Mariska said it: Ilosaarirock is the best festival in the land!

Mariska is the chameleon of the Finnish music scene. She has done everything from hip-hop to punk, from folk favourites to her newest venture, pop music. Her gold-selling album ”Kukkuruu” is a poignant dose of beautiful pop songs. When asked about this new choice of genre, Mariska replies: “Why not pop music? Music is all about the feeling.” She says pop provides just the right kind of emotional background for the album’s grim texts. The lyrics reflect Mariska’s personal dialogue with death. For her, writing is a form of therapy.

Mariska & Pahat Sudet previously performed at the Sulo Club in 2010. Photo: Markus Korpi-Hallila.

Mariska began her ongoing tour in the spring and she’s loving it. “It’s been a pleasure getting on stage with some old faces and touring Finland,” she says. But there is also a sadder undertone: this summer’s tour marks last such endeavour for Mariska & Pahat sudet. The band made their decision to fold public on their Facebook page on the 26th of May. “The decision felt right, the band has reached the end of the line and it’s time for something new.” The group plays their last gig in Naantali on the 10th of August. When it comes to future plans and the next year, Mariska expects to write, stay still, and stay in good health.

Mariska promises to treat the Friday crowd at the Sulo Club to “a full-on show!” Her history with Ilosaarirock is a warm and fuzzy one. Her first memories of the Rock are from the mid 90s, and more recently she has observed the festival crowd from the Rento and YleX stages. “Ilosaarirock is the best festival in Finland. The atmosphere is incredible!” she exclaims.

For the festival crowd at this year’s Ilosaarirock Mariska wishes a weekend filled with love and going nuts!
Text: Katri Timonen
Photo: Markus Korpi-Hallila
Translation: Jyrki Laitinen