Paula Vesala

Last updated
Paula Vesala
PMMP Lappeenranta 2013 4.jpg
Paula Vesala performing at Lappeenrannan Yöt 2013
Background information
Birth namePaula Julia Vesala
Also known asVesala
Born (1981-12-10) 10 December 1981 (age 42)
Kärsämäki, Finland
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actress
  • playwright
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • violin
  • guitar
  • piano
Years active2002–present
Labels

Paula Julia Vesala (born December 10, 1981) is a Finnish singer-songwriter, actress, and playwright. She was one of two singers and main lyricist in the pop rock duo PMMP along with Mira Luoti. Her solo career began in 2015 under the stage name "Vesala". She has composed songs for other well-known Finnish artists such as Vesa-Matti Loiri, Jenni Vartiainen, and Antti Tuisku.

Contents

Career

Education

Vesala attended the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where she studied music education and classical singing as well as the piano and violin. [1] Since 2011, she has studied dramaturgy at the Helsinki Theatre Academy and later at University of California, Los Angeles. [2] [3] Her 10-minute play "English Lesson" was chosen among seven others as one of the best in the national Theater Masters 10-minute playwriting competition. [4]

PMMP (2002–2013)

Paula Vesala, Ilosaarirock 2012 Paula Vesala - Ilosaarirock 2012 2.jpg
Paula Vesala, Ilosaarirock 2012

PMMP was a Finnish band fronted by singers Paula Vesala and Mira Luoti and backed by musicians Mikko Virta, Juho Vehmanen and Heikki Kytölä. PMMP has been called one of the biggest and most important bands of the 2000s, as the band had a huge impact on the music scene in Finland. PMMP's albums were produced by Jori Sjöroos, who also wrote the music for all songs. The lyrics are written by Paula and Mira, mostly Paula. The name of the band is often said to be an abbreviation of the phrase "Paulan ja Miran Molemmat Puolet" (both sides of Paula and Mira). In an interview on Finnish talk show Krisse Show, they stated that the name of the band is derived from the names of its members: Paula, Mira, Mira, Paula, similarly to ABBA.

PMMP first became well known in Finland for the 2003 summer hit Rusketusraidat (Tan Lines). They then enjoyed great success with their second album Kovemmat kädet (Rougher Hands), which went gold (double platinum in 2010). An extended version of the album was released in August 2005. Oo siellä jossain mun, a single from the aforementioned album, is PMMP's biggest hit so far in Finland.

In November 2006, PMMP released their third album Leskiäidin tyttäret (Daughters of a widowed mother), which went platinum on the day it was released.

They released an album labeled Puuhevonen (Wooden Horse) featuring contemporary takes on traditional children's songs in 2007, around the time their first children were born. In 2009, they released their fourth rock/pop album Veden varaan (Overboard, or Afloat) and their fifth album Rakkaudesta (Out of love, or About love) was released in 2012.

The band was an acclaimed live act. PMMP played their final concert on October 27, 2013, at the Helsinki Ice Hall which, along with an additional show on the night before, sold out within the first minutes after ticket sales opened. [5] [6] [7]

In 2013, PMMP was awarded by the Ministry of Education and Culture in Helsinki with the Finland Prize. The Prize gives recognition to important figures in the Finnish cultural landscape across widely varying fields. The pop-duo were "commended for offering new role models for young women." [8]

Awards

PMMP has won a total of nine Finnish Grammys. [9] The categories are:

Solo career (2015–present)

In October 2015, Paula Vesala announced that in the future she would make music under the stage name Vesala. [10] Her first single "Tequila", written and composed by her, was released on October 23, 2015, and her first solo album on June 17, 2016. [11] The album sold platinum in just over a month. [12]

