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Life & Work with Steve Solkela of Minnesota

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Solkela.

Hi Steve, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a childhood farm on Minnesota’s Iron Range steeped in Finnish roots and work ethic (SISU) to stages all around the world, Steven Solkela is a one-of-a-kind artist who appeals to a fanbase young and old through his versatile performances, eclectic studio recordings, and vast online presence. Whether performing solo gentle ballads on an accordion, boisterous and complex arrangements as the sole member of his renowned 24-piece “Overpopulated” one-man-band, or any of his various side projects, Solkela is a once in a generation talent. Mix in comedy and a variety of stunts on the unicycle, skateboard or stilts, and his performances are sure to “wow” audiences of all ages, geographies and backgrounds.
Solkela studied Music at Rowan University in New Jersey and brought his act home to Minnesota where he’s become a true staple in the Northern Minnesota music community. He has released seven studio albums, countless music videos, and performs roughly 300 gigs per year.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Composing my Comic Operas… hoping for the best. Hired a friend who knows how to read, we applied for a Grant this year. 1st time. Never been the scholarly type.

Not usually one to brag this much. Forgive me 🤣 I’m authentically me… still sarcastic about this whole art thing, can’t believe I can make an “almost living” playing accordion & telling my jokes.

What’s next?
Publishing an opera. Some big tours planned. Got a lot of seasonal projects cooking too.

Contact Info:

Person riding a unicycle on a road, playing an accordion, wearing a hat with a large object on top, trees in background.

Person dressed in historical costume playing piano in a room with large window and decorative furniture

Two people dressed as Santa Claus, one playing an accordion and riding a bicycle, the other skateboarding, on a road with a sign reading 'Haulwood Dreams' in the background.

Woman smiling, holding a harp, standing between ornate gates in a cloudy sky background.

Logo featuring a person playing an accordion, with text 'Steve Solkela's Overpopulated One Man Band', on a black background.

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