Viherkatoiden

Viherkatoiden are a Finnish indie folk duo founded in 2012 in the coastal city of Turku. The group consists of vocalist and guitarist Arto Nieminen and multi‑instrumentalist Sini Välimäki, both of whom met while studying at the Sibelius Academy. Their name, which translates loosely as “Green Puddles,” reflects the duo’s affinity for the natural landscapes of southwestern Finland and the lyrical water imagery that permeates their songs.

The pair began performing in local cafés and university venues, quickly gaining a reputation for intimate, harmonically rich sets. Their debut EP, *Ilmanllemme* (2014), combined traditional Finnish folk melodies with contemporary acoustic pop arrangements and received praise for its evocative storytelling. In 2017 they released their first full‑length album, *Metsän Tyyli*, which featured a blend of acoustic guitar, cello, and subtle electronic textures. The single “Syke” from that album entered the national radio chart and earned the duo a nomination for the Emma Awards in the Best New Artist category.

Viherkatoiden’s recent work has explored themes of climate change and urbanization, culminating in the 2021 EP *Kylä* whose track “Jäljet” was shortlisted for the Finnish Music Prize. They have shared stages with internationally acclaimed acts such as Kaija Koo and Finnish indie stalwarts The Rasmus, and have performed at major festivals including Oulu Music Festival and Festival Tammerfors.

At present, Viherkatoiden continue to write and record in their home studio in Turku, while also touring extensively across Finland and sporadically in neighboring Nordic countries. Their current lineup remains the same as the founding duo, with occasional contributions from touring bassist Mikko Laine and percussionist Petra Koskinen.