 When and how was your band created?
Space Bar’s first rehearsals was in December 1998, first we played mostly cover songs (Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Roses,Duran Duran, Simon&Garfunkel etc.). First real own song was “Mouth” in summer 1999. First demo, including 3 songs, was made in May 2000. Fall 2000 we made our first gig in “Jyrki hit challenge”- competition. and surprise, surprise: Third place ( 500 bands had sent demos ) since then there has been a lot of line-up changes, Dean-era with female vocalist 2002-2005, and now back under Space Bar-name Jussi Saxlin is back as a singer. Few other previous members also joined the band. Lot of changes, lots of songs. Current lineup get together a month ago. And it sounds great.
Where is the name of the band coming from?
First it was a joke, we were doing some recordings in studio and always pressed the spacebar of computer to stop or start recordings. Hey, Space Bar! This could be funny name? Later we have to decide the name and we thought that Space Bar describes just what we were: Large and spacious guitar sounds, lyrics out of space, and some of us spent lot of time in bars. And we use a lot of sci-fi movie-like keyboards and modern drum loops. So Space is for machine part and Bar is for the rock’n'roll part.
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
I have always tried to make timeless songs and combine many different styles. I think influences start back in 60’s continuing to nowadays: The Beatles, The Who, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, The Cure, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Def Leppard, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Paradise Lost, Muse. Those are the bands I can admit to have influence in my music. But major influence is still my old band Jumalainen Näytelmä (”Divine comedy” in english, or divina commedia) there are lot of similarities in JN and Space Bar music. I wrote music for both bands, so it is unavoidable…
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
Finland is small country and there are not so many people to buy records, possibility to get a record deal is tough job. We still keep trying. Positive is that people here are open-minded and always looking for a new bands, so we might have a chance to get through.
How could you define your style of music?
Space Bar’s music is combination of melodic pop tunes and catchy choruses, played with intensive rock style and electro spices. Lyrics are sometimes gloomy but I thing there is still lots of hope, weird humor and maybe there is also a little insight too. Space Bar plays ATTITUDE POP.
During the years how has your musical style changed?
I don’t thing it has change a lot. Maybe at a Dean-era we tried to sound heavier and play like a hard rock band, which were are not. Now we are back in lighter and wider scale but still big sound, forgetting the screaming female-vocalist and action rock tunes.
How do explain these changes?
There have been so many line-up changes and everyone brings something own with him/her – which is just fine. I don’t have so specific vision how the band should sound. I write the music and lyrics but it is the band what makes the final cut.
What are topics you treat in your songs?
Incompleteness, acceptance, tolerance, pain and suffer, loneliness and depression, obsessions and anger, love and hate, faith and joy, fame and its consequences, just a few to mention. I just wrote about invisible man - and oh my man, it’s a sad and relieving song.
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
Huh, difficult question. It might be my first ever written English lyric “Perfect”, just because it’s the first. Or one of the latest, called “Everworld”. I really can’t say because it varies and almost every song is important in its own special way.
Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
In studio I like the process when song develops and changes. But I prefer performing live. There I can feel the sound in my stomach, also to get through the stage fright is very educating experiment.
During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
There are also many moments that make songwriting TO-LIVE-FOR process. First is the moment you play the guitar and play something new and then it just happens. Then there is lot of work and playing, and playing is always nice…. Second great moment is when you have taught the song to the rest of the band and we have played the song fully through. Best part is absolutely when you hear your song first time in radio. I have had chance to experience it few times, I’d like to experience it many times in the future.
A stupid question but… what is among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life the BEST song?
It’s not a stupid question, answer may change. Now I think it is The Beatles song “Day in a life”. There is just everything in one song, whole life in four minutes.
What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
For a band like Space Bar internet is very important way to get known. And because it is very difficult to get a record deal in Finland it is best way to distribute our music to anyone who wants to hear it. Just download, for free. Our website www.thespacebar.net contains Radio Silence- demo (10 songs).
What are your projects?
Major project is now to make new demo recordings with current line-up during spring 2006 and then we try to get a record deal and sell platinum. Ha ha…. Or if you mean band members other musical projects, there are lots of other “projects” or even jobs in music business. Jussi Saxlin, the singer and guitarist, also plays bass in Irina’s band. Irina is now very famous in Finland, their new single is at third place in Finnish charts and they have a lot of gigs and that’s why Space Bar have so little time to play right now. Our guest starring keyboard player Tapsa Louhimo also plays in a band called Garbo. Their latest record hit the stores about year ago and they are doing some gigs too. Our drummer Arto Ojala, bassist Kristian Porthan and myself have a band project called Hämärä (in English it is maybe “Dusk” or “Twilight”) and we play old “Jumalainen Näytelmä”- songs. Singer in Hämärä is Johanna Rossi, my girlfriend. So there are many projects going on with members of Space Bar.