As a lyricist and composer

Paula Vesala has composed and written songs for other artists such as Johanna Kurkela, Jenni Vartiainen, Vesa-Matti Loiri, Martti Saarinen, Katri Ylander, Tiktak, Petra Gargano, Antti Tuisku, Anna Abreu, Uusi Fantasia, Freeman, Katri Helena, Jippu, Samuli Edelmann, Stig, Jesse Kaikuranta and Aṣa. She has composed music for Finnish theater, including for the play Neljäs Tie directed by Esa Leskinen  [ fi ] shown at the Finnish National Theatre in 2013. [13] In 2016, she received the Juha Vainio Award, an annual award given to a significant Finnish lyricist. Vesala was the 26th person and the 5th woman to receive the award. [14]

As an actress

Vesala acted in a silent film called Myrsk [15] (Tempest) by director Elina Oikari at TaiK in 2013, playing the role of Prince Ferdinand. She has provided the Finnish voice for several movies including Tinker Bell , Happily N'Ever After , Arthur and the Minimoys , High School Musical 1 , 2 and 3. She translated Benny Andersson's, Lars Rudolfsson  [ sv ]'s and Björn Ulvaeus' musical Kristina från Duvemåla , [16] [17] and the ABBA songs in the musical Mamma Mia! [18] from Swedish to Finnish for Svenska Teatern.

Other projects

Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi

Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi (Kollektiivi for short) is a Finnish band formed by Kerkko Koskinen (Ultra Bra) with Vuokko Hovatta (Ultra Bra), Paula Vesala (PMMP) and Manna. In January 2014, Paula Vesala informed that she had left the group. She was replaced by Maija Vilkkumaa. [19]

Kollektiivi has released two albums, Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi (which won the Finnish gold record music prize) in 2012 and 2 in 2014.

Vain elämää

In 2014, Paula Vesala took part in the 3rd season of Vain elämää with Samuli Edelmann, Elastinen, Paula Koivuniemi, Vesa-Matti Loiri, Jenni Vartiainen, and Toni Wirtanen. The season aired from September 19, 2014, to November 7, 2014. At the end of the 3rd season, the compilation album Vain Elämää – Kausi 3 (ilta) was released under the label WEA / Warner. The album topped the Finnish Albums Chart. The compilation album Vain Elämää – Kausi 3 (päivä) that reached number two in Finnish Albums Chart was released. [20]

Personal life

Paula Vesala is from the Finnish town of Kärsämäki. On November 8, 2014, Paula Vesala married her longtime partner Lauri Ylönen, the lead singer of The Rasmus in Las Vegas; the couple filed a marriage statement on December 29, 2014, and the marriage was registered in Helsinki on January 5, 2015. [21] [22] [23] They have a son Julius, who was born in April 2008. [24] [25] The family moved to Los Angeles in Autumn 2014. [26] [27] [28] On September 26, 2016, the couple announced their divorce after a 12-year relationship through an official statement. [29]

Discography

Albums

With PMMP
YearAlbumPeak
position [30]
Certification [31]
2003 Kuulkaas enot!
  • Released: 5 September 2003
  • Record label: BMG
6Platinum
2005 Kovemmat kädet
  • Released: 9 March 2005
  • Record label: Sony BMG
  • Also special release
    Kovemmat kädet (Kumipainos)
22× platinum
2006 Leskiäidin tyttäret
  • Released: 15 November 2006
  • Record label: Sony BMG
1Platinum
2007 Puuhevonen
  • Released: 14 November 2007
  • Record label: Sony BMG
3Platinum
2009 Veden varaan
  • Released: 25 November 2009
  • Record label: Sony Music
1Platinum
2012 Rakkaudesta 1Gold [32]
2013Hitit16
Paula Vesala & Pekka Kuusisto
YearAlbumPeak positions
FIN
[33]
2011Kiestinki
(with Pekka Kuusisto)
12
Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi
YearAlbumPeak positions
FIN
[34]
2012Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi10
Vesala
YearAlbumPeak
position [35]
Certification [31]
2016Vesala
  • Released: 17 June 2016
  • Record label: Etenee, Warner
1Platinum
2023Näkemiin, melankolia
  • Released: 10 February 2023
  • Record label: Etenee, Warner
1

