Famous Finnish Musicians

Jean Sibelius was a Finnish violinist and composer. Widely regarded as Finland's greatest composer, Sibelius' music is credited with having kindled nationalism in Finland during the country's struggle for independence from Russia. His work has inspired other important composers like Douglas Lilburn. The International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, which is held every five years, is named after him.

Ville Valo is a Finnish musician and singer-songwriter. Valo is best known for his association with the gothic rock band HIM, where he performs as the lead vocalist. He is also credited with co-founding the band and has won many awards as part of the band. Ville Valo is also considered a sex symbol by many publications in Finland.

Tarja Turunen is a Finnish singer-songwriter and an exponent of heavy metal. She is credited with co-founding the popular symphonic metal band Nightwish, where she peformed as the lead vocalist. The band's symphonic metal style, which was referred to as opera metal, inspired several other bands and performers.

Saara Aalto is a Finnish voice actress, singer, and songwriter. She achieved national prominence in 2012 when she finished second in the popular reality singing competition, The Voice of Finland. She gained international recognition in 2016 when she finished second in The X Factor UK. Saara Aalto represented her country at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.

Alexi Laiho was a Finnish guitarist, vocalist, and composer. He was the founding member of the melodic death metal band Children of Bodom where he performed as the lead vocalist and lead guitarist. He also played the guitar for other popular bands like Sinergy, Kylähullut, and The Local Band. A celebrated guitarist, Laiho is credited with reintroducing flamboyance and melody to metal music.

Darude is a Finnish record producer and DJ whose music is characterized by its uplifting style. In 2019, he and Sebastian Rejman represented their country at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Look Away. Over the course of his career, Darude has won many prestigious awards, such as Finnish Grammy Awards and Golden Turntable DJ Award.

Sara Maria Forsberg is a Finnish singer, songwriter, and YouTube personality. She trained for a few years in a music academy in Jakobstad and began her career by posting videos on YouTube. In the mid-2010s, she signed to Capitol Records and released her debut single. She currently releases music as an independent artist. 

Michael Monroe is a Finnish multi-instrumentalist and rock musician. He achieved popularity as a member of glam punk band Hanoi Rocks, where he performed as a vocalist. Along with the band, Michael Monroe is credited with influencing many rock'n'roll bands and artists, including Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil, Slash, and Guns N' Roses. 

Raymond Ebanks is a British-born Finnish rapper. He is best known for his association with the popular hip-hop group Bomfunk MC's, where he performed as the frontman. When Bomfunk MC's disbanded in 2005, Raymond Ebanks started focusing on his solo career and continues to produce music.

Emppu Vuorinen is a Finnish guitarist best known for his association with the symphonic metal band Nightwish, which he co-founded alongside Tuomas Holopainen and Tarja Turunen in 1996. Emppu Vuorinen has also played in other popular bands like Brother Firetribe, Almah, and Altaria. 

Esa-Pekka Salonen is a Finnish composer and conductor. He is best known for his service as the artistic advisor and principal conductor of London's Philharmonia Orchestra. He is also associated with the San Francisco Symphony, where he serves as the music director. Esa-Pekka Salonen is one of the most renowned conductors and composers of his genaration.

Mr Lordi is a Finnish musician, special effect make-up artist, painter, songwriter, graphic designer, comic artist, and businessman. Mr Lordi is best known for founding the popular hard rock band Lordi where he performs as the lead vocalist. He has also contributed to the success of other bands like Rotten Sound and Domination Black.

Leena Peisa is a Finnish keyboard player who has played for famous bands like Lordi and Dolchamar. She is currently a part of Sampsa Astala & Qma, which was formed by Lordi's ex-drummer Kita. Leena Peisa is also renowned for playing an unearthly vampire countess named Awa, her on-stage persona while performing for Lordi.

Elina Siirala is a Finnish soprano best known as the front woman of the melodic metal band, Angel Nation. She is currently a part of the German symphonic metal band, Leaves' Eyes. Apart from releasing albums and singles, Elina Siirala also performs on stage. She is also known as the second cousin of musician and record producer, Tuomas Holopainen.

Tomi Joutsen is a Finnish musician best known as the frontman of the popular heavy metal band Amorphis. He also performs in several other bands, including Hallatar and Corpse Molester Cult, where he is active as a vocalist and guitarist respectively.

Leif Segerstam is a Finnish conductor, violinist, composer, pianist, and violist. He is credited with writing more than 340 symphonies as of 2021. Segerstam is also known for his energentic on stage performances which, along with his vibrant personality, has contributed to his fame.  

Jyrki 69 is a Finnish singer known for founding the popular rock band The 69 Eyes where he performs as the lead vocalist. His operatic bass-baritone and low vocal tone is reminiscent of singers like Peter Steele and Andrew Eldritch. Also a humanitarian, Jyrki 69 has worked in parts of West Africa and Kenya against social problems like child trafficking. 

Mige is a Finnish musician, bassist, and founding member of the popular Finnish gothic rock band, HIM. The band has achieved immense popularity and is already counted among the most successful Finnish bands of all time.

Paavo Lötjönen is a Finnish cello player who plays for the symphonic metal band Apocalyptica, which he co-founded along with Eicca Toppinen, Antero Manninen, and Max Lilja. Apart from his work for the band, Paavo Lötjönen also works as a cello teacher and as a skiing instructor.

Janne Wirman is a Finnish musician best known for his association with the band Children of Bodom where he performed as the keyboardist from 1997 to 2019. He is currently a part of Warmen, which he formed in the late 1990s.

Ilari Sahamies is a Finnish poker player who specializes in pot-limit Omaha cash games. Renowned for his trashtalk at the table, Sahamies is currently focusing on making money online. Ilari Sahamies is also credited with co-founding the online poker hub, Coinflip.com.

Juha-Pekka Leppaluoto is a Finnish musician who performed as a vocalist and songwriter for the band Charon until 2011. He is also credited with founding the acoustic rock group Harmaja where he performs as a guitar player, vocalist, and songwriter.  

Vesa-Matti Loiri is a Finnish actor, comedian, and musician. He is best known for his portrayal of Uuno Turhapuro, a role which he played between 1973 and 2004 in 20 films. Over the course of his career, Vesa-Matti Loiri also recieved several prestigious awards including A Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Nights Film Festival in 2010.

Juice Leskinen was a Finnish singer-songwriter who was voted 38th in the 100 Greatest Finns poll conducted during the summer of 2004. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most important Finnish singer-songwriters, Juice Leskinen is also remembered for his work as a poet and playwright.

Pekka Pohjola was a Finnish composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Although a classically trained violinist and pianist, Pohjola is best known as a bass player. He achieved popularity as the bass player of the band Wigwam, before embarking on a solo career. 

Linda Brava is a Finnish concert violinist. Regarded as one of the most accomplished and versatile players of her generation, Brava has explored various genres of music. Renowned for her good looks, Linda Brava has also tried her hand at acting, modeling, and politics.

Osmo Vänskä is a Finnish clarinetist, composer, and conductor. He has worked for the Minnesota Orchestra and Iceland Symphony Orchestra, serving as the music director and chief conductor respectively. Osmo Vänskä was also associated with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, where he was the chief conductor.