Not confined to somber tones and the embrace of sauna sweat and vodka, the music of Plastic Island is a vibrant spectrum. It effortlessly shifts between the structured beauty, krautrock influences, and the abstract quality of a sound collage. Brimming with improvisation, daring risks, and raw, infectious energy, Plastic Island unveiled its self-titled debut EP on November 18, 2016 .

While the band’s roots lie in Finland, its members are currently scattered across Europe—Copenhagen, Berlin, and Helsinki, adding a diverse touch to their collective essence.

Johanna Elina Sulkunen – Voice

Johanna Elina Sulkunen, a Finnish vocalist now based in Copenhagen since 2009, emerged onto the music scene after graduating from the jazz conservatory in Holland. Her debut album, “Our Garden/Johanna Elina (Eclipse),” garnered critical acclaim in 2011. Recently in the spotlight with her genre-defying album “Belonging” (Eclipse/DME), nominated for the Best Vocal Album (Grammy) in Denmark in 2016, she finalized the album at Sundlaugin studio in Iceland alongside Birgir Jón Birgisson. An active collaborator, Johanna contributes her voice to various international projects, including IKI (Danish Grammy winner for the Best Jazz Vocal Album 2011), The Tomasz Stanko Experience, and a duo with Hilmar Jensson.

Aki Rissanen – Piano/Synths [www.akirissanen.com]

Aki Rissanen, born in 1980 in Kuopio, Finland, has swiftly risen among the foremost forces in Finnish Jazz. Originally classically trained, his heart beats for improvised music and jazz. Renowned for his works, including the trio debut ‘Amorandom’ on the British Edition Records label, collaborations with notable artists like Dave Liebman, Rick Margitza, and Verneri Pohjola, Aki has released seven albums under his name. His latest work, ‘Amorandom’ for Edition Records, has earned critical acclaim worldwide, solidifying his growing reputation in the European jazz scene.

Joonas Leppänen – Drums

Joonas Leppänen, a versatile drummer and composer, possesses an open mind, constantly seeking new angles to expand his musical horizons. After a period in Berlin and Gothenburg, he returned to Helsinki, engaging with a diverse array of local and international musicians. With three albums on the esteemed Cam Jazz-record label with Big Blue and involvement in eclectic ensembles like Maxxxtet, Grimsey, and his own group Alder Ego, Joonas is a dynamic force. Future projects include drumming for a major Finnish art house film by Hannaleena Hauru and composing a piece for a big band premiering next summer.