Mikael Mikkonen, who makes music under the name Mikaelin Kokemus, bases his single “Potkut!” on his dismissal from a media company. The song, in a pop schlager style, is about losing one's job and gives a difficult personal experience a deliberately lighthearted musical framing.
The singer explains that his journalism position ended after restructuring negotiations. He describes how suits, the corridors of power, and appearances on national TV were swapped for tracksuits, the corridors of the employment agency, and forms to fill out.
For him, the loss meant more than just missing income: he also lost a sense of community and meaningful daily work. He wanted to share his feelings with others in similar situations, but maintain humor in the song. “The darkness must not take over!” he says.
The single is accompanied by a video directed by Santtu Suvitaipale and edited by Petri Tyynmaa. It follows the singer’s office worker character, including scenes in the Suvilahti skatepark, which is threatened with demolition.
Producer Mikko Pietilä also composed and arranged the song and wrote the lyrics together with the artist. He leads the indie band Verhot and previously appeared on “Ensimmäinen joulu,” which was released last Christmas. The single’s photograph was taken by Vesa Mäkinen.
