late spring 2023, and his career has been on a steady upward trajectory since. “i started making music about two years ago when i released my first single, sanottavaa. this year i’m releasing my debut album maailman reunalla. the album was made from start to finish together with my good friend and producer steezy joe. over these couple of years, my perspective on music has become much clearer. at first, i just got excited about writing music following my little brother adi on youtube beats. the more i made, the more i wanted to make. so i started writing music at our grandma’s house whenever i could get the place to myself, sometimes with grandma in another room wearing headphones. i discovered something completely new that i truly loved, and i still love making music every day. nowadays my days mostly revolve around music—i’m either in the studio or at grandma’s writing music. the album really began to take shape at the start of 2024. i noticed my lyrics were improving, the songs getting better with each attempt, and my passion only grew. the album came together very naturally because i had so much to say. by the end of the year, i realized i finally had a complete work i was satisfied with.” – robin with his intense live energy, robin has performed not only his own shows but also on the stages of ruisrock and blockfest alongside his brother sexmane, as well as at the helsinki festival as part of the brothers’ joint ihmeperhe show.

saimaa things are going strong for saimaa. the band, captained by matti mikkola, released two five-star albums within just six months in 2024, and nearly all of their album release tour shows have sold out. known as a hypnotic live act, the group’s vol. 6 and vol. 7 albums have received exceptional praise from both critics and audiences. the works also earned them the emma award for schlager of the year. “…the band sounds fresh, new, and with such an incredible range of styles that you never want the record to end.”★★★★★ / etelä-suomen sanomat “at once grandiose yet rooted, popular yet proggy, singable yet nerdy—and everything in between. this is an album that could just as easily be found on every dad’s or granddad’s shelf as on a high schooler’s spotify playlist, proving the group’s ability to create boundary-crossing music in an accessible way for everyone.”★★★★★ / soundi “it’s downright fantastic that the band has once again decided to go all in—on their own terms and in all their glory.”★★★★★ / karjalainen “vol. 6 is a classic song collection. the vocalists deliver the goods all the way through the harmonies. the arrangements are crafted with great skill, versatility, and ambition—traditional handiwork polished down to the finest detail. they’re five-star quality.”★★★★★ / helsingin sanomat “it’s clear that saimaa’s place is—and will remain—among the very top finnish bands.”★★★★★ / keskisuomalainen made up of top musicians, saimaa’s musical journey is free-spirited and unrestricted. while the band draws influence from classic rock, prog, folk, and even traditional finnish schlager, the end result is a catchy and approachable whole. the addition of new vocalists unna kortehisto, liisa anastasiadis, nelli saarikoski, and kimmo härmä also brings a new level of depth to the group’s sound.

sami & jorma the sparkling keikarit stage show by sami sykkö and jorma uotinen is a tribute to life, aesthetics, and grand emotion—performing with flair, charm, and uncompromising style! masters of style, culture, and life, the duo tackle current phenomena and legendary stories in their show—leaving nothing half-done. keikarit hits straight to the core without detours. the performance is full of joyful surprises, and uotinen’s unforgettable songs make the evening even more celebratory. their first keikarit show at savoy theatre sold out in just 24 hours, and more performances are on the way! the duo is also known from their hugely popular sami & jorma podcast. sami sykkö is a journalist, lut university professor of working life, economist, style expert, and traveler. jorma uotinen is a professor, choreographer, singer, judge on tanssii tähtien kanssa (finland’s dancing with the stars), and a true luminary.

