Polenta – three fiddles and one guitar

It’s rare to find a band as unified as Polenta. This Finnish eight-handed organism breathes, moves, and dances as one, its three fiddles and one guitar in perfect harmony. The combined energy of these four musicians flows like an electric current, channeling the depth of Nordic tradition, the pulse of modern folk, and the pure joy of shared music.

Dancing in the footsteps of giants like JPP, Frigg, and Väsen, Polenta draws strength from the deep and vivid roots of Fenno-Scandinavian fiddle music. Expect flashy melodies, intricately woven harmonies, and dynamic, organic rhythms – all blending into a sound that feels both timeless and daring. Although rooted in classic folk dances like polska and schottis, their tunes aren’t afraid to occasionally stray into untraveled territory.

Polenta’s name carries a double meaning – beyond the Italian cornmeal dish, it’s also Finnish slang for stomping. And stomping is inevitable when their music takes hold. A favorite in the Finnish folk dance scene, Polenta’s driving rhythms invite listeners to move – whether it’s tapping a foot, swaying in time, or surrendering completely to the dance floor.

Polenta’s debut Kaustinen Turbo (2021) is a collection of newly arranged tunes from Kaustinen, while their second album Karkelo (2024) marks their evolution into composers of their own music. Karkelo was named Folk Music Album of the Year 2024 and earned a nomination at the Emma Gala (“the Finnish Grammys”) in the Ethno of the Year category. These accolades are a testament to the band's ability to honor tradition while pushing Finnish folk forward with fresh, original compositions.