Saimaa is a Finnish post-progressive rock ensemble founded in 2004 by musician and producer Matti Mikkola, previously known as the driving force behind Tehosekoitin. The band draws on classic rock, prog, folk and Finnish iskelmä, and has built a reputation as one of the country's most compelling live acts. Their 2024 double release Vol.6 & Vol.7 - both five-star critical hits - won the Emma Award for Iskelmä of the Year and sent the band on an 18-month sold-out tour across Finland.
Saimaa released their new album Matka mielen ytimeen Vol. 2 on May 15, 2026, and launched a release tour across Finland.
Saimaa released the collaborative album Solovey - Lauluja Ukrainasta with singer Yona and Vantaan Viihdeorkesteri, featuring Saimaa's arrangements of Ukrainian songs.
The Vol.6 & Vol.7 tour concluded with a grand finale concert at Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki on December 12, 2025, after which the band entered the studio to finish new music.
Matti Mikkola, the founder and leader of Saimaa, received the 2024 Soundi Award (Taatto Taivahinen prize), given annually to a significant figure in Finnish music.
Saimaa won the Emma Award for Iskelmä of the Year 2024 for the double album Vol.6 & Vol.7, released on Love Records / Universal Music.
concertThe Saimaa band performs its music in an intimate quartet formation at Oriveden Kampus.
concert19:00Finnish iskelmä band Saimaa presents its new album at Lutakko in Jyväskylä. Led by Matti Mikkola, the group has won the Emma Award and released several critically acclaimed albums.
concert18:30Saimaa, a Finnish band known for its versatile sound blending rock, progressive rock, folk, jazz, and schlager, performs in the park at Laukon kartano.
concert17:00Saimaa launches its new album Matka mielen ytimeen Vol. 2 at CoolHead Live in the Gardenia garden. Tinyhawk & Bizzarro open the evening, with Saimaa performing from 19.15.