Music of Finland

The music of Finland is divided into two categories of folk music, classical and contemporary art music, and contemporary popular music. Finnish music has a lot of influenced by Karelian tunes. Karelia is an area divided between Finland and Russia. Karelian music is said to be the purest expression of Finnish music and it is less influenced by Germanic and other outside elements. Most of the Karelian tunes are composed with the Kantele (traditional plucked string instrument).

Finnish music is also impacted by the Sami people. They are the local individuals of Lapland, living between Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. Their music is one of a kind since they utilize the "Yoik". It is a traditional type of singing, considered an artistic expression. The sound of "Yoik" is similar to the customary reciting of some Native American societies. These melodies are often spiritual and don't have lots of lyrics or rhymes.

Contemporary popular music includes heavy metal scene like other Nordic countries, as well as several prominent rock and pop bands, jazz musicians and hip hop. There is also a Schlager scene with bandstand dancing where the local variety of tango is also popular. Finland is very popular for its heavy metal and rock music. Korpiklaani, a famous Finnish band which plays/sing mostly in Finnish language.