Catching Kimmo Pohjonen was mostly an impulse decision on my part. And with little prior research – I entered the Esplanade Recital Studio not really knowing what to expect.

Kimmo Pohjonen, Photo by Kalle Björklid

As he silently took to the stage I couldn’t help but be fascinated with his outfit. Dressed in a sleeveless top and a really nice, full length skirt paired with boots – Pohjonen grabbed his accordion and started the show.

The stage was set rather simply – a white screen behind Pohjonen either projected computer-generated graphics, images from the cameras on his accordion or simply cast his shadow on the screen.

Pohjonen cleverly uses samples, creative loops of his accordion and his own voice to create a multi-layered soundscape. His style seems to be a blend of steampunk, freak folk and ambient sounds amongst other things. His music comes across as remarkably innovative, completely experimental and unpredictable.

Pohjonen is as much an entertaining performer as he is a remarkable musician. He plays his accordion unlike any other. Needless to say, the performance was quite unlike anything I’ve ever heard or seen.

Take a listen to my favorite track of the night, Regenerator , as it is performed here by Pohjonen in Shanghai.

(Photo Source: Kimmo Pohjonen’s Official Facebook Page here)