“You know there is music, and then there is art; “Kaamos” is a seamless blend of both, which is exactly what makes it sound so special.” - Natalie Bennett, Tempo Stub.

Australian/Finnish, Finland-based musician Simon Svoboda strives to be the most versatile musician he can be. Aside from being an active part of the Finnish classical scene, Svoboda performs frequently with his cello duo ‘Simon and Tommi’, and has recently joined the newly-formed ‘Quinteto Tango Berlin’, led by Finnish accordian maestro Sami Pirttilahti. In the past year however, Svoboda has found inspiration to compose minimalistic music for his cello and voice. His upcoming EP titled ‘Kaamos’ (the Finnish word describing the darkest period of the year where the sun seldom rises) is a 6-piece work inspired by different elements of winter in Finland. 

Svoboda is fortunate to be a 2024 Koneen Säätiö scholarship recipient, supporting the creation of ‘Kaamos', scheduled for release later in the same year. Svoboda has had the huge pleasure to collaborate with some incredible artists on this record, including Ukrainian violinist Varvara Vasylieva on ‘Savu’ (an homage to Ukraine translating to ‘Smoke’), his sister, double bassist and singer Helen Svoboda on the track ‘Valo’ (‘light’), and William Häggblom featuring on organ in the track ‘Halla’ (‘frost’). Also, the record would not have been possible without the commitment and belief from audio-engineer and producer, Joel Ward. Svoboda’s influences include Thom Yorke, Arvo Pärt, Yann Tiersen, Tigran Hamasyan, Sigur Ros and Helen Svoboda, among others. 

Svoboda holds a masters degree from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, and has had prior training at the Australian National Acadamy of Music and the University of Queensland. Previous projects include SIMON SIMON and The Biology of Plants, among others.

When Simon Svoboda is not playing music, he is either drinking coffee, hanging out with dogs or thinking about surfing back home in Australia.