Former Finnish Eurovision representative Blind Channel is now a five-member band, since Joel Hokka, one of the vocalists of the band, has left the group. The band announced the news on their social media channels yesterday, and told Hokka is leaving the band for health reasons, and their friendship is still strong. This is what the band told in their announcement:
Blind Channel and singer Joel Hokka have decided to part ways.
With this decision, a significant era comes to an end for all of us involved. Over time, our ways of working and our creative chemistry have naturally drifted in different directions. After much thought and mutual unterstanding, Blind Channel and Joel Hokka have decided to continue on separate paths. This decision doesn’t affect our friendship and love.
”We wanna thank Joel for everything and we wish Joel nothing but the absolute best in the future. For now, Blind Channel will continue as a five member band. The band is currently on a break.”
-Niko, Joonas, Aleksi, Olli, Tommi
”12 years is a long time. The growth from high school boys to successful musicians has been a journey like no other. The past few years have pushed me to my limits, and ongoing sleep issues have made touring impossible. I’ve come to realize that the intensity of this lifestyle just doesn’t align with my health right now. I’m beyond grateful for everything these years have given me and wish my brothers all the best in their future endeavors.”
-Joel
The band, Joel, or the band’s team will not comment further on the matter, and they hope for peace regarding the situation.
Blind Channel was founded in 2013 in Oulu. They represented Finland in Eurovision 2021 with their song ”Dark Side”, finishing sixth in the Grand Final with 301 points. During Eurovision 2021 the band announced they had made an international recording deal with Century Media Records, and they won six Emma-awards (Finnish Grammy) in Emma-gaala 2022, including ”Band of the Year” and ”Song of the Year”.
Blind Channel will continue as a five-member group for now. They are currently on the break, which they announced last autumn.
Here you can rewatch the amazing performance Blind Channel gave us in Rotterdam four years ago:
