Since forming in 2000, the Finnish/Nordic folk powerhouse Frigg has carved a unique space in the global music scene, blending Finnish and Norwegian traditions with bluegrass, Americana, and classical influences. With ten albums, performances in over thirty countries, and nearly a thousand gigs to their name, Frigg continues to push the boundaries of folk music while staying true to their roots. Ahead of their upcoming performance at Northern Michigan University’s Reynolds Recital Hall as part of the Winter Roots Festival, we had the chance to speak with Frigg’s Petri Prauda (mandolin, cittern, & bagpipes) about the band’s journey, musical evolution, and future projects.
Frigg was born out of a collaboration between young Finnish and Norwegian folk musicians. The band's foundation was set when Antti and Esko Järvelä began their studies at the Sibelius Academy, pursuing professional folk music training. Their debut concert featured traditional Finnish Polska tunes from the 19th-century Sampolska collection, some of which made it onto their first album. Even in these early days, Frigg’s signature sound—a fusion of contemporary folk compositions and deep-rooted traditions—was already taking shape.
Over the past 25 years, Frigg has maintained their energetic and uplifting sound while continuing to refine their approach. One of the band’s defining characteristics is its seamless blend of influences, from Nordic traditions to bluegrass, Americana, classical, and even Balkan rhythms. Their latest album, "Dreamscapes," leans into an experimental side, adding more artistic layers while preserving the essence of Frigg’s music.
Frigg’s high-energy performances are designed to captivate audiences, and Prauda hopes listeners leave their concerts with a smile. “We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how the energy flows in our music—what kind of journey it takes the audience on,” he says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see that energy catch on and create a shared musical experience.”
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's interview with Petri here:
As Frigg celebrates its 25th anniversary, the band is embarking on several exciting projects. In addition to extensive touring in support of "Dreamscapes," they are preparing collaborations with the UMO Jazz Orchestra in Helsinki and a recording project with a symphony orchestra—an extension of their past work with orchestras in Finland and Scotland.
See Frigg perform live from Malmitalo in 2024:
For fans in Marquette, Frigg’s upcoming concert at NMU on February 27th offers a chance to experience their dynamic blend of tradition and innovation firsthand. With a quarter-century behind them and an ambitious future ahead, Frigg continues to be a driving force in folk music, proving that tradition and innovation can harmoniously coexist.
The Beaumier Heritage Concert Series and 2025 Winter Roots Festival will present Frigg on Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. The festival is a collaboration between the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center, Hiawatha Traditional Music Coop, Peter White Public Library, and the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center. The concert will be held in the Reynolds Recital Hall on the campus of Northern Michigan University. Advanced tickets for the concert can be purchased online at tickets.nmu.edu.
Find Frigg online at frigg.fi/en.
