Thursday evening and a packed Keskipohjanmaa arena; there were also a lot of people outside on the grass listening. When Samuli Putro Singing and talking about bullying, harassment and peace, the young listeners in front of the stage memorize his words. Everything shows that there is a connection between the artist and the audience.
Samuli Putro came to Kaustinen more than willingly. He says he appreciates all the gigs, but of course there are some that he likes more – and Kaustinen is one of them! We called Samuli Putro when the band’s car from Helsinki approached Lapua on Thursday afternoon.
– The stage could not be more stylish at the festival. Kaustinen is, in its own way, one of Finland’s most prestigious events: a beautiful stage and a hugely high profile at the festival. The content is of high quality and the music genres are represented extensively.
Samuli Putro says he appreciates the fact that Kaustinen also gives opportunities to pop artists. He was the first time to perform here in 2011.
– I remember it well. First there was a solo gig indoors. Then we drank all night, and the next day there was a band gig in Tampere. The same week ended with a drive back to Kaustinen and a stage performance with the band.
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When Samuli Putro arrived in Kaustinen, he toured the festival area. – I was able to be at peace, and everyone was really friendly, he said at the beginning of the concert. Photo: Susanna Salokannel
First time as a lift operator in Kaustinen
A warm memory from Kaustinen is from 1998, when Samuli Putro stayed up all night as a lift operator on a deserted highway.
– I ended up in Alajärvi with my then girlfriend, and we managed to get tickets to the festival area. We had to take the lift back that evening, and we got a very comfortable ride to the Kyyjärvi intersection, but that was a disaster. It was nighttime, completely silent, not a single car. Soon, a little sadness began to set in as we watched the little kids on their bicycles, watching what kind of people were hanging out there. I then started shouting that we were in a bit of trouble – do you have any place where we could sleep?
The boys were able to tell that there was a flower shop a short distance away where the door to the cold store was usually open, because there was a sale of flower arrangements for emergencies there.
– It was an insanely good sleeping place. The morning dawned and we were back on the road.
The taxi also arrived, albeit a bit scary, because the driver had brought a grim-looking man from prison, who was celebrating his release in the car with a heavy-handed attitude. But everything went well, everything was fine.
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– Walk over if you see someone harassing or disturbing you. It’s difficult but walk over. This is for me too. Photo: Susanna Salokannel
Identity always northern Finn
The memories of the festival are related to Samuli Putro’s first retreat, away from Helsinki to write songs for his own peace. These personal ”song camps” he has organized for himself over the years. In recent years he has spent a lot of time at Ykspihlaja in Kokkola. So much so that Keskipohjanmaa-lehti wrote recently about rumors that the artist might actually be moving to Kokkola.
– How do permanent places of residence affect my life? I have been living in Ykspihlaja for several years now. It is a place where I enjoy myself and a place where I will continue to enjoy myself in the future.
– My identity is Raaseporin Finnish, northern Finnish. It doesn’t go anywhere, and I don’t want it to go anywhere either. I graduated from Raasepori and then went to Turku, where I had a lot of fun. Then I went to Helsinki.
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The trio also featured keyboardist-singer Tuukka Tuunanen and drummer-keyboardist Miikka Heikkinen. Was the music pop or folk? The audience gets to decide, in Samuli Putro’s opinion. Photo: Krista Järvelä
What happens to the artist after the gig?
Samuli Putro says that playing isn’t just about playing, but about touching.
– Meeting the audience is successful when you have peace of mind and enjoy performing.
Thursday night's audience sings along and loves Samuli Poutro's song more than any other. At the end of the show, he asks everyone to keep the good memories and forget the bad ones. The song begins with the title Life is a celebration.
The warm-hearted performance comes to an end For ordinary funerals. What happens in the backstage room of the Keskipohjanmaa Arena when the encore has been played and the audience has been cheered for the last time? In a phone conversation before the gig, Samuli Putro thinks like this:
– Clothing exchange, corking a wine bottle and packing a car. On Friday in Oulu, Suomipop; on Saturday in the same place in Jyväskylä.
The band from Kaustinen left for Kokkola for the night.
Main image: Susanna Salokannel
Text: Marita Salonen