Teosto and the Finnish festivals Provinssi, Pori Jazz and the John Smith Rock Festival have joined forces in the New Sounds campaign to discover the future names of Finnish music. From a record-breaking 5,800 public nominations, three emerging artists have now been selected to perform at next summer’s festivals. Chosen by the jury, Saga Mast (Provinssi), Helmi Antila Quartet (Pori Jazz) and St. Aurora (John Smith) will bring new energy and strong individual voices to the stages.
The aim of the New Sounds campaign is to strengthen the vitality of Finnish music and create space for fresh voices. Now organised for the third time, the campaign highlights music creators who are renewing the music scene and shaping the future of Finnish music.
“Everyone working in the music industry must ensure that new professionals and new music audiences continue to emerge. New Sounds is a concrete way to support this development and make sure that Finnish music remains healthy in the future as well,” says Vappu Aura, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Teosto.
In November 2025, an impressive 5,800 nominations were submitted to the campaign, from which a professional jury has now selected the winners. The winners are offered a performance slot at a main festival with standard performance fees, as well as additional visibility through the campaign’s communications.
Helmi Antila Quartet Brings Emotional Power to Pori Jazz
Helmi Antila Quartet is a group of young, technically skilled musicians with a strong musical identity. The quartet is known for a sound in which the openness and sensitivity of jazz meet modern songwriting in a way that feels simultaneously fresh, moving and timeless. The band performs Finnish-language songs written and composed by singer-songwriter Helmi Antila, where honest personal expression is woven into a rich harmonic texture. In addition to Antila, the ensemble features vibraphonist Mikko Antila, drummer Mooses Kuloniemi and double bassist Tuomo Purhonen.
The band is eagerly anticipating its performance on the Lokkilava stage:
“The atmosphere is excited—we’re really looking forward to performing this summer. It’s amazing to be able to play songs both from our album Kuvia Nuoruudesta (‘Images of Youth’) and also some newer, fresh material. This year we’re also focusing on making our next album—we’ll be heading into the studio in July!”
Showcasing Finland’s Diverse Music Scene
Through the 5,800 nominations submitted to the New Sounds campaign, more than 2,000 different artists or bands were highlighted. The shortlist has provided festivals with a valuable overview of the future of Finnish music. For example, Pori Jazz is offering all shortlisted artists the opportunity to perform as part of its free-admission programme.
“The Finnish music scene is diverse and rich. Among the winners, we saw clearly developed professional excellence, but also sufficiently distinctive, original and audience-engaging expression that will undoubtedly bring joy to festival-goers,” says Tommi Saarikivi, Chair of the Jury and Executive Director of the Music Foundation of Finland (MES).
Festivals will sign standard contracts with the performers and pay appropriate performance fees. More information about the New Sounds winners will also be shared via Teosto’s channels during the summer of 2026.
Read more about the campaign: https://www.teosto.fi/uudetsoundit
