Aino & Miihkali

Aino & Miihkali is a captivating Finnish duo that weaves together a rich tapestry of progressive folk jazz, Scandinavian nuances, and global influences. Formed in 2017, the duo consists of Aino Ruotanen and Miihkali Jaatinen, both hailing from North Karelia. Their music is deeply rooted in contemporary folk, pop aesthetics, afrogrooves, traditional poetry songs, jazz motifs, and progressive psychedelia. Drawing inspiration from nature, mythology, poetry, and contemporary phenomena, their compositions are seasoned with fresh improvisation, resonant strings, and intricate rhythmic patterns. Aino & Miihkali have released several notable works, including their debut album "Aino & Miihkali" (2019), and singles like "Akileijat" (2022) and "Fireworks" (2019).

The duo has toured extensively in Finland and abroad, including a tour in Germany in 2022 and the Finnish Folk Music Association tour in 2023. They are also known for their innovative arrangements and collaborations with diverse artists, as seen in their multidisciplinary concert series, the Aino & Miihkali Club, launched in 2023. This club brings together artists from various disciplines, complemented by the enchanting sounds of the kantele and banjo. Aino Ruotanen, a skilled kantele artist and singer, has a background in Scandinavian traditional and contemporary folk music, while Miihkali Jaatinen brings his expertise honed at Berklee College of Music. Together, they create a unique sound that transcends borders and genres.