In this exclusive Q&A, Rock it Out! Blog host Sami Jarroush chats with Kari Aalto and Sami Helle, the vocalist and bassist of the Finnish punk band Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät. The band was formed in 2009 by guitarist Pertti Kurikka through the non-profit organization Lyhty, which provides housing, education services, and workshops for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Aalto and Helle discuss the band’s origins, the challenges of their disabilities, and the reception they’ve received from the punk community. They also reveal their desire to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest in Austria, which takes place on February 28th, and will be broadcast to over 200 million viewers in Europe.



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