Stunning Incidents

What drew young people in small northern towns — in the pre-internet era — from the clatter of punk rock toward ever more extreme soundscapes? Radiopuhelimet, Deep Turtle, Circle, Aavikko, Jimi Tenor & His Shamans, Keuhkot, Liimanarina. These bands, and many others, found their outlet through Bad Vugum, an Oulu-based record label active from 1987 to 2002, whose catalogue ranged from electronic avant-garde to hypnotic trance rock and interdisciplinary shouting choirs.

The founders of Bad Vugum wanted to release raw and mischievous music — something wilder and more unpredictable than formulaic punk. Dark humour and an idiosyncratic unruliness ran through the label's musical taste as much as its way of operating, and extended into the DIY aesthetics of its music videos. Directors included, among others, Mika Taanila, Kimmo Schroderus, and JP Passi.

Operating from the north, Bad Vugum rose during the 1990s to become a cult name on the international underground circuit. Its artists were invited to the legendary John Peel Sessions at the BBC, and Jello Biafra declared it the best record label in the world. Yet the significance of Bad Vugum in Finland has remained, to some extent, in the shadows.

This screening, gathering the finest music videos from the label's catalogue, opens a window onto the crooked side of Finnish rock.

Curated by Ida Karoskoski and Tuukka Vartiainen. Artist guests are present at the screening.