STEREO: The Electronic Side-Project Born from Haloo Helsinki!’s Hiatus

When one of Finland’s biggest pop-rock bands, Haloo Helsinki!, announced a well-deserved break after years of relentless touring and chart-topping success, fans wondered what the creative masterminds behind the scenes would do next. The answer arrived in early 2019 under a sleek, minimalist moniker: STEREO.

Formed by guitarist-songwriters Leo Hakanen and Jere Marttila, STEREO transformed the duo from stadium-filling rock musicians into an innovative electronic dance music (EDM) and pop producer duo.

The Genesis of STEREO

For over a decade, Hakanen and Marttila had been core pillars of Haloo Helsinki!, shaping the melodic hooks and soaring guitar riffs that defined modern Finnish mainstream radio. However, when the parent band went on hiatus, the duo felt an itch to explore a completely different sonic palette.

Stepping out from behind their guitars, they dove headfirst into electronic music production, synthesizers, and club culture. They didn’t just want to make background club tracks; they wanted to merge the emotional storytelling and strong melodies of Finnish pop with hard-hitting, international-grade EDM production. To ensure world-class quality, they even teamed up with top-tier mixing engineer Miles Walker—renowned for his work with global superstars like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Coldplay.

A Collaborative Masterclass: The 2019 Self-Titled Era

STEREO officially launched in February 2019 with the double single release of “Vuosien päästä” (featuring Etta) and “74”. The track immediately signaled that this was a fresh, modern project uninhibited by the boundaries of traditional band setups.

Later that year, they dropped a self-titled full-length album that functioned less like a traditional artist record and more like a curated producer showcase. True to the spirit of modern electronic dance projects (similar to Calvin Harris or David Guetta), STEREO utilized a rotating roster of prominent Finnish vocalists and artists, giving each track a distinct personality:

• “Sä saat mut palasiksi” featuring Samu Haber (known globally from Sunrise Avenue)
• “Woo Woo” featuring rock legend Michael Monroe
• “Bonnie & Clyde” featuring Ida Paul & Kalle Lindroth
• “Katon peiliin” featuring Sini Yasemin
• “Rauhaa ja rakkautta” featuring Aste

This collaborative approach allowed Hakanen and Marttila to experiment across sub-genres—blending melancholy Nordic pop lyricism with heavy club basslines, tropical house elements, and radio-friendly anthems.

Legacy and Impact

STEREO was primarily conceptualized as an energetic outlet for the duration of Haloo Helsinki!’s hiatus. When Haloo Helsinki! made their triumphant return to the music scene, Hakanen and Marttila returned to their primary band duties.