-
Between two rain fronts, the day’s hero Kajaani basked in its birthday celebrations. Even the weather spirit gave its own gift to the city. The 375-year-old party animal had invited Mikko Alatalo to the festivities, who led the people in song on a stage built in the sports park. Familiar Alatalo hits were sprinkled appropriately among other well-received communal songs. The early morning timing didn’t get the crowd too rowdy, but everyone sang along and enjoyed themselves. Fitting the day’s theme, the song “The sun shines and the rain falls” could be heard as far as the neighboring block.
-
Mikko Alatalo reflected on the state of the countryside with a touch of melancholy. Twenty years ago, there were still people moving away, but now there are none left. In Alatalo’s view, one of the final blows would be if the forest discussion fails to gain momentum. Finland lives off wood, and who could take better care of the forest than the forest owner themselves. This was Alatalo’s message in a shortened form.
-
Alatalo recalled domestic couplet traditions and rillumarei culture through a few personalities. Of course, Juice cannot be left unmentioned, and naturally, Harri Rinne, Masi Luoma, and Vexi Salmi were also brought up. Alatalo also mentioned occasionally collaborating with Paleface, and he does appreciate rap culture—if not as a direct successor, perhaps as an heir to the couplet tradition.
-
From Kajaani, Alatalo’s journey continued to Oulu, and after a couple of days to catch his breath, the next stop is Parikkala. So the country boy has plenty of gigs! There’s no need to question Mikko’s stamina, since he is 300 years younger than the city of Kajaani, which also seemed quite youthful in the midst of the festive spirit.
