TSUUMI SOUND SYSTEM
TOPMOST NORDIC

'The energy is all there, plus an excellent combination of Finnish fiddle music with a jazz twist and a rock-steady rhythm section.'
Michal Shapiro

Jan. 18, 2025

SHORT BIO
Tsuumi Sound System is one of Finland’s internationally most notable modern folk bands. They started in the 1990's as a support band for a dance group, but soon went on their own and became very influential on the European Folk scene for their innovative ideas.
Rooted in the Nordic folk tradition, this seven-piece instrumental ensemble draws its strength from various influences. Fiona Talkington of BBC-Songlines describes them as "A dangerously addictive roller-coaster ride through Finnish folk, jazz, heart-wrenching ballad and unstoppable dance music, with a little Balkan edge" .
The band is known for their intense live performances and complex arrangements. .
Over the years, Tsuumi Sound System’s shows have gained wide popularity from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and from the UK to the USA. They have also featured a live session on BBC’s World on 3 at Maida Vale Studios in London, and received various awards for their albums.
Since 2007, the band has released four albums: Hotas (2007), Growing Up (2009), Floating Letters (2013), Blinking Light (2019), and Concert In Stereo (2023). The three first alums were co-produced with Swedish guitar legend Roger Tallroth of Väsen. Concert in Stereo is 70' of live music recorded across Europe between 2018 and 2021.
Twelve of TSS original songs have also been re-arranged to be played together with orchestra. The band has successfully collaborated with Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. All concerts in Germany were sold out.
Hannu Kella (Accordion) | Jani Kivelä (guitars) | Pekka Seppänen (saxophones) | Jussi Nikula (Drums, percussion) | Pilvi Jarvelä (Piano, harmonium) | Olli Rantala (Double bass) | Tero Hyväluoma (Fiddle)

BASIC INFO
Years active:
2007-present
Website:
Genres:
Nordic Folk, Urban Ethno Folk, Progressive Folk
Origin:
Finland
Travel party:
7 + 1
Management:
Tsuumi Sound System Ltd
Finland

2018

2013


2018
Discography:
Tsuumi Sound System
HIGHLIGHTS:
Lotus Festival, Arts Midwest Conference Showcase, International Accordion Festival (US); Sommer in Lesmona Festival w/ Die Deutsche Kammerphiharmonie Bremen, (DE); Shetland Folk Festival, BBC Live Sessions, LIFEM Festival (UK), Womex (GR), Tradit (NL); Nordjo, Folkalarm, North Norway, Vikedall Roots (NO), Emma Gala, Folklandia, Kaustinen, Faces, European People’s Festival, Haapavesi Folk, Korpoo Jazz, Eurovision, Helsinki Music Center, World Village Festival, Martta & Hollo Folk Fest (FI), Musiques d’à Coté, Cooksound Festival, Eurofonik (FR), Muziekpublique, Scottish W-E, Dranouter Festival, Gooikoorts Folk Festival (BE), Montelago Celtic Festival, Folkest, Touscouleurs, Itinerary Folk, Sentieri Acustici, Note di Notte, Classica & Dintorni, Castelfidardo (IT), Glatt & Verkerht (AU), Victoria Theater, Urkult, Eskiltuna, MOI Stockholm, (SE), Viljandi (EE); Odense Folk Fest, Tivoli, Global Copenhagen (DK) ; Malta World Music Festival (MA); Guinness Irish Festival (CH).XX