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