UMK artist Kiki, whose real name is Petra Gavalas, has built her career on the foundation of two cultures, sensitivity, and a strong inner world. Kiki has a Finnish mother and a Greek father.
Although Kiki’s music is known for being dramatic, it is all about empathy and the desire to make the listener feel less lonely.
– I hope that my music arouses emotions and makes people feel safe.
The roots of her unique sound are in her childhood
When she was a child, she got used to hearing pop and rap played side by side through the walls. Hip hop music from the room of her little brother, rap artist Lukas Leon, mixed with the pop tunes playing in Kiki’s room. For Kiki, music and singing have been a channel for emotions since her childhood.
– I sang everywhere. In the shower, in my room, in the sauna. I imagined I was on stage, Kiki recalls.
The artist’s journey to stardom began in her twenties when she met producer Jimi Pääkallo through her brother.
– Jimi taught me the basics of songwriting and artistry. We made a lot of demos at the time to find my own sound.
Kiki’s first single 666 was released in the autumn of 2021. The song became a hit the following year and she was chosen as YleX’s breakthrough artist.
Kiki describes herself as an artist in three words: authentic, emotional, and dramatic.
Her music is a combination of Finnish melancholy and Greek darkness.
The artist name Kiki dates back to her childhood.
– My parents thought I had an imaginary friend because I was always talking about Kiki, but it was my own made-up nickname for myself.
In Greek, “Petra” means stone. As a child, Gavalas had pointed at the stones in the sauna stove (“kivi” in Finnish), but she was unable to pronounce the letter “v”.
– So I just decided to call myself Kiki. When she was starting out on her artistic career, Kiki felt like the right name. It felt like a part of her that had existed since the beginning.
“UMK is my most successful manifestation”
Social media was a burden for Kiki for a long time. However, the spiritual work she has done in recent years has transformed her relationship to it.
– It was toxic. Like so many, I compared myself to others. That is not good for anyone. Now I see social media as a tool where I create content and promote my songs, and I enjoy it.”
Kiki describes herself as a spiritual person who believes in something greater. She believes that everything has a purpose.
The artist’s own experiences have also changed her attitude towards manifestation.
– UMK is my most successful manifestation. For a year, I kept telling myself that I would perform at UMK. When I heard that I had been selected, I cried out of happiness.
Big emotions and darkness
Kiki’s UMK song Rakkaudenkipee was created quickly during a successful week in the studio.
The idea for Rakkaudenkipee had been brewing in Kiki’s phone for a couple of years, but it took a long time to find the right moment to push it forward. Eventually, the time came and the writers were long-time partners Jaakko Kiuru and Niko Salmela, with Leo Jupiter (Leo Salminen), who has been with Kiki since the beginning of her career, as producer.
From the point of view of production, the song contains many elements that are not typical of Kiki’s music. Its theme is quintessential Kiki.
– It is about the longing for love. About being so crazy for another person that it hurts. Some people might think that it sounds like a toxic addiction, but there is also beauty in the darkness. We are all dependent on each other in one way or another.”
Kiki draws inspiration especially from strong female artists who convey powerful emotions. Her idols include Rosalía, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna.
Like her role models, Kiki wants to grow and develop and allow her shows to become bigger and bigger.
First UMK, then the Eurovision Song Contest?
– It would make my dreams come true, as I’ve watched the Eurovision Song Contest with my family all my life. I don’t have a specific roadmap, but I’m aiming for the stars. I also dream of working with some big Greek artist.
