Pekka Toivonen (b. 1979) is a Finnish composer refusing to stick with any yet defined sound of music.
You: “What kind of music do you do?”
Me: “As good as possible.”
About Compositions
My style of composing — if there has to be a definition — can be described (simplify) as re-modernism or neo-minimalism. With two elements, you cannot not compose. Having spent my whole life making all kinds of art/music with a 360-degree-attitude, I avoid the idea of genres, artforms, any limitations.
‘List of Compositions’ include works for solo piano, chamber music works (including four suites for strings), choral works, works for Finland’s most unorthodox jazz ensemble, works for film, works for art installations and performances as well as various recordings from classical to jazz to impro to techno to electro to art-pop to prog-rock to easy and full-on experimental.
In my performances, which can be described as multimodal live events, I use three essential forms of art: ‘Musical’ (composed, improvised, designed), ‘Textual’ (poetic, lyric, analytic), and ‘Visual’ (graphics, semiotics, fine arts). Everything is bound together in a live happening: evidently linked together, alive, in a particular space; always in the very moment, always letting it influence — never to be repeated as such.
About Graphic Compositions
In my past I also studied and practiced graphic design; to really understand the multiple meaning of ‘Composition’. In 2016 I was chosen as Graphic Designer of the Year by Grafia. I still occasionally compose in purely graphic manner, too. Logos is one of my fields of glory, as one can see.
Under the name of Kasino Creative Publishing, I’ve been publishing (& designing) small- and medium-scale, out-of-the-ordinary, off-mainstream, internationally distributed and awarded art magazines, pamphlets and books since 2005 (30+ titles) — including several works from debutants, such as Jesper Vuori, Mikko Ryhänen and Jonathan Mander.
I focus on high-quality printed matter, handmade limited editions, working in close collaboration with artisanal Finnish printing house Painomies. Kasino Creative Publishing’s complete, up-to-date list of publications — some of them still available — can be found here.
About Kasino Records
Stretching the limits of the definition ‘Art music’, I am currently running a record label titled Kasino Records — we are focusing on the still-hidden gems of the very finest of Finnish underground. Co-founded & curated with artist Vilunki 3000, Kasino Records releases small-batch vinyl pressings & C-cassettes, time-to-time, two records at once, in a combinations as weird as possible.
Kasino Records (2018–) was once a sublabel of legendary Finnish record label Svart Records. For more, visit your most curious local record store, order the releases online, choose the Spotify way, or check out our ambiguous Youtube channel, featuring music videos and other such glimpses from the presented artists. We are NOT currently looking for new artists, so please don’t send us your demos.
About You/Me
You can book me (or any of my currently active orchestras), make a commission or purchase any of my available compositions, publications, recordings and various merch by contacting me via email. You can also find some of my work on Soundcloud, Spotify, Vimeo, Youtube and even on Facebook. Thanks for your time. –PT