What “image” do you have of French music?
Right now nothing comes into my mind. I just remember that when my sister lived in France in 80’s, she brought some records. Indochine was the name of the band, and I liked it. I remember that French people love The Cure, which is also one of my favorite bands.
Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
Like I said I do like Indochine, I don’t know if they are still making music. I like Jacques Brel, he sings in French but I don’t know is he from Belgium or France. I must Google that information…
January 18th, 2007
 When and how was your band created?
The first version of Varttina was born in 1983. It was a small group of girls singing and playing kanetele in Raakkyla, in Finnish Karelia. Next year 2003 will be our 20th anniversary.
Was the choice to become professional difficult to make?
No it was not because it was natural step to make to become professional.
Some original members dropped out but the serious musicians stayed on and formed the “new” Varttina in 1989.
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
Well, every player that is or has been involved in Varttina. We have a great relationship, musically and socially, so we all influence each other.
Fiddlers that have influenced me are Ruthie Dornfelt from USA and Arto Jarvela from Finland’s JPP group.
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician / singer (in Finland)?
The most negative thing is that there is such a small audience for folk music, but that also offers lots of challenges which keep the work interesting. Fortunately, we have many concerts abroad and many fans who seem to appreciate and understand our music.
How could you qualify your style of music?
I think my fiddle playing is rather percussive and strongly rhythmical. I have influences mainly from Scandinavian folk music and some from Irish and old time music. Varttina music is a style of our own invention. Elements from Finnish Karelia, in fact the deepest roots of our music is from there. But there are also elements from other worldly musics, for example, Irish, Balkan, American. What we do, though, when we compose and arrange, is to approach new songs in an organic way. I mean that we do not consciously try to add different foreign sounding elements to make a kind of fusion. On the contrary, these things are so deep within us already that they slip out naturally. Consequently, we think our music sounds genuine and honest, which of course, is the only way we want to operate.
Have you ever considered the possibilty to change totally your style of music? If so, what style of music would you choose?
We haven’t thought about that, I think there isn’t any reason for that. Our music progresses naturally anyway, so that each album sounds different than the previous and hopefully better. We make conscious effort to let the music develop and progress from natural evolution of the band’s chemistry.
So far, we are entirely confident that we have succeeded. We hope the fans and listeners can hear that in the music.
What are stories/topics you tell/treat in your songs?
Many songs are based on old runo poems and songs, some deal with women’s matters and stories, for example marriage, loneliness etc. But others, for example Kirsi’s “Aijo” is more profound, about a crazy old forest man who casts a spell on a snake who has bitten him. There is a spiritual link between these old style songs and the new ones that we hope to illustrate when we make new albums. Past and present can have similar issues.
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
I particularly enjoy Linnun Mieli because the story gives a cozy feeling, the melody is great and it really grooves, rhythmically. Bit there are so many more. One thing I like about Varttina is that our songs are of so many varied styles but all seem to fit together.
Do you tour regularly? Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
We do tours and concerts yes… Personally, I prefer playing in front of live audience better than in studio. I think the other band members agree.
However, after we finish making a new album, we all are very happy with the results. Especially in the case of our next album entitled iki, which was the most exciting recording sessions we have ever done. We are extremely proud of the new album.
During the process of making an album, what is the moment that you prefer?
When a new tune is finally ready after a long process and the arrangement works
in the best way, that is the moment.
Why?
Because of the organic process in arranging. We all contribute and shape new songs together from the beginning. It is the only way we want to work and it is very rewarding for us as friends and musical colleagues.
What kind of music / What artists do you currently listen?
We all listen to many kinds of music: rock, pop, folk, Finnish folk music and pop music, worldly folk musics from all over. Jazz, modern music, dance music. I think this adds extra dimensions to our collaboration in playing and arranging together.
A stupid question but… what is among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life the BEST song? Why?
Sorry but I can’t answer that. There are so many.
Internet is something interesting for musicians because it gives them the opportunity to touch a larger audience but it is also a threat for them (regarding the copyrights). What is your opinion regarding this medium?
