Indie schlager summer 2025 is here!

Joni Heinäkuu is a genderless poetry person going on fifty, and they have never grown up even though the years keep rolling by. Heinäkuu’s music is lyrics-driven indie schlager, always centred around emotions. Feelings come through in the melodic hooks, the themes of the lyrics and the humanity of the songs. The music is influenced by the independent greats in Finnish pop and rock, in particular. In their own words, Heinäkuu came to earth to remind the listeners of the eternal power of music:

“I have been writing songs for years, mostly as therapeutic outlets for myself as I wrestle with my emotions and mental health. The songs are a combination of dreams, lived experience and fates that I have experienced, met or sometimes even just thought up for people I see on the streets. Most of them are true, though. I wish that people could find something positive for their lives in my songs. If that happens for even one person, it will have been worth it.”

In addition to Heinäkuu’s music, genius producer Pekka Saukkonen has produced innumerable hits and gay anthems. In addition to music for other artists, Saukkonen has composed his own music, and a curated selection of these songs from over the years will now be heard as performed by the artist himself.

The Espa gig will also feature a group where these two people who feel differently join forces and shake hands for diversity and love. Guitar, song, keyboards and a sly use of live electronics will be accompanied by a varying number of guest musicians.