Koop Arponen

Songwriter, singer, musician, host (and wife carrying world champion).

About Koop

Koop is a professional musician based in Finland. He was born to a Dutch mum, a Finnish dad and he grew up in the UK.

‘I am half Finnish, half Dutch and half English, I’m also terrible at maths’  – Koop Arponen 2026

Known for his strong sense of melody and harmony, wide vocal range, and award-winning lyrics, Koop has built a loyal following drawn to his sincerity and craftsmanship.

Beyond his music, he his known for his dry humour and uplifting personality. He has worked as an English-speaking presenter and host for television and radio programmes, music festivals, and private events, bringing his signature warmth and wit wherever he goes.

Koop also works as an agent and middle-man in Finnish Film, helping feature films find investment and strategic partnerships.  

Here is an overview of his music career…

2006 Winner of Pickwick Pub karaoke contest, Scarborough, UK

2008 Winner of Idols (Finland)

2009 Wrote the official Pink Ribbon charity song ’I Love it when I see you smile’

2011 Winner of prestigious 50,000€ Ala Pugacheva Gold Star award (Latvia) – Best original song. (Pictures on my Wall)

2011-2017 Provided studio vocals for various artists including: Stratavarius, Antti Ketonen, Pete Parkkonen, Paradise Oscar. Also professional studio vocalist for Zoom Karaoke backing tracks.

2017-2023 Making babies, being a dad, having a real job, getting slightly fat.

2024-2025 Getting back into shape and writing music again.

2025 Winner of the World Wife Carrying Championships, became endorsement partner and song writer for S-Group marketing campaigns, Finland. Back in the recording studios.

2026-present Writing, recording, performing

Brand Partnerships

Koop has worked with various brands to create light hearted and positive marketing campaigns.

Koop is currently an endorsement partner for Coop products (S-Kauppa). The campaign has received critical acclaim for it’s original and ‘outside of the box’ approach to marketing. The campaign started when Koop was asked to write a few songs about Coop products. Since then, the campaign has developed into a ‘fly on the wall’ style mockumentary, which sees him unkowingly creating awkward yet humorous and positive situations.

Flute of Shame

Flute of Shame was founded in 2010 by Koop after several years performing as a solo artist. The band’s name is inspired by the flute of shame — a medieval punishment device once used to humiliate bad musicians and noisy townsfolk in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Originally formed as an acoustic trio, Flute of Shame has evolved into a vibrant collective of professional, fun-loving musicians. With an ever-growing lineup of inter-swappable members, the band can tailor its sound and setup to suit any occasion — from intimate private gatherings to large-scale corporate events and festival stages.

Renowned for their rich harmonies and melodic storytelling, Flute of Shame have captivated audiences across Finland and beyond. Their international breakthrough came in 2011 at the New Wave competition, where their original song “Pictures on My Wall” won the €50,000 first prize for Best Original Song. They’re also celebrated for their creative covers — most notably their version of “House of the Rising Sun,” which was licensed by acclaimed game studio Shiver Games as the official trailer music for Lucius 3.

Never confined by a fixed setlist, Flute of Shame prefer to read the room, shaping their performance around the energy of the crowd. This spontaneous approach ensures every show feels unique, lively, and deeply connected with the audience.
Blending inventive covers with distinctive original material, Flute of Shame bring a personal, unforgettable touch to every event they play.

Lineups

Flute of Shame can be booked in all shapes and sizes. Here is a rundown of options…

Duo

Our duo set up includes a bass drum, tambourine, a pair of guitars and at least one set of vocals.

Trio

Our Trio is like the duo but with more balls. With the added bass/rhythm guitar this set up packs a bigger punch and adds more versatility to our set up.

Four piece

Like the trio but with the addition of an extra harmony and an Irish violin. Ideal for bringing that extra special touch to any event.

