Maunula Unplugged: Samae Koskinen, Hugo Cajan & Todellisuus

The Maunula Unplugged series brings music to the stage without genre boundaries. Tonight's performers are Samae Koskinen and Hugo Cajan & Todellisuus. A café operates in the foyer before the event and during the intermission.

Samae Koskinen is known as a singer-songwriter who finds sunshine in the brambles and makes something great from something small. On his ninth album Mä näin unta että kaikki meni hyvin (released 26.4.), he focuses on the brambles themselves. "In autumn 2023, I reached my limit. The government's far-right connections, the misogyny surrounding sports scandals, classless etiquette in online discussions, and an overall devilishly cold atmosphere made me think about what I do and why. I had strictly kept myself from taking an artistic stance on anything and written everything related to my values between the lines. One reason was fear, another was the desire to please. Then I started thinking about my role models: Bad Religion, Rage Against the Machine, and Bob Dylan genuinely made me reflect on my own choices and values. How do I meet the world, what is power, and what does it do to people. I decided to write songs where I take a stand. I comment on coldness, injustice, and hatred."

Koskinen has performed regularly on television, including hosting YLE's documentary series Ruoka-Suomi. He has written songs for Anna Puu, Arttu Wiskari, and Ellinoor, and has guested on albums by Ruger Hauer and Kauko Röyhkä & Riku Mattila. In production, he has worked with Jarkko Martikainen, Hero Dishinestin, and Circle.

Hugo Cajan & Todellisuus is an indie-rock band whose second full-length album Häviävä Ikuisuus was released in May 2026. At Maunula, the band sets down their electric guitars and performs their songs in stripped-down versions.