About

Artist Biography: J.P. Kallio

Early Life and Background J.P. Kallio, an indie folk artist, singer, guitarist, and songwriter, was born in Finland. His passion for music began at a young age, drawing inspiration from the folk traditions of his homeland and Ireland. This early connection with music laid the groundwork for his future career as a multifaceted musician.

Move to Ireland and Formation of Sliotar Seeking new horizons, Kallio moved to Ireland, where he spent 27 transformative years. In Ireland, he joined the modern folk band Sliotar, serving as the lead vocalist and guitarist. With Sliotar, Kallio toured extensively across Europe, performing at festivals in Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, France, Belgium, Austria, Italy, and Ireland. Sliotar also held the longest-running residency at The Porterhouse in Dublin, solidifying their place in the local music scene.

Solo Career and Discography Kallio embarked on a solo career in 2014, releasing a series of albums that showcased his versatility and depth as a songwriter. His discography includes:

• Full Albums: “Northern Boy” (2014), “Read Between The Lines” (2014), “Tell My Darling” (2014), “The Call” (2014), “After the Storm” (2015), “I Believe in You” (2015), “Shine a Light” (2023).
• Singles: “Glory to the World” (2010), “Half a Man” (Dean Lewis Cover) (2022), “Staying Alive” (Bee Gee’s cover) (2022), “Say Something” (A Great Big World cover) (2023), “Carry The Scars” (2023), “Now or Never” (2023), “I Am” (2023).

Relocation to France and Recent Work In recent years, Kallio relocated to South Burgundy, France, where he continues to write and perform music. His latest solo album, “Shine a Light,” released in December 2023, marks his return after an eight-year hiatus. Influenced by thoughtful songwriters like Tom Waits and Johnny Cash, the album reflects Kallio’s personal experiences and spiritual journey, emphasizing themes of self-discovery and letting go of societal expectations.

Musical Style and Influences Kallio’s music is characterized by introspective lyrics, minimalistic arrangements, and acoustic melodies. His guitar playing, influenced by traditional Irish music and the DADGAD tuning, features complex rhythmic patterns that complement his storytelling. The themes in his songs often revolve around personal growth, life’s challenges, and the quest for authenticity.

Personal Life and Anecdotes Kallio’s life has been shaped by significant personal experiences, including the tragic loss of his father to suicide. This loss has driven him to pursue his dreams passionately and prioritize mental health awareness. His journey from Finland to Ireland and now France reflects his adventurous spirit and dedication to his craft.

Collaborations and Other Projects Beyond his solo work, Kallio has engaged in various collaborations. He recorded the song “Cold” in 2021 with Italian rappers Killabase, Stoma Emsi, and Coldeiv, and appeared in NikMartken’s single “The Story Of Siobhan The Temptress” in 2021. He also played in the Dublin punk scene with Boneyard Bastards around 2010-2014. During the pandemic, he recorded two albums with the rock hip-hop group Kandemic: “Lockdown Sessions” (2022) and “Conspiracy Theories” (2023). Since moving to France, Kallio has set up a recording studio in an old 1970s caravan, where he has collaborated, mixed, and mastered Davog Rynes’s upcoming album, set to release in July 2024.

Conclusion J.P. Kallio’s rich musical journey, spanning multiple countries and diverse genres, showcases his talent and dedication as an artist. His ability to connect with listeners through heartfelt lyrics and authentic storytelling makes him a distinctive voice in the indie folk genre.

Email: jpkallio(at)hotmail.com

Tel: +353-87-247 6034