Interviews
Smokin´Aces Interview 20.12.2014
Smokin´ Aces is Finland´s Newcomer band in the rock´n´roll scene. In the beginnig of November they played a show in Tavastia, Helsinki. Heavenofrockmusic reported already about a lot of live gigs Smokin´Aces played in the past. As a small christmas surprise we met the guys and asked a few questions. The interview you can see here as a youtube video:
More info´s to the band can be found from their Facebook page
: https://www.facebook.com/SmokinAcesOfficialSmokin´ Aces published their first EP with very great rock songs, just perfect as a christmas gift for family and friends. You can order the EP 24/7 online: http://247.mycashflow.fi/
And a special thankyou for this video interview goes to Annina Sinisalo, the woman behind the camera. For great pictures check out her wordpress blog: https://anskuphoto.wordpress.com/
Last but not least, Smokin´Aces live video from the Tavastia show: Take My Breath Away
Danko Jones Interview 15.12.2014
In December 2014 I got the honour to meet up with Danko Jones and John Calabrese (JC). I spoke with them about the release of their new album FIRE MUSIC. Annina Sinisalo was once more the woman behind the camera 🙂 The interview was done for the Finnish online music magazine Kaaoszine: http://kaaoszine.fi/danko-jones-haastattelu-2015/
Here the youtube link for everybody who hasn´t seen it yet:
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Like Kaaoszine and Danko Jones on Facebook for upcoming news:
https://www.facebook.com/kaaoszine
https://www.facebook.com/dankojones
Hail Action at Trash Bar NYC: Abbie, Mike, Bianca and Mick
Hail Action is a satanic rock band from NYC: two dudes and two girls that still know what rock´n´roll is. I saw those guys live in my US vacation and was impressed. They had time to answer a couple of questions. Check the interview out:
1) You are describing your band as – the world´s only satanic action rock´n´roll band. How is that? And what is the meaning of satanic action rock´n´roll for you? Feel free also to introduce your band member a bit.
Mick Royale (Guitar/Vocals): The description was actually inspired by Nicke Andersson of the Hellacopters when he described them as, “action rock,” in some interview I read. I think it’s just about cranking your amp to 11 and screaming through the set until you fall over. The Satanic part is just from my own background as a Satanist, so we use Satanic symbols and the subject matter of the songs, while not always purely Satanic, are usually about some form of carnality. I’m the lead singer/guitarist/main songwriter for the group, but that’s not permanent. As we continue on, more of us will take the lead singing and writing songs, and that’s awesome to me. We recently parted ways with our bassist, but we’re holding auditions soon.
Bianca D’Agger (Keyboard/Vocals): I play keyboards. I started playing classical piano at age 5. I’ve always wanted to be in a band, and I never had the chance, so I figured this was a good place to start.
Mike Hell (Drums/Vocals): ITS ABOUT GOING BALLS OUT ON STAGE, SIMPLY GOING WITH THE FLOW OF WHAT FEELS GOOD, AND GIVING EM HELL. SATAN? NOT SO MUCH FOR ME. WE ALL HAVE OUR ISSUES WITH RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENT. POINT YOUR FINGER AND I’LL BE SURE YOU DON’T GET IT BACK, YOU KNOW?
Abigail Heresy (Guitar/Vocals) is the very talented guitarist of the band Hail Action, she was unfortunately not able to participate in this interview, but we all hope she enjoyed her vacation in Greece 🙂
2) What or better who are your main influences when it comes to music and why?
Mick Royale: Overall, for me, it’s The Hellacopters, KISS, Sex Pistols, The Brickbats, and The Rolling Stones.
Mike Hell: METALLICA, PANTERA, MUDVAYNE, TOOL, ALICE IN CHAINS, SOUNDGARDEN, DEFTONES, THE OFFSPRING, AFI, THE BEATLES, THE MISFITS, JOHN COLTRANE, THE BRONX… THE LIST KEEPS GOING AND GOING.
3) Are you familiar in NYC with scandinavian bands? Which acts you know and like?
Mick Royale: VERY familiar! I love a lot of what’s come out of Sweden. The Hellacopters and Imperial State Electric, obviously, but also Backyard Babies, Märvel, Thunder Express, Union Carbide Productions, Diamond Dogs, Hardcore Superstar, Sahara Hotnights, Ghost, as well as Turbonegro and Gluecifer from Norway. The 69 Eyes are probably my favorite Finnish band, but I also enjoy the camp of Lordi.
Mike Hell: I’M CERTAINLY FAMILIAR WITH METAL BANDS. OPETH, ARCH ENEMY, ARE MY FAVORITES AND HAD A HUGE INFLUENCE ON ME. SOILWORK, AT THE GATES, IN FLAMES, BURZUM, MAYHEM… CANT REALLY IGNORE BANDS LIKE THAT.
4) The EP “Kiss my Ass” is out. Where can you buy it and what can people expect from it?
Mick Royale: You can get it at HailAction.bandcamp.com, and it’s 4 tracks produced by Dan Grigsby who also worked with Keith Richards and Mike Hell’s other band, Woods of Arden.
Mike Hell: UP UNTIL THIS POINT THE ONLY HA! YOU COULD GET WAS RECORDED BY MICK AT HIS HOUSE WITH FAKE DRUMS. I THINK THAT’S LAME AS SHIT, SO NOW WE HAVE SOME REAL LIFE SKIN BASHING ACTION AND ALL MEMBERS OF HAIL ACTION INVOLVED. WHICH OF COURSE IS QUITE LOVELY. ITS ALWAYS FUN WORKING WITH DAN. HE HAS AN APPROACH THAT ALLOWS US TO FUCK OFF AND BE OURSELVES ON RECORD WHILE KEEPING IT WITHIN THE LINES, PRODUCTION-WISE. EXPECT ACTION. SWEET ACTION.
5) Song writing: I heard Mick writes all the songs. Mick, how you get inspired for coming up with new stuff? What is there first the lyric or the melody?
Mick Royale: I’ve only written all the songs up until now. During this break from New York shows we’re taking, we’ll be bashing our heads together and writing some things as a group. Actually, Mike and I have already collaborated on a new song this past week in which he will sing lead. He wrote the lyrics, I wrote the melody. As far as what comes first, it can go either way for me. I’ve actually had riffs and lyrics written independently that I’ve put together and adjusted them to fit together better. And sometimes, I just sit and put it all together at the same time.
Mike Hell: THIS HAS BEEN MICK’S BABY FOR QUITE SOME TIME. HOWEVER, I SPEND LOTS OF TIME WRITING ON MY OWN AND NOW THAT WE’VE SOLIDIFIED THE VIBE AND SOUND, ITS TIME TO CONTRIBUTE COLLECTIVELY. ITS REALLY FUN STUFF TO WRITE BECAUSE WE JUST RIFF LIKE JERKS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO DERSERVE A FOOT IN THE ASS AND ALL THAT FILTHY LOVIN THAT WE ALL HOLD DEAR
6) You have been playing a lot of shows in New York, what was the best gig ever in your hometown and why?
Mick Royale: There are a few really good shows that come to mind. Some were poorly attended but we played better than most other shows, but my overall favorite show was last month with Nashville Pussy at the Knitting Factory. The stage, sound, lights, the other bands. It all came together to make my favorite memory so far in all my years of performing.
Bianca D’Agger: My birthday show last month at The Grand Victory. That was fun to have all my friends there. I thought we played pretty well.
7) And what was the last show you have been playing outside of NYC? How was it?
Mick Royale: Does Queens count? Hahaha! Last out of town show was Richmond, VA. We went down there with our friends The Nuclears for a weekend and played with my old friends Octane Saints. That was a really fucking good time.
Bianca D’Agger: Yeah. I have to agree. It was so packed, and there was so much energy. It was a wild one!
Mike Hell: BEST? OR FAVORITE? OUR SHOWS AND STAGE PERFORMANCES HAVE BEEN GETTING BETTER AND BETTER WITH TIME, BUT MY FAVORITE GIG WAS PROBABLY AT R BAR. I GOT WOKEN UP BY A HOMELESS MAN THAT MORNING. GOOD TIMES.
8) Are there any funny touring stories you wanna share?
Mick Royale: The girls getting creeped on, walking into a redneck Cracker Barrel restaurant hungover to such a degree that I could barely function, the time that me and Bianca had to ride in the back of the van with all the gear, so we just drank whiskey for eight hours. There are lots of those kinds of stories. My favorite thing about this band is how much fun we have when we’re together. Wouldn’t work any other way.
Bianca D’Agger: Always getting wasted and fucking around with each other, pulling pranks, and making fun of each other the whole time. And being the only girl on the last trip surrounded by a bunch of smelly boys. I don’t know how I made it out alive. Hahaha!
Mike Hell: EVERY SHOW HAS ITS OWN STORY OR SOMESHIT, I GUESS THE FACT THAT I CANT PICK ANYTHING OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD KINDA IS A BOON TO HOW MUCH FUN WE HAVE TOGETHER. WE HAVE PRETTY GIRLS IN THE BAND AND WE ALL DRINK. A LOT. SO YOU CAN IMAGINE STORIES TYPICALLY INVOLVE THE LADIES AND DRUNKENNESS, BUT EVERYONE IS ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE END OF THE NIGHT. SO, MOMS, DON’T WORRY.
9) Have you ever been with Hail Action outside of the US? Would you like to visit Europe for a show?
Mick Royale: No we haven’t. That’s in my mind as a major goal. The plan has always been to get out of the US and over to Europe where people tend to appreciate good rock ‘n’ roll a lot more than people here in the States.
Mike Hell: IVE STEPPED OVER THE BORDER INTO CANADA ONCE….. BUT WE WOULD LIKE TO VISIT EVERY INCH OF THE WORLD THAT WANTS TO HEAR US, SEE US, AND HANG WITH US. WE HAVE A LOT OF LOVE TO GIVE.
10) For which band Hail Action would love to open up? What would be the dream headliner and why?
Mick Royale: Well, we’ve already done it for my favorite band at the moment, Imperial State Electric, and since Nicke inspired so much of what I do now, I’m gonna say the dream headliner would be a reunion of The Hellacopters with us opening.
Bianca D’Agger: I think it would be awesome to open up for Ghost.
Mike Hell: the Bronx. I dunno.. everyone who isn’t full of shit and knows how to kick it on the real.
11) Any upcoming future plans/news with Hail Action you want to share?
Mick Royale: We’re going to do another EP during this break, so it’ll be four or five more tracks. Probably going to attack a few brand new ones and maybe a few of the ones we’ve been playing out for awhile too. The plan is just to bust ass and sweat it out in the rehearsal studio to write new songs and tighten the screws. We want to come back nastier and with a better stage show.
Bianca D’Agger: Just keep working on new material and collaborating more.
Mike Hell: IM LOOKING FORAWARD TO WRITING SOME NEW TUNES AND MELTING FACES. SO… ID SAY BE PREPARED TO SEE SOME SKULL IN THE MIRROR. THAT’S SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO.
A big personal thank you to NYC, kiitos HAIL ACTION!!! For more info about the band, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RoyaleDCLXVI and soundcloud to listen into their music: https://soundcloud.com/hailactiondclxvi
Interview with Samy Elbanna from LOST SOCIETY at ILOSAARIROCK (12.07.2014)
Interview with Pauli Haut-Aho from THE BLANKO at ILOSAARIROCK (13.07.2014)
The Blanko at Ilosaarirock
1. You just came back from Japan and now you performed in one of Finland´s famous summer festivals: Ilosaarirock. How was it to perform in such a great finnish festival?
Pauli: It was damn hot onstage, but we survived! Ilosaarirock is a great place to rock out and meet new friends. Happy Bple!
2. It was a very warm summer day as you played on the sue stage in Ilosaarirock. How you survived as an artist giving everything on stage when it has almost 30 degrees. Any advises?
Pauli: Yeah, water, water and some water. Also it’s good to eat something with salt, which ties the liquid into your body in order not sweat it all out at once.. although it was so hot we sweat it all out (and then some) anyways! Haha!
3. Now it is summer and festival time in Finland. Was Ilosaarirock the first European festival you played in this year? Are you going to perform in any other festival abroad?
Pauli: The first festival we played this year was Provinssirock, which was also a great experience! We got a couple more coming up in Finland which are Backyardrock at Loviisa and Qstock in Oulu, and after that we get back to the rehearsal place to demo new material for the 3rd album. The schedules for any releases etc. are all still very open, but the B-story goes on, step by step!
4. You have been in Finland Fest in Tokyo. It was the first time for The Blanko in Japan. How was your experience about Japanese people and their rock music culture?
Pauli: It was GREAT. Lovely people, great reception and they sure know how to rock! Don’t want to sound too modest, but bit like us Finns. Only more polite, which might on some occasion be a bit confusing but also very fascinating. We had such a good times, even if we were there a very short period of time. The interaction between the band and the audience was great and we sure hope to get back there sooner than later!
5. Into the silence your album got also released in Japan now. Are you proud? How you think it will sell in there?
Pauli: Yes it did! And of course we’re proud! We still feel like it should be released in everywhere in the world and also outer space because every creature should be able to hear it let alone know about it! If I only was a fortuneteller.. But if we get proper tours to promote the album, the sky can be the limit!
6. Music Finland had been supporting you during the Finland Fest. Which kind of cooperation you had with them? How supportive Finland was for you while going abroad?
Pauli: On our behalf, the Music Finland worked well together with our management, King Foo. They picked us to the line up which made sense because of our release in Japan. The trip itself went very well and everything was well organized by the highly respected promoter, Creativeman productions. We did also get some recognition and support from the Finnish media, which is always great.
7. How much attention The Blanko received from the Japanese during the showcase Finland Fest in Tokyo? Where a lot of people following your gig?
Pauli: Great thing about Japan is that the people who pay in to see a show, they come and see every band on the line up, no matter how early they play. That way, when you think about it, it’s all about the music, which is great for us for that’s how we feel as well! If I remember right, the capacity of the club was 1,500 people and it sure was quite damn crowded from the beginning to the end! And people singing to our songs on our first show out there makes us want to back so bad!
8. What would be the perfect summer festival for The Blanko? Where would you love to play at?
Pauli: Well.. Now I just have to say Summer Sonic, Tokyo!!!
9. Are there any upcoming news you want to share with your fans?
Pauli: Yeah, we are having “BarBajaiset” for our new bass player, Jyri. (not a baby shower, but a “bassist shower”) somewhere around our home town Lahti during this summer!!! It includes some Karting among some other krazy activities, so B aware.. And yeah, we’re also demoing new material and will keep Bple posted about the news on our Facebook page! Spread the word, and see you soon!
More news about The Blanko: https://www.facebook.com/theblanko
Thank you Pauli for the Interview!!!
- 08.11.2013 Confess Interview
Photo By: Rick-y.com
Confess is a swedish hardrock band from Stockholm. The guys were performing in Helsinki in On The Rocks on the 08.11.2013. Confess that are: Samuel-drums, Lucky-bass, Denver-guitar, John Elliot-vocals, Blomman- lead guitar. More info about Confess can be found from their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/confessofsweden or webpage: http://www.confess.se/
1. It is now your third time in Helsinki this autumn. You played before in Bar Bäkkäri and on the Meri Rock cruise Volume 2 powered by Rockstone. How you liked those shows?
John Elliot: Both shows were awesome. I think the Meri Rock was even better. It was the first time we played on the cruise, although we were often on a cruise for other reasons.
Samuel: I liked Bar Bäkkäri more, because it was a bigger stage. And the place was nice, so rock´n´roll.
2. Is there any difference when you compare the Swedish audience with the Finnish audience?
John Elliot: I think the Fins are more into the music compared to the Swedish people. They come to the show, listen to your music and appreciate you as a band. People are more stiff in Sweden.
Samuel: Or Fins are just more drunk. (laughing)
2. Tonight you are going to perform in On The Rocks. Are you excited? What are you going to expect from the show?
Blomman: Hmmmmm. A lot of ass.
Lucky: Boobs
Blomman: And maybe some broken bush as well!!! (laughing and joking around) This place is really good and you know the sound is very good, the stage is great. I am think it is going to be a really good show tonight.
Lucky: We are excited to play tonight, yes. Come on it is Friday!
Samuel: The fridge is full of beer.
Lucky: That is the only reason why we do this, cause we can not afford our own beer. You know we started a band just for getting free beer. Now you know!
3. You covered the song of Tina Turner “What´s love got to do with it”. Why Tina Turner and especially that song as a cover?
Lucky: Because we are gay!
John Elliot: Really it was kind of a joke, we were in the studio just having fun, while recording the new album. Samuel had this idea of just doing the song and we tried it out and it sounded good.
Samuel: And it is a good song and we love the 80ties.
John Elliot: So why not putting it on the album. But it was nothing planned, it just came along.
4. You are having two new single out: Relationshit and Scream. Interesting choice for song titles. Tell us more!
John Elliot: The first one is called Relationshit.
Blomman: And the other one is called Scream. And those are two new great songs from the album. Actually the first two songs of the album.
Lucky: Everybody can related to Relationshit. Because I had this really crapy relationship. Actually we had a gig in Stockholm and we had this after party and my girlfriend at the time was there and I couldn´t sleep because I was so angry at her. So I started to write the song to Samuel, who was on the other side of the town, he wrote back and the whole song came up in like 15 min.
John Elliot: And you know everybody was at least once in a Relationshit.
5. Lucky you said you wrote the lyrics. But who is normally writing the lyrics for Confess?
Samuel: Often Lucky and Elliot and sometimes me.
6. Lyrics or sound. What comes up first?
John Elliot: Pretty much always the sound. I believe you can get a head song on the radio without good lyrics at all.
Denver: Because the music should always come in first place.
7 . You played a couple of shows in Switzerland. How many exactly and how this cooperation came up?
Samuel: It were actually four shows, but the last show got cancelled. It came up through a friend who plays guitar in the italian band Dust in Eyes https://www.facebook.com/pages/DustInEyes/249683482389Through that connection it started.
Lucky: They ask us to play there and open up.
John Elliot: Switzerland was a very good place to play. We could reach out to a wide target group from young to old. Especially one town we played in was very small up in the mountains. The first time we were there it was like a big party, all night long.
Lucky: It was the sickest gig ever.
Samuel: Everybody was falling on stage and breaking glasses. It was more like a party than a gig.
Blomman: We played fucking horrible that night, but people just went crazy for us. Every age was around. It could be a guy like in his 50ties or as well just somebody in his 20ties.
John Elliot: We are touring normally in the strangest countries ever. We have been to Latvia three times, you know most people don´t come to Latvia in their whole fucking life. I am not sure that Latvia is on the world map. (laughing) We played in Riga in the capital and in this small town which was 4 h away from Riga and maybe just five tourist have ever been there in ten years in that town.
8. So what has been your favourite show abroad?
Samuel: That is a very hard question, because we are enjoying every gig and we are always having a great time.
John Elliot: But I would say Madison Square Garden in New York was pretty good. When we headlined and Kiss was open up for us. (joking around) But no we don´t have any specific show.
Lucky: Let´s take this question after tonight. Maybe we know this in a few hours.
9. Are there any news Confess wants to share?
Lucky: We just signed a new record deal. The album is going to be released soon.
Samuel: After long waiting, it is coming soon.
John Elliot: The new album coming out is called JAIL.
Lucky: It is gonna be sick.
John Elliot: It will be out early in next year: January or February
10. Are you planning on continuing touring after the album is out?
Blomman: No.
Lucky: So this is the last show.
Everybody: STAU!!!
(please don´t take those answers serious, the guys were kidding)
John Elliot: No, but hopefully we gonna explore other countries. Like playing in Germany and England, all those classics. Because now we have been to Switzerland, Italy and Latvia a few times. We need to go to new places.
Lucky: But we will come back to Finland, because we love Finland.
Blomman: We always come back.
11. Rockstone Agency is always responsible for Confess when you come over to Finland. How you enjoy the cooperation with them?
Lucky: We love to work with them.
John Elliot: They are doing a great job.
Samuel: They actually care too much about us, they gave us a luxury hotel. We are not that big rock stars.
Blomman: We just need a bed and a roof then we are fine.
Lucky: We don´t need to think that much. Just get on the boat or plane and be there. They take care of us.
Blomman: It is very simple we don´t need to stress about anything.
12. Do you want to leave any comments for your fans?
John Elliot: Keep an eye on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/confessofsweden and look up for the new album JAIL it is coming up next year. Thank you for your support.
16.09. 2013 Samy Elbanna from Lost Society
promo picture by Iiro Palva-aho Photography https://www.facebook.com/iiropaphoto
Lost Society, so young and so talented. Find more out about the Nuclear Blast sign band with Samy Elbanna in the interview.
1. Samy you got just 18teen in August and the rest of you guys are also not much older. How is the acceptance in the festivals from the other bands for Lost Society as such a young band?
Samy: Being as young as we are, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome we’ve got from the other bands and the press in general out there. It’s been crazy seeing and meeting our idols at some of the festivals and seeing that it really doesn’t matter how old you are in these kinds of things!
2. Fast Loud Death is the Lost Society debut. It got a lot of positive critics in the media. What you personally think about your first album? Are you satisfied with the result? With who you produced the album?
Samy: With the first album Fast Loud Death, I really think It’s the best possible debut we could have done it that sense that it brought us on the map, and it gave out the crowd 15 fast, loud and aggressive tracks to mosh to! I’m really happy with the way it turned out! Our producer was Nino Laurenne, who really knew what he was doing and made the album sound fucking killer! Nino’s the man!
3. The Fast Loud Tour 2013 started after the festival season around Finland. What are the highlights of the tour? Any funny stories you want to share? Which show was the best?
Samy: It was amazing getting to play all the festivals we did, all of them were really highlights for us, as they went really great! But definitely a couple that I have to bring up was Tuska Open Air, because it is probably the most legendary metal festivals in Finland, and a festival I’ve always wanted to do! It went really well and the reception was outstanding!! Another one was Ilosaarirock, because the crowd was crazy and the weekend was such a blast! Believe me, a lot of funny stuff happened around those times, some best not even told.. But a cool story went out in Jalometalli, when we were going to the shop for some ‘refreshments’, we caught up with Gary Holt and went around the store with him! That was pretty fucking awesome!
4. Children of Bodom is taking you guys as support act for a couple of shows. How proud are you of that? Do you know the guys from Bodom? How you like their music?
Samy: It’s been one of the highlights in our career so far, we’ve done one of the shows already, in Turku, and it went really well!! Bodom has been for me, one of the biggest things, and Alexi has been a huge influence in my guitar playing and my singing, so it’s definitely a crazy feeling going on tour with them! We met up with some of the guys at the first show, let’s see what happens on the next shows..
5. Who are your music idols? And if you could open up for any band in this world, who would it be?
Samy: My all-time favourite band has always been Iron Maiden, and the three guitarists (Janick Gers, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith) have been huge influences to me. Other influences on guitar have been Alexi Laiho, Dimebag Darrell and there are definitely a lot more.. Singing-wise I’d say Phil Anselmo has been the biggest influence on me, along with Alexi Laiho and some others. Warming up for Iron Maiden or Anthrax, for me, would be the ultimate!!
6. The Conquering Europe Tour 2014 (beginning of next year) with Suicide Angels and Fueled by Fire is taking Lost Society with aboard. You are going to play a lot of shows in Germany, are you excited? Do you think the Germans are going to enjoy your energetic live performances?
Samy: It’s gonna be a blast going on tour with those bands, and finally to get out to Europe will be awesome!! We’ve played one show in Germany ’til now, in Beastival (German Festival in Geiselwind), and the crowd was AMAZING! Germany is a 100% thrash country, and it’ll be an honour to go out there and make some people most their brains out! Beware!
7. What would be the dream festival to play in for next year? Any wishes on that?
Samy: Of course the most cliche answer, but actually the most truthful would be Wacken! It’s just something I’ve always wanted to experience, and hey, playing there would be even more perfect! Some others that’d be awesome would be Download or Bloodstock or something cool like that!
8. Your label Nuclear Blast is doing a great job to support you. How such a big and well-known label found you in Jyväskylä, a small city in Finland? Do you want to tell the story about it?
Samy: Getting signed to Nuclear Blast has definitely been the biggest and most important factor in our career, and the way it happened actually was by surprise surprise, the internet. We played this one competition called the Global Battle Of Bands, and from the finals, they filmed our song Trash All Over You with these pro-cameras etc. and posted it on Youtube. After some time, this one guy had seen it and sent it over to the guys in Nuclear Blast who in turn contacted us after some time! I guess they really liked it, haha!
9. Lost Society achieved already so much success in a small amount of time. What are the goals for you in the future?
Samy: It’s really been amazing so far with everything that’s happened, and our biggest goal is just to be doing what we love for as long as possible! We are constantly practicing and making new material. To some it all up: practicing, touring,thrashing and partying!!
10. Any comments or greetings you want to leave for your fans?
Samy: I’d like to thank all of our amazing fans all around the world! Check out the first album, anticipate the second one, come see us live and remember to thrash!! Cheers everyone!
THE BLANKO 31.08.2013
The Blanko is a power rock trio from Finland and famous for their energetic live shows. The band released their new album “Into The Silence” on august 23rd. Pauli Hauta-aho the frontman of the band had a bit of time to answer a few questions.
picture by Veli Granö
1) You are a very talented guitar player, how much practice it took you to become that good? When did you start playing the guitar and what was the reason for it?
Pauli: Well, thank you! As a kid I was surrounded by music alot, so it was somewhat a natural move for me to start playing. Actually, I was seven when I started taking piano lessons and then moved on to a guitar at the age of nine after I got into a music school. Guitar became the love of my life which will never die. At some point I got so obsessed I even took it into the toilet with me.. I guess my dads’ comments, like ”If you want to do it properly, you must see and feel the guitar as an extension of your body..”, had some influence on my view of the instrument.
2) Is it you who is writing the lyrics and comes up with the riffs for the songs? When it comes to songwriting what pops up first in your mind, the melody or the lyrics?
Pauli: Yes, I write and compose the songs, which we then usually arrange together at the rehearsal place, so everyone in the band gets to have their input for the song. Songwriting, for myself, works in mysterious ways, and the ways of doing it changes along with my moods. Everything depends on everything. In order to get into the ”zone” I need a quiet environment, with a lot of space to myself. Then I can truly focus in experiencing the ”dialogue between emotion and mind”, which is, as a matter of fact, one of the many themes on our new album.
3) The new album “INTO THE SILENCE” is out now. How was the release party in Virgin Oil? Do you think it was successful for The Blanko? What does the new album “INTO THE SILENCE” represent for you?
Pauli: The show went really well! We’ve had so much good feedback from it and we’re so excited our second child is now finally released. A lot of people came and they seemed to enjoy it, so we can only be happy. INTO THE SILENCE is a never-ending trip to ones inner self with all the contradictions. The album itself is a reflection of time and has a few thoughts in it, which I could say are a part of the message I care to deliver. One is to recognise ones inner voice, understanding it, embracing it and voicing it out. We all have that inner child inside, which is the genesis of all good and it’s very important to not lose the connection to it – or lose the connection to yourself, in that matter. Between the lines of ”life instructions”, or given paths, you can also find alot of yearning and mystics.
4) Who did The Blanko record the album “INTO THE SILENCE” with?
Pauli: The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Erno Laitinen at Inkfish-studio, Helsinki. The same guy we did our debut album Flying Colours with. Our working relationship have grown to a level that is hard to match. Ernos’ understanding for The Blankos’ inner truth, so to speak, means a lot to us as a band. It’s important to feel there’s someone working with us, who not only knows his shit, but also knows our shit. That gives us the chance and the confidence to fully concentrate on our own thing, which I feel is necessary in music with so much emotion involved.
5) The song “FACE THE FEAR” was already released as a music video before the album was out. Why did you choose that specific song from the album for the music video? Where was the music video recorded? How do the location fit in together with the song?
Pauli: FACE THE FEAR was a good opening single, because we felt it delivers a lot of The Blankos’ existence, like the energy, melodies, the way of playing and so on. We shot the video in an old industrial area somewhere guite nearby Helsinki, if I remember correct.. It was discovered by the videos’ director Markus Virpiö a.k.a. Iggy Noir. The location was perfect for us and the song. We were guite productive for we also shot another video on the same day! You will see and hear about it later..
6) It is always very hard for an artist to collect the songs to an album. I believe there were a lot of good songs, how you chose the final 10 songs that are on the album “INTO THE SILENCE” now?
Pauli: Well yes it is! Loving one song one day and hating it on the other. It’s all quite manic, but that’s just the way it goes I guess. Originally we had something like 40 songs on the table to choose from. But as usual, we trusted our intuition in choosing 13 songs to record. During the sessions we came to an idea of having a couple of friends featuring on the album. So we ended up having Apocalypticas’ Eicca Toppinen playing cello on Krazy Heart and the guitarist of Massive Attack, Angelo Bruschini playing on the albums’ finishing track Fade Away. After all the songs were mastered, it came down to our A&R, Gabi Hakanen to give the final tweak for the running order of the songs, for we were far too close to make any rational decisions at that point. The bottom line is the entirety and I feel we did it again..
7) What is your personal favourite song from the album and why? There are still a few months left until the year 2013 is over. What is The Blanko planning for the rest of the year. Is there an upcoming tour or are you taking it easy?
Pauli: All of the songs have their own specific meaning or message and it’s impossible for me to pick one over another. But because of the relatively wide diversity I could have a different song reflecting and supporting the mood I happen to be in at the moment.
Uhm.. ”Taking it easy” does not include in The Blankos’ vocabulary. Hahaha! Well, yeah, we will play a few shows this year and carry on the next year, building it up slowly but surely, and hopefully we hit the 2014-festivals with a sledge hammer! And of course we will keep people informed about all the latest news and upcoming gigs on our facebook! https://www.facebook.com/theblanko
8) Any comments or greetings to your fans?
Pauli: Thanks again, Bple. We’d B nothing without you. Let there B!
Check out the new album “INTO THE SILENCE” from THE BLANKO:
Into The Silence Spotify: http://bit.ly/TheBlanko
Into The Silence iTunes: http://bit.ly/18OaWnE
LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE
picture by Christian Vogel
Larcrimas Profundere is a gothic rock band from Munich. Last month (July 2013) the guys came to Finland for a small tour: Tampere, Jyväskylä and Helsinki. Now back in Germany: Tony (bass) and Oliver (guitar) from Lacrimas Profundere found some time for answering a few questions.
1. Your first Finland tour is over. When you look back on it: Did you enjoy it? Which was the best concert and why?
Oliver: Fantastic! Yeah, it was our first time in Finland, every single Gig was a blast and Helsinki was incredible! Never forget this tour! Cheers to Samu and Rockstone, our supports To Die For and Cvalda!
2. You worked together with Finland´s start-up company Rockstone agency, how it came to that cooperation? Was it important to you playing and setting up an own tour for Lacrimas Profundere? I mean you could have it much easier with just supporting 69 eyes or Apocalyptica (band you worked with in the past) in Helsinki.
Oliver: No, trust me, we tried many times to get an opening slot for some Finnish Bands, but no response! So, we always do it like our beginnings, if there is no easy way, we took the hard and do it by our own!!! Samu is a very friendly guy and his agency has been growing steadily. The tour was great organised, so Samu, if you read this, give me a call and we´ll be back!
3. Antiadore, amazing album: a combination of melancholy and heaviness. Who wrote the lyrics and who was responsible for the riffs?
Oliver: Lyrics: Rob and Christopher (our former vocalist), Music: me!
picture by Christian Vogel
4. The tracks on the album are about pain and unsatisfying love. You described it once as butterflies that are flying out of your stomach. The tracks are having great lyrics, but who of you is in such a pain? How you write the lyrics? Are those your own live experience and impressions?
Oliver: You know every Musician is on a never ending search. A search for new challenges, for the next drink or the door to the tour bus hahaha! Some of the tracks talk about things that happens, others could…! We only tried to absorb all our influences and feelings we had the last 20 years and spit it in this album, musically and lyrically! Every year you experiencing so many things, you see new countries, meet new people, this changes your history and yourself as person and quite automatically your music. You have simply more to tell! We wanted to allow every piece influenced us the last 20 years. From “At the Gates” to “Paradise Lost” to “Anathema”! The Riffs for example of “What I´m not” are untypical and sounds like Godsmack, “Dead to me” is in the mood of Katatonia and “all for nothing” could be also on Anathema´s latest output! So take the essence and you almost get the new album! I don´t know, every band enthuses their upcoming album, sounds kitschy and sorry I can´t describe with other words, but this is the record we´ve always dreamed of!
5. All songs on the album are very great, but from all your favourite songs you chose to be on the album which one is your top favourite and why?
Oliver: Perhaps the Track “Head held high” cause I did it together with my Idol Ricky Warwick of “The Almighty” and singer for “Thin Lizzy” and “Black Star Riders”! You know, The Almighty was one of the reasons I started with LACRIMAS in the first place, so I would choose this track.
6. You worked together with Hiili Hiilesmaa as producers. He is famous in Finland and known from producing with HIM, Amorphis, Apocalyptica and 69 eyes. How was it for Lacrimas Profundere to work with him?
Oliver: Very cool guy! We did the pre-production with him. He helps us to choose the best tracks and arranged it together with us! Really hope next time he have time to produce the whole record!
7. I assume you know a lot of Finnish bands and artists who are your favourites and why?
Oliver: Always and forever: Sentenced!!!
8. Lacrimas Profundere had in the past a lot of band member switches. What happened, why so? Do you think the band was stronger in the past or is now stronger with the “new” constellation?
Tony: You know it is very important for any band that u have a stable line up. I guess this time we will continue like this ; -)
Oliver: but don´t believe in Wikipedia, there are Musicians in my Band I never met, so if you wanted to play in Lacrimas, Wikipedia makes it possible! (laughs)
9. It is for a band not easy to switch the singer/frontman. How you found Rob? What made your decision in choosing him?
Oliver: We did auditions with tons of singers or people who called themselves as singers! We´ve found some very talented guys but not the 100 percent man! I just came back from a playing in a festival and Rob sent me a link to his band of myspace because he visited some of our concerts and was a big fan and wanted to know if I like his music! I really liked his fucking good deep voice! So, two mails and a phone call later, he entered our rehearsal room! At our first band rehearsal, some songs sounds so similar to Christopher (my brother and former singer of the band) that I thought “fuck off there is my brother near me”! He drinks, wears black and smoke cigarettes these points are enough to work with me!
10. You have toured a lot in Europe. Which where the best shows and why? What is your favorite “concert city”?
Oliver: Oh, a really hard question! The Netherlands are always great to us, UK, Spain is a great country to play, very cool was also the Gig at ARTmania Festival in Romania!
11. On a scale from 1 to 10 (10 is the most). Where you put the show from Helsinki?
Oliver and Tony: 15 a half!!!
touring picture from Helsinki, midnight and still sunny in Finland
13. When you compare the music scene in Helsinki with the music scene in Germany. Do you see any difference?
Oliver: You know, I thought that Finland is the country of Heavy Metal and what can I say, I´m right!
12. Lacrimas Profundere – The name isn´t English or German. How a German band get´s a Latin name like this? Can you open up the secret what it means?
Oliver: My brother came to our rehearsal room and we discuss our bandname! Our former name was Dark Eternity, but we not feel comfortable with it, so, we talk, drink and talk suddenly Chris took a latin dictionary out of his pocket-don´t ask why he had a latin dictionary in his pocket, cause no one in the band ever had a latin lesson! He found these words like lacrimas profundere in it and this means something like: “to shed tears”! You know, we were young and we were drunk, so we liked it!!! BUT, we travel a lot and at every airport you check in with your amps, guitars and stuff the airport personnel ask, “hey, you are a rock band or? We say: “yez”, next question: “tell me the name” we say: “Lacrimas Profundere”, next question: “what”? So I always wear a Lacrimas shirt at the airport to show the letters, hahahah! To shed tears: this is still our attitude: melancholic music. You know, we´re getting older now and every pint of beer changes your music, every day you live changes your music,but it’s still dark as f**k…so yeah we still feel comfortable in our black Ford Mustang.
13. “My Release In Pain” where you shoot the video? What was the idea behind the music video? You symbolised the butterflies also again in the video. Tell us more.
Oliver: The idea was to complain the album title ANTIADORE, cause I always had this phrase in my mind if you´re fall in love you have “butterflies in your stomach”! So the picture shows how the butterflies leaving the body of this soulless suit on a tailor´s dummy and both, the dummy and the butterflies you could find in the videoclip too! We shoot at the nhow Hotel in Berlin.
Tony: I got a call of Oliver on Friday night “we will shoot a video tomorrow”, I said “NO”. The next day I found myself in a hotel in Berlin 700 kilo meter away from my hometown shooting 10 hours…that´s how it works.
Oliver: Hahaha, yeah, it´s the truth and next day we had a gig to play in Cologne. That´s rock´n´roll! But we love this hotel, it’s the only musician hotel in Europe and the design is so strange like a walk in an iMac! We got the chance to shoot the clip there on that day, so…! We wanted the butterflies in the clip as a continuation to the cover! The story is simple romantic stuff: a boy, a girl, the girl dies, end!
14. Any comments you want to leave for your Fans in Finland and around the world? Maybe some Finnish greetings…
Oliver: Always when I’m asked that question, my biggest thing and most important thing is a huge thank you for all the support we’ve been given over the years. There are so many more supporters than there are haters. I’m really, really thankful for that. I can’t describe how much of a great life that these supporters have given to me. We’re excited about the fact that we still have the opportunity to go out and play and that people still come to the shows, you know, we still get the chance to bring our music to people. The band has been together for so long and we’re still able to keep the name alive and have a great time doing it. We’re active with all the social medias: Twitter, Facebook and so on and so forth. So if people want to reach out and see what we’re doing, check it out. KIITOS!
For more about the handsome German guys, check out:
Lacrimas Profundere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacrimasprofundereofficial
Lacrimas Profundere Webside: http://www.lacrimas.com/en
A personal recommendation: Lacrimas Profundere “Antiadore”, it is a brilliant album, totally worth to buy: http://smarturl.it/p3dc1v
picture by J.K. / On The Rocks backstage
1. You are on a Finland tour called Freak Show. Why the tour is called Freak Show? What is the concept behind your band, what makes you a Freak?
Blade: The title of our Album is “21 century Freaks” , because when tour around in Europe you go for 2 – 3 months in row and after a while you gonna start to feel like a freak. Because people come to watch you freak out and then we always stand in the merch after, signing albums and stuff and there people are staying in the line waiting to take pictures with the “Freaks”, you know what i mean?
Mr. Y: So we are natural born “Freaks”.
Alx: Like monkeys in the zoo.
Mr. Y: That´s the way we felt, so fuck why not.
Blade: We are the Freaks of the 21 century. If you thought how it was back in the day with people that have crazy hair like us and that´s our job to be a freak. The song on the album “Welcome To The Freakshow” is introducing all the guys in the band. That was the first single and video we release and the look like in that video, the whole style of that video, it was: Fucking that is great!!! Let´s put that video on the stage and did as much as we can with a lot of fires and shit (pyro techniques), but in the small venues in Finland we can not do much. We still try to be as freaky as we can like in the video. That is why the tour is called the “Freak Show”!
2. Now where you spoke already about the album 21 century freaks. When the album was published?
Blade: In the last year. Mr. Y: May, last year.
