- country:Finland
- region:Northern Europe
- style(s):Folk, World Fusion
- label:Nordic Notes / CPL-Music / Folk Galore / Beste! Unterhaltung
- type:Large Ensemble
- instrumentation:vocal, electronic, pop group
- artist contact:Saura Booking Agency
Line up
- Abdissa Assefa (drums, percussion)
- Karoliina Kantelinen (vocals)
- Kukka Lehto (Violin, vocals, tapes)
- Tero Pennanen (Hammond B3, keyboard)
Links
Pauanne — Breathing Life Into The Past
Pauanne's music is a journey back in time, an exploration of Finland's and Karelia's deep musical history. At the heart of our band are two passionate musicians: violinist Kukka Lehto and keyboardist Tero Pennanen, whose tireless curiosity and dedication to uncovering historical stories breathe new life into old Finnish and Karelian songs. We bring forgotten melodies and archival recordings into the present, creating a sonic tapestry that not only connects the past with the present, but also provokes thought on contemporary issues such as cultural appropriation, the role of women, and the struggles faced by minority groups.
Our inspiration comes from the stories and sounds of those who lived long before us. When we listen to the songs of shepherds and the daydreams of rural life, we hear echoes of human experience that resonate today: stories of hardship, love, and defiance. These old songs, whether passed down orally or preserved in archival recordings, serve as both our muse and our mission to preserve and celebrate the past while sparking dialogue about the present.
The journey of Pauanne begins with the discovery of these hidden gems. Songs buried in archives, voices of singers and instrumentalists long gone. Kukka and Tero, driven by their shared curiosity and respect for these traditions, reconstruct and reinterpret these sounds with a modern twist. It’s about reviving history, letting these voices live on stage, and inviting them to speak once again through our arrangements.
Right now we’re living in the time of the release of our third album, Joku raja rakkaudessakin, in February 2025. This album is a unique fusion of old Finnish and Karelian songs, blended with contemporary themes that feel just as relevant today. Since its release, the album has found its way into media outlets and radio stations, reaching audiences in places like Germany, USA, and beyond.
Our renewed live band features Kukka, Tero, Karoliina Kantelinen (known also for her work with Värttinä), and Abdissa 'Mamba' Assefa. But what makes our performances even more special is the archival recordings we incorporate, where up to 40 folk singers and instrumentalists from the past join us on stage, creating a living, breathing connection between the dead and the living.
Throughout our journey, we’ve been fortunate to perform on stages like WOMAD (2021), WOMEX (2019), and Folkelarm (2021). Our tours in Sweden and the international attention our new album has received are steps toward expanding our reach. We are now looking to tour more widely, particularly in Sweden, Estonia, and Germany, while strengthening our presence at home.