STEREO: The Electronic Side-Project of Haloo Helsinki! Masterminds

When one of Finland’s biggest rock bands, Haloo Helsinki!, announced a well-deserved hiatus in late 2017, fans wondered how the members would spend their time away from stadium stages. For guitarist-songwriters Leo Hakanen and Jere Marttila, the break became an opportunity to explore a completely different sonic landscape.

The result was STEREO (stylized as STEREO), an innovative electronic dance music (EDM) and pop duo that captivated listeners throughout 2019 with a string of chart-climbing hits and a star-studded debut album.

From Stadium Rock to Electronic Soundscapes

For years, Hakanen and Marttila were core creative forces behind Haloo Helsinki!, crafting some of modern Finnish pop-rock’s most defining anthems. However, entering the world of electronic music allowed them to step out from behind their guitars and take center stage as producers, songwriters, and vocalists.

Operating under the moniker STEREO, the duo blended modern EDM production, infectious pop hooks, and atmospheric soundscapes. To ensure world-class production quality, they teamed up with top-tier international talent; notably, their breakout single “Vuosien päästä” (featuring rapper Etta) was mixed by Miles Walker, a Grammy-winning engineer renowned for his work with global superstars like Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, and Rihanna.

The Breakthrough and 00740

STEREO officially launched on February 1, 2019, releasing their first tracks—including “Vuosien päästä” and “74”—to immediate radio and streaming success. The project quickly established a reputation for unexpected, high-profile collaborations, bridging the gap between underground electronic textures and mainstream pop appeal.

On November 1, 2019, the duo released their comprehensive 13-track debut album titled 00740 through Vallila Music House. The album showcased a diverse lineup of guest vocalists from across the Finnish music scene, turning every track into a unique event:

• Etta on “Vuosien päästä”
• Samu Haber on “Sä saat mut palasiksi”
• Michael Monroe on “Woo Woo”
• Ida Paul & Kalle Lindroth on “Bonnie & Clyde”
• Sini Yasemin on “Katon peiliin”
• Aste on “Rauhaa ja rakkautta”

The album’s cohesive yet eclectic blend of club-ready beats and emotional lyricism earned critical praise, including an Emma Award nomination for Best Pop Album in 2020.

Legacy and Impact

STEREO was designed from its inception as a focused, time-bound creative outlet corresponding with Haloo Helsinki!’s break. While the duo’s active run primarily spanned 2018 and 2019 before Hakanen and Marttila returned to their main band for its grand comeback, STEREO left a lasting mark on the Finnish contemporary music landscape.

By pushing outside their comfort zones, Hakanen and Marttila proved their versatility as modern music architects, demonstrating that their creative vision extends far beyond traditional guitar-driven pop-rock.