The internet world is still at the beginning of its journey so we just have to wait and see, but I believe it will be a marvelous thing after the little problems like the copyrights are solved. At least it enables us to be in closer contact with our fans.
Do you use computers or home studios during the process of making an album or a song?
No.
What are your actual and future projects?
Varttina’s new studio album entitled iki and numerous concerts. We have our 20th Anniversary concerts in Helsinki scheduled for March 2003. Also there is talk of a project with a symphony orchestra.
January 17th, 2007
 When and how did you decide to become a musician / singer?
The story is stupid. When I was a kid I saw slash and thought he was bass player. I knew nothing about guitars or basses. I got in to playing bass and felt it was my instrument. Later guitar came along and now days I sing a lot too.
Was this choice difficult to make?
I think it chose me. Really, it’s everything to me and nowdays it takes all of my time and money. Now days it’s more composing and using instruments as tools.
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
What got me started was Black Sabbath, Gnr, Metallica… Later I got into Death- and Black metal, Gorefest etc. But for me the most important releases have been about 97 anathema, katatonia, my dying bride & Type o negative.
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician / singer (in Finland)?
Well I think other things in Finland are still well. So that it helps. Finnish metal is highly praised in other countries. What I don´t like is the competition and envy of bands. Many bands aim for perfect radio hit or something. You can really notice that the arrangements of songs sound the same. And the comparison to other bands or musicans.
How could you qualify your style of music?
My personal? I tend to use the riffs I can get feelings from. You know? The riffs I think other would feel same as me when I hear ‘em. Longing, anxious, restless, impatient… Right now I am a little stuck with one melodie that I use in lots of song so you can really recognize my songs or playing.
Have you ever considered the possibilty to change totally your style of music? If so, what style of music would you choose?
Not totally. I hope it never happens. Ofcourse my music is constantly progressing/changing and I have lots of bands so I get to play lot of different styles. But only to take one of ‘em, it would have to be something completely new. As people say everything has been done, they are wrong in a way. The world is full of rythyms and sounds. Many players have just been slaved by the music theory. It doesent matter if some style has been used before, music belongs to everybody.
What are stories/topics you tell/treat in your songs?
My personal words are of longing and regret. Lots of em are about cheating and betrayal. Raptures songs can be described by the cd titles “Futile” & “Songs for the withering”.
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
From Rapture? I guess it has to be some of the new cd, “The Vast” I guess. The reason is quite obvious 
Do you tour regularly? Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Well we have to see after these first gigs are over. We have new line up but all of us have experience of studios & live performances. The last work in studio were painless of the same reason.
What kind of music / What artists do you currently listen?
My current playlists and favourites are not metal at all. Sigur Ros, Björk, Radiohead, The Gathering, P4P, Queens Of The Stone Age, Nick Drake, Smack…
What are your actual and future projects?
*Sighs* I have made 3 lps this year with 3 different bands so it’s pretty much just stress, mixing & mastering. Calendar still looks merciful for rest of the year, but it’ll look much different in next month, I’m sure.
A stupid question but… what is among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life the BEST song? Why?
Im sure we all sometimes comment that “this is the best song ever”. It’s impossible to answer, but this year I’ve listened The Cure’s “Disintegration” a 1000 times for sure!
Internet is something interesting for musicians because it gives them the opportunity to touch a larger audience but it is also a threat for them (regarding the copyrights). What is your opinion regarding this medium?
It’s great. Mp3.com and everything. Napsters and everything… In my case it has just increased cd buying. I have heard bands I would never have found without internet. I am not sure about piratism. I really don’t care much about labels loosing their money becouse they don’t care much about bands but the money. I feel music belongs to everyone as I said. Ofcourse it’s right in my oppinion to buy cds. And I buy the cds I like. I just feel the band should get the most of the money.
Do you use computers or home studios during the process of making an album or a song?
Yes. I usually make the songs using some wave studio. When they are ready we start recording again to know the difficulties and about how much time it will take in the real studio. In studio I prefer to use real/analog recording equipment and the mixing with computer. I hate pitch sifters and autotune plugins etc. tricks.
January 17th, 2007
 When and how was your band created?
Elliot was created year 1997 in a small factory town (in the west coast of Finland) called Raahe. A group of friends just started to play for fun. There wasn’t much else to do in that town at that time so we just played and played. We borrowed guitars and stuff. Somehow we felt what we were doing was important straight from the beginning.
