Pekko Käppi and his band K:H:H:L (short for Kuolleiden Hullujen Hevosten Luut – "the bones of dead crazy horses") fuse traditional Finnish folk with the raw energy of psychedelic blues and rock. Their self-described sound, “Scandinavian voodoo,” mixes archaic grooves, layered rhythms, and a touch of distorted chaos. Central to it all is the jouhikko, a traditional Karelian bowed lyre, which Käppi electrifies and pushes into new sonic territory.
A singer, composer, and visionary performer, Pekko Käppi has reshaped how the jouhikko is heard, blending ancient tones with modern amplification and experimental textures. His songs explore themes of love, death, and myth, with a sound both primal and hypnotic – equal parts swamp blues, folklore, and trance.
Käppi is also a trained ethnomusicologist and researcher, specializing in Finnish runo singing traditions. He teaches part-time at the Sibelius Academy, bringing his deep knowledge of folk music into both the classroom and the stage.
With performances at WOMAD Chile, FMM Sines, Tuska Festival, Eurosonic, and Seoul Music Week, Pekko Käppi & K:H:H:L have built a strong international presence. Their music is haunting, danceable, and utterly unique – echoing with the secrets of Finnish forests and the ghosts of ancient songs.
