Hometown Guide: Sharkslayer on Helsinki

The creator and co-owner of one of Europe's most exciting electronic labels 'Top Billin' and a leading producer, Sharkslayer is a well-known and respected throughout the Finnish music scene.

With tracks used and noticed by such artists as Major Lazor, Steve Aoki and Diplo, the man himself has provided us with his go to spots in Helsinki.

Helsinki offers a unique and vibrant urban experience, renowned for its culinary specialties, events and natural surroundings. Furthermore, its ocean and forest settings make it a dynamic holiday destination all year round.

With a growing urban culture and a calendar filled to it's brim in various events, this is the perfect city for lovers of all things and with Sharkslayer's help we have uncovered the top spots to visit.

Where I Drink: We Got Beef

'This one is the real watering hole for me, a go-to place in Helsinki with all creative types, skateboarders, DJs etc I guess. I used to DJ there from time to time, dance floor is small, but the vibe is good and people know each other, no wack student crews allowed either.

All kinds of shit goes down there.... Last time I was there we got kicked out with Tom Piper, and a month before that I was drinking 2 days with this random funny Canadian dude getting him wasted, who somebody told me later was Pat Duffy. Random meetings with childhood skater idols happen in that joint too.'

Where I Eat: Sports Academy

'This place is a shithole. But they serve the best ribs and wings in town. Somebody definitely would object to that, saying that Herny's Pub wings are the best, but nope, at Henry's they over fry them from time to time.

The thing is that this place is so far away from hipster foodie joint as possible, that the food is totally unpretentious. The ribs/wings/hot dogs selection is dope, so I recommend this, it's also definitely not expensive, 100 wings is 65€. They also got sauna and curling too. Sauna, Curling & Grill, what a fuckin business concept. I think the soundtrack to your meal is every hockey anthem song.'

Where I Relax: Yrjökadun uimahalli + Cafe Yrjö.

'You can let you dick hang out here, seriously. This place is not just a indoor swimming pool founded in 1928, but has a dope sauna and bar/cafe too, the food-drink thing being the reason for this recommendation.

Traditionally, you swim naked in the pool, but since 2001, it has been allowed to wear a swimsuit. What I mainly recommend is the wood sauna + a table at the bar, because their menu is tasty. It's oddly relaxing sitting on the second floor mezzanine, looking at people's asses while snacking on some herring sandwiches, brie with cloudberry jam or bratwurst with sauerkraut and strong beer.'

Where I Party: Kuudes Linja.

'This is where we hold our parties, and party on free time. Close to center and actually located in the party center Kallio, this joint is host to most of the dope parties in town, mainly because it's a very versatile venue with hip-hop jams to house and techno nights and live events, and it's situated in a dope party complex with 2 clubs and a nice bar.

Staff is friendly and drinks are not that expensive (I might be wrong in this as inflation keeps running and and I still drink for free). Adam of Wordlife played there too, so chardonnay to everybody. Next Top Billin event will be on Boxing Day.'

Where I Impress a Date:

'When you go on a date, you're supposed to get your date's blood running, nobody likes a chill date where you're uncomfortable and awkward. My choice is breaking and entering, this crime carries a very minimal punishment in Finland so definitely do something like that. I was once broke into a shipyard with a date, brought some dinner and candles. Didn't get to third base tho.'

Where I'm Creative: Suomenlinna Island

'What a tourist attraction. But a nice one. It's a a UNESCO world heritage site, built in 1748 as protection against Russian expansionism. You can spend a whole day just going around, clearing your head in the nice summer breeze.

There's cafe's and restaurants, but we would just always bring our own food and drink that you can get from the market where the ferry departs, but be careful of the hordes of drunk tourists on the high season. Note: this is for summer visits only, during winter this place is a FROZEN HELL with polar bears and shit.'

Check out more from Sharkslayer and the Top Billin gang at topbillinmusic.com.

Words by Julie Fenwick

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INTERVIEW: SHARKSLAYER