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Recommendations: Katerína has us over in Helsinki
In conjunction with new podcast IOM Recommends, each week we'll be getting insight into the places artists call home
In partnership with Identification of Music's (IOM) new podcast IOM Recommends, each week we'll be giving you a travel guide that you can't pick up at your local bookshop — as your favourite artists give us the lowdown on their hometowns.
This week we're in Helsinki with Finnish-Bulgarian DJ, producer and label boss Katerína. A well-known advocate for all things Helsinki, Katerína is a mainstay of the city's underground music scene. By day she runs label and party Émotsiya and co-runs Kotarak Records Records alongside collaborator July 6, by night she can be found at venues such as Kaiku, Club Dia andÄäniwalli — showing off her eclectic mix of breezy ambient, proto-techno and bouncy left-field choices that keep local audiences on their toes. Helsinki's illustrious festival circuit also keeps Katerína busy, with regular slots at Flow Festival, Solstice and VISIO - while she's no stranger to touring having performed at Ibiza's Circoloco, Berlin's Tresor and Paris' Macki Off.
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So we can really discover what's good in the "Stadi", we've asked Katerína to share some of her wisdom on how to see the Finnish capital — from secret after-parties to getting lost in a sea fortress.
Where's great to listen to some music?
Where's the best place to head on a Friday night?
Post Bar, Club Kaiku, Ääniwalli and Dia (in the summer)
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Where should we go to buy some records?
OK Sound, Digelius and We Jazz.
Where should we catch a bite to eat?
Harju 8 (brunch and natural wine), Yes Yes Yes (vegetarian), Ateljé Finne ( Michelin Star awarded Finnish cuisine), Putte's (Pizza) and Sea Horse (Traditional Finnish cuisine).
What about a place to grab a drink?
Siltanen, Grotesk, Jackie and Tanner.
A place that tourists don't know about?
Ask local DJs or ravers about after parties and secret raves that go on after the clubs close.
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Somewhere to get lost?
Suomenlinna Island.
What musicians should we check out?
Rubio, Yaniel, Denzel, Sansibar and Exploited Body.
What's the best way to see Helsinki?
On a bike.
What's a Helsinki party we should check out?
Émotsiya and Curiosity Trip.
What time of year should we visit?
Summer.. August is particularly nice with Helsinki Festival and Flow Festival happening.
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Can you give us a piece of advice for anyone new to your city?
Enjoy the fresh air!
Sum up your city in five words?
Melancholic happiness.
You can listen to the newest episode of IOM Recommends featuring Katerína below.
Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter
