Finnish Musician Pehmoaino Discusses Art as Survival in Finland's Cultural Landscape

Finnish alt-pop artist Pehmoaino, whose real name is Aino, reflects on her artistic journey and the role of creativity in Finnish society in an interview from Dazed magazine's spring 2026 edition. The 25-year-old singer first gained attention after winning Finland's The Voice Kids at age 12, though she recalls the experience with mixed feelings due to anxiety. She later pursued poetry before returning to music on her own terms, releasing her debut single 'haluun takas mun perhoset' at 19, which became an early Finnish viral hit on TikTok. Pehmoaino describes her music as lyric-driven, influenced by her grandmother's poetry and her mother's therapeutic background, distinguishing it from Finland's popular Iskelmä genre. She performs with a blend of electronic synthesizer and cello, as seen at Helsinki Music Week in Temppeliaukio Church. With millions of streams despite Finland's small population of Finnish speakers, she embodies what she calls a typically Finnish humble approach to success. Pehmoaino notes that art serves as a vital means of coping with Finland's dark climate, and she draws inspiration from nature, having grown up in Oulu's Meri-Lappi region. She contrasts Finnish music culture with Sweden's more international scene, highlighting the strength of Finland's alternative music community, which flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic with outdoor gatherings. The artist also discusses her stage name, derived from 'Pehmo' meaning 'soft,' reflecting her nuanced themes of vulnerability and resilience.