3. With who you were producing it? Was it done in Sweden?
Mr. Y: We did all by ourselves.
Blade: That is was in Sweden, we really regret we had love to record in Thailand or somewhere abroad. (laughing)
Mr. Y: Maybe next time we do it somewhere else.
Alx: We always worked in the past with big producer names/mixing guys. We worked with Stefan Glaumann (Rammstein, Backyard Babies..) for the “Neo Natural Freaks” album and with Michael Wagener (Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row…) for the the “World Domination” album. They are both big names.
Blade: This time around we thought: No matter who we work with we always have that shit, i still would like to have this and blablabla… So this time we said: Fuck it, let´s do it ourselves.
Mr. Y: Because we wanted to do it our own way.
Blade: And you learn a lot if you have worked with those guys. You sit with them together for a month every day and then you see what they do and you start doing it yourself. And we all of course have our own studio´s in our houses and i had also in the past a professional studio back in Stockholm, so we understand how it works.
Mr. Y: We are absolutely satisfied with the album now, but it was a long fucking way to get there.
Blade: The producing always help and when we are not producing, he only needs to play the bass (pointing to Alx) and i only sing, but of course we have all the aspects of everything. When you write songs they become your own beibis, your are involved in it. But still the producer has to do all the “shitty work” in that way. It was a lot of work, but it was helpful to do it ourselves.
4. You toured now in: Tampere, Jyväskylä and Helsinki. Which city you liked the most and why?
Philty: Finland is fucking awesome.
Blade: We had finally some time to see the cities, we had like one day in every city. Cause usually we come do the gig and go. So this time we had some free time to walk around actually. I need to say i had never heard of Jyväskylä, but it was a fucking great city. Tampere, i heard about it and i know it is gonna to be good. And i loved it and Helsinki of course we have been here before. Finland is a great country, really.
5. Tonight you are playing in On The Rocks and it is a really famous venue here in Helsinki city centre.
All: Yes, we are honored!!! -> What are you expecting of tonight´s show?
Mr. Y: Naked women (laughing) Blade: loud music and a fucking blasting freak show.
Mr. Y: I think it is going to be a lot of fun, because we have a lot of friends in Helsinki.
Alx: It is going to be a fun night and a huge party.
6. You said you have a lot of Finnish friends, so do you know also some Finnish artists?
Philty: HIM
Blade: We were on tour with Lordi back in the days and Nightwish of course, as well Stratovarius.
Mr. Y: There are hundred of good bands here.
Blade: Finland is well known for that.
7. And today you have a really young band opening for you “Guild Of Passion”. Did you hear ever anything about those guys?
Philty: They sounded great. Mr. Y: We never heard about them before, but in the soundcheck they were good. Blade: cool band.
8. What are your plans for the future?
Alx: Die. (laughing)
Blade: We are recording some new stuff now, so that is the plan.
Mr. Y: We are gonna release a new single in this fall. We are going to work on new songs for a new album and a new tour is coming up.
9. So is your tour ending after Finland or still continuing?
Mr. Y: We are still having a couple of shows coming up.
Blade: It is going on to 2013. And we are going probably to continue in that kind of way in the next year. We are going to England, but before that we are coming back to Finland again in October to Helsinki to play on the Trash Fest Afterparty in Bar Bäkkäri.
Philty: In November we will be in Hard Rock Hell in England and a couple of more UK shows. http://www.fatalsmile.com/index.php?id=49
10. When you compare the Finnish music scene with the swedish music scene do you see any difference?
Alx: Not much
Mr. Y: It think it is pretty much the same.
Blade: But the rock scene here is really good. The venues are very cool. We don´t have a club like this in Sweden. There is a rock´n´roll feeling overall in scandinavia.
Philty: All the guys in the clubs are doing a great stuff in mixing.
Blade: Everybody is professional in what they do, because they do it all the time.
Mr. Y: I think it is even better in Finland, but maybe it is because we live in Sweden.
Blade: And here we always have a little element of surprise. Sweden often seems like the capital of rock´n´roll.
Mr. Y: The new L.A.
Blade: So we always expect that from Sweden, as well in Norway and Denmark. But in Finland we haven´t been that much. For years and years we are going through all this countries and Finland has been left out.
Mr. Y: We maybe made one show in 10 years. So it is gonna be fun tonight to play here.
11. Why you think FInland had been left out? Because your music was more popular in the other countries?
Blade: What happens, we go where people want us all the time. After releasing the “World Domination” we did like 350 shows. And we were touring all the time. For example we go south and hedding for maybe Bulgaria but on the way to Bulgaria it might take us a month because we are passing through Germany and France and Italy and Switzerland, all these countries. Next time we are going to Spain and we are passing through the same parts. So we play in these countries all the time.
12. What you think, which country showed the most interest towards your music?
Mr. Y: It think it is Germany, Switzerland, Spain and U.S. We toured like 55 shows in U.S back in the days. And Finland we haven´t really been promoting our music or albums here, maybe thats a big thing also.
Blade: Actually a big mistake (laughing)
Mr. Y: But you can´t go all over the world.
Blade: Like i said we play a lot in Germany and Denmark, because it is on the way south and Finland is on the way to russia. So it is a different direction when we tour. We played as well in Czech Republic and Poland, that was fucking great. We go by bus so we don´t transport all our stuff for just one festival show, so we book more like for example five festivals in the UK and afterwards we continue to book up Belgium and Holland and Germany, so one show is becoming a two week tour.
10. Any comments or greetings you want to leave for your fans?
Blade: First of all i hope some of you guys show up tonight. Read about us and check us out on youtube. If you like our music get a couple of albums and check out our shows when we come around. Check out our tour dates: http://www.fatalsmile.com/index.php?id=49 that you know when we play in your city. Don´t sit on your fucking asses, go and see some bands!!! Get out and watch some bands, especially us (laughing).
Tack så mycket Fatal Smile!
More about Fatal smile can be found from their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FatalSmile Leave the guys a LIKE if you enjoyed this interview or you saw them in On The Rocks. Merch, albums and tour dates can be found from their official webpage: http://www.fatalsmile.com/
11.06.2013 First Aid for Michael
First Aid for Michael is great alternative rock music from Berlin/Germany. The band is existing already since Oktober 2009. Now they have a new and fresh constellation. First Aid for Michael was supporting the Finnish rock trio Face of God on the 18.05.2013 in Werk 9, Berlin Mitte. A very talented young band from Berlin. Nina the front woman of First Aid for Michael had a bit of time to answer a few questions.
picture by Alex Karatzas Ampleman photography: https://www.facebook.com/AmplemanPhotography
1. How the band name First Aid for Michael got establish. What is the story behind it? Why you have chosen that name?
Nina: Thats a crazy story: The Band was in the foundation phase and Simon worked in clothing store. One day during the store got goods from the suppliers, one of the men had an accident and Simon gave first aid. Simon deliberated how the name could be cause the supplier hadn´t a badge…and he thought that the man looks like a Michael. The bottom line is that his name was Norbert…but First Aid For Norbert sounds not really cool.
2. Tell us more about the history from First Aid for Michael. The band is existing already longer, but you are back now in a new constellation. What happend and why you decided to continue?
Nina: We founded at Octobre 2009: Basti, Devin, Simon and I. In 2011 we would have a second guitarist and we decided for Julian. After two great years the first member left the band for various reasons and we found Chris as the new drummer from First Aid For Michael. In a short time the second one and third one left the band and we took time to find a new bassplayer. At first we found the great guitarist Nils and after one year we are complete again with our bassplayer Lucas. Just now we are writing new songs for the next EP.
3. What is the music direction of the band what are your Idols when it comes to rock music? Which music style First Aid for Michael is producing?
Nina: Oh this question is really difficult. To this day we can´t precisely say what kind of Rockmusic we are producing….maybe a mix of Juliette and the Licks, No Doubt, Biffy Clyro and Paramore…haha I don´t know, the listener have to decide about it! =)
4. Do you have an album, Ep or single out? Are you planning to go to the studio in the future?
Nina: Yes we have an EP, called “Need First Aid” and we are working for a new one! You can listen to a couple of songs from our EP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/firstaidformichael
5. Is there any music video from First Aid of Michael out? If not do you plan to shoot one? Which song would it be?
Nina: Yes we have one musicvideo up to this point. The Song called “Need First Aid”, shooted by Dominik Balkow and you can see it on Youtube. I hope that we will shoot the next video soon, maybe to my favourite song “Homesick” ! ^^
6. Who in the band is writing the songs? Which idea comes first up the melodie or the lyric to a song?
Nina: Simon wrote the Songs alone in the old formation, but everybody applied oneself with the own instrument and has a lot of ideas. Now the Band has a second really good Songwriter with Nils and you can listen to the first Song from Nils soon! It´s a power ballad and we are really happy about it.
7. Where you see First Aid for Michael in the future what are your music goals you want to reach? Any dreams?
Nina: We want to have a great time!! That means for us to playing gigs, songwriting, new EP and have fun! The music is our passion and hobby and it is and will be a big part of our life. And for the future we will take pot luck. ^^
8. Are you playing more shows in Berlin this summer? Where we can see you again?
Nina: By now we concentrate us for the new EP and the following studiowork! News gigs will come at september 2013.
9. Do you have the motivation to also stage shows international not just in Germany?
Nina: We would be so glad to could play international!!! Maybe together with FOG in Finland?? 😛
10. You were playing together with Face of God from Finland in Werk 9, Berlin Mitte. How you liked the show of the guys? Did they impress you with ther energetic rock style?
Nina: The show from Face of God was great!! The guys are really good musicians and I enjoyed their performance! They have so much of energy and good songs, that was Rock´N´Roll !!
11. Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
Nina: We are so proud to have so many loyalty fans for though we droped off the screen! But now we are back and starting a new First Aid For Michael age!!! We hope that we can enjoy this with all the great people!
Thank you Nina! Enjoy the music from First Aid For Michael on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstaidformichael and leave the band a LIKE!!! Here the youtube video of: “Need First Aid”.
Warner Drive: Candice Levinson 08.10.2012
Candice Levinson the female guitarist from Waner Drive was so kind to give an Interview after the europe tour experience. Warner Drive is a very great underground punkrock band from L.A. /USA and Candice has the rock´n´roll in her blood. Check out the Interview!
1) When the Band Warner Drive found together? How you got to know each other?
Candice: This version of the band has been together for about 3.5 years, and I have been in the band for 3 years. Originally, Jonny Law had started this band with some childhood friends and they played together for a long time, but the other guys had all got married and had children at a young age. They were not able to tour at the frequency we do and of course with having families had to redirect their priorities. So Jonny had to find new members. We all kind of knew of each other in a round about way from other bands we have played in around the Los Angeles area. Jonny ended up finding me through a mutual musician friend.
2) “Twist to rock with a punk edge” What was the idea to mix these two music genres?
Jonny Law: It wasn’t really an idea to consciously mix those two genres… it’s really just the music that was coming out of me when I sat down to write. My roots are in punk and rock music… so when I write it seems natural that those two genres get mixed.
3) How the name Warner Drive came up?
Jonny Law: I grew up on a street in Los Angeles California called Warner Dr. My 3 best friends all grew up in that neighbourhood and we practiced our instruments together in my parents garage. When we decided to start taking music seriously and form a band as a profession rather than just a hobby, we chose the name >Warner Drive because our roots in music developed on that street. It’s also a tribute to my Father who passed a way a few years ago because he was a huge supporter of the band and my personal music endeavours . If it wasn’t for the support of him and my mother, we would have never developed in to the band we were and I would have never developed in to the musician I am today.
4) When did you decide that you want to go on Europe tour?
Candice: We had been talking about doing a European tour for quite some time, and then the perfect opportunity came up. Our friends from the band Vayden had been playing the Dithmarscher Festival in Germany for 3 years in row and were nice enough to give our music to the owners of the festival, who then gave us a spot in the festival line up. So we organized a whole tour around it and got another festival in Sweden and more gigs in Finland as well.
5) Was it hard to find sponsors and the locations to play in Europe? Had you any help with the organizing?
Candice: As far as sponsorship goes, it’s our fans we have to thank for that. In order to have the funds to make this tour a reality, we launched a kickstarter.com campaign where our fans donated money in exchange for one of a kind limited edition Warner Drive items. We even sold dates with band members! Without our fans this would have never been possible since we don’t have a record label or booking agent. Having a label and agent to help us out would be great, but we are also not the type to wait around for anyone to do it for us. Where there’s a will there’s a way, right? Jonny U, our drummer is the one who actually booked the shows and took care of the logistics of the tour. We did have some help though booking shows through friends and European bands who we had met touring the U.S.
6) Which countries in Europe you have been to, during the tour? What was your personal favourite city and why? Which performance was the best?
Candice: We played in Germany, Sweden and Finland. We also had the opportunity to check out a couple of other places on our days off such as the Netherlands and Denmark. Every show we have played so far has been really awesome in it’s own way, but for me the most memorable show was at the Dithmarscher Festival in Germany. Everything about it was great from the people who organized it, to how well they treated us, and of course how the crowd reacted to us. The guys from Vayden and Idle Red all got on stage and did a song with us as well. It was just a really great atmosphere. The Helgäe Festival is Sweden was an excellent experience as well and so were all the venue shows we played. The coolest part about all the shows was going to somewhere we have never played before, yet everyone already knowing all the words to all our songs as if they had seen us a hundred times. People were just so excited about the music everywhere we went, and that in turn made the shows really great for us.
7) You are the only girl in the Band Warner Drive. Tell us something about your background how you started with playing music?
Candice: I have been playing music since the age of 6 years old. I started by learning how to play piano and then later on as a teenager I really got in to rock, punk and metal. It’s at that point that I learned how to play guitar. I soon joined my first band in junior high school, and have been doing it ever since.
7) How is rock´n´roll life and being on tour just with men?
Candice: I get asked this question a lot…. But honestly, I don’t know how to answer that question. I have never had a penis, so I don’t know what the difference is between being a guy versus a girl in a band hahaha. I assume that my experience being on the road with them would be the same regardless of whether or not I was a girl. I don’t know how to answer that because I have nothing to compare it to…we do however kind of have an ongoing joke that I am the toughest guy in the band!
8) What are the plans for the future with Warner Drive?
Candice: With our first European tour now under our belts, we are already planning on the next one! We really cannot wait to come back and will hopefully be doing that in a few months. In the meantime we plan on releasing our new album hopefully in early 2012 and would definitely like to branch out to other areas of the world such like Japan and Australia.
9) Yesterday night you stage a show with Warner Drive in Bar Bäkkäri in Helsinki. Did you enjoy the show; went everything like you expected it?
Candice: Yes, last night was a great show! This was the third show in a row that we played with Crucified Barbara and Baton Rogue Morgue. We have really bonded with both of the bands and it was a great experience to share the stage with them. They are just some of the amazing people we have met on this tour. We have definitely made a lot of friends on this one! I had heard a lot of great things about Bar Bäkkäri in Helsinki and it was a indeed very cool rock venue. It just has a really good vibe to it and it was a very good way to end the tour for us!
10) Any comments to your fans?
Candice: I know I speak for the entire band when I say that this tour to Europe has been an amazing experience for us. I just love how enthusiastic in general people are here in Europe when it comes to music. People actually take the time to research the bands they are going to see perform, and like I said earlier, I found it to be really incredible that we could play for a crowd that had never seen us before but already knew all the lyrics to the songs. Everyone has been so great to us on this tour, and I would just like to thank every person who came to these shows and helped us make it so enjoyable. We will definitely be back soon!
Check out the official music video of “The scraecrow” from Warner Drive.
Olle Ekman from Deals Death in the Interview 18.05.2012
picture by David Asplund
Deals Death is a Swedish, melodic death metal band. The guys are getting more and more famous in the death metal scene and Spinefarm Records closed a deal with them. Olle Ekman the talent vocalist offered a few minutes of his time for an interview. The other talent members of Deals Death are: Erik Jacobson (guitar), Sebastian Myrén (guitar), Fredrik Ljung (bass) and Janne Jaloma (drums). Check out the Interview with Olle.
- Deals Death, who came up with the name of the band? Why Deals Death?
Olle:
Erik came up with the name back in 2007.
It wasn’t something he thought of in advance, the name came to him in a dream. In the dream, there was a summoning of the representatives of the universe. Erik was walking through this enormous hall. One of the creatures pointed at Erik and wished him to approach the altar where the gathering took place. He then pressed his finger against Erik’s forehead and spoke the words “Deals Death”. He woke up and could still here the creature’s hoarse voice…
That is the quite spooky story about our band’s name
2. What difference Deals Death from other melodic metal bands?
Olle:
This is a common question but it’s very hard to give a black and white answer to it, which is what people expect from you. I think we are different from all the other bands in every single genre. Bands aren’t just made from notes and beats, bands consist of persons with unique qualities and live personas. If you only listen to the notes and beats of melodic metal bands, one cd after another, I think you will come to the conclusion that there are elements of similarity in most bands. It’s inevitable.
But all of the members have their different style of performing, as do I, and combined with our songs we create something that is Deals Death. A powerful thing put together by the hard work and musicianship of five unique individuals who gives it all for the music. This is what we feel when we listen to our songs and we hope it shines through when other people hear our music as well.
3. The band has existed since 2007, what made you join the band in 2008?
Olle:
Erik, who started the band and recorded all vocals on the early demo recordings, needed a vocalist to perform live with his band, who later became Deals Death. This happened in May 2008 when Erik was about to ends his studies at the music collage “Boomtown” in Sweden. He called me up and I started to rehearse the songs. This performance for the last semester was a special one, it included a full scale symphony orchestra to go along with two early Deals Death songs. The show was simply amazing and I joined the band after this event. A great way to start I think.
4. How did you get the deal with Spinefarm Records? Did they get interested in Deals Death after you jumped in to play on the FME (Finnish metal expo) because one performing band cancelled?
Olle:
They were interested in us long before FME. We actually signed the deal with Spinefarm Records in November 2011. The FME was a great experience for us, meeting the people from the Spinefarm crew and getting to know the Finnish audience. The Finnish Metal Expo was simply as metal as it gets, an impressive event to say the least!
5. Your album Elite got a lot of positive reactions and great criticism in the press, how would you describe the style of the album?
Olle:
Elite is a death metal album with a lot of raw power and aggression combined with might and melodies. We wanted to create the feeling of something big and still keep the action going. The style is simply a blend of strength, melodies and energy.
6. You are the singer/growler of Deals Death. How is the growling affecting your voice?
Olle:
The growling is not creating any short term harm to my voice or throat, at least not what I feel. Maybe when I’m 40 I will have some problem and sound like a drunk goblin. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of research on this topic which is a shame. Maybe I’ll research it myself one day.
When we have studio recordings my voice sometimes get strained and weakened so I have to rest a day or two. This is because you sometimes get nervous and muscles start to cramp and you get tense. The more relaxed you are the better the singing and less strain on your voice.
7. The new music video “Collapse” is available on Youtube now. What was the idea to the video and where did you shoot it?
Olle:
The idea behind it was to do something which showcases the band’s strength and to create a video with an edge to it. The concept of the video was also to connect it to the lyrics – the very likely scenario of a collapse of societies and economy and the shift of the way humans live and have been living for many years.
The video was shot in Gothenburg, Sweden by the genius Patric Ullaeus.
8. On April 20 you staged a great live show in Nosturi/Helsinki. Did you like it in Finland? What do you think about the Finnish audience and culture?
Olle:
This event was really cool and a chance for us to play for a big audience in Finland, and we did! The people of Helsinki really showed up and it felt like we established ourselves over there. We sure loved it! All our experiences in Finland so far have been over the top fantastic and the label helps us to do great things so of course the band and I like Finland. A weird thing is, you seem to be able to drink a lot more in Finland without more side effects, that we also love, our organs may not..
The culture. Hard to reflect upon.. It’s friendly, solid and helpful people, really well organized. The feeling is kind of like in Sweden with a little more booze on top of it, haha . The climate is like Sweden so people are used to fight their way through snow and bitter cold. This makes for great music somehow and you can relate to each other over some beers and crack jokes that everybody understands.
9. What are the future plans for Deals Death? Are there any new songs coming up or is there a tour planned?
Olle:
We just came home from touring in England, we’re sobering up and are fit for fight again. On June 1st we have a show in Gothenburg together with Start a Fire and Deceptic. This will be filmed and used for live videos and promotion. After that we prepare for Sweden Rock Festival 6-9 of June. We play on June 7th. Our biggest show so far on a great festival with bands like DImmu Borgir, Sepultura, Symphony X. It’s going to be sick for sure.
On August 17th we play the Rockstad:Falun festival in my hometown Falun. It’s just a stone throw away from my apartment, this festival is something special and you meet a lot of old friends there.
We also have a secret thing coming up. It’s big news and ground-breaking for the death metal genre. We will reveal it when we have it fully planned. Prepare for insane stuff my friends!
New songs are written right now. The summer will be devoted mainly to write new material for the third album, the follow up to Elite.
10. Any comment you want to leave for your fans?
Olle:
The fans are what keep Metal going. Our fans keep Deals Death going. Thank you! All of you who buy tickets, show up at concerts and support us. Your devotion is amazing and together we will do big things in the future, on big stages, on big festivals!!
Thanks for supporting heavy music!
For more information check out the official Facebook page of Deals Death: http://www.facebook.com/dealsdeath and the youtube videos of “Collapse” and “Fortified”
Krista Siegfrids 21.03.2012
Krista Siegfrids the rock chick from the famous Finnish musical “Play Me” had time for an Interview. Very talented voice, she is having also her own band Daisy Jack but will start over solo now!!! Check out the Interview.
promo pic by Jonas Udd
1. Tell us about “Play Me“, how came it you participated in the swedish musical game in Svenska Teatteri in Helsinki?
Krista: Since I’ve always been singing, dancing and acting I figured that musical would be perfect for me. That was something that I always wanted to do since I was a little girl so I took my chance.
2.You don´t have any musical education. Why you can sing so great? Who saw your talent first?
Krista: I’ve been singing and performing since I was little! It’s very natural to me. People have been supportive on the way… In Kinder garden, teachers in school, leaders in the activities on my free time. It’s all those little things that matters.
3. Michael Monroe kicked you out of “the voice of Finland” because you are to good. Do you think it was unfair or are you taking it as a compliment?
Krista: I didn’t like Michaels decision, but I’m not mad at him. I wanted to stay in the competition because it was so much fun! It was so lovely to perform on that stage! Now I just have to keep on rockin on my own.
4. How it came you participate in “the voice of Finland” as well?
Krista: I was asked to join the competition, so I decided to take the chance .
5. Have you done any records or music videos already? What will come up in the future?
Krista: I’ve released a single with my band Daisy Jack. You v´can download it for free here: www.daisy-jack.com. Now I’m gonna do a solo project. I hope I’ll get signed by a record company. I do have a lot of gigs this spring and summer and I’ve got other shows and projects coming up next autumn.
6. You performed at 15.03.2012 in Haaga-Helia after a press conference of culture export management. How you liked the Porvoo Campus?
Krista: Porvoo Campus was really nice! Cool building!
7. Are you having any upcoming gigs in Finland?
Krista: Yes, I’ve got a lot of gigs coming up. www.kristasiegfrids.com you get all the information you need. 
8. Who are your personal music hero´s, which kind of music you like?
Krista: I love 80’s rock!
9. Are you perfering it to sing smooth ballades or being the rock chick?
Krista: I always wanna rock
10. The musical game “Play Me” is also coming to Germany now, can you give any advises to the participating musicians?
Krista: I wanna wish them good luck and Con Grats to those who get a role in in Play Me! It’s gonna be one hell of a ride and a fantastic time .
11. Is there anything you want to tell to your fans?
Krista: I love my fans and I can’t wait to get out and play and meet them. I hope that I get to do this record cause I wanna play my music for them.
Thank you!
Cheers Krista!
Jake E / Amaranthe 31.01.2012
Amaranthe is a Swedish/Danish power melodic death metal band with pop elements. The official webpage is: http://www.amaranthe.se/ Jake E is one of the 3 singers of Amaranthe. The band just came back to Sweden from their successful tour in Finland. Jake had a bit time and was willing to answer a few questions. Check out the interview and like him on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jake-E/104164263267 as well Amaranthe has their own official facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/AmarantheBand
picture by Hija del Rock
1. How Amaranthe find together as a band?
Jake: It started with me and olof writings songs together for agothenburg metal all-star project and when we asked Andy from Within Y and Elize to sing together with me we found out that it was a cool mix and decided to start a “real” band instead of just doing it as a project.
2. How the idea to have 3 singer with different vocal styles, came up? Who was involved and create a very own, unique music style with combining pop music accepts into metal?
Jake: As I said in the previous question it was just a pure coincident 🙂 but it turned out great 🙂
3. You just came back from the tour in Finland. Did you liked it in Finland? What was the most impressive gig on that tour?
Jake: FUCKIN’ awesome. It was our first real headline tour and it was sold out on all 4 shows and the crowd was fantastic!! Helsinki took the price with over 500 guys just coming to see us! amazing!
4. What was the location where you shoot the video to “Hunger”. Impressive video by the way.
Jake: Thanks! we had several different locations all from Gothenburg to New York,
5.Are there any other music videos planned in the future?
Jake: you never know 🙂 we already have two now. quite impressive for a debut album.
6.You just announced on your webpage that you will play this summer at wacken openair in Germany. Is it the first time you play in such a huge metal festival? Are you proud of that and the success with the band in general in that short time?
Jake: It’s a big honor to play there. I’ve performed there once before with Kamelot but this is the first time I do it with my own band. We did loudpark last year which was amazing as well!
7. Do plan to record as well any new songs? When you will be in the studio again for a next album?
Jake: We have no idea. right now we’re promoting this album but it will for sure be another album hopefully next year!
8. Is Amaranthe as famous in Sweden like in the international metal music market?
Jake: Yes Sweden has grown tremendously last year. they play us a lot on the radio here 🙂
9. You released the single “Amaranthine” after the Amaranthe ablum. Who is writing the lyrics for the songs?
Jake: It’s me and olof that’s doing most of the general writing but with inspiration and help from the other guys.
10. In which record studio you produce the music and how was it to work with Jacob Hansen as producer?
Jake: we recorded it in hansen studios in denmark and recording with jacob was fantastic!
11. What are the goals of Amaranthe for the future?
Jake: World domination and having Iron maiden as an opening act !! hahah laughs! I just hope we will grow bigger and continue to be able to do this everyday!
12. Anything you want to say to your fans?
Jake: Thanks for all your support! without you we’re nothing!
tack så mycket Jake and check out the videos to “Hunger” and “Amaranthine”
Mine Güngör (Minkki) 21.01.2012
Mine the singer of Angelica Kult answered a view questions about the band. Angelica Kult exsist already since 2003. The band consists of Mine (Vocals), Tetja (Bass), Riku (Guitar), Elina (Synths), Lassi (Drums).” The band’s music is a unique mix of dark pulse and having a good time, combining elements from post-punk, new wave, gothic, garage as well as electro.” For more information see the bands facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/events/316233028391129/?ref=ts#!/pages/AngelicaKult/116305670986?sk=wall or myspace: http://www.myspace.com/angelicakult#!/angelicakult
1. Angelica Kult is already very long on the Finnish market. How you guys got to know each other and formed the band?
picture by Elina Vismanen (Synth player of Angelica Kult)
Minkki: We know each other for a long time with Elina and Tetja. Elina and met as teenagers and I shared my first Flat in a commune with Tetja. We have shared similar interests with both for a long time…
Riku has been our friend since he was playing in Iconcrash and we made few gigs together about 2004. He replaced Henkka who died in an accident at 2008. Lassi replaced Reko who was our first live drummer this autumn. We´ve known him about an year but we come along very well and feel that he´s one of us.
2. Your band has a unique mix of music style. How would you describe it?
Minkki: I think I would not use any genre because there is so much good music in the world that it would be a waste to categorize our stuff. There are influences from band like Velvet Underground, Bauhaus, Blondie, Siouxsie and the banshees, early The Cure, The jesus and Mary chain and many more. Also Garage rock, blues, goth rock, post punk, powerpop and stuff like that can be heard in our music.
3. Why you guys have an own label called Beaver Patrol Records? What is the story behind it?
Minkki: We made our own record label because we thought that it´s better way to get our music out. To do things our ways. Of course it has not been amazing success because there is not big record label making sure that everything sells but at leaast we are getting things done our way!
Still we are not saying no if somebody wants to do that work by singing us up!
When we were making our first album, we used to call ourselves “beaver patrol” becouse we had so mutch to do and we were always on patrol and we are…well..beavers..Get it ?!It´s kind of a inside joke I guess..
4. Angelica Kult exist since 2003. How many songs did you release till now? Is there any new ablum or Ep coming soon?
Minkki: We have made 4 demos including 3-4 songs and two albums. We have plans to make something special when AK turns 10 years old. That will be in 2013 .
5. Who got the video idea for “Dreams” in 2006?
Minkki: Idea of “Dreams” video was made by me with my class mate and video was an art school project in 2004.
6. In the world wide net are lot of live videos of the gigs, but is there coming any other music video as well?
Minkki: We have been talking about making a new video but this time it would be super if someone would make it for us!
7. You were performing a gig again in Semifinal at 20.01.2012. How did it went? Was it a good boogie and a great audience?
Minkki: We had fun gig yesterday though I had raising fever and a flue. Semifinal is a good venue!
8. What are the plans for the future with Angelica Kult?
Minkki: We are having a small brake soon from gigs for making new songs. Next thing will be to get something out at 2013 if not in vinyl then in bits or in c-cassette!?Also would be nice to make gigs abroad.