Five piece

Take the four piece line up, subtract Koop’s bass drum/tambourine combo and replace it with a pro percussionist. This set up is popular for bigger stages.

Six piece

The festival line-up includes 3 vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitars, bass guitar, violin, piano and drums.

Pikkujoulu

Flute of Shame offers a special show designed exclusively for Christmas parties. Featuring our unique arrangements of both traditional and contemporary Christmas songs — in Finnish and English — we guarantee to bring festive cheer to any occasion. Our Christmas show has been performed in concert halls, corporate events, church concerts, pubs, and clubs across both the UK and Finland, always receiving outstanding feedback from audiences.

Music

Here are a couple of links… you will find more on Spotify and YouTube 

The Landlord
House of the Rising Sun
Pictures on my Wall

Personalised Video Message

Would you like to surprise someone with a personalised video message from Koop? — perhaps a heartfelt birthday greeting, a cheerful “get well soon,” or a cheeky Merry Christmas message?

Simply get in touch through the contact page with the recipient’s name, the occasion, and any extra details you’d like included — and we’ll take care of the rest.  Personalised video messages are available for a flat rate of 250€.

FAQ

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions (and answers) If you need more info then feel free to drop us a message 🙂

How long do you play for?

The band is flexible in this regard. They can play one long set or it can be split up into two or even three shorter sets. One of the most popular options is 2 x 45 minutes. They have also performed at numerous exhibitions, playing a few songs every half hour or so throughout the day to help attract attention to your stand.

Do you bring your own PA equipment?

Yes. The band have excellent PA systems at their disposal, suitable for audiences of up to around 400 people. These are included in the price. For larger audiences, it is recommended to outsource a PA company.

How long is set up time?

The band need at least 60-90 minutes to set up their equipment and do a sound check prior to guests arriving.

 

Can we request specific songs prior to our event?

Yes. Generally speaking, if you give enough notice, the guys should be able to cater for almost any song ever written – within reason!

How much space do you need?

It depends entirely on the line-up – but as a rule of thumb; the band members prefer to not have to sit on each other’s shoulders.

What do I need to provide for the band?

A place to get changed and some cold drinks would be great. If the venue has food then a bit of food would also be much appreciated.

Do you provide lighting?

Generally speaking no. Flute of Shame can provide a tiny bit of mood lighting upon request. For larger lighting requirements it is recommended to contact a specialised company.

Do you also sing in Finnish?

Flute of Shame do sing in Finnish occasionally,  but their preferred language is English. Please give plenty of notice to the band if you have a particular Finnish song request. 

What kind of music do you play?

Flute of Shame have a humongous range of covers and original songs. They play anything from Eva Cassidy to Black Sabbath.

Can you provide us with a set list prior to your gig?

They prefer not to. With over 1,000 gigs behind them, they feel that we are well versed in reading audiences. Flute of Shame have hundreds of songs in their repertoire and they like to adapt to the vibe of their audience by choosing their songs in real time. It would be helpful for you to provide the band with an indication as to the kind of vibe you are looking to create for your audience ahead of time and perhaps a couple of song examples. This way they know how to prepare accordingly.

How much do you charge?

Prices vary depending on time of year, location, nature of event and lineup. As a rough guideline; prices generally start from 1,750€. 

Feedback

Ei tule kesää ilman Koopin ja Danen keikkaa Siipirataslaiva Elias Lönnrotilla! Lähes laivan housebändinä jo tunnetun duon keikka laivalla myydään loppuun joka kerta! Käsinkosketeltava tunnelma valtaa laivan, ihmiset laulavat mukana sekä pyyhkivät kyyneleitä musiikin ja tunnelman aiheuttamasta   liikutuksesta. Se lämpö millä tämä duo ottaa huomioon yleisönsä on koskettavaa ja vuodesta toiseen asiakkaat haluavat sen kokea aina uudestaan ja uudestaan. Koopin hauskat välispiikit saavat yleisön nauramaan spontaanisti ja duon syvä ystävyys ja kemia välittyy ja tarttuu yleisöön. Heillä on harvinainen lahja esiintyjinä, uskomaton taito olla läsnä joka kerta yleisölleen ja koskettaa heitä jokaisella esiintymisellään.”

