Stereo: The High-Energy Finnish EDM Interlude from Haloo Helsinki! Minds

In the landscape of modern Finnish music, few side-projects have arrived with quite as much intrigue or sonic punch as Stereo (stylized as STEREO). Formed by Jere Marttila and Leo Hakanen—best known as the guitarists and primary songwriters behind one of Finland’s biggest pop-rock bands, Haloo Helsinki!—Stereo offered a sharp, neon-lit detour into electronic dance music (EDM).

Emerging during a well-publicized hiatus of their parent band, the duo proved that their knack for infectious hooks and grand melodic structures transcended traditional rock instrumentation, capturing the energy of European club culture.

From Rock Anthems to Electronic Beats

When Haloo Helsinki! announced a temporary break from touring and recording following a decade of dominating Finnish radio and arena stages, Marttila and Hakanen didn’t slow down. Instead, they channeled their creative restlessness into a brand-new medium.

Stepping behind the mixing consoles as a DJ-producer duo, they sought to bridge the gap between heavy electronic production and the emotional resonance of Finnish pop storytelling. The project was built on a desire to experiment freely, free from the stylistic constraints of a traditional guitar-driven band.

The Star-Studded World of 00740

Stereo’s primary artistic statement arrived in late 2019 with the release of their debut full-length album, 00740. Rather than carrying the project entirely on their own, Marttila and Hakanen turned the album into a collaborative hub for the Finnish music scene.

The record featured an impressive lineup of guest vocalists and artists spanning different genres, giving each track a distinct personality while maintaining a cohesive electronic pulse. Notable collaborations from the era include:

• “Vuosien päästä” (featuring Etta) – A melodic, driving track blending modern rap cadences with atmospheric synth-pop elements.
• “Sä saat mut palasiksi” (featuring Samu Haber) – A powerhouse pairing that married Haber’s raspy, stadium-ready vocals with sweeping EDM drops.
• “Woo Woo” (featuring Michael Monroe) – A rebellious, high-octane collision of rock-and-roll attitude and electronic basslines.
• “Bonnie & Clyde” (featuring Ida Paul & Kalle Lindroth) – A slick, narrative-driven pop-EDM hybrid.
• “Marijuana” (with Teflon Brothers) – A heavy-hitting club track that leaned into playful, high-tempo rhythms.

A Defining Creative Interlude

While Stereo was conceived primarily as an active project during Haloo Helsinki!’s 2018–2019 hiatus, its footprint remains a fascinating chapter in contemporary Finnish pop culture. It demonstrated how established mainstream artists can successfully pivot into underground-leaning club sounds without losing the pop accessibility that made them household names.

By trading their guitars for synthesizers and drum machines, Jere Marttila and Leo Hakanen expanded the boundaries of their artistry, delivering a pulse-pounding soundtrack that left an enduring mark on Finland’s electronic music scene.