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 | 10 December 1981 Kärsämäki, Finland |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Labels |
|
| Associated acts |
|
Paula Julia Vesala (born December 10, 1981) is a talented Finnish singer and songwriter. She was one of the two main singers and lyricists in the popular pop rock duo PMMP. Her solo music career started in 2015, and she uses the stage name Vesala. Paula has also written songs for many other famous Finnish artists.
About Paula Vesala's Career
Her Education and Studies
Paula Vesala studied music at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. There, she learned about music education, classical singing, piano, and violin. Later, she also studied writing for plays (called dramaturgy) at the Helsinki Theatre Academy. She even continued her studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). One of her short plays was chosen as one of the best in a national competition!
PMMP: A Popular Band (2002–2013)
PMMP was a very famous Finnish band. Paula Vesala and Mira Luoti were the two main singers. The band also had musicians Mikko Virta, Juho Vehmanen, and Heikki Kytölä. Many people say PMMP was one of the most important bands in Finland during the 2000s. They had a big impact on the music scene.
PMMP's albums were produced by Jori Sjöroos, who also wrote the music for their songs. Paula and Mira wrote the lyrics, with Paula writing most of them. The band's name, PMMP, is often said to mean "Paulan ja Miran Molemmat Puolet," which means "both sides of Paula and Mira."
PMMP first became well-known in Finland in 2003 with their summer hit song Rusketusraidat (Tan Lines). Their second album, Kovemmat kädet (Rougher Hands), was a huge success. It sold so many copies that it went double platinum! A song from that album, Oo siellä jossain mun, became one of PMMP's biggest hits.
In November 2006, PMMP released their third album, Leskiäidin tyttäret (Daughters of a widowed mother). This album was so popular that it went platinum on the very day it was released.
In 2007, they released an album called Puuhevonen (Wooden Horse). This album featured new versions of traditional children's songs. Their fourth rock/pop album, Veden varaan (Overboard), came out in 2009. Their fifth album, Rakkaudesta (About love), was released 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 gave PMMP 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, which are called Emma-gaala awards in Finland. Here are some of the awards they won:
- 2003 – Best new pop-rock artist
- 2005 – Album of the year for Kovemmat kädet, Pop album for Kovemmat kädet, and Best band
- 2006 – Album of the year for Leskiäidin tyttäret and Pop album for Leskiäidin tyttäret
- 2009 – Album of the year for Veden varaan, Rock album for Veden varaan, and Best band
Paula's Solo Career (2015–Present)
In October 2015, Paula Vesala announced that she would start making music as a solo artist under the name Vesala. Her first solo song, "Tequila," which she wrote and composed, was released on October 23, 2015. Her first solo album came out on June 17, 2016. This album was very successful and sold platinum in just over a month! Her latest album, Näkemiin, melankolia, was released in February 2023.
As a Songwriter and Composer
Paula Vesala has written and composed songs for many other artists. Some of these artists 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 the 5th woman to receive this special award.
As an Actress
Paula Vesala has also acted in films. She was in a silent film called Myrsk (Tempest) in 2013. She has also lent her voice to many animated movies in Finnish. You might recognize her voice as Tinker Bell in the Tinker Bell films, Taylor McKessie in the High School Musical movies, and Sam Sparks in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. She also helped translate the famous musical Mamma Mia! into Finnish.
Other Projects and Groups
Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi
Kerkko Koskinen Kollektiivi was a Finnish band started by Kerkko Koskinen. Paula Vesala was one of the singers in this group, along with Vuokko Hovatta and Manna. Paula left the group in January 2014. The group released two albums, and their first album won a Finnish gold record music prize.
Vain elämää (Only Life)
In 2014, Paula Vesala took part in the third season of a popular Finnish TV show called Vain elämää. On this show, different artists sing each other's songs. Other artists on her season included Samuli Edelmann and Jenni Vartiainen. The songs from this season were released on compilation albums, and they became very popular on the Finnish music charts.
Paula Vesala's Personal Life
Paula Vesala grew up in the Finnish town of Kärsämäki. She married Lauri Ylönen, the lead singer of the band The Rasmus, in November 2014. They have a son named Julius, who was born in April 2008. The family lived in Los Angeles for a few years. In September 2016, Paula and Lauri announced their divorce.
Images for kids
-
Paula Vesala performing at Lappeenrannan Yöt 2013
See also
In Spanish: Paula Vesala para niños