Nanna Rantanen

Keurusselkä Resort

He tekevät juhlasta aina lämmin henkisen. Ja omaavat huippu huumorintajun, heittävät väliin aina hauskoja juttuja.

Johanna Jokiaho

Pikkujoulu and Private Function

Sekä Lapuan kankureiden oma porukka, että asiakkaat ja vieraat rakastavat joka kerta Koop Arponen-duoa, ja heitä toivotaan tapahtumiimme aina uudelleen ja uudelleen… Heidän musiikkinsa on mukaansatempaavaa ja monen makuun sopivaa. Ennenkaikkea heillä on aito ja sydämellinen kontakti yleisöön, mikä tekee keikoista aina erityisen mieleenpainuvia.

Jaana Hjelt

Lapuan Kankurit

Olemme olleet erittäin tyytyväisiä Flute of Shame -yhtyeeseen. Yhtye on esiintynyt meillä jo kuusi kertaa, mikä kertoo omalta osaltaan siitä, kuinka arvostamme heidän ammattitaitoaan ja kykyään luoda onnistunut tapahtuma kerta toisensa jälkeen.

Flute of Shame on tuonut tilaisuuksiimme upean tunnelman ja hurmannut yleisönsä energisellä, laadukkaalla ja mukaansatempaavalla esiintymisellään. He osaavat lukea yleisöä erinomaisesti, ja tunnelma nousee illan edetessä juuri toivotulla tavalla.

Yhteistyö on aina sujunut mutkattomasti ja sovitut asiat ovat hoituneet täsmällisesti ja ammattimaisesti. On ilo tehdä töitä yhtyeen kanssa, johon voi luottaa täysin.

Voimme lämpimästi suositella Flute of Shame -yhtyettä erilaisiin tilaisuuksiin – he tekevät tapahtumasta varmasti ikimuistoisen!

Anja Sailakoski

Kolarikorjaus Sailokoski Oy

Yhteistyömme alkoi tilanteessa, jossa tarvitsimme nopeasti korvaavan esiintyjän messutapahtumaamme. Flute of Shame pelasti tilanteen ottamalla vastaan kolmen päivän keikan vain kahden viikon varoitusajalla. Tämä joustava asenne on jatkunut koko yhteistyömme ajan.

Erityisen arvokasta on ollut heidän helppoutensa – yhteydenpito sujuu vaivattomasti ja lupauksista pidetään kiinni. Musiikillisesti yhtye tarjoaa poikkeuksellisen laajaa ja monipuolista ohjelmistoa laidasta laitaan. Heidän globaalista musiikista ammentava valikoimansa mahdollistaa ohjelman räätälöinnin erilaisiin tilaisuuksiin ja yleisöihin. Kokoonpanossa kuuluu myös kansainvälinen osaaminen, joka rikastuttaa yhtyeen musiikillista ilmaisua.

Yhtye soveltuu erinomaisesti niin ulko- kuin sisätilaisuuksiinkin, ja heidän monipuolinen ohjelmistonsa takaa, että jokainen tapahtuma saa juuri sille sopivan musiikillisen tunnelman.

Suosittelen yhtyettä lämpimästi kaikille, jotka arvostavat ammattitaitoa, joustavuutta ja laadukasta, monipuolista musiikkia.

Marko Keränen

Beijer Oy

Media Pics

Please contact us for a link to our downloadable pics for media use. Or if you’re a pervert, you can stick one on your bedroom wall.

Send us a message

Got a question? Want to book Koop for your event?
Or maybe you’d like a personalised video to surprise someone special?

Whatever it is — we’d love to hear from you!

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