While the world around him increasingly relies on automation and digital work, Koskela uses a variety of hand tools to create truly unique pieces out of wood. Handwork and traditional methods are close to his heart – that’s why he uses traditional glues and finishes to build his guitars and microphones, even though these methods usually take more time. In the end, he combines high-quality woods and playing comfort to create the ideal and long-lasting musical companion for modern guitar players.
He seems to have been born with a passion for the craft: While his mother knitted sweaters, his father devoted himself to working with wood and metal. But his parents were not his only source of inspiration – Koskela was also inspired by the music itself, the Finnish landscape and the work of other traditional instrument makers and wood artists. It’s the greatest reward for him, when the first notes of his guitar fill the room – because Koskela is certain that “every guitar has its own songs inside it, just waiting to be released.”
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in Oulu, Finland. Been here for the last twenty years but I’m about to move to Helsinki. I have a workshop at my house so I work mostly at home.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
We have a lot of nature around us, and depending on the season and time frame for relaxation, I usually go to the water: the Baltic Sea, the River Oulujoki or the Kiiminkijoki. I love living water, the wind, the light, the smell and the sounds.
The nearest beach by the river is 2 kilometres away, and I can take a path that goes through a forest and follows a beautiful creek that has carved a deep canyon in the sandy ground.
In the summer months, I often go to the floating Kesän sauna at Tuira beach. It is the ultimate form of relaxation: hot sauna combined with cool river water baths, one after the other.
© Antje Neumann / Visit Finland
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
Finland has a very long land border with Russia. This was particularly problematic during the war years in Ukraine. But we are not the only ones in Europe who are worried about Putin’s Russia.
In Finland, there is a lot of talk about social inequality and polarisation. But that’s not something specifically Finnish either.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
In Oulu, some nice new housing has been built around the city centre and luckily some of the Soviet style of the 1970s has been replaced. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol addiction are more prominent on the streets than before.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
As a luthier and musician, I also enjoy the work of other guitarmakers. Juuso Tornberg is a young, skilled maker, building awesome acoustic guitars in Oulu. And for a guitar-minded traveller: Kitarapaja Oulu – a shop specialising in high-quality acoustic and electric guitars, is a must-visit.
Chocosomnia is a state-of-the-art chocolaterie that produces artisan pralines with handmade fillings made only from fresh ingredients (the strawberry praline, for example, really tastes of fresh strawberries because it is filled with fresh strawberry cream).
Tuba is a cozy tavern just a notch outside the city centre, with locally sourced artisan pizzas, fresh pastries and craft beers. And they sport a really good indie music scene too!
Kure shop is a go-to place for local clothing and clothing items. Rags is a online clothing company from Oulu.
© Kure
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
Oulu used to be one of the most important locations for NOKIA mobile phones. When the business went under, many IT engineers needed new jobs. That’s why there are still many thriving small businesses and many innovations in the technology sector.
Oulu is a cycling town, and people cycle even in winter. It can get as cold as -30 °C, but the bikes don’t stop. In addition, the city takes good care of the bicycle paths and you can usually count on the path being cleared of snow by 6.30 in the morning after a heavy snowfall at night. Perhaps it has something to do with the IT wireless knowledge, but it certainly has something to do with the rock and heavy music scene, as the AIR GUITAR World Championship Contest is held in Oulu every year.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
I already mentioned Tuba. Their sour dough pizza and local beers are usually really good. Another nice place to eat is Puistola. They have nice Italian and NY pizzas along with ala carte dishes.
Really nice milieu and Finnish dishes can be found at Sokeri-Jussin Kievari, which can be reached over a bridge from the market square in Oulu.
© Piustola
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
I would start with the Kure shop I mentioned earlier.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
– Facebook to keep contact with friends
– Duolingo um Deutsch zu lernen
– MyFitnessPall to temporarily track the stuff I eat
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
Unfortunately it’s mostly social media and some radio news while driving.
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would start a campaign to get the Oulujoki River flowing freely again. It used to be one of the largest salmon rivers in Finland before all the dams were built to generate electricity.
© Visit Finland, Tilaaja: Raija Lehtonen, Valokuvaaja: Juho Kuva
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?
In a small historic town on the Adriatic Sea. Croatia, maybe 🙂
© Timbre Tones
