Northern Tunes: Bridging Canada and Finland Through Music

Haloo Helsinki, Olli Halonen, JVG album covers

Bridging Canada and Finland Through Music

My journey into Finnish music started with the pop sounds of Haloo Helsinki, marking the beginning of an exploration into Finland's rich musical heritage. This discovery was not merely about finding new songs; it was about understanding the cultural context behind the music. The varied sounds, from Haloo Helsinki's energetic pop to J. Karjalainen's classic melodies, offered a broad perspective on Finnish music and its evolution.

Connection Through Melody

I was particularly struck by the way Finnish music mirrored the landscapes, seasons, and even sounds of Nova Scotia. The shared experiences of long winters and the love for the natural world are themes deeply embedded in the music of artists like Olli Halonen. Songs such as "Pohjola" resonated with me on a personal level, highlighting the deep connections between Finnish and Canadian cultures through their appreciation of nature and resilience against long, cold winters, enjoying the warm albeit short summer months, and always getting back up whenever we fall (both metaphorically and literally when it comes to walking on icy sidewalks).

A Sample of my Finnish Playlist

Diving deeper into Finnish music, I've compiled a playlist that spans a wide range of genres and eras, reflecting my personal exploration of Finland's musical landscape. This collection of 50 songs, a sample of my hundreds of favorite finnish hits, includes not just pop hits but also dives into genres like Iskelmä (a Finnish music genre combining elements of traditional folk melodies with modern pop and rock influences, often featuring sentimental or romantic themes) and heavy metal, showcasing the diversity of Finnish music. It highlights how my musical tastes have evolved, embracing everything from the storytelling in Olli Halonen's songs to the energetic anthems of Haloo Helsinki.

Through this musical journey, I've gained not just a playlist but a deeper understanding of Finnish culture and its similarities to my Canadian roots. Here are some of my longtime playlist favorites: