Vocal band Halsbandet was founded in 1988 in Vantaa. Initially, the group consisted of only Swedish-speaking members, amateur singers. The first leader, Rodney Andrén, developed the sound of the band towards gospels and folk music.
With the new conductor and music arranger Jan Takolander, more Swing and Latin-American rhythms appeared in the repertoire of the ensemble. In the atmosphere of the rich choral life of Helsinki area, Halsbandet stood out in its originality and commitment to pop-jazz music genres and rhythmic style of performance.