Julien Tassin & Heikki Ruokangas
Heikki Ruokangas (FI) & Julien Tassin (BE) met through the Australian record label Ramble Records. Both guitarists had released music on the label, and before long they found themselves discussing music and the possibility of working together. They share a spontaneous and intense approach to music, as well as a strong commitment to personal artistic expression.
At the heart of the duo’s expression is the unified sound of two guitars, as if played by a single large instrument. In their music, the concrete and the abstract coexist as equals. Melodic lines intertwine with atonal textures, creating an organic and constantly evolving soundscape. Like life itself, the duo’s music embraces both beauty and roughness, without losing its sense of humour. Both guitarists began their musical studies in classical music before later pursuing jazz and improvisation, which led them toward a more contemporary and exploratory musical language.
The ensemble’s debut album ”Behind The Mask” The duo’s debut album was released in 2025 by the Dutch label Challenge Records. To mark the release, the duo embarked on a 17-concert tour across five countries, with the final performance recorded live. This recording, *Live in Brussels*, will be released in May 2026 by zOaR, the American label led by Elliott Sharp. During the tour, the duo’s music evolved in a more experimental direction. Mandolin, various bells, and found objects expanded their instrumental palette, adding new colours and textures to their sound.
Heikki Ruokangas (b. 1987) is a guitarist and composer from Oulu, Finland. Ruokangas has appeared on more than twenty solo and compilation albums and has performed not only throughout Finland but also in the United States and extensively across Europe.
The dialogue between melody and atonality lies at the heart of Ruokangas’s musical expression, moving from delicate atmospheres to almost violent avant-garde outbursts. His melodic language draws on the melancholy of Finnish waltzes, the stark simplicity of Delta blues, the deep echoes of twang-infused Western music, and the ecstasy of jazz. Ruokangas’s atonal vocabulary combines the outward-reaching ideas of jazz improvisation with elements of a geometric musical language he has developed himself. Together, tonal melodies and atonal forms create a distinctive and slightly off-kilter sound world that reflects both Finnish identity and personal expression—offering listeners familiar melodic touchpoints alongside something new, unexpected, and intriguing.
Julien Tassin (b. 1982) is a Belgian guitarist dedicated to creating strong, lyrical melodies and cinematic soundscapes. He has developed a distinctive musical voice inspired by a wide range of influences, including blues, free improvisation, and rock.
folk and jazz.
Julien often uses alternative tunings and plays his instrument with objects not originally intended for music-making, such as pens, paintbrushes, and other found items. At the heart of both his compositions and improvisations lies an inexhaustible desire to push boundaries and search for a unique musical voice. Tassin has released several albums and performed extensively throughout Europe.
Heikki Ruokangas, guitar
Julien Tassin, guitar
Duration approx. 1 h (incl. Intermission)
In collaboration with Oulu2026.
Tickets
24 € regular
15 € pensioner
10 € discount groups
Ticketmaster Finland throughout Finland. Prices include service charges. Tickets without service charges are available from the Valve Ticket Office. An additional order fee applies: €3 per order through the Ticketmaster online store or €1.50 per order through Ticketmasters online store. when buying.
The Kaikukortti is accepted for the concert, but the number of seats is limited.
Ticket Sales Locations
Ticketmaster Finland whole Finland.
Oulu Sinfonia ticket office, Leevi Madetojan katu 1-3.
Cultural Centre Valve ticket office, Hallituskatu 7.
At the door an hour before the event, if available.
Accessibility
AaltoSiilo is accessible.
The organizer reserves the right to make changes.
