Pagan spirits still slumber in the depths of the Finnish forests – Pauanne has set out to awaken them. The trio’s archive research has unearthed a wealth of songs from the long-lost, non-Christian tradition of Finnish folk music; stories of spells and curses, the dreams of shepherds, 17th-century witch hunts and magical iron fences that repel invaders. The violinist Kukka Lehto and Tero Pennanen on the Hammond organ and keyboards collect, arrange and further compose the repertoire while the percussionist Oskari Lehtonen provides rhythmic enhancement.
Pauanne is fascinated by the “outrageous beliefs” of the past and its endemic prejudices, paranoia, fear of foreigners and persecution of women.
In their songs and videos, they show that these traits are still very much alive, just dressed in modern clothes.
The debut album Pauanne was released in 2019 by Nordic Notes (DE).
Recently, Pauanne has performed at WOMEX Worldwide Music Expo, WOMAD Las Palmas, Folkelarm Oslo, Nordic Folk Alliance Gothenburg and Haapavesi Folk, to name a few. Members Kukka Lehto – violin, keyboards, archive tapes Tero Pennanen – hammond B3 organ, keyboards, archive tapes Oskari Lehtonen – drums, percussions, archive tapes
