Born and raised near the central Finnish lakeland city of Jyväskylä, Jaakko Eino Kalevi’s musical journey began in the mid-90s when he discovered the progressive metal of US rockers Dream Theater at age 11.

This kickstarted a trek through the diverse spectrum of music, followed by hip-hop, reggae, disco, techno, and whatever else he and his friends discovered on the internet. Eventually, Jaakko made his way to Helsinki.

It was there that he found his feet in the local music scene and in 2013, released his breakthrough EP, Dreamzone, while driving trams in the capital. He followed up the release by unveiling his first full-length album back in June.

The album marks the start of a striking new chapter for the now-Berlin-based artist and is already making quite an impression on the international stage. We recently caught up with Jaakko to get the skinny on what one needs to see and experience in Helsinki.

Essential Music Venues

Tavastia – The most legendary rock club in Finland. This year is their 45th anniversary.
Korjaamo – It’s a culture complex in Töölö, Helsinki. I used to live just next to Korjaamo and didn’t like it so much because it was so “clean”. Now when i go there I appreciate it.
Telakka – A cosy theatre/live venue in Tampere. They have one of the best saunas I have ever been to.

Essential Record Stores

Digelius – A legendary record store in Helsinki that specialises in jazz and classical music. The owner, Emu, is also a legend.
Green Grass Records ¬– One of the last record stores in Helsinki that smells like cigarettes. Affordable and suprising.
Keltainen Jäänsärkijä – The meat and potatoes of record stores. Has a reliable and good selection.

Essential Musicians / Bands

Rättö & Lehtisalo – Unbelievably profilic artists from Pori. Their most famous band Circle has been around since the early 90s.
Other bands worth mentioning are: Kuusumun Profeetta, Pharaoh Overlord, Teatteri Moderni Kanuuna.
Vilunki 3000 & Kaukolampi – These guys were very influential for me in my early career, and still are. They used to have bands such as Op:l Bastards and And the Lefthanded. Now they have the bands KXP, DJ Candle In The Wind.
Jimi Tenor – A living legend with a huge career. His solo shows are amazing.

Essential Albums

Op:l Bastards ‘The Job’
Kuusumun Profeetta ‘Kukin Kaappiaan Selässään Kantaa’
Esa Kotilainen ‘Ajatuslapsi’

Essential Record Labels

Helmi Levyt
Love Records
Ektro
Svart

Jaakko Eino Kalevi Australian Tour Dates

Friday, 9th October 2015
Melbourne – Friday Nights at Catherine The Great, NGV

Saturday, 10th October 2015
Sydney – Newtown Social Club

Sunday, 11th October 2015
Brisbane – The Zoo

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