Singles

Vesala
TitleYearPeak positionsAlbum
FIN
[35]
"Tequila"20154Vesala
"Tytöt ei soita kitaraa"2016
"Älä droppaa mun tunnelmaa"5
"Pahanilmanlinnut"202110
[36]
Näkemiin, melankolia
"Uu Mama"202212
[37]
"Nopee Hopee"
(with Kaija Koo)
19
[38]
Non-album single
"Miks pitää itkeä" (featuring Aali)202317
[39]
Näkemiin, melankolia
With PMMP
NameYearPeak positions Certification
[31]
Album
Single
list

[40]
Download
list

[41]
Radio
list
[42] [43]
50 Hits
[42]
"Rusketusraidat"20031112GoldKuulkaas enot!
"Niina"42
"Joutsenet"878
"Kesä-95"
"Päiväkoti"20051338Kovemmat kädet
"Kovemmat kädet"
"Oo siellä jossain mun"1667
"Kumivirsi"
YleX:n Kesäkumibiisi
Kovemmat kädet – Kumivirsi edition
"Pikkuveli"12
"Matkalaulu"73Kovemmat kädet
"Henkilökohtaisesti"200612Leskiäidin tyttäret
"Tässä elämä on"2007412
"Joku raja"116204
"Kesäkaverit"47
"Kiitos"
"Täti Monika"Puuhevonen
"Viimeinen valitusvirsi"20091211Veden varaan
"Lautturi"441Gold
"Pariterapiaa"121919
"Lapsuus loppui"9
"Heliumpallo"20121111Rakkaudesta
"Rakkaalleni"251
"Tytöt"
"Pahvinaamari"
"Valloittamaton"20138Hitit
Various appearances
YearTitlePeak positionsAlbum
FIN
[33]
2014"Sori"1 Vain Elämää , Season 3,
Elastinen Day
"Miten ja miksi"10 Vain Elämää , Season 3,
Samuli Edelmann Day
"Sua vasten aina painautuisin"19 Vain Elämää , Season 3,
Paula Koivuniemi Day

Filmography

Films

YearMovieRole
2010 Princess nurse Elsa
2012 Naked Harbour music teacher
3 Simoa Eeva, single parent
2016 Little Wing Siru Miettinen
2017 The Unknown Soldier Lyyti Rokka
2023 Comeback

TV Series

YearShowRole
2014 #lovemilla TV-Gitta
Angry Birds Stella Gale (voice)

Animation films

YearMovieRole
2006 Asterix and the Vikings Abba
High School Musical Taylor McKessie
Happily N'Ever After Ella / Tuhkimo
Brother Bear 2 Nita
Arthur and the Minimoys Selenia
2007 High School Musical 2 Taylor McKessie
2008 Tinker Bell Tinker Bell
High School Musical 3: Senior Year Taylor McKessie
Disco Worms Gloria
Bolt Penny
2009 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Sam Sparks
2010 Konferenz der Tiere Bonnie
2011 The Magic Crystal Jaga
2012 Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings Tinker Bell
2013 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Sam Sparks
Lotte and the Moonstone Secret Lotte
2014 Tinker Bell and The Pirate Fairy Tinker Bell
Planes: Fire & Rescue Dynamite
Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast [44] Tinker Bell

Bibliography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ville Valo</span> Finnish singer

Ville Hermanni Valo is a Finnish singer, songwriter and musician. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the gothic rock band HIM.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ultra Bra</span> Finnish pop/rock band

Ultra Bra was a Finnish band, formed in 1994 by Olli Virtaperko and Kerkko Koskinen and disbanded in 2001. The band will make a comeback in 2025 with two concerts at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauri Ylönen</span> Finnish singer-songwriter (born 1979)

