Oulu’s lush alternative scene and subculture have also produced mainstream music in Finland. Kauko Röyhkä, whose roots are firmly in subculture and counterculture, is an example of this. According to a persistent rumour, the Paska Kaupunni graffiti wall writing was inspired by Röyhkä’s song. This graffiti wall writing appeared on the wall of Uusikatu 22 back in the 1980s and, after numerous repaintings, it has always mystically reappeared to decorate a white concrete wall. What does the piece's persistent existence tell us?

The wall writing has probably become so iconic because it well depicts the internal conflict and love-hate relationship that local artists and culture makers have towards their hometown. Subcultures and different lifestyles have been alienated here in the north, and the experience of being an outsider has been strong for many who think differently. Some leave for better opportunities in the south, the most persistent stay. Despite challenging conditions, Oulu has had a diverse subculture scene, which has largely relied on the creators and their active contribution. –Marlene Hyyppä, expert of Oulu underground culture

Some individuals feel constrained by communal care and are looking for more free environments to achieve their personal ambitions. Free-form cultural activities in the field cover many forms of cultural manifestation. Music, theatre, film, comic books and mini-publications, painting art and its various forms are all forms of enthusiastic creative avenues. The free-form field activities are often spontaneous and unplanned – they arise from need and flourish in scarcity. Things have a tendency to develop and run their own course. Leipätehdas, Nahkatehdas, Osuuskunta Taiteen Satalatva, the Raunioaktiivien Voimala project, Tilaa Kulttuurille ry's Tukikohta and the Hiukkavaara barracks area are just a few examples of the things that have been seen in the public sphere.

As an example of the power of community, I would like to mention the skate hall in Hiukkavaara, built and maintained by the Oulu Skateboarders association through volunteer work. – Marlene Hyyppä, expert of Oulu underground culture

The free-form playing field provides an unrestrained operating environment. Scarcity encourages creativity, to develop an unimitable, unique style.

Even the way of writing Paska Kaupunni instead of Paska Kaupunki conveys a sense of a free spirit. “We don't care. We’ll do it our way,” is the message that it seems to convey. The same self-sufficient attitude is also required to create a culture of self-fulfilment. Is there a commonality there with Blind Channel's middle fingers painted red? In any case, the message penetrates the social layers like the traditional Oulu dish rössypottu; some will hate it, some will love it and some will love to hate it. Voluntary action require a relentless attitude.

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Sources:

Hyyppä, Marlene, Expert of Oulu underground culture. Oulu. Interview 17.3.2024, interviewer Esa Nissi.

Hyyppä, Sara Marlene, HUUTOJA MAAN ALTA! Oululaiset alakulttuurilehdet – kulttuurinen tila, vastakulttuuriset sisällöt ja keinot, Master's thesis, Literature, Faculty of Humanities, University of Oulu 2014

Wikipedia. 2023. https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paskakaupunni

Ervasti, Antti, Ouluun täytyy löytää vapaan kentän kulttuuritila, Kaleva 14.4.2008

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Photo: Kalevan archive. Kauko Röyhkä at Kuusrockissa, 20.7.1980

Video: Blind Channel - Dark Side - Finland 🇫🇮 - Official Video - Eurovision 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIvaeu6Oxzc