Discovery of the Week: Vesala
A woman who can never be broken
In Finland, Paula had always been known as one half of the acclaimed and energetic outfit PMMP, serving as one of its two lead vocalists. At times, PMMP's work could border on madness, yet it always remained a breath of fresh air on the Finnish scene of the 2000s. The band possessed a distinct vision and steadfastly followed their chosen path, alternating between high-energy hits and melancholic tracks that left listeners reflecting on deeper things.
Over the course of their career, PMMP even released an album of children's song covers, earned numerous awards, and frequently made front-page headlines—not just for their music, but also for the vocalists' personal lives. However, all good things must come to an end. PMMP's decade-long career concluded with a greatest hits album, a farewell tour, and a major question for their fans: what comes next?
Over the course of their career, PMMP even released an album of children's song covers, earned numerous awards, and frequently made front-page headlines—not just for their music, but also for the vocalists' personal lives. However, all good things must come to an end. PMMP's decade-long career concluded with a greatest hits album, a farewell tour, and a major question for their fans: what comes next?
It is worth noting that both of the band's vocalists were always known for their high energy and involvement across almost all spheres of life. It was clear that, even if apart, they would continue to conquer the stage and every milestone within reach. And that is exactly what happened. Since this post focuses on Paula, we will take a brief look at her journey after the band she dedicated ten years of her life to ceased to exist.
Despite the somewhat lighthearted persona Vesala crafted during her time with PMMP, she was never a superficial individual. Paula graduated from the Sibelius Academy—Finland's premier music institution. She has worked extensively as a voice actress, performed in theater, and appeared in film and television (including Prinsessa, 3 Simoa, Little Wing / Tyttö nimeltä Varpu, a cameo in The Unknown Soldier, and others). Additionally, she worked as a translator from German, Swedish, and English—notably translating ABBA songs from the musical Mamma Mia! into Swedish and Finnish for the Svenska Teatern, as well as the Swedish musical Kristina från Duvemåla. Even before PMMP disbanded, Paula proved herself to be an excellent composer, writing songs for Johanna Kurkela, Jenni Vartiainen, Katri Ylander, Antti Tuisku, the legendary Katri Helena, and other popular Finnish artists.
Following PMMP's disbandment, Paula relocated to the United States with her family, where she continued her journey as a solo artist while simultaneously studying at a theater university. Her drama play English Lessons, which follows the daily life of a single mother and her son who have lost their empathy and their connection to their native Finnish language, debuted in New York and Los Angeles. It later won the American Master Playwright Festival competition alongside seven other short plays.
Yet, Paula's heart still belonged to music. Despite her heavy workload, she managed to assemble a team that helped bring her next dream to life. Thus, in 2015, work began in the US on Paula's debut album. All of the album's lyrics were written in Finnish, and the record itself was released through Warner Music Finland. Ahead of the album's release, Paula rolled out three singles: “Tequila,” “Tytöt ei soita kitaraa,” and “Älä droppaa mun tunnelmaa.” Each track was a synthesis of her complex reflections on life and the new experiences she had gained in America.
Despite the somewhat lighthearted persona Vesala crafted during her time with PMMP, she was never a superficial individual. Paula graduated from the Sibelius Academy—Finland's premier music institution. She has worked extensively as a voice actress, performed in theater, and appeared in film and television (including Prinsessa, 3 Simoa, Little Wing / Tyttö nimeltä Varpu, a cameo in The Unknown Soldier, and others). Additionally, she worked as a translator from German, Swedish, and English—notably translating ABBA songs from the musical Mamma Mia! into Swedish and Finnish for the Svenska Teatern, as well as the Swedish musical Kristina från Duvemåla. Even before PMMP disbanded, Paula proved herself to be an excellent composer, writing songs for Johanna Kurkela, Jenni Vartiainen, Katri Ylander, Antti Tuisku, the legendary Katri Helena, and other popular Finnish artists.
Following PMMP's disbandment, Paula relocated to the United States with her family, where she continued her journey as a solo artist while simultaneously studying at a theater university. Her drama play English Lessons, which follows the daily life of a single mother and her son who have lost their empathy and their connection to their native Finnish language, debuted in New York and Los Angeles. It later won the American Master Playwright Festival competition alongside seven other short plays.
Yet, Paula's heart still belonged to music. Despite her heavy workload, she managed to assemble a team that helped bring her next dream to life. Thus, in 2015, work began in the US on Paula's debut album. All of the album's lyrics were written in Finnish, and the record itself was released through Warner Music Finland. Ahead of the album's release, Paula rolled out three singles: “Tequila,” “Tytöt ei soita kitaraa,” and “Älä droppaa mun tunnelmaa.” Each track was a synthesis of her complex reflections on life and the new experiences she had gained in America.
- Tuuli TalvinenFounder & Editor-in-ChiefInterviewer