9. Any comment you want to leave for your fans?
Minkki: Come to see us 4.2. Rokkikellari and 14.4 in Deadly Beat club in Wäiski! C U THERE!!!
Tom Nuorivaara 12.01.2012
Tomppa is the singer and guitarist of the “superpowered punkpop” band Madcraft. The previous weekend Madcraft staged a gig in Gloria. For more information about Madcraft check out the concert review from Semifinal https://heavenofrockmusic.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/madcraft-concert-review-semifinal-29-12-2011/ Madcraft´s webpage: http://madcraft.net/ or join their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/MadCraftOfficial
1. How successful was the gig you played in Gloria on the weekend (Saturday 07.01.2011) ?
Tomppa: We had a new guy, Jesse, playing bass for the first time with us at that gig. So, considering that I think it was pretty successful. He didn’t have too much time to practice the songs but he did a really good job learning them.
2. Tell us more about the band, how you found together? Where is the name Madcraft coming from?
Tomppa: Myself, Juho and Otto had previously played together earlier and we had an idea to form a rock band about two years ago. It pretty soon started to take a turn to more of a skate-punk-kinda sound. Nowadays we’re pretty much playing the style of music we all really enjoy. The name was a joke combining different words at first. But soon after we started as a band, we already had our first gigs so the name just stuck. It’s a good name though. No need to change it.
3. In the video to “All I want is you”, you were searching for a bass player. Did you found one now?
Tomppa: As I said earlier, we have a new dude in the bass right now. We just try to do a kit if gigs and see if it’ll work out. So far everything’s gone great!
4. Are there any upcoming shows you play?
Tomppa: Yeah there definitely is. We’re playing an acoustic gig in Hyvinkää on Feb 3rd. We’re playing at Lucky Monkeys, Lappeenranta Mar 9th, Lepakkomies, Helsinki Apr 14th and Nuclear Nightclub, Oulu Jun 15th. We’re working on with a couple other dates so be sure to check out madcraft.net for the latest gig dates.
5. How came the idea up to play coversongs as well in an own style? Nettiin from Jenni Vartiainen is a great example.
Tomppa: When playing our first gigs we didn’t have enough own material so we had to play some cover songs. We wanted to play them in a way so they’d fit in the set. Playing a few covers on every gig became a fun thing so we still like to do it.
6. What are your plans for this year? Any new songs or videos are planned?
Tomppa: We’re working on same new songs as well as some acoustic versions of our existing songs. And videos for those too. We’re also trying to play as many gigs as possible like last year.
7. On the gig in Semifinal (29.12.2011) you played the bass. How did that feel?
Tomppa: It was fun. I’ve had to play bass on a couple of gigs but I still like playing guitar better tho.
8. Any greatings you wanna tell to your fans?
Tomppa: Check out our new music video “All I Want (Is You)” and show it to your friends. Like us on Facebook and come see us if we play near you!
Inka Halme 30.12.2011
Nimetön 2011 picture: Ville Juurikkala Styling: Annette Tamminen Hair: Krista Kallio Make-up: Tiina Lehmusvyöry
Nimetön is a Finnish band with a very beautiful girl vocal. Behind that awesome voice is Inka Halme. She gave so close before the New Year a Interview about the new rock band on the Finnish market. More information about Nimetön can be find on their Facebook page: http://fi-fi.facebook.com/Nimeton and also the radio station Yle X is playing the new song “Kuuleeko kukaan” up and down http://ylex.yle.fi/musiikki/soittolista
1. How the band Nimetön found together?
Inka: We met with Joonas (keyboards) at school, and he asked me to come and try sing their song.. And then we found ourselves in the same band!
2. Nimetön translated means Nameless. Why is your band Nameless?
Inka: Our band’s came out propably just the way tha everybody thinks..
We couldn’t decide any name so we started to call the band “Nimetön”. (=Nameless) Then everybody just used to that name and we thought “hey couldn’t we just be Nimetön?” How exciting!
3. The first music video “Kuuleeko kukaan” is out now. Can you tell a little bit about the story in the video and what is the song about?
Inka: Yes, the video is out now (Check it out on youtube!!!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FELXnDxB_o
The story behind that song is propably very familiar to many young people, (and why not to older people too) the despair and anxiety what eats you and you just need to get out, run as fast as you can and scream for help when the ice is cracking under your feet.
4. Where did you shoot the video?
Inka: We did the video at Lohja mines, and the night shooting happened in Helsinki.
5. Nimetön is a really new band on the market, how was it possible to be already under contract of Universal Music Finland? How you found together with Universal Music?
Inka: Yes, we are very new band on the market, but we just had that something that Universal saw and wanted. Come and see our gigs and you’ll know it too!
6. Will the band also release an album in the nearest future?
Inka: Yes! The album is coming out in spring! Stay tuned.
7. How would you describe the music style of the band? When is the next possiblity to enjoy the music of Nimetön live?
Inka: Our music is energetic finnish pop/rock.. Some radiostations have compared us to Paramore, which is a great honour for us.
8. When is the next possiblity to enjoy the music of Nimetön live?
Inka: Next show will be at Loose, ankkuriklubi 18.1! See you there.
9. You are also a background vocalist of Ajattara, how this match together with Nimetön?
Inka: It matches fine together, it’s just so different and the listeners are not the same what Nimetön has, so you don’t have to be affraid that someone would recognize you
10. What are your plans for the future with the band?
Inka: Our plans with the future are: Making music, making gigs and musicvideos and HAVE FUN!
See you at gigs! Thank you for reading.
♥:Inka
Jonas Kungen Jarlsby 24.12.2011
Avatar is a death metal band from Sweden. This is the official page: http://avatar.net/ and myspace: http://www.myspace.com/avataronline They were on tour with Hardcore Superstar this winter. Also in the Hardcore Superstar concert review is mention a bit about the band. Now for the Christmas time Jonas the guitarist of Avatar gave a short Interview as Christmas present for the Fans. Here you go 🙂
1. How u guys came up with Avatar as band name, because it is also used for a movie?
Jonas: John, our drummer, came up with the name when we were about 15 or 16 years old, because he red about it in his religion class and thought that the meaning of an avatar was a good description of us.
2. Did u liked it to tour around with Hardcore Superstar? Were they supporting enough?
Jonas: Of course! We always liked to play with them! They are a great band and over the years they have also become really good friends. They allways support us.
3. What you think about the Finnish audience? Do they know how to rock?
Jonas: They sure know how to rock! When we first played in Finland we weren’t expecting to much actually, but we were happily surprised!
4. You just brought out the new Ep: “Black Waltz out”. A great metal song. Will there follow an album or anything else (video)?
Jonas: Thanks! Yeah, I think we’re going to start shooting a new video soon, and then we will release the new album on the 25th of january (sweden).
5. Did you found it stressful that you had such a tight schedule on tour? Almost everyday one Gig and you slept in the tour bus all the time.
Jonas: It’s just stressful for about 2 hours each day, so it’s no problem. Sleeping on the bus makes everything less stressful, cause then you always wake up outside the venue that you’re playing.
6. What are the future plans with Avatar? Where do u see yourselves in a couple of months?
Jonas: First of all: Releasing the new album. Second: some secret stuff which only the inner circle knows about .
7. Which were your favorite city on the Finland tour? Where did you had the most fun? Where was the audience most supportive?
Jonas: Hmmm… it’s allways hard to say. But one of my personal favourites were Tampere, I like big venues with lots of people, so I think that’s the one. They were supportive everywhere.
8. Thank you very much for the interview, is there anything you want to say to your fans?
Jonas: A word for the fans – Tjoho! Buy the new album ffs!
Live in Tavastia: Avatar “One Touch” 13.12.2011
Niki Rock 16.12.2011
Barbe-Q-Barbies is a powerfull Finnish girl rock band. This is the official page: http://www.barbeqbarbies.com/ The band consists of Niki (vocals), Kasisa (guitar), Niina (drums), Ekkis (guitar) and Minttu (bass). Niki is speaking about the new album that is planned, the girls will be soon working in the studio.
1. How the band Barbe-Q-Barbies found together and came up with the name?
Niki: The name came from our drummer Niina after she saw Soundgardens music video-Black whole sun, where there is melting barbie dolls 😉
2. Are there any new songs planned with your amazing voice?
Niki: Well we are working on new songs all the time, and we are going to the studio before christmas to record demos for th upcoming album
3. In Spetember you were performing on Tavastia´s stage before “The Death of Gagarin”. You sang the first ballad in there. What was the song that gave chickenskin to everybody in the audience, about? Will it come on an EP?
Niki: Nice to hear everyone got chicken skin = ) ..
that song is called Gun in my hand, and it´s´the first ballad the barbies ever made so we are pretty exited about it, it will most definitely come out on the album 🙂
4. You are going to the studio soon to produce a new album, what will be the new album about, which kind of music direction it goes?
Niki: This album will be like the previous rock n roll , so the style stays of course the same , but the sound is maeby a bit more newer and more fresh, some songs will even make you wanna shake your ass!! 😉
5. The video to “Twisted Little Sisters” was providing a great story. Are there any more video´s planned?
Niki: We have been talking about it, and before the summer we really will try to get at least one more video out 🙂
6. Where took the video shoot to “Twisted Little Sisters” place?
Niki: It was filmed in a old mental institution in helsinki Lapinlahden sairaala, so it really worked well for the story in the video.
7. Are there any up coming gigs still in this year?
Niki: We wount have the time or the possibility for gigs before march/ april as one of our guitar players is having a child early january and we are working on the album and saving up energy to hopefully have lots of festivals in the summer 🙂
8. Where do you see yourself in 12 months time?
Niki: In 12 months time , hmm.. probably back at work waiting for the next christmas to arrive 😉 hehe
well lets face it, it´s not that you will make a lot of money being in a rock band in finland, unless you get that one big hit and lots of success world wide as we do wish for of course ;D maybe one day , but it will take longer than 12 month 🙂
Thank you Niki, that you had time for the Interview and have a good time in the studio!!!
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