ILMU is a Nordic folk-trip-hop band originally from the Republic of Karelia, now based in Tampere, Finland. The group sings entirely in Livvi-Karelian - a language classified as endangered - and weaves traditional instruments like kantele, jouhikko and woodwinds together with electric guitar, violin and cello over an electronic base. In 2021 the band was named best Russian ethnomusic project at the Russian World Music Awards, and their video for 'Langat' took the best music video prize at the Luleå International Film Festival.
ILMU was announced as one of the performers at the Tohakka-klubi 2026 series at Bomban talo in Nurmes, a dedicated stage for Karelian-language music.
ILMU released a new single titled 'SUARNAT', available on streaming platforms.
ILMU was awarded best Russian ethnomusic project at the Russian World Music Awards gala.