Lauri Johannes Ylönen is a Finnish singer-songwriter, best known as the co-founder and frontman of the Finnish alternative rock band The Rasmus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PMMP</span> Finnish pop rock band

PMMP is a Finnish pop rock band fronted by singers Paula Vesala and Mira Luoti and backed by musicians Mikko Virta, Juho Vehmanen and Heikki Kytölä. The name of the band is often said to be an abbreviation of the sentence "Paulan ja Miran Molemmat Puolet", which can be translated in English as "Both Sides of Paula and Mira". However, in an interview on the Finnish talk show Krisse Show, they stated that the name of the band comes, like ABBA, from the names of 4 of its members: so PMMP is Paula, Mira, Mira, Paula. PMMP's albums were produced by former Thergothon drummer Jori Sjöroos, who also wrote the music for all the songs. The lyrics are written by Paula and Mira. The band is an acclaimed live act.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vesa-Matti Loiri</span> Finnish actor, musician and comedian (1945–2022)

Vesa-Matti "Vesku" Loiri was a Finnish actor, musician and comedian, best known for his role as Uuno Turhapuro, whom he portrayed in a total of 20 movies between the years 1973 and 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katson sineen taivaan</span>

"Katson sineen taivaan" was the Finnish entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979, performed in Finnish by Katri Helena. The song was written by Vexi Salmi, and composed by Matti Siitonen; Better known under his stage name Fredi, Siitonen previously took part in the contest, representing Finland as a singer in 1967 and 1976 with the songs "Varjoon – suojaan" and "Pump-Pump" respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jenni Vartiainen</span> Finnish pop singer (born 1983)

Jenni Mari Vartiainen is a Finnish pop singer. Before her professional musical endeavours, she was a figure skater in her teenage years and attended the Kuopio Senior High of Music and Dance. Vartiainen rose to publicity by winning the Finnish talent show Popstars in October 2002 with Susanna Korvala, Ushma Karnani and Jonna Pirinen. The four formed the band Gimmel that released three studio albums, sold over 160,000 records and received three Emma Awards, accolades for outstanding achievements in music, awarded by the Finnish music industry federation, Musiikkituottajat. The band broke up in October 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauri Tähkä</span> Finnish musician and recording artist

Jarkko Tapani Suo, professionally known as Lauri Tähkä, is a Finnish musician and recording artist. He was a leading member in the former band Lauri Tähkä & Elonkerjuu.

Kerkko Klemetti Koskinen is a Finnish musician. Koskinen was the founding member and lead figure of the band Ultra Bra. He composed nearly all of Ultra Bra's songs and was the band's pianist. His most well-known solo songs are "Rakkaus viiltää" and "Sateentekijä" ("Rainmaker").

<span title="Finnish-language text"><span lang="fi" style="font-style: normal;">Juha Tapio</span></span> Finnish musician (born 1974)

Juha Leevi Antero Tapio is a Finnish singer, songwriter and guitarist. His album Mitä silmät ei nää (2003) sold gold and the album Kaunis ihminen (2006) reached platinum. He is married to Raija Mattila, and together they have two sons, Mikael and Akseli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Haloo Helsinki!</span> Finnish pop rock band

Haloo Helsinki! is a pop rock band from Finland, founded in 2006. They have released five studio albums, all of which have reached the top ten on the Finnish Albums Chart. From 2007 to 2012, the band were signed to EMI Finland and as their principal collaborators switched to a Sony sub-label, Ratas Music Group, the band followed suit. In 2013, Haloo Helsinki! became the first Finnish artist whose four consecutive singles have peaked at number one on the Chart of commercial Finnish radio stations.

<i>Hyvästi, Dolores Haze</i> 2010 studio album by Johanna Kurkela

Hyvästi, Dolores Haze, released in 2010, is Johanna Kurkela's fourth studio album.

<i>Seili</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Jenni Vartiainen

Seili is the second studio album by Finnish pop singer Jenni Vartiainen. It was released by Warner Music Finland digitally on 31 March 2010, with the official physical release following on 14 April. From 31 March to the official physical release date, the album was sold at €19 in conjunction with Ilta-Sanomat. The album was re-released on 14 January 2011, in a limited vinyl edition. The Finnish-language album, incorporating electro and synthpop elements along with melancholic piano ballads, is named after the island Seili, located off the south-west coast of Finland. The album was produced and co-written by Jukka Immonen with Vartiainen writing also two of the songs. The main lyricists were Teemu Brunila and Mariska who contributed to the thematical dualism of the album—Brunila wrote the happier songs about publicity and finding love while Mariska wrote the lyrics for the songs that deal with darker and more serious themes, such as death. Another lyricist was Paula Vesala. Vartiainen participated more in the production than with her debut album Ihmisten edessä, by playing for example piano and kantele.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pihla Viitala</span> Finnish actress

Pihla Viitala is a Finnish actress. She studied acting at the Helsinki Theatre Academy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mikael Gabriel</span> Musical artist

Mikael Kristian Gabriel Sohlman, professionally known as Mikael Gabriel or MG, is a Finnish rapper. He has released six solo albums and appeared as a featured guest on songs by artists such as Cheek, Lord Est, Robin and Uniikki. In 2016 Mikael Gabriel made his acting debut in a horror film Bodom, inspired by the 1960 Lake Bodom murders, and also appeared in the Antti Jokinen film Pahan kukat. He participated in the fifth season of the music reality television series Vain elämää and was one of the judges on the second season of the Finnish version of X Factor in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pauli Hanhiniemi</span> Finnish singer and musician

Pauli Hanhiniemi is a Finnish singer, songwriter and musician, who was born in Alavus. Starting his career in 1982, he formed the famous Finnish rock band Kolmas Nainen in 1982. After the break-up of the band in 1994, he formed Pauli Hanhiniemen Perunateatteri that performed until 2005. He later joined Hehkumo, a band with more traditional sound. In 2009, the highly popular Kolmas Nainen returned with two new studio albums and great commercial success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ville Valo discography</span>

The solo discography of Finnish singer, songwriter and musician Ville Valo consists of one studio album, one collaboration album, one extended play, ten singles and four music videos. He has also made several guest appearances on other artists' releases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erika Vikman</span> Finnish singer and songwriter (born 1993)

Erika Vikman is a Finnish singer and songwriter. Beginning her career as a Finnish tango singer, Vikman first received recognition after winning Tangomarkkinat in 2016. She later received further nationwide attention following the release of the single "Cicciolina" in 2020, which became her first top five hit in Finland. Her debut self-titled studio album was released the following year, and topped the charts in Finland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mira Luoti</span> Finnish singer

Mira Anna Maria Luoti is a Finnish singer and actress, best known as co-frontwoman of the band PMMP with Paula Vesala.

