From Finland to Europe: reflecting on the Maustetytöt tour

Masutetytöt is a Finnish music duo formed by sisters Kaisa and Anna Karjalainen. Their style combines melancholic lyrics with simple but catchy melodies, and they describe their music as inspired by everyday life and black humor. Maustetytöt achieved international fame when they appeared in Aki Kaurismäki's 2023 film Fallen Leaves. This year, the ambassador of Finland – H.E. Päivi Laine – personally invited Maustetytöt to play a concert in Warsaw to celebrate Finnish Independence Day. We had the pleasure of speaking with Kaisa Karjalainen, who shared with us details about the band's European tour, their experiences in Germany, Paris, and Warsaw, and how the journey has inspired them both personally and musically. 

The European tour is now complete, as is the last gig of 2024 (in Warsaw!). How do you feel now, and what was the reception like in Germany and Paris?

The feeling is one of tiredness but gratitude. We never even dreamed that we could tour outside of Finland. We’re not aiming for global fame, but we’re happy to be doing what we love. The reception in Germany and Paris was great once again. We’re still amazed that so many people came to see a Finnish band singing in Finnish.

With so many gigs, there must’ve been some memorable moments. Did anyone or anything in particular stand out? 

There were over 160 concerts on this tour, so honestly, it’s hard to remember each one in detail. What I really remember from abroad are the gig venues and everything that happened outside the gigs.

After the hustle and bustle of Europe, is Helsinki feeling okay now, or do you feel like retreating to the peace of the North?

It’s nice to be home. What I’m looking forward to most is sleeping in the same bed every night and having weekends off. Winter in southern Finland is what it is, so I’m sure I’ll spend some time escaping it in the north.

When you said on stage that the gigs are done and new music is on the way, I have to ask whether these European trips will inspire your lyrics.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. None of our songs are strictly autobiographical, but everything we’ve seen and experienced serves as material for the writer.

Our team is curious – would you ever write a song in English, or is it strictly Finnish for you?

I’m not currently interested in writing in English. I believe the best lyrics come from your native language. Only in your own language can you endlessly draw inspiration.

Back to Warsaw – how did Poland treat you? Were there any surprises?

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to see much of Warsaw beyond the airport, the venue, and the hotel. On these trips, you have to capture the scenery in your memory from the window of the airport taxi. The venue and its courtyard had a bohemian vibe!

I noticed how the audience reacted to what you were saying between songs. Was it different from back home?

Honestly, since it was the last show of the tour, I don’t remember exactly how the audience in Warsaw reacted. There were a huge number of Finns present, because it was an embassy Independence Day party. In general, audiences abroad are livelier than in Finland.

I’ve often noticed at heavy metal gigs that lyrics are interpreted in completely different ways in Europe compared to Finland. Have you encountered this, or do fans abroad have a different attitude towards the lyrics?

Definitely! In Finland, people often perceive our lyrics as sadder than we do. Abroad, we’re not sure how much the audience understands, though some fans do translate them. A German fan once told us that, after translating the lyrics, he thought it’s probably better that most Germans don’t know what they mean! Many in the audience have said they can feel the emotions of the songs, even if they don’t understand the words.

Many Finnish students abroad have chosen to study Finnish because of some musical inspiration. Have you ever heard of someone falling in love with Finland or our language through your art?

Yes! It’s amazing to hear. We’ve met fans in so many countries who’ve told us that.

And finally, what do you think about the fact that you've been on the local Radio 357's list for 39 weeks, longer than any other foreign artist this year? Is it a bit confusing, or is it a completely planned thing?  At first, I was like, "What the hell? This can’t be real." It’s strange, but also really cool!