Joel Hokka, one of the lead singers of the internationally renowned Finnish rock band Blind Channel, has made VALO Hotel & Work his long-term home based on a recommendation from a friend. VALO has become a convenient base for him between tours, offering a seamless combination of work and daily life. The busy artist, who also works as a radio host, appreciates VALO’s unique atmosphere, diverse facilities, and services, as well as an environment that fosters his creative work.
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Blind Channel is known for its international success and extensive tours worldwide. Between tours, the singer Joel Hokka has enjoyed a calmer lifestyle at VALO Hotel & Work. When searching for a new place to live in Helsinki during the summer, he learned about the opportunity to stay long-term at VALO through a colleague’s recommendation.
– Keeping a rental apartment during tours didn’t make sense, and VALO offered an excellent solution with flexible living arrangements. The facilities are perfect for combining work and daily life, and the services make it feel like heaven on Earth.
Having toured the world with Blind Channel and stayed in numerous hotels, Hokka finds VALO unique and one-of-a-kind. According to him, VALO’s acoustics and soundproofing are ideal for music creation.
– I’ve composed songs here and even set up speakers in my room. VALO’s facilities are exceptionally supportive of creative work.
The wellness area at VALO receives special praise from Hokka. As someone who relies heavily on his voice, the steam sauna has become an invaluable asset, helping to open his airways and maintain his vocal strength. He uses the steam sauna almost daily.
– The wellness area is undoubtedly the crown jewel of VALO, and it holds up well even by international standards. The rooftop log saunas are the final touch.
– Life on tour is much tougher than it might appear at first glance. The glossy luxury is far from reality when you’re sleeping in airports. At VALO, I’ve been able to re-establish routines: I sleep relatively regularly, eat better, and try to take care of myself physically, Hokka shares.
In addition to his band activities, Hokka also works on Radio Rock programs at Sanomatalo. He values the fact that VALO isn’t located in the very heart of Helsinki.
– I’ve often been frustrated by how difficult it is to get around in central Helsinki, especially during rush hour. From VALO, it’s easy and quick to get to the city center via public transport or even by scooter along Mannerheimintie. Central Park, right next to VALO, offers a breath of fresh air, he explains.
VALO’s location has allowed for a unique combination of tranquility and excellent connections.
– The convenient location of the Tripla shopping center and quick access to the airport are major advantages. VALO has everything I need within arm’s reach – a gym, a wellness area, a restaurant, and workspaces. At its best, I haven’t needed to leave at all.
Blind Channel is set to go on an extended hiatus after December, with the ongoing Final Emotions tour being the last chance to see the band before the break. In December, the band will play two sold-out shows at Tavastia and conclude the tour with a final performance in their hometown of Oulu. During the hiatus, Hokka plans to spend more time in Oulu, with many aspects of the future still open. Summing up his autumn and time at VALO, he says:
– At VALO, it has been easy to just be and focus on what matters most.
