1 December 2025
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Lochwinnoch based artist Outi Karhu to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I am originally from the Eastern part of Finland. Music has always been a big part of my life; my mother tells me I was singing before I could talk. I started playing piano as a child, and loved pouring all my emotions into my instrument. I later studied jazz singing, and fell head over heels with the genre. In my songwriting you can definitely hear whispers from both my classical and jazz backgrounds.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
From the classical world Grieg, Chopin, Satie and Tiersen. From jazz and pop Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones. But I’ve always had a big appetite for music and have also journeyed to punk, rock, metal, pop and beyond!
Currently I am adoring Eivor, Agnes Obel and Anna-Mari Kahara.
How would you describe your sound?
It is such a mixture! Jazz flavoured chamber folk with cinematic flair.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My new album is called Let The Light In. It is a culmination of years spent waiting for the right time, of mothering small children and smaller musical motifs. Although the songs have been written over the last few years, you can hear in them my evolution from a delicate, Chopin-loving girl to the fierce, adventurous artist I am today. The themes of my songs involve ageing, motherhood, womanhood, the grief of letting go and the constant search for solid ground when you’ve been uprooted. But as I share some of my fears and insecurities, I am also sharing the beauty and consolation I find in nature, and the things that bring me peace and joy.
What’s your local music scene like?
I live in a small village with a surprisingly vibrant scene in and around it. Lots of folk and rock, with the occasional jazz event too. Plenty of open mics for trying out new material. I am also lucky to have Glasgow on my doorstep, which has always had a great scene.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I am going to continue promoting the album, I am always looking for nice gigs to play, on my own or with my band.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
This might be a bit random, but I’d love to write a pop song with Alice Merton. She seems really fun. I saw her live once and fangirled so hard.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
One time I was doing a performance outdoors, and it was the coldest day of the year. It even started to snow right before my set. I had to wrap hot water bottles to my body (I was wearing a big coat so nobody knew) and wear fingerless gloves to get through it.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I prefer to perform either barefoot or even better, with my woolly socks on. It makes me feel more grounded and helps me to tune into the instrument too. Woolly socks are such a Scandi thing, I love them.
Upcoming live dates and performances
Thursday 4th December, Hen Hoose Flock Session Showcase, Scottish Music Centre, Glasgow
You can find out more about Outi on her website or via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud or Spotify. You can find out about upcoming gigs here.
You can also read my interview with Outi about her album “Let The Light In” here.
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