Where is the name of the band coming from?
I had a guitar amplifier called Trace Elliot. It never worked. I think the name stuck on us from that sad little machine.
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
We all like so different kind of music that it isn’t easy to say. One reporter said that we are illegitimate child of U2 and Radiohead. Maybe there’s some truth in that.
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
Finland is so small country that it isn’t too hard to stand out as a potential newcomer. Maybe that’s the most positive part in Finland’s music scene. On the other hand musicians are not as respected as they should be in here. It comes out in everything. But it seems that we are slowly learning the possibilities of music industry in global markets and I hope that will ease our work in local scenes too in near future.
How could you qualify your style of music?
We don’t. It’s not our job.
During the years how has your musical style evolved?
Of course you drift musically to new places as you play as a group for a couple of years. It keeps you going. We think that our best work is still in front of us. Not far but still. Maybe in a year or two we’ll see what we can and really want to do. We feel that our debut “The Sparkling Hour” sounds too clean. It doesn’t reflect our live sound as well as it could. So we know well what to do next.
How do explain these changes?
We have had some changes in our group during the last years. That of course always effects strongly in to the sound and the style. But we are still searching our selves from the music and I think we might soon find something.
What are stories/topics you tell/treat in your songs?
Hope and doubt… and universal love of course.
Have you ever considered the possibility to change totally your style of music? If so, what style of music would you choose?
Our style comes out pretty naturally. We don’t much think that kind of things.
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
It’s a new song called Let Your Wind Blow. We are just recording it and soon we’ll start the video shootings on it. It is really hopeful and energic song. One of those that just arrive without any complications or hard work.
Do you tour regularly? Do you prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Yes we tour. We prefer performing live. It’s hard to capture all the sound in studio. It would be really nice to play in France. It’s one of our dreams.
During the process of making an album, what is the moment that you prefer?
I think we prefer the moment when it’s finished and we can play it out to the people.
What kind of music / What artists do you currently listen?
I personally like to listen about movie music. Big sound walls with out lyrics. So I’m able to figure out my own little stories on it.
A stupid question but… what is, among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life, the BEST song?
I can’t say. It depends of feelings. U2’s “One” is one of my favorites.
What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
People are stealing our money thru it! Seriously speaking I think the net is a good thing. We don’t do this for money. Of course the illegal sharing of music effects on music industry. At last we all suffer of it. Record companies are no longer able to produce interesting underground stuff because they are struggling of their lives. People should notice that.
What are your actual and future projects?
We are creating our second album hoping to finish it during this year. We also are making a DVD that includes three videos and all kind of stuff along our way. Those things will keep us busy until the end of this year.
January 17th, 2007
 When and how was your band created?
We were friends already and been playing together for awhile and it was around 2001 when we picked up the name Slideshaker for us and that’s about it.
Where is the name of the band coming from?
We picked it up from the magazine article about some old blues cat. I really can’t remember what it meant exactly but it was something like playing blues is basically sliding and shaking.
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
There are so many bands and artists that have influenced us but to name a few: Rolling Stones, Sly & The Family Stone, Pussy Galore, Ike & Tina Turner, CCR, R.L. Burnside, The Velvet Underground…
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
I would say that for the size of Finland there are a lot of people who like rock ‘n’ roll music but negative thing is that you really can’t make it here if you are in a underground band. Magazines, radios and festivals are very much oriented by mainstream music.
How could you define your style of music?
We play rock ‘n’ roll that’s very much influenced by American roots music. We are more toward the 60’s and early 70’s rock ‘n’ roll than rock ‘n’ roll of today. Many people say that we are a bluespunk band but I really don’t get that. I think it’s very misleading to say that…
During the years how has your musical style changed?
I think our music is much more versatile nowadays. In early days we had this punk style of playing but now we are much more relaxed. We like all kindsa music so I think it’s just natural that our music is developing.
How do explain these changes?
When you’re young you create those stupid limits or rules to fallow but when you grow older you got much more perspective and you just do what you feel like.
What are topics you treat in your songs?
I think it’s not very wise to explain lyrics because it’s better to leave it to listener to figure them out. Then maybe they can relate to them somehow. Basically our lyrics deal our own experiences including universal themes like love, death, happines and despair so it’s not hard to relate to them. There’s always some signifigance in our lyrics if you look under the surface.
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
I really like “Better Version Of You” because it’s one of those songs that you like to play live but also listen at home. But I think my favourite Slideshaker song is “Bad Moon” but it’s so new it’s not even recorded yet.
Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Like most rock bands we prefer playing live. We really enjoy studio working also but we are definitely a live band.
During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
I think the best moment is when you realize that this song is going to be great. It’s usually after the first time we’ve played it through.
A stupid question but… what is among all the songs you’ve been listening
in your life the BEST song?
I think this is impossible question to answer but I’ll try. Well… It’s a tie between “Jumping Jack Flash” by Rolling Stones and “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan. Or maybe “Blizkrieg Bop” by Ramones…
What are your projects?
The next “project” for us is mini tour with Sweatmaster in April. We have nine gigs in Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark. Check out the dates at www.slideshaker.com
What “image” do you have of French music?
My “image”of French music is very blurred. I really like Air but that’s about it. For example I can’t think any rock ‘n’ roll band from France.
Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
Hmm, my favourite French song is “All I Need” by Air but actually it’s not sung in French.
January 18th, 2007
 When and how was your band created?
It was founded at the fall of 2004 in Jyväskylä. Few friends decided to put up a project band but soon it became much more important and we quit our main bands.
Where is the name of the band coming from?
It’s an abtract name which sounds good but later we have heard that red number two also means certain color lipstick!
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
We all have our own favourites, but everyone in our band likes Tool, Oceansize, Mew and Faith No More.
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
Nowadays it is positive that everybody knows that being a musician can be regarded as a “real” job and musicians are more appreciated than before.
Negative aspects is that being so far away from the other world makes it more expensive to make gigs abroad.
How could you define your style of music?
Progressive mainstream alternative rock.
During the years how has your musical style changed?
Towrds bigger and bigger sound. There’s no rules anymore.
How do explain these changes?
We realised how we want to sound and learned some tehniques for that.
What are topics you treat in your songs?
A finnish man in the cosmic eternity =)
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
Few new songs under the working titles of “Makyoh” and “Old Grinder”
Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Both have good sides. It has to be a wonderful gig to have such a good vibes that you can get in the studio when you record something new and fantastic.
A good gig still beats up lazy and complicated studio work.
During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
At the rehearsal, everybody gives their best shot and finally we create something out of everybodys reach.
A stupid question but… what is among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life the BEST song?
I don’t know the best song, but there was a time when I couldn’t listen Tori Amos’ song called “The Cooling” without crying.
What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
Excellent tool doing things - good and bad.
Do you have a website?
Yes, http://www.rednumbertwo.com
What are your projects for the band?
Recording the first full-lenght album this year.
What “image” do you have of French music?
Air and Phoenix are excellent…I don’t know any other bands from there…
Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
Air : Vagabond (excellent, excellent song!)
March 20th, 2007
When and how was your band created?
It was originally started 1999 in Riihimäki - which is a small town about 60 kilometres up north from Helsinki - when our singer-guitarist Okko asked Tomi, guitarist as well, to kick out some jams with him. Okko had previously played in a punk band and wanted to do something different, to create beautiful pop music instead of noisy punk rock
There were some difficulties in finding a right guy to play drums and it wasn’t until late 2002 when the band really came together once the drummer Sampo joined the group. Anyway, the final spice to the soup was added in late 2004 when a tall engineer named Matti Olavi Töyli joined the band to play clarinet, saxophone and a little synth named “Nautilus”.
Where is the name of the band coming from?
It’s a bit boring answer, but it doesn’t really have any special meaning, I suppose it just sounds fascinating. Apparently it was Okko who came up with. There were some bad suggestions before, like “Justin’s Case” and “Purple Sunday” for instance.
As one can imagine, over the years many people have said that it’s too long, but we think that the name actually describes the band’s sound quite well. And who cares about people’s opinions anyway. Look how well Creedence Clearwater Revival has done ! And if you really really like to, you can always use the shorter version of our name (our CCR version) UwSSoc.
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life /work?
Apparently there are only three bands that we all like: Pink Floyd, The Flaming Lips and 22-Pistepirkko, but since there’s no easy way to do this, I’ll just name a bunch of good ones that most of us enjoy: The Beatles, Radiohead, The Doors, Sonic Youth, Björk, Deus, Air, Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley, Primal Scream, Johnny Cash, Talking Heads, Magenta Skycode, Rubik, Kastor, Nirvana, The Velvet Underground, Sigur Ros, David Bowie, The Cure.
