Alatalo is known for its versatility.
Mikko Alatalo and award flowers. Marika Raitanen
Singer-songwriter, musician, journalist, former MP and city councillor Mikko Alatalo has been awarded at this year’s Iskelmä-Finlandia.
The recognition for the work done for light music is worth 10,000 euros and is awarded annually by the city of Nokia.
The prize was awarded for the 20th time and was presented by the chairman of the Iskelmä-Finlandia council Turkka Mali and the chairman of the Nokia city council Arja Laitinen At the opening of the Tapsan Tahdit event at Nokia.
– Mikko Alatalo is a multitasker who masters many branches of music. He has written most of his songs with his partner Harri Rinne with. The repertoire also includes songs by himself and with Juice Leskinen.
– Alatalo loves the genres of music they perform, regardless of how popular they happen to be at any given time. He has also been a diligent visitor to Finnish pubs and clubhouses, a real workaholic, Mali comments
– I greatly appreciate receiving the Iskelmä-Finlandia award. A part of this award definitely also belongs to Harri Rintee. I feel that this is also the performer’s reward for 6,000 gigs and 3 million driving kilometers, Alatalo is happy.
A remarkable musical career
Alatalo’s musical career began with the Coitus Int orchestra, which he founded together with Harri Rinnee and Juice Leskinen in 1971.
In 1975, Alatalo moved on to a solo career. In his songs, he especially described the Finnish countryside and migration.
– I feel that it was important to tell about the disappearing countryside, migration to Sweden and the lives of people who are becoming urban. Later, for this reason, I was also asked to join politics, Alatalo says.
Alatalo really gained popularity with its four Autumn Sävel wins: Vicky Lee (1978), Rikoo is at risk of being ugly (1980), My grandmother and the toss (1981) and Minna (1986).
Alatalo’s musical repertoire is extensive. It has accommodated pop, rock, iskelmä, country and advertising music as well as Puuhamaa’s theme song and interpersonal ballads. In addition, Alatalo has become known for its children’s songs such as Shoe bag.
Alatalo has released more than 50 albums and recorded a total of more than 700 songs.
Many of the songs are well-known classics: Rock singer, Stay a while longer, Girls want to have fun, Give me a cut, Light snacks, Guardian angel and Kiiminkijoki.
Alatalo has made songs for other artists as well. He has written, among other things Maartin made known Ice cream summer– song.
Alatalo has released more than 50 albums and recorded a total of more than 700 songs. Marika Raitanen
Iskelmä-Finlandia winners through the years: Mikko Alatalo (2022), Arja Koriseva (2021), Vicky Rosti (2019), Danny (2018), Markku Aro (2017), Suvi Teräsniska (2016), Pate Mustajärvi (2015), Katri Helena (2014), Pave Maijanen ( 2012), Pepe Willberg (2011), Laura Voutilainen (2010), Charles Plogman (2009), Olli Lindholm (2008), Eino Grön (2007), Paula Koivuniemi (2006), Jari Sillanpää (2005), Matti ja Teppo (2004) ), Kari Tapio (2003), Marion Rung (2002) and Antti Huovila (2001). The award was not awarded in 2013 and 2020.