Antti Paalanen is one of the most distinctive voices in Finnish contemporary folk. His instrument – the diatonic accordion – is pushed to its absolute limits in a music that fuses pelimanni tradition with heavy electronic pulse, throat-singing, and minimalist intensity. The result is hypnotic, physical and uncompromising. Like a forest rave rooted in Nordic soil.
In recent years, Paalanen has toured internationally with his unique solo format, where every sound is shaped by breath, body and bellows. He calls his instrument the breathbox, and in his hands, it becomes a living organism: wheezing, pounding, rhythmically alive. Together with sound engineer Samuli Volanto, he builds a massive live sound – purely acoustic at its core, yet with the power of a full-blown dancefloor.
That the concert takes place on Halloween feels strangely fitting. Because while Paalanen’s music is deeply rooted in folk tradition, there’s something ancient and ritualistic in his expression. Like a solitary ceremony oscillating between stillness and storm.
In collaboration with our friends at Finlandsinstitutet.
LINEUP
Antti Paalanen – accordion, vocals
Samuli Volanto – live sound, mix
