Päivi Hirvonen blends tradition with cinematic soundscapes and modern pop elements. She toured for a long time either with the band Okra Playground or solo, accompanied only by a violin or jouhikko lyre. For this Finnish artist, however, the lyrics are almost more important than the music. On her album Kallio, she portrays the life of an adult woman with all its highs and lows: mental health, open relationships and childlessness. Her latest album, Maa palaa (The Earth is Burning, 2025), sees her explore humanity’s destructive treatment of nature and ourselves, such as the pull to drift into addiction or search in vain for a place in society. Her concerts feature defiant accusations alongside contemplative ballads, and rhythmic tornadoes alongside catchy pop tunes.

Photo: Antti Kokkola