Maija Kauhanen

www.maijakauhanen.com

Weaving together polyrhythms and organic beats, Maija Kauhanen creates unique soundscapes and compelling grooves.

Folk musician, singer-songwriter, and kantele artist Maija Kauhanen is an explosively powerful and versatile one-woman orchestra who has rapidly built an impressive international career. The foundation of Kauhanen’s art lies in the Finnish-Karelian tradition, including its instruments as well as playing and singing techniques.

Central to Maija Kauhanen’s strong performances are the stories and lyrics of her songs, which often focus on the fates of women of different ages. The texts address challenges in relationships, domestic violence, and fears, but also include joy, comfort, and hope.

Kauhanen specializes in the rare Saarijärvi kantele from Central Finland. She plays the kantele in various tunings and with different playing styles, using her fingers, tiny wooden sticks as plectrums, a cello bow, an E-bow as well as other preparation materials like Blu Tack. Her percussion set consists of a kick drum, juju bean shaker, cymbals, wind bells, enamel pots and bowls, silver plates, metal muffin tins, trays and assorted kitchen utensils found at flea markets.

Multi-awarded Maija Kauhanen is one of the most internationally successful folk musicians from Finland and has toured over 30 countries around Europe, Asia and America. In 2023 Maija won the prestigious Nordic Council Music Prize as a recognition for her international solo career.