Husky Rescue

Husky Rescue is back after a period of silence with the new lineup consisting of founding member Marko Nyberg with vocalist Johanna Kalén and guitarist Antony Bentley. Despite the change in members, Husky Rescue has held true to its unique sound. Through a mix of folk music, electro and catchy pop the group creates a magical sound which radiates the eerie beauty of Scandinavia. The band has recently been working on new material in Helsinki, Stockholm & Brooklyn, a taster of which we'll get in February.

Husky Rescue @
Tavastia 25 February
www.husky-rescue.com

We Love Helsinki

We Love Helsinki organises old school dances and other events that add to the cosy atmosphere of Helsinki. Another night filled with frocks and nostalgia takes place on New Year's Eve, so if you haven't made any plans yet here's a nice option for how to welcome 2012.

We Love Helsinki New Year's Dance @
Korjaamo 31 December
www.welovehelsinki.com

Mirel Wagner

Her songs may be slightly on the dark side, hard to listen to without a chill running down your spine to be frank, but that's exactly what makes Mirel Wagner. She's a young singer-songwriter from Espoo who has deserved all the praise directed her way during the past year. Wagner's self titled debut album released last spring has now been nominated for the Nordic Music Prize along with nine other brilliant Finnish musicians.
Well done!

Mirel Wagner @
Korjaamo 9 December
www.myspace.com/mirelwagner

Mirel Wagner - No Death from Aki Roukala on Vimeo.

First Aid Kit

If you don't already know who these freakishly talented Swedish sisters are, you've been missing out. They're young enough to have to skip school in order to do what they do best, but sound like a pair of musicians that have been around for a good old while. Amazing voices, beautiful tunes and deep lyrics are just the icing on the cake. There's no better way to get to know what these girls are made of than see them live. Lucky for us, a chance to do that is coming our way early next year when First Aid Kit delightfully comes for a visit.

First Aid Kit @
Tavastia 6 February
www.thisisfirstaidkit.com

Jenni Rope

A nice exhibition of new paintings by the talented artist/illustrator Jenni Rope is on show now at Ama Gallery. Her works are filled with lovely colours and textures and they play on funky shapes. She's also the co-founder of Napa Illustrations agency based in Helsinki.

Jenni Rope @ Ama Gallery
Rickhardinkatu 1
Until 18 December

Big Wave Riders

Big Wave Riders are yet another surf pop band to emerge from the land of the flat sea. Go figure how it's possible, but these guys pull of a sound that may just as well have originated in California in the 60s. The band has only been around for a year or so, but has already caught the attention of the music world of Helsinki and been snapped on the listings of Soliti Music. They play catchy indie tunes filled with energy and positive vibes. Keep an eye on these guys.

Big Wave Riders Live @
Korjaamo, November 26
Nosturi, December 11

www.facebook.com/bigwaveriders

It's funny things aren't gonna change by Big Wave Riders

Promise and the Monster

I first came across the beautiful voice of Swedish singer-songwriter Billie Lindahl aka Promise and the Monster in a café in Copenhagen. Instantly captured by the dreamlike sound, I had to find out who it was.

Lindahl's breathy vocals combined with experimental compositions create a unique sound that breathes Nordicness. Her second album Red Tide was released in September '11 and is a worthy follow-up for the '07 Transparent Knives.

Lindahl keeps a low profile and is still somewhat unknown to the wider audience. Let's hope, however, that we see her in concert here some day soon.

www.promiseandthemonster.com

Hoshito

A cute little Japanese Restaurant, Hoshito, popped up in Vallila a few weeks ago to our happy surprise. Already crowded most nights, the restaurant has gathered a loyal customer base quickly. It has surely deserved success with it's unique touch to the restaurant culture of Helsinki. Don't expect to find sushi on the menu here – Hoshito serves authentic dishes from the area of Kobe. Mouthwatering and delicious.

Hoshito
Mäkelänkatu 22

www.hoshito.fi

French Films

Golden Sea by French Films

Delivering sunny tunes from a cold land, French Films is a young and promising indie band emerging from Finland. The boys' first EP Golden Sea, was received with huge enthusiasm and the much awaited debut album Imaginary Future has claimed a bunch of praising reviews all the same.

Nice to see that the band has already been recognized overseas as well, with their tune "Take Me With You" being used in the trailer of the upcoming Billabong Surf clip. Nice one.

www.myspace.com/frenchfilmsofficial

Sävy

Kahvila Sävy is a little coffee bar that popped up in Helsinki last year. This wee place is run by a lovely couple who are a tad obsessed with coffee – and I'm not saying this is a bad thing! Sävy serves the best cuppa in this town, no doubt.

Sävy
Kinaporintie 1

Regina

Regina - Jos et sä soita by Universalfi

A taster of some nice pop tunes to match with sunshine and summer dresses from Helsinki based trio Regina. Their new album Soita Mulle has bounced them back on radio playlists and gathered them a whole new following. The breathy vocals on a backdropd of dreamy electropop does work pretty nicely.


www.reginaregina.com

Regina - Unessa from Regina on Vimeo.

Vallilan Tango

This lovely group of talented musicians is known from entertaining a crowd of people every May Day amongst the historic neighbourhood of Vallila. They breathe life into some old classics of the Finnish tango and may sneak in a jenkka or two as well – don't be surprised if this makes the crowd act in a peculiar way! If you have a chance to catch them live at one of their occasional gigs around the country, don't miss it.

www.vallilantango.net

Shine 2009

This Helsinki based electropop duo released its debut album Realism in the beginning of May. Their dreamy tunes transport you straight into a flouro coloured hazy discotheques of those gone days of the 90s. Here's a taster of what you're in for with a track featuring pop queen Paula Abdul. Oh yes.


www.myspace.com/2009shine

So Free (feat. Paula Abdul) by Shine 2009

Waiting for Flow

Flow Festival has just released the first list of artists that will hop on stage at the magical Suvilahti setting in Helsinki 12-14 August. The list with LykkeLi, Iron&Wine, Twin Shadow and the like is enough to get any music lover frothing, check it out.


www.flowfestival.com

Prince of Assyria

Swedish singer Prince of Assyria released his debut album Missing Notes in 2009 and is currently finishing a follow up for the highly praised piece. His songs journey on the continuous edge of darkness and light, creating an atmosphere of quiet longing. Beautiful and unique.

www.princeofassyria.com

Agnes Obel

Hailing from Denmark, Agnes Obel is a true gem waiting to be found. Her debut album Philharmonics was released in late 2010 and featured on the soundtrack of the haunting film Submarino. Obel has a charming deep voice and her touching songs are carried through with beautiful lyrics supported by the piano. Simply brilliant.


www.agnesobel.com

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