Funky Finns was established in autumn 2019 when the core group of Mikko Pettinen Happy People joined forces with musician Antti Kleemola. This band of prominent musicians published its first full album United Souls (Eclipse Music) in spring 2023. The band’s songs are composed by Pettinen and Kleemola, and the lyrics are written by Jonnu Heikkilä who is also part of the band.

Many might know Funky Finns from their flashy videos and songs published during the pandemic. In summer 2020, their first single "United We Stand" was published in a Finnish Red Cross charity campaign against racism. The song features singers from six different countries: Joshua Ledet (US), Manuela Panizzo (Italy), David Silvah (Brazil), Xantone Blacq (UK) and Noel Saizonou (Benin) as well as Kleemola and Pettinen from Finland. All the musicians and singers involved recorded their part of the song in their own home studios due to the lockdown.

In January 2021, the band published another single "Very Dark Winter” with a feature from the rapper Bentality. The third single "Simpler Times" was published in September 2021, at which time singers Jepa Lambert, Jonnu Heikkilä and Tuukka Haapaniemi (Club For Five) had their moment to shine as guest stars.

The music of the assembly combines soul, funk, pop, afro and jazz. An essential part of the songs is the big number of singers whose voices harmonise magnificently on the album and in live shows. An important role is also played by the impressive horn section that complements the band's sound. Funky Finns call their music humane soul because their lyrics deal with important topics such as anti-racism, equality, non-discrimination, mental issues among young people and the power of working together.

Mikko Pettinen, vocals, Rhodes, trumpet, compositions
Antti Kleemola, vocals, Hammond, synthesisers, compositions
Onni Hinka, guitar, vocals, composition, lyrics
Sampo Tiittanen, bass
Markku Heikkilä, drums
William Suvanne, saxophones, flute
Hannu Lamminmäki, trombone, recording, mixing
Jonnu Heikkilä, vocals, lyrics
Jepa Lambert, vocals
Teemu Mattsson/Erno Tiittanen, trumpet
Joakim Berghäll, Bariton saxophone

Duration 1 h 30 min, incl. intermission

Kaikukortti event

Funky Finns

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