scandinavian music group the beloved scandinavian music group has been delighting audiences with their original music for twenty years. with nine studio albums to their name, the band draws its strength from lifelong friendships and a shared desire to create something new. the result has been a long career that has seen smg move from cool guitar rock to folk songs and then on to elegant art pop. at the heart of the band's music, however, have always remained the melodies of guitarist joel melasniemi and the lyrics of soloist terhi kokkonen, from which the listener cannot be mistaken. live: terhi kokkonen - vocals pauliina kokkonen - vocals joel melasniemi - guitar and keyboards antti lehtinen - drums miikka paatelainen - guitar oskari halsti - bass miika pylkkänen - keyboards jukka nykänen - mixing smg trio: terhi kokkonen - vocals joel melasniemi - guitar antti lehtinen - keyboards and sound design jukka nykänen - mixing

seksikäs-suklaa seksikäs-suklaa is a finnish artist, media personality, and true all-round entertainer, frequently producing both hit songs and hilarious social media videos. his first hit, niiku97, released in 2016 in collaboration with dosdela, put him on the map. later that year, bandida, released with vg+, became one of the most-streamed songs in finland on spotify. bandida remained in the spotify finland top 50 for weeks and has now been streamed nearly 15 million times. seksikäs-suklaa’s latest single, sisään ulos, was released in november 2024. in addition to live music performances, seksikäs-suklaa is equally skilled at hosting events and putting on larger showcases.

senya rap/r&b artist senya empowers her listeners with her music, which exudes confidence and "main character" energy. the artist, who also appeared on ylex's breakthrough list, has collaborated with many top producers such as md$, danitello, and fractious frank. senya's debut album vastaukset was released in 2022. the artist is currently working on her second album, of which we have already gotten a taste in the form of singles such as varaa and ikoni. the most recent single tekijä was released in april 2024. during 2023, in addition to her own songs, the artist could be heard performing on kiki's sokerii, evelina's ei paineita, maxin's tÄÄ ilta, and hassan maikal's ketä me huijataan songs. interview requests: sony music finland / mira hakomäki mira.hakomaki@sonymusic.com

sexmane one of finland’s most popular artists, sexmane, will release his new album sanansaattaja (the messenger) on november 15. known for his explosive live shows, the artist will embark on an album release tour in spring 2025. the tour kicks off in february at sibeliustalo in lahti and culminates in may at olvi arena in kuopio. tickets go on sale monday, november 18 at 9:00 am. sexmane, real name max sene, has established himself as one of finland’s most-streamed artists. the rapper, who grew up in the village of siilinjärvi, has had as many as 18 songs simultaneously on finland’s spotify top 50, and he repeatedly sells out venues on his phenomenon-level live tours. his previous album tour ended this spring with a sold-out show at helsinki ice hall. the final concert showcased sexmane’s unique charisma, explosive energy, and captivating live presence—earning praise from both critics and fans. on the concept album sanansaattaja, listeners will hear a deeper and more sensitive side of the artist. the songs touch on topics such as mental health, religion, and cancel culture. sanansaattaja is not a hero, but a messenger whose words carry weight and are listened to. the album’s title track is a narrative and profound reflection on the artist’s life and pressures. despite his success, sexmane prefers to be a messenger rather than a hero: “i’m a messenger, not a hero—the voice is the strongest of all weapons.” the 18-track album features singles that have already climbed to the top of spotify charts this year, including hulluus saa mut huutamaan (“madness makes me scream”), riittämätön ft. tomi saario (“insufficient”), and mania, which reached the finals of the umk (finland’s eurovision selection). winner of the artist of the year emma award by a landslide last year, sexmane’s previous album sextape ii was released in january 2023. already double platinum, the album debuted as the 5th most-streamed new album worldwideon spotify during its release week. sexmane: sanansaattaja album release tour 2025 sat 22.2. – lahti, sibeliustalo (all ages / 18+)sat 1.3. – turku, logomo-sali (all ages / 18+)fri 7.3. – helsinki, Ääniwalli (18+)sat 15.3. – tampere, tavara-asema (all ages / 18+)sat 22.3. – seinäjoki, rytmikorjaamo (all ages / 18+)fri 28.3. – ruka, harmaa rinne (18+)sat 29.3. – joensuu, lunta ilosaaressa (all ages / 18+)fri 4.4. – m/s viking grace (turku–stockholm–turku)sat 12.4. – jyväskylä, lutakko (all ages / 18+)sat 26.4. – oulu, tullisali (all ages / 18+)sat 3.5. – kuopio, olvi arena (all ages / 18+) tickets: www.allday.fi/keikat/sexmane

