ANTTI PAALANEN

(FI)

Antti Paalanen, born in 1977, is a pioneer of contemporary Finnish folk music who imaginatively connects tradition and innovation through the bisonoric (diatonic) accordion. This instrument, a century-old element of Finnish folklore, gains new life in Paalanen's hands as he explores its boundaries across different genres with innovative techniques and a dynamic, electrifying performance style.

Hailing from Southern Ostrobothnia, a region rich in pelimanni heritage (traditional music), Paalanen's talent emerged early. Between 1989 and 1996, he won the Finnish pelimanni accordion championship four times, and in 1999, he placed second in the world diatonic accordion championship in Austria. His academic journey at the Sibelius Academy, where he earned a master's degree in 2006 and a doctoral degree in 2015, further refined his skills.

Paalanen's discography includes four solo albums: "Äärelä" (2007), "Breathbox" (2010), "Meluta" (2014), and "Rujo" (2019). Several of these works have been critically acclaimed and received several awards in the Finnish music industry.

His music is a bold fusion of traditional Finnish melodies with Electronic Dance Music (EDM), where the familiar warmth of the accordion meets pulsating electronic beats. His performances are electrifying, often incorporating Siberian-inspired throat singing, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a modern Viking festival.

Paalanen's influence is global, with tours across Europe, the USA, Canada, Russia and Japan. In addition to his solo career, he has contributed to 15 albums with various bands and composed for major Finnish theaters, including the Finnish National Theatre.