Paula Vesala facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paula Vesala
Paula Vesala performing at Lappeenrannan Yöt 2013
Background information
Birth name	Paula Julia Vesala
Also known as	Vesala
Born	(1981-12-10) 10 December 1981 (age 43) Kärsämäki, Finland
Genres	Pop pop rock
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter actress playwright
Instruments	Vocals violin guitar piano
Years active	2002–present
Labels	Sony Finland Etenee Records
Associated acts	PMMP Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi

Paula Julia Vesala (born December 10, 1981) is a talented Finnish singer, songwriter, actress, and writer. She was one of the two main singers and lyricists for the popular pop rock band PMMP. Her solo music career started in 2015, using the stage name "Vesala". Paula has also written songs for many other famous Finnish artists.

Paula's Journey in Music and Arts

Early Studies and Education

Paula Vesala studied music at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. There, she focused on music education and classical singing. She also learned to play the piano and violin.

Later, starting in 2011, Paula decided to study dramaturgy. This is the art of writing and arranging plays. She studied at the Helsinki Theatre Academy and then at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). One of her short plays, "English Lesson," was chosen as one of the best in a national competition.

Here are some of the places Paula studied:

• Pohjois-Savon Ammattikorkeakoulu (Savonia Polytechinc): Music Pedagogy, specializing in classical singing (2000–2002).
• Sibelius Academy: Music Education (2002–2011).
• The Helsinki Theatre Academy: Dramaturgy and playwriting (2011–2014).
• UCLA-University of California, Los Angeles: MFA Playwriting program at the School of Theater, Film and Television (2014–2017).

PMMP: A Famous Finnish Band (2002–2013)

Paula Vesala performing with PMMP at Ilosaarirock in 2012.

PMMP was a very popular Finnish band. It featured Paula Vesala and Mira Luoti as singers. They were joined by musicians Mikko Virta, Juho Vehmanen, and Heikki Kytölä. Many people consider PMMP one of the most important bands in Finland during the 2000s. They had a huge impact on the Finnish music scene.

Jori Sjöroos produced all of PMMP's albums and wrote the music. Paula and Mira wrote the lyrics, with Paula writing most of them. The band's name, PMMP, is said to come from "Paulan ja Miran Molemmat Puolet" (both sides of Paula and Mira). They also joked that it came from the names of the members: Paula, Mira, Mira, Paula, similar to the band ABBA.

PMMP first became famous in Finland in 2003 with their summer hit Rusketusraidat (Tan Lines). Their second album, Kovemmat kädet (Rougher Hands), was a big success. It sold so well that it went gold, and later even double platinum. The song Oo siellä jossain mun from this album became one of PMMP's biggest hits.

In November 2006, PMMP released their third album, Leskiäidin tyttäret (Daughters of a widowed mother). This album went platinum on the very day it was released!

In 2007, they released Puuhevonen (Wooden Horse). This album featured new versions of traditional children's songs. This was around the time their first children were born. In 2009, they released their fourth rock/pop album, Veden varaan (Overboard). Their fifth album, Rakkaudesta (About love), came out in 2012.

PMMP was also known for their amazing live shows. The band played their very last concert on October 27, 2013, at the Helsinki Ice Hall. Tickets for this show and an extra show the night before sold out in minutes.

In 2013, the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture honored PMMP with the Finland Prize. This award recognizes important people in Finnish culture. The pop duo was praised for being "new role models for young women."

Awards for PMMP

PMMP won a total of nine Finnish Grammys (also known as Emma-gaala awards). Here are some of their wins:

• 2003 – Best new pop-rock artist.
• 2005 – Album of the year (Kovemmat kädet), Pop album (Kovemmat kädet), and Best band.
• 2006 – Album of the year (Leskiäidin tyttäret) and Pop album (Leskiäidin tyttäret).
• 2009 – Album of the year (Veden varaan), Rock album (Veden varaan), and Best band.

Paula's Solo Career (2015–Present)

In October 2015, Paula Vesala announced she would start making music under the stage name Vesala. Her first solo song, "Tequila," was released on October 23, 2015. She wrote and composed this song herself. Her first solo album came out on June 17, 2016. This album was a huge hit, selling platinum in just over a month!

As a Lyricist and Composer

Paula Vesala has written and composed songs for many other artists. Some of these include Jenni Vartiainen, Vesa-Matti Loiri, and Antti Tuisku. She has also created music for Finnish theater plays. In 2016, she received the Juha Vainio Award. This award is given every year to an important Finnish lyricist. Paula was the 26th person and only the 5th woman to receive this honor.

As an Actress

Paula Vesala has also acted in films and provided voices for animated movies. In 2013, she acted in a silent film called Myrsk (Tempest). She has voiced characters in the Finnish versions of popular movies like Tinker Bell, Happily N'Ever After, and the High School Musical series. She also translated the musical Mamma Mia! from Swedish to Finnish.

Other Projects

Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi

Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi (often called Kollektiivi) was a Finnish band. It was formed by Kerkko Koskinen with Paula Vesala, Vuokko Hovatta, and Manna. In January 2014, Paula Vesala left the group and was replaced by Maija Vilkkumaa.

Kollektiivi released two albums. Their first album, Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi (2012), won a Finnish gold record award. Their second album, 2, was released in 2014.

Vain elämää

In 2014, Paula Vesala took part in the third season of Vain elämää. This is a popular Finnish TV show where artists perform each other's songs. Other artists in her season included Samuli Edelmann and Jenni Vartiainen. The show aired from September to November 2014. Compilation albums from this season were very popular and topped the Finnish Albums Chart.

Personal Life

Paula Vesala grew up in Kärsämäki, Finland. On November 8, 2014, Paula married Lauri Ylönen, the lead singer of the band The Rasmus, in Las Vegas. Their marriage was officially registered in Helsinki in January 2015. They have a son named Julius, who was born in April 2008. The family moved to Los Angeles in autumn 2014. On September 26, 2016, Paula and Lauri announced they were getting a divorce after being together for 12 years.

Discography

Albums

Singles

Filmography

Films

TV Series

Animation Films

See also

In Spanish: Paula Vesala para niños