Aino & Miihkali

Aino & Miihkali is a contemporary folk duo from Finland, mixing Nordic and Finno-Ugric soundscapes with global influences. Their songs balance the warmth of traditional acoustic instruments with the imaginative textures of modern electronica.

Aino’s expressive vocals and rhythmic kantele playing intertwine with Miihkali’s skilled guitar and banjo playing, creating the band’s distinctive sound. They have performed widely—from intimate concert halls to major festival stages—captivating audiences with their imaginative songs, warm presence, and dynamic performances.

Aino & Miihkali's artistic expression transcends borders, stemming from their North Karelian roots. Duo seamlessly weave together the rootedness of traditional music, modern indie-folk, narrative lyrics, and world music rhythms intertwined with elements of folktronica. Within their rich soundscape, one can hear echoes of pop aesthetics, afrogrooves, traditional poetry songs, jazz harmonies, cinematic textures, and even progressive psychedelia. Their songs reflect the world through a kaleidoscope of colors—where vivid storytelling, virtuosic musicianship, and harmonious vocals combine into a captivating whole.

Formed in 2017, Aino & Miihkali have released their debut album "Aino & Miihkali" (2019) along with singles "Akileijat" (2022), "Siri’s Runaway" (2018), and "Fireworks" (2019). They have extensively toured Finland, including 30 concerts as part of the "Outside the Box" tour in 2018 and their debut album release tour in 2019. In 2022, Aino & Miihkali embarked on a tour in Germany, followed by the Finnish Folk Music Association tour in Finland in 2023.

In addition to their touring endeavors, Aino & Miihkali showcased their innovative arrangements at the Konsta Jylhä competition in 2023 and began organizing their own multidisciplinary concert series. They have introduced the kantele and banjo to new audiences by collaborating with an impressive array of artists from different genres at the Aino & Miihkali Club in Karkkila.

The interdisciplinary Aino & Miihkali Club started as a hub for various art forms and diverse artists during the summers and autumns of 2023 & 2024. They curated performances where artists from different disciplines converged, complemented by the enchanting sounds of kantele and banjo.

”The duo is like explorers in sound. With playfulness, intuition, and spontaneity as their compass, they find unique sounds that form unique sound combinations, which in turn form a whole unique sound world that surprises and hypnotizes with its imagination.”
-LIRA MUSIKMAGASIN

"The intricacy of the interplay of stringed instruments and vocals has a jaunty playfulness that catches the ear."
"..invites your mind into the realm of the unconscious where various traditions of folk music and folklore intermingle and resonate with an expanded sense of human connection."
-Queen City Sounds & Art