Imatra’s own RockSuperStars (RSS) continue to shape their distinctive concept of iskelmä rock with powerful tones, direct lyrics, and intense feeling. Riding the momentum from their debut full-length album “Viimeinen sammuttaa valon,” which led to invitations to new live stages last year, RSS now marks a creative leap forward by releasing the single “Kruunu” along with a colorful, DIY-inspired music video steeped in retro vibes.
At the heart of “Kruunu” is singer and bassist Jari Hulkkonen’s idea for a swinging shuffle riff, which laid the foundation for a track centered around the theme of power dynamics in romantic relationships. The work process was defined by collaboration, as guitarists Jarno Hokkanen and Joonas Purosalmi and drummer Ville Ulvinen continued to develop the music and arrangements. The song was completed in February 2026 at Valtteri Backman’s Kuma Project studio. The result delivers RSS’s signature punch while also exploring new musical terrain.
The music video for “Kruunu” is a loving nod to Finnish television culture of the 1980s and the much-loved TV show “Hittimittari.” Guitarist Joonas Purosalmi was in charge of direction, script, and production. The video draws inspiration from classic TV broadcasts and features a guest appearance by TV icon Mikko Alatalo—a crucial detail anchoring the project in Finnish pop history and adding extra authenticity. The idea came to Purosalmi after old TV experiences, but was only realized now that “Kruunu” found its form and the right atmosphere.
The single’s release has attracted attention and “Kruunu” will be evaluated by a panel on the renowned program “Hittiviisari”—a sign of the growing status RSS now has within the Finnish music world.
Listeners can experience RSS’s energetic live performances during 2026, with confirmed shows:
- 29.8.2026: Kuluma Pub, Imatra
- 24.10.2026: Private event, Rautjärvi
Additional new material from RSS is expected later in 2026—the band’s development within the genre and on the Finnish rock scene continues. The current lineup consists of Jari Hulkkonen (bass, vocals), Jarno Hokkanen (guitar), Joonas Purosalmi (guitar), and Ville Ulvinen (drums).
With “Kruunu,” RSS takes a bold artistic step and builds an eye-catching bridge to new listeners—reminding us that there is both humor, seriousness, and musical quality in the sounds from Finland’s smaller towns.