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
Positive: There are not too many bands, at least good ones, in Finland, so it might be comparatively easy to receive attention once things start happening. Another nice thing about the small circle is that you get to know a lot of new cool people easily when you tour with other bands etc.
Negative: There are only very few good places to play gigs. And this is important: people listen way too much heavy music, which means: 1) that there must be something wrong in our collective unconsciousness 2) summer festivals are filled with bands all dressed in black 3) people end up picking the wrong records from the record stores: instead of buying one of ours
How could you define your style of music?
Progressive pop. Art punk. Prog-rock. Folk pop. Ambient heavy indie! Emotional chill-out music. Underwater sleeping sounds. Whatever you like! We’re not indie puritans, we make music for everybody.
During the years how has your musical style changed?
It has changed a lot. I would say there have been at least 4-5 different phases:
1) straight American influenced pop/rock guitar music, a bit melancholy
2) acoustic phase, stripped down folk music
3) prog-rock phase, that’s when the weird c-parts started to appear!
4) indie-rock phase, everything combined
5) NOW, underwater-indie-progressive-folk-ambient-art-punk-pop
How do you explain these changes?
Listening to too much David Bowie can do that I guess.
What are topics you treat in your songs?
That should be a question for Okko to answer, but I remember that a journalist asked this same thing once, very cleverly. He asked Okko that which word would describe his lyrics the best: underwater, sleeping or society. The obvious answer was sleeping. There’s actually a song called “Dream Song” in our first ep.
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
My personal favourite is perhaps “-P” at the moment, it’s a long progressive song that evolves very slowly and once it explodes it’s almost like religious experience.
Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Definitely live. If you play rock music and you don’t enjoy your presence on the stage, you’re in the wrong business.
During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
It’s the first time when everyone gets that kind of “THAT’S IT!” -feeling. It might come after 20 minutes or it might take 4 months. Some songs never get to that phase. But they are the bad ones, so they’re meaningless anyway.
A stupid question but. what is among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life the BEST song?
Life On Mars by David Bowie. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles. I Was Made To Love Magic by Nick Drake. Those three came to my mind first.
What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
I absolutely love it. It has helped us a lot. Myspace is the best forum to get to know new, totally unknown bands from all over the world.
Do you have a website?
Sure. It’s www.uwssoc.net
Our Myspace is www.myspace.com/uwssoc
What are your projects for the band?
Do you mean goals? To make good music. Make people happy. See new places.
But first of all, make good and timeless records that sound good even when you’re 80.
What “image” do you have of French music?
It´s a shame to admit, the image I have is kind of stereotypical. It’s sort of like this. “Edith Piaf singing about her unlucky love in the 1950s”. But surely there are many great contemporary French bands as well, Air being the most obvious one to mention. I should get to know Phoenix as well.
Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
It has got to be Je Ne Regrette Rien by Edith Piaf.
March 20th, 2007
 When and how was your band created?
Zack and I (The Muff) founded the band about 4-5 years ago, but we did’nt get serious about it untill Mr.Tikka, who is my brother joined on drums in 2003.
Where is the name of the band coming from?
Well we wanted a name like KISS, a name that you remember and like, and everyone wants to get naked…right?
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
Here it comes…..aaahhhh: KISS, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Blues Brothers, Van Halen, Black Crows, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Isaac Hayes, Rush, Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, Thin Lizzy, Billy Joel, Cheap Trick, Stevie Wonder, The Hellacopters, Alice Cooper, Backyard Babies, T.Rex, Queen, Mötley Crüe, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Hanoi Rocks, Sam & Dave, Def Leppard, Police, The Who, DLR, James Brown.
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
Well…hmmm let me ponder………The crowds are nuts and everyone is crazy, but I guess that’s the case everywere. Ok I’ll try again, It’s great!!! The negative side: narow minded people!
How could you define your style of music?
We call it Broadway rock, and I’m proud to anounce that we are the only Broadwayrock band in the world!!! Big guitars, bigger drums, confetti, a little smoke, ripped t-shirts, lights, sweat, choir robes, megaphones and a positive mind, hip hip hurraaa!!!
During the years how has your musical style changed?
YES! we’ve found the Naked sound with this album(Let’s Get Naked… And Start A Revolution)
How do explain these changes?
Well at a point we stopped sounding Crap! and became something unexplainable!!! Now how’s that for an awnser.DAN WEEKS?
What are topics you treat in your songs?
