Kissa is a rock band from Helsinki that offers an escape from the shackles of tradition and practicality. Their music effortlessly navigates genre boundaries, exuding the raw and spontaneous energy of garage rock while embracing the warm, melodic touch of power pop.
Kissa is the hottest live band in the universe; an electrifying force bathed in dazzling stage lights and ear-splitting escapism. This claim is backed by historical evidence, including a packed and sweaty Black Tent at Flow Festival, a sold-out Tavastia, and a record-breaking, ecstatic crowd at Naamat Festival. Ask anyone—when Kissa takes the stage, the party is guaranteed. The lineup is ever-changing, and at its wildest, the band has expanded from its core members to a full-blown 14-piece big band. With Kissa, you never know what’s going to happen.
Their debut album, Vaarallinen (2021), made a striking entrance, climbing to No. 7 on Finland’s official physical album chart. Since then, whispers have spread through the scene: could this be Finland’s best rock band right now? Their sophomore album, Näkemiin Apinalinna (2023), soared even higher, reaching No. 3 on the charts and earning a well-deserved nomination for Rock Album of the Year at the 2023 Emma Gala. The latest release, the aptly titled POP // ROCK (2025), continues their upward trajectory. Every release has been met with raving reviews and feverish praise.
Kissa has been nominated for Band of the Year and Newcomer of the Year at the 2022 Indie Awards and took home the Rock Femma at the 2022 Femma Gala. Along the way, they’ve been featured in Yle’s Henkilökuva documentary series, graced the cover of Helsingin Sanomat’s culture section, and been crowned Album of the Week on Radio Helsinki.
"Are all Finnish people weirdos? We have a bunch of nice specimens here." – @BassMaster-mi8ob
