Eppu Normaali In the mid-1970s Syrjä formed the band
Eppu Normaali in Ylöjärvi together with his older brother Mikko "Pantse" Syrjä, their cousin Aku Syrjä and school friends, rehearsing in a small outbuilding on the family property that became known as the band's first practice space. The band began as a
punk and
new wave band in 1976 and made its first public appearance at the Rockin SM competition in 1977, where it received an honourable mention. During the early 1980s Eppu Normaali's musical style evolved from fast, raw punk towards more melodic
rock and
pop while retaining an ironic and narrative approach to lyrics, and the band grew into one of the most popular and influential Finnish rock groups. For his work as a lyricist, Syrjä has received the
Juha Vainio Award award in 1997 and the
Reino Helismaa Award in 2004.
Songwriting and musical style Syrjä's texts are characterised by narrative depictions of Finnish everyday life, often combining humour, irony, and introspection. He has cited Finnish songwriters
Juice Leskinen,
Hector and
Dave Lindholm as important influences on his approach to Finnish-language rock lyrics. Among the best-known songs for which he has written the lyrics are
Murheellisten laulujen maa (1982),
Tahroja paperilla (1990),
Baarikärpänen (1988),
Joka päivä ja joka ikinen yö (1986) and
Nyt reppuni jupiset riimisi rupiset (1984).
Acting, illustration and other work Syrjä film and television work includes roles in the short film
Jackpot 2 (1982), the feature films
Klaani – tarina Sammakoitten suvusta (1984),
Calamari Union (1985),
Rosso (1985),
Kuningas lähtee Ranskaan (1985),
Paha maa (2005),
Ganes (2007),
Haarautuvan rakkauden talo (2009),
Risto Räppääjä ja polkupyörävaras (2010),
Vuonna 85 (2013) and
Hevi reissu (2018), as well as television series such as
Yötyö (1988),
Arvokkaasti! (2000),
Dirlandaa (2000),
Mankeli (2001),
Juulian totuudet (2002),
Jurismia! (2002) and
Maan mitta (2007). ==Personal life==