Exploring International Growth of an Independent Artist
Highlights from the Kuohu Workshop with Maija Kauhanen
At the end of September, Kuohu Studios took a deep dive into what it takes to grow a successful independent solo career. The third Kuohu Workshop was led by Maija Kauhanen – one of Finland's most internationally acclaimed folk musicians.
Kauhanen's international journey began when, encouraged by those around her, she set herself a clear goal: to make a living through her own music. Nearly 20 years later, she has toured in over 30 countries and continues to pursue new ambitions with passion and drive.
Reflecting on her career, Kauhanen noted how much vague advice she had received over the years—and how determined she was to provide concrete, actionable insights in her own workshop. And she absolutely delivered. Attendees walked away with a wealth of useful knowledge: from navigating music fairs and showcase festivals to creating effective promo materials and understanding where to apply for grants or seek collaboration opportunities. There was so much valuable information that, thankfully, participants received Kauhanen's workshop notes to take home.
Here are a few key takeaways from the session:
1) Know your strengths. If you're unsure what they are, try writing for five minutes about what you're good at. Revisit your list regularly, and don't forget to acknowledge—and thank yourself for—what you already do well.
2) Practice being present. Staying present helps make every performance meaningful, and it opens the door to real connection. At the end of the day, a big part of building a career is about who feels comfortable working with who?
3) Kauhanen's top 3 touring tips:
Pack gear in regular suitcases instead of special instrument cases whenever possible – it makes travelling less complicated.
Find out what voltage and sockets your destination country uses and buy the electric adapters you need before your trip.
Use AirTags or other luggage trackers to help recover your bags quickly if they get lost.
The workshop wrapped up with warm applause, buzzing conversations, and new connections among participants. We will be organizing this workshop again in the spring. So, if you missed this one, you will get a second chance. And make sure you don't miss the next Kuohu Workshop—we'll share more details in our next newsletter. If you can't wait, remember: you can always rent space at Kuohu Studios for your own projects, or ask for recording, production, or mixing services.
Photos: Carolina Stenbäck
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