Estonian act Puuluup consists of two musicians: Ramo Teder (a solo artist in Pastacas) and Marko Veisson (who is also an anthropologist and lecturer). The two musicians use the hiiu kannel, also known as talharpa, a bowed harp.
Their first album “Süüta mu lumi” was released in the spring 2018, the double single “Kasekesed / Käpapuu” was released on 7-inch vinyl in spring 2020.
The ensemble has been performing live for over 7 years. In addition to numerous concerts in Estonia, they have played in the USA, China, Germany, Finland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Crossing hiiu kannels with electronics, Puuluup oscillates on the border of traditional and modern musical styles, flirting with world music, underground music and pop. Puuluup controls the vibrations of the hiiu kannel’s strings through effect devices and a looper and uses alternative playing techniques and sound generation options.
Electronically amplified echoes, knocks, squeaks, and scrapes are added to the soft sound of the hiiu kannel. The music is at times dance-oriented and at times cinematic and dark, creeping in and carried over from the chambers of the ancient Vorms talharpists.
The musicians say modestly about their work: “Our main message in the context of folk music is that look, you can do all kinds of things with the hiiu kannels, learn the instrument and do it too. This is what folk music could benefit from us.”
In 2023, Puuluup was selected to perform at the significant WOMEX world music showcase in Spain.
(headline image: Puuluup – photo by Taavi Arus)
Discography:
Süüta mu lumi (Õunaviks, 2018)
Kasekesed / Käpapuu (Õunaviks, 2020)
Viimane suusataja (Õunaviks, 2021)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.