ENKEL
ENKEL – traditional girl power from Finland
ENKEL are a traditional music girl band from Finland made up of two melodeons, kantele, viola and four voices; four personable, unique and folky ladies with their instruments, sharing a great passion for traditional music, social folk dancing and telling stories through instrumental arrangements.
ENKEL’s working motto? “Tradition Forever!” That being said, growing up in the 90’s has unquestionably had an impact on the way they see music and the group are not afraid to let it show. Picking out interesting areas of the Finnish tradition and giving them new life by adding the distinctive ENKEL vibe, they craft strong and meaningful performances. Furthermore, the band aren’t afraid to explore a full range of emotions or to use the voice or dance to convey their message to audiences.
Their second album We Are ENKEL was released in the summer 2018 by a German label Nordic Notes. We Are ENKEL, as well as their first album Pappilan hääyö (Wedding Night at the Vicarage, 2016) were awarded Finnish Folk Music Album of the Year, receiving positive feedback internationally. We Are ENKEL was also nominated in the ethno categhory at the Finnish Music Awards (Emma Gaala). ENKEL was The Band of the Year 2019 of Kaustinen Folk Music Festival.
Leija Lautamaja: melodeon, voice
Miia Palomäki: melodeon, voice
Maija Pokela: kantele, voice
Iida Savolainen: viola, voice
Quotes about ENKEL:
"The musicianship from all four members of Enkel is exceptional. Any one of them is capable of virtuoso solos, and their polished arrangements are jaw-dropping at times: rich harmonies, choral singing, carefully choreographed stops and starts, as well as slipping in extra phrases or snippets of Spice Girls songs. You could almost believe that these four have special powers. They certainly deserve their image as superheroes of Finnish folk. We Are Enkel is a real treat, not to be missed!"
– Alex Monaghan, FolkWorld 7/2018
"I had forgotten that the treasure [Finnish folk music] existed but ENKEL threw it in front of me with all the joy they had. I was speechless, fascinated and I even forgot my snaps that got warm and watery while I was watching them performing."
– Director Kari Väänänen, Apu-magazine 09/2017
"Sex, brilliance."
– An audience member, July 2018