stepa dubbed the voice of northern finnish rap, stepa released his latest album gettotekniikka in march 2024. known for a warm-hearted and conscious approach, stepa’s rhymes are full of horsepower and high-voltage energy. today, his music increasingly speaks to the value of time and life, while never forgetting life’s greatest forces: peace and love. stepa first gained wider attention with his debut album mc in 2008, which music magazine rumba called a new zero point for finnish rap. his next studio album, made in sodankylä, explored his relationship with society, the importance of positive thinking, and self-reflection—topics that remain close to his heart. in 2012, helsingin sanomat named the album …ja naksuvat luupit, made with aren, the best finnish rap album of the year. his third solo album, ultramagneettinen, reached as high as fifth place on the official finnish album charts, followed by henget, which delved into even deeper themes. the ep trilogy unelmieni teatteri (2019) flirted with schlager, hip-hop, and indie rock, serving as a prologue to his more melodic productions. summer 2022 saw the release of siistii räppii, followed by the 2023 collaborative album et voi pysäyttää meitä with eevil stöö and the solo album kodittomat, which collected tracks left off previous releases. stepa is also available for live performances with his band heimo ilman menneisyyttä.

ville ahonen in the early 2010s, minä ja ville ahonen released two critically acclaimed albums before quietly stepping away from the stage. in august 2023, singer and composer ville ahonen made his first public appearance in eight years, receiving an ecstatic reception. since then, he has returned with a handful of carefully selected performances—each of them selling out.

ville veikka ville veikka is a new-generation singer-songwriter who released his debut album lopulta in spring 2025. selected for ylex’s breakthrough list in 2023, ville veikka is known for his powerful, emotionally resonant lyrics and deeply affecting vocal performances. he previously released the eps tästä alkaa tulevaisuus (2022) and poika (2023). singles from the latter, including “poltetaan tää maa feat. ellis” and “100 asiaa,” reached spotify finland’s top 50 and helped propel him onto live stages. in addition to his own shows, ville veikka has performed as a support act for artists such as kuuma and antti autio. ville veikka’s music combines international indie and folk influences with the finnish singer-songwriter tradition. his upcoming album aims to further immerse listeners in his own musical world: “making an album has always been one of my biggest dreams. as a whole, it will be quite narrative and, hopefully, in some way magical. i want the record to bring a lot of light and hope. i write songs out of love for making music and always try to capture that feeling of excitement i experienced as a child when i first fell in love with music and playing instruments. i hope my music can convey genuine emotions, relatable stories, and in some way renew or continue the finnish singer-songwriter tradition,” ville veikka summarizes.

windows95man finland's this year's eurovision participant windows95man (teemu keisteri) is a well-known entertainer/dj/visual artist/radio host/dancer/model, widely appreciated in finland and throughout the world. he is a sweet and pleasant individual, a bit of a shy nerd during the daytime, but when he puts on his uniform — the infamous windows95 shirt and denim hotpants combo — and gets on the stage in the evenings, he transforms into a superman! dubbed finland's most entertaining dj, windows95man has toured extensively throughout finland in recent years, also making appearances overseas in places like japan, a finnair flight, and tenerife. his sets, consisting of 90s eurodance and techno hits, have combined with such intense live performances that the audiences have been left breathless. keisteri's endeavors and sometimes quite unique artistic content are followed globally. after years of waiting, the fans of windows95man finally got what they have long been craving. his debut single - 90s eurodance inspired fast tempo pop song no rules! has everything you could hope for in a complete self-esteem-boosting party-hard-and-dance-your-heart-out banger. no rules! got its world premiere in the final of umk, the biggest and most appreciated music contest in finland. the stunningly joyful supershow made of teemu keisteri’s maximum no rules attitude, henri piispanen’s unbelievable vocals and the mythical denim egg lead the duo to unexpected but indisputable victory and to eurovision 2024 in malmö. “no rules" is a guideline that keisteri has followed throughout his whole artistic career and adult life. it’s a simple phrase that commands you to forget how one should dress, look, love, or behave, according to the norms set by society. don’t let others define who you are — do what you love, and forget the rules! no rules! is composed and written by jussi roine, a friend of teemu keisteri. he got inspired by keisteri’s no rules! motto and came up with the lyrics and melodies while showering. since he really can’t use a computer or synthesizers to make music, he teamed up with his producer friend henri piispanen who helped him to turn his composition and sound ideas into reality. henri also sang the demo vocals on the track but since it was impossible to find a better singer, henri had no choice but hop on board.

