STEREO: The Electronic Side Project That Redefined Modern Finnish Pop

When one of Finland’s biggest and most enduring rock-pop bands, Haloo Helsinki!, announced a well-deserved tauko (hiatus) in the late 2010s, fans wondered what the members would do during the quiet spell. Instead of fading into the background, two of the creative powerhouses behind the band’s massive sound—guitarists Leo Hakanen and Jere Marttila—decided to pivot completely.

The result was STEREO (stylized as STEREO), an innovative electronic dance music (EDM) and pop-producer duo that turned heads, topped playlists, and proved that great songwriters can conquer any genre they set their minds to.

From Stadium Rock Guitars to Electronic Soundscapes

For years, Hakanen and Marttila were known for crafting heavy, stadium-filling guitar riffs and anthemic hooks for Haloo Helsinki!. However, STEREO allowed them to explore a completely different side of their musicality. Moving away from traditional rock instrumentation, the duo dove headfirst into the world of electronic club beats, synthesizers, and modern pop production.

Rather than working in isolation, STEREO positioned itself as a collaborative collective. They invited a star-studded lineup of guest vocalists and artists from across the Finnish music scene to lend their voices and unique styles to the tracks. This approach gave the project a vibrant, eclectic identity, where every single release felt like an event.

A Collaborative Masterclass: The 2019 Era

STEREO made a massive splash, particularly throughout 2019, releasing a steady stream of infectious tracks that dominated Finnish radio and streaming platforms. Their music successfully bridged the gap between underground electronic club culture and mainstream pop appeal.

Some of the most notable tracks from their catalog include:

• “Bonnie & Clyde” (featuring Ida Paul & Kalle Lindroth) – A melodic, storytelling-driven pop track that showcased their knack for emotional depth within electronic arrangements.
• “Woo Woo” (featuring rock legend Michael Monroe) – A high-energy collision of electronic textures and raw rock attitude.
• “Sä saat mut palasiksi” (featuring Samu Haber) – Combining Haber’s distinctive raspy vocals with a sleek, driving beat.
• “Vuosien päästä” (featuring Etta) and collaborations with artists like Aste, Sini Yasemin, and Teflon Brothers.

In October 2019, they capped off their whirlwind era by releasing a full-length, self-titled album simply named 00740, solidifying their footprint outside of their parent band.

Why STEREO Matters

While STEREO was born primarily out of a temporary hiatus, it serves as a brilliant example of artistic freedom. For Hakanen and Marttila, the project was a chance to break free from genre expectations, experiment with cutting-edge production tools, and collaborate widely without boundaries.

For Finnish music fans, STEREO offered a refreshing injection of electronic pop innovation—proving that true musicianship isn’t tied to a single instrument, but rather to an ear for a great melody.