Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Saarihelvetti 2020 - Peter Saari
#Musictoo: Instagram movement is bringing to light the hushed atrocities and toxic behavior within the Finnish music scenes
Something very important is happening in the Finnish punk, rock and metal scenes as we speak. An Instagram account going by the name @punkstoo was founded a couple days ago with the aim to expose the sexual harassment, misogyny and racism within the Finnish punk scene, and to offer a safe platform for the victims of such behavior to share their experiences. Anonymous stories soon became to surface, revealing some truly horrible cases of sexual abuse, violence, grooming, homo- and transphobia racism and misogyny, all inside a scene that’s supposed to be founded on certain values.
Not long after, @metaltoo came into existence too, revealing more similar cases from the metal scene: inappropriate touching in the audience becoming the norm in some people’s gig experiences, artists abusing their power over underage fans, belittling of women by elitist gatekeepers, rape and much more.
Recently, similar account was also created for the Finnish rap scene.
What has emerged as a common theme in almost all the stories, some of which are from decades ago, is the victim’s experience of not being taken seriously. This is partly because those guilty have often been looked up to within the scene and been effectively protected by their good reputation. Some of them have even been musicians that are well known on a national level, or other important figures within the industry.
Even though the names are censored in the posts, a few identities have come to light. One of the accused is Teemu Bergman, the frontman of the Finnish punk band Pää Kii. Other one is a well known music program host Teppo Vapaus. As of now, Bergman has denied any accusations of criminal activity and hired a lawyer. The record label Stupido Records has cut ties to Pää Kii. Vapaus’ program on YleX has as well been put on hold.
Several bands, events and venues have already voiced their support to @punkstoo and @metaltoo and committed to making their shows more safe to everyone. Some of these include Lost Society, Battle Beast, Amorphis, Mokoma, Tuska Festival, Nummirock, Ruisrock, Tavastia-klubi and Tullikamari. More bands, events and venues are acknowledging this all the time.
It’s obvious that this kind of behaviour is not limited to just punk, rock metal and rap. And it sure as hell isn’t limited to Finland. However, this is where this sort of open discussion has now started to emerge, and we can only hope that other music scenes and other countries follow the example.