References

  1. "Biografia: Paula Vesala", PMMP.fi. Archived 2009-09-30 at the Wayback Machine (luettu 22.6.2007)
  2. http://www.teak.fi/Opiskelu/Koulutusohjelmat/Dramaturgian_koulutusohjelma_BA_MA/Opiskelijat Teatterikorkeakoulu, dramaturgian koulutusohjelman opiskelijat
  3. "Paula Vesala: Muutto Kaliforniaan?". Me Naiset. 25 July 2014.
  4. "Dramaturgian opiskelija Paula Vesalan näytelmä menestyy USA:ssa".
  5. "PMMP jätti tunteikkaat jäähyväiset". Helsingin Sanomat. 28 October 2013.
  6. "PMMP jätti haikeat hyvästit Jäähallissa – katso viimeinen haastattelu". Helsingin Sanomat. 27 October 2013.
  7. "PMMP:n jäähyväiskeikka näytti, miksi yhtye ei ole 2000-luvun Ultra Bra". Rumba.fi.
  8. "Finland Prizes awarded to a wide range of cultural figures". Yle Uutiset.
  9. fi:Emma-gaala
  10. "Soolouran aloittava Paula Vesala julkaisee ensisinglensä nimellä "Vesala"". Warner Music. Archived from the original on 2016-01-26. Retrieved 2016-07-20.
  11. "Paula Vesala julkaisi ensimmäisen soolosinkkunsa – kuuntele tästä". MTV.
  12. "Vesalan esikoisalbumi myi platinaa reilussa kuukaudessa: "En tajua"". MTV.
  13. Vuori, Suna (2013-01-18). "Paula Vesala ja Tapani Rinne säveltävät teatterimusiikkia". Helsingin Sanomat. Retrieved 2016-12-22.
  14. ""Usein viittaan menneisiin lauluihin" – kulkurisieluinen Paula Vesala sanoittaa huomista". YLE.
  15. "models – TinjaSalmi".
  16. "Björnin ja Bennyn upea musiikki". www.jamsanseutu.fi.
  17. LilyLuna. "Use Your Illusion And Enter My Dream: En annan värld".
  18. "Konstnärligt team Finland – MAMMA MIA! Helsinki". Archived from the original on 2014-12-17. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  19. "Maija Vilkkumaa korvaa Paula Vesalan Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivissa". Helsingin Sanomat. 24 January 2014.
  20. "Vain elämää". Nelonen.fi.
  21. "Paula Vesala ja Lauri Ylönen: Avioehto". mtv.fi.
  22. Mika Seppänen. "Paula Vesala ja Lauri Ylönen solmivat avioehdon – naimisiin marraskuussa". Ilta-Sanomat. Archived from the original on 2015-12-20. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  23. "Paula Vesala ja Lauri Ylönen – uraparin avioliitto".
  24. Katri Utula. "Linnan juhlat". Ilta-Sanomat. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009.
  25. Pauliina Leinonen. "Lehti: PMMP-Paula ja Rasmus-Lauri saivat pojan". Ilta-Sanomat. Archived from the original on April 20, 2008.
  26. Outi Pippuri. "Gloria: Tällaista on Paula Vesalan arki Los Angelesissa". Gloria.
  27. Visa Högmander. "Paula Vesala elämästä Los Angelesissa: Se ei ole mikään paratiisi". MTV.
  28. Visa Högmander. "Los Angelesiin asettunut Lauri Ylönen: Olen panostanut perheeseen". MTV.
  29. YLE. "IL: Paula Vesala ja Lauri Ylönen eroavat". YLE.
  30. "finnishcharts.com - Discography PMMP". finnishcharts.com.
  31. 1 2 3 "Musiikkituottajat – Tilastot – Kulta- ja platinalevyt".
  32. "PMMP myi kultaa – Katso uusi musiikkivideo! – Radio Nova". Radionova.fi. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  33. 1 2 "Paula Vesala discography". finnishcharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  34. "Paula Vesala discography". finnishcharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  35. 1 2 "Discography Vesala". finnishcharts.com. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  36. "Singlet 40/2021". Musiikkituottajat . Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  37. "Singlet 8/2022". Musiikkituottajat . Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  38. "Singlet 36/2022". Musiikkituottajat . Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  39. "Singlet 7/2023". Musiikkituottajat . Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  40. "finnishcharts.com – Discography PMMP". Hung Medien finnishcharts.com. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  41. "Latauslista.fi: Artistit – PMMP". Archived from the original on 2012-06-15. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  42. 1 2 Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (1st ed.). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 235. ISBN   978-951-1-21053-5. "Listablogi: Rumban 50 hittiä -listan 50 menestyneintä hitintekijää vuosina 1992–2007 – 47. PMMP" . Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  43. Miika J. Norvanto. "Helinäkeiju ja mikä-mikä-hirviön arvoitus – Kinovisio". Archived from the original on 2014-12-15. Retrieved 2014-12-15.
  44. "PMMP".