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Based in Kokkola and originally from Alavus, Antti Paalanen is a folk musician, accordionist, and throat singer.

His instrument of choice is the diatonic two-row accordion, which he first picked up at the age of eight – the same instrument once played by both of his grandfathers.

Paulanen is fascinated by the idea that South Ostrobothnian folk tradition and Mongolian throat-singing can naturally coexist within a pop and rock framework – and now he wants to bring that idea to a wider audience.

His musical journey took him from community-college accordion circles to rock bands. After military service, he studied folk music at the Sibelius Academy, immersing himself in traditions ranging from rune singing to improvisation. In his doctoral studies, he composed new music for the diatonic accordion and systematically built his solo career.

His international breakthrough came in 2011 at a WOMEX showcase concert in Copenhagen. The release of the album Rujo (2019) elevated his international profile further, leading to performances across Europe, the USA, Japan, and especially France.

Paalanen’s vocal trademark is a growling style based on throat-singing technique. Using the kargyraa method, he produces a deep, rumbling sound through a special form of throat resonance.

– Whenever I start singing, I relax myself as well. It’s very therapeutic – there’s something deeply cleansing and spiritual about it, Paalanen says.

UMK26 Jury Statement:

– Antti Paalanen is an award-winning, Europe-touring innovator of his genre. The song features a brilliant lyrical hook that anyone can join in on. Antti is a master of his instrument and has a unique vocal sound that instantly grabs the listener. And if you thought vocal effects were used, think again – that sound comes directly from Antti himself through an ancient throat-singing technique. This has never been heard in UMK before.

The Grand Final will take place on 28 February 2026, when all seven competitors take the stage at Nokia Arena in Tampere. The two-hour live final is expected to draw around two million TV viewers, with about 20,000 fans attending in person, as Finland chooses its Eurovision representative for 2026.

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