yeboyah yeboyah is a helsinki-based artist, social influencer, and trailblazer who began her solo career in 2017 with the single broflake. her 2019 elovena ep and 2021 debut album perhosefekti earned her numerous emma award nominations, and her powerful live performances have been showcased at all the biggest festivals. currently releasing music through her own label, abenayo creative house, yeboyah’s new album emotional gangstawas released in may 2025. helsingin sanomat praised the album in a four-star review: “on her second album, yeboyah’s vision has become significantly clearer compared to her debut. the record tackles love and the challenges of the music industry, but beneath its themes and alter egos, emotional gangsta tells a singular story. the tapestry reveals yeboyah’s abundant world, full of color, playfulness, and richness.” – helsingin sanomat / catharina herlin

yona singer-songwriter yona is a superstar of finnish art pop. in her 12-year career, the chameleon-like artist has released a total of 8 studio albums, including the latest uni johon wään (2021) with the espoo city orchestra tapiola sinfonietta. to the whole country, yona became known as one of the most surprising stars of the autumn 2022 season of vain elämää. yona, who has determinedly grown her audience, has been awarded the prestigious teosto award, two emma awards, and the event of the year award for her sold-out album release concert at helsingin musiikkitalo. the artist was also nominated for the nordic council music award, which rewards creative and performing arts of the highest quality, for her new album. yona's music blends genres and decades in a timeless and personal way. the artist's energetic live performances are renowned for their skillful playing and singing, big emotions, and engaging dramatic arc. yona's band consists of: yona (vocals) juho kanervo (cello) antti kujanpää (keyboards) juhani grönroos (guitars) antti kivimäki (bass) tuomas timonen (drums) jaakko peltonen (lights) paavo malmberg (sound)

yrjänä yrjänä released his second album aurinkolapsi (child of the sun) on august 15. the 13-track record is a timely, airy, and bodily whole where shades of pop, r&b, hip hop, and hyperpop merge together. thematically, the album explores youth, summer, and inner growth. yrjänä handled most of the production himself—the soundscape is both visual and personal. the album also features guest appearances from leyla, sonia, baby blu, and jal. serving as a&r for the project was musician-producer miikka koivisto, known from the band ruusut. “i wanted to make a record you can put on in the morning and guarantee a good mood for the whole day. the album is about love for music itself, without caring about today’s pressure to constantly create new content. every single detail on the record has a purpose, because i don’t want to add more disposable stuff to this world.” – yrjänä yrjänä’s energetic live show filled bar siltanen’s terrace on a july summer evening, breaking the venue’s audience record for the season. the album was preceded by the surprise mini-album hki yksiö elämää (“helsinki studio apartment life”), released in july, which helsingin sanomat praised in its “best right now” section: “producer-artist yrjänä’s hyperpop-inspired mini-album is addictive listening. he has the rare ability to make his music addictive, which isn’t a given in finnish pop.” from aurinkolapsi, the singles cray, pidä huolta (“take care”), kovis (“tough guy”), open air, and valvomo (“night shift”) have already been released. these tracks showcase the album’s versatile aesthetic and open up its narrative, drawing from reggaeton influences, edm nostalgia, romantic introspection, and summer night grooves. in recent years, yrjänä has worked behind the scenes with numerous artists—his production has been trusted by the likes of sexmane, yeboyah, hassan maikal, and isaac sene. he began his solo career independently, and aurinkolapsi is his second full-length release.