Vellamo is the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala. Their music is characterized by haunting melodies, Pia's ethereal lead vocals and Joni's virtuosic guitar stylings. They write instantly memorable songs in English as well as their native Finnish, and also perform traditional ballads from the Finnish and Scandinavian folk traditions. They are known for establishing a rapport with any audience: The duo has been touring around Europe, in New Zealand and five times in the US. Self-titled first album came out in early 2013, which was recorded in Vermont, US. Vellamo released their second album "Trad" in June 2014 and it was recorded with a full band. This folk-rock gem contains beautiful arrangements of traditional songs from the Finnish and Scandinavian traditions. You can hear how surf rock guitars and hillbilly country style is blended with the Finnish tradition as well as the echoes of Joni Mitchell’s music paint a David Lynch–like scenery. Third album “Koskenkylä” (Whitewater Village) was released in November 2015. This modern Nordic folk album features all original material written both in English and Finnish.


"There’s so much to like about Vellamo’s music, which has a strong, and intensely appealing, retro feel – kinda Trader Horne/first-album Fairport, maybe more than a hint of the Fariñas, with a touch of early-electric-Dylan/McGuinn jangle, get the picture? ”

- David Kidman/ FATEA Magazine (UK).


"Even foreign texts can shine like a star on a clear sky."

- Keys & Chords (Belgium).


“Nothing appears artificial, excessive or posed.”

- Country Jukebox (Germany).

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