Life basiclly and everything that comes with it, the good and the ugly.
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
Well I like them all obviously, but I have special place in my heart for “High On Blue Love” I wrote it on my sofa when I woke up hung over from beer and viagra:) without a guitar, the melody just popped into my head.It whent to #5 in the single chart in Finland. Then I like doing Revolution live, that’s great. It whent to #4 in the charts.We shot a cool video in london for it and got arrested!
Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Live, that’s what a band should do.But I don’t mind the studio!
During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
The moment? writing a good song dude! I hate forsing them out of me for hours and hours, the best ones come easily.
A stupid question but… what is among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life the BEST song?
The list is endless and changes all the time but on of the best is bohemian rhapsody by Queen, I like dancing in the moonlight by Thin Lizzy as well:)
What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
It’s great! I’m all for it!!! go go go! check out www.nakedonline.net and www.myspace.com/nakedofficial
What are your projects ?
NAKED!!! that’s all I do 
What “image” do you have of French music?
Slim to none, I know that K Maro rapper dude ha haaa. But nothing else comes to mind right now!
Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
Edit phiaf???? She sounded awsome
January 18th, 2007
 When and how was your band created?
We had a group called Maximum Liver Explosion that already included 4/6 Moses. It kinda worked as the Big Bang to creation of the whole new world of Moses Hazy…Well that was pompous.. But anyway the band was formed in Tornio, a smalltown in Northern Finland, `bout two years ago. It just happened to be the place where the brains of this six-headed dog met.
Where is the name of the band coming from?
Well that`s a long & old story. And we actually made a promise that we’d never ever tell it to anybody. But let`s just say that “Moses” alludes to lust we`re creating on our gigs and “Hazy” is for.. I guess it`s for whatever you want it to be for.
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
There are plenty of ´em. Just to mention a few of my own..mmphh.. Pink Floyd, the band that made my life, and Neil Young, the man that made my life! You want a list? You got it: Wesley Willis, Roky Erickson, Bruce Springsteen, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Hellacopters, Iggy Pop, Jimi Hendrix, King Crimson, Kingston Wall, Led Zeppelin, Lou Reed, MC5, Neil Young, Rolling stones, The Clash, The Doors, The Stooges, the Who, Wigwam……..There`s no end coming for that and doesn`t everything effect on everything..? So forget about it. -The greatest thing in music, from the view of a listener, is that you never stop finding good music..That´s why it`s the best hobby,I mean lifestyle, ever. And Moses Hazy is all about music diggers, Rock&Roll&Blues&Jazz&Soul&Funk&Progressive®gae&Ska&Psychedelic…. ..So let`s just say I/we dig good music.
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
I`d like to answer on this one as a musician from NORTHERN Finland.
Positive: You haven`t got many choices, there is nothing to do here but to get high with the music. And you find easily beautiful landscapes and peace & quiet `round here. Well not for long, I think, thanks for Eurocitys, IKEAS and all the others satans little helpers…
Negative: The lack of places to rock. In Northern Finland there ain`t too many bars nor other places to arrange gigs. And it`s quit long way to drive to southern cities and back, expecially for one bloody concert which you don`t even get paid, goddam.
But generally there is a lot of great music in Finland and there are many people with good responsive attitude on all that weird shit there`s made.
How could you define your style of music?
Rock. I usually leave the defining for you journalists.. But it`s a kinda Rock´n´Roll without any limits. You can hear a lot of different styles of music in it..Check out the list above!
During the years how has your musical style changed?
Well we started playing Kiss and when we wrote our first own songs for M.L.E. it was all about actionrock, but it sure has changed a lot. and here we are now.
How do explain these changes?
I usually don`t. No, One reason for sure is the instruments we have, like saxophone, trumpet & piano. The other is that we`re listening so many kinds of music. And I guess we knew from the beginning that you can´t draw any limits for this group of maniacs.
What are topics you treat in your songs?
Life. Stuff. You may find some opinions ´bout things in´em because there are opinions, `bout things. But there are also lots of meaningless stories and from each song you get on the average 15% of your daily humdrum-psychedely needed.
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
It changes often depending on the last gig or if we´ve just recorded something. ´Guess right now my favourit song is..mbgh.. Play That Damn Guitar from our soon-to-be-released album The Incredible Flow Of Life Show. And the reason is that I was yesterday in studio with a couple of beauties recording female backing vocals on that one.
Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Absolutely Live! I think that rock`and´roll albums should be mostly promotion to invite people to the gigs. And our studiowork haven`t started working as good as the liveperformances.
During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
Of course the moment when you for the first time think that the song is done now; And you see that it`s good. It could be alone with guitar as you finish the lyrics or with the whole band when everything just clicks. And when ever the basic form of the song changes to something totally different.
A stupid question but… what is among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life the BEST song?
I really can`t answer seriously to this one.. So I just say Wesley Willis´ Arnold Swartcgchzenegger (how do you spell it anyway?).. Which is actually a great song. And there ain`t no stupid questions, just stupid answers. And you can bet your testicles I`m full of ´em.
What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
It`s a great thing for young unknown bands like us to spread their music all around the world. Of course in some cases it takes away the support from the artist but it`s the blues of today, isn`t it? `Cause in the end Internet is not half as bad thief compered to what record companies have been and still are. And it`s gigs you should get paid for…And I really can`t feel too bad for Metallica.
What are your projects ?
Like I told we´re now finnishing our debyt album and before the summer we`re about to start recording our next album which is kind of a re-recorded collection from our EP´s. And we´ve been planning a summer holiday by the Kuivajoki (Dry River) after June filled with gigs. The holiday includes the recording sessions of our third album, a country/roots-stylish LP, in an old countryhouse. and for sure, gigs gigs gigs and more gigs. So we`re a bit busy with the “Mo´s Trilogy 2006″, as you see.
What “image” do you have of French music?
Few years ago I was spending some time in some smalltown near Brest and cruising `round western parts of France with my local friends. they had a great reggae-band Makaks Mekaniks, don`t know if I spell it right. And I also heard many great funky ska-bands there, I guess it`s quite popular in France..? Ceux Qui Marchent Debut (?) was also great band live and on record. I saw so many great gigs but remember not as many names of bands.. But of course Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, Francois Corneloup and Bela Fleck & Flecktones etc..etc.. Also we`ve had one great half frenchman playing with us, Marc “fast finger”
Gondallier De Tugny, who played banjo in one of our EP´s.
Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
Makas Mekaniks: Aualpe tout la nére (?)
C´est bon, comme ça.
January 18th, 2007
 When and how was your band created?
We started Dive in 2003. We did two demos shortly after that and now we are working on an ep and an album, which will hopefully be released later this year.
Where is the name of the band coming from?
Dive is about looking inside of ourselves, about the things we’re keeping under the surface.
What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
Joy Division, Depeche Mode, The Smiths and Kate Bush are main influences for myself. The boys are into Ride, Swervedriver and other noisy indie hulabaloo.
What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
We are in the great position because we have found the right people to work with. They are hard working and they believe in the same things that we do. It took time but now we are mainly happy.
How could you define your style of music?
Today I would call it sophisticated new wave. Tomorrow something else.
During the years how has your musical style changed?
When we starded, our music was more or less punk music. I still love the attitude that punk bands have and it?s good to see them live. But I like to do more melodic stuff and songs that touches our audience. In the beginning it was just rage.
How do explain these changes?
It’s the way we always wanted to go, but we didn?t first know how. Now it’s all here. It feels very nice.
What are topics you treat in your songs?
They are mostly sad love songs. We are now working on new tunes that are much happier. But even in our darkest songs there is a glow of light somewhere.
What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
Probably some of the new ones; Apart or Shiver. They just work so well. Songs you can dance to.
Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
I’ll choose gigs. We are blessed to have such a lovely audience every night. I can’t see doing this without playing gigs to our fans. I love to talk with them after the shows as well.
During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
I prefer the beginning and the end. In the beginning I?m alone with the song and it takes me to another places. I’ll always try to cacht a certain mood to each song. Then we try the song with the boys and if and when it starts to work, it is incredibly touching.
A stupid question but… what is among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life the BEST song?
It must be Kate Bush with Hounds Of Love. I love the mood and the intensity on Kate’s vocals.
What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
As we are an indieband from Finland it?s a nice way to promote our music. That’s why we have fans in the States and UK. And who knows maybe in France too!
What are your projects ?
I’ll try to make Dive as good as I can. That’s my project.
What “image” do you have of French music?
I’ll have to admit that I don?t know french music that much. I read sometime ago the biography of Edith Piaf.
Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
Any of Edith Piaf’s songs. Perhaps “L’hymne à l’Amour”. We used to listen to it with my father when I was a kid.
January 18th, 2007
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