Jarkko Martikainen (born 24 October 1970 in Greifswald, GDR) is a Finnish singer-songwriter who served as the lyricist, vocalist and guitarist of rock band YUP from 1988 to 2018, co-authoring 11 studio albums. His solo career, launched in 2004 with the album Mierolainen, has produced nine further records rooted in folk-inflected Finnish chanson, and his satirical, poetic lyrics - shaped in part by Russian absurdist writers such as Daniil Harms - have made him one of the most respected voices in Finnish rock writing. Alongside music he has worked as a record producer, columnist and documentary filmmaker, and has published three books.
Martikainen announced a 10-date autumn 2026 tour of Finland with a new trio lineup including keyboardist Petri Tiainen and a third musician, Janne Mathlin.
Martikainen received the 2025 Juha Vainio Award at Kotka Maritime Festival on 24 July, in recognition of over 35 years as a distinctive voice in Finnish rock lyric writing.
Martikainen completed his 20th-anniversary solo career tour 'Mierolaisuudesta itse tehtyyn elämään', covering 13 venues across Finland with keyboardist Petri Tiainen.
The 20th-anniversary tour was announced in October 2024, with concerts scheduled for February and March 2025 across Finland.
lecture18:00Musician Jarkko Martikainen visits Jakomäki Library to discuss love, word art, and his new book. The event is part of the library's "About Love" series.
concert18:00Jarkko Martikainen performs with his new trio featuring Petri Tiainen and percussionist Janne Mathlin. The programme blends new compositions with classics from his solo career and his time in the band YUP.
concert19:00Jarkko Martikainen tours with a new trio formation featuring Petri Tiainen and percussionist Janne Mathlin. The setlist draws from his solo albums and songs from the band YUP.
concert18:30Jarkko Martikainen performs with his new trio at Espoo's Cellohall. The programme features material from his nine solo albums and selected YUP songs, newly arranged for the trio.
concert18:00Jarkko Martikainen performs with his revamped trio at Maxim in Kuopio, featuring new material and trio arrangements from his nine solo albums plus YUP band classics.