Puuluup

Two Estonian musicians, ancient bowed lyres, electronic wizardry, and a wonderfully eccentric sense of humor. You've never heard anything quite like Puuluup!

Formed in 2014, Puuluup features Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson, who have built an extraordinary sound around the hiiu kannel, a traditional bowed lyre with roots in Estonia's coastal communities. Armed with their ancient instruments, looping pedals, and an endless supply of imagination, they transform simple bowed strings into richly layered soundscapes that can be haunting, hilarious, hypnotic, and downright danceable.

Their music defies easy description, bringing ancient Nordic folk melodies together with electronic beats, experimental pop, underground rock, and a touch of Monty Python-style absurdity. One moment they're creating dark, cinematic atmospheres; the next, they're building irresistible grooves from squeaks, scrapes, rhythmic knocks, and unexpected vocal harmonies.

Puuluup has performed across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In 2024, they joined forces with Estonian hip-hop group 5MIINUST to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest, reaching the grand final. The collaboration also produced the album Kannatused ehk külakiigel pole stopperit.

Their recordings include Süüta mu lumi (2018) and Viimane suusataja (2021). Teder, also known for his solo project Pastacas, brings a background in experimental music, while Veisson, an anthropologist as well as a musician, brings curiosity about culture, history, and sound.

Despite their international success, the duo describes its mission with characteristic modesty: to show just how many unexpected things can be done with the humble hiiu kannel.

Experience Puuluup in the intimate listening room at Caffè Lena.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream tickets are $5, and 100% of live stream ticket sales benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two-week access to recent shows, and Caffè Lena's video archive.

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