SOURCE – Your new album Save Our Souls is out very soon. Can you tell us a bit about the sound and the feeling of the new record?
Aleksi Paasonen (Vocals) – I would say that our new album, Save Our Souls, combines the best elements from our previous two records while also expanding our sound in both heavier and softer directions—even incorporating some pop-rock influences. The songs are catchier and more hard-hitting than ever before. As always, our music carries a melancholic, dark, and gloomy vibe, which remains a defining characteristic of Save Our Souls. However, there are also glimpses of hope woven throughout, giving some songs a more uplifting feel.
SOURCE – There are a number of tracks on the record that particularly stand out (at least for me). Could you possibly, if it isn’t too personal, talk a little about them and how they came about? Maniacs, Strangers in Crime, Just to Lose It All, and Save Our Souls, to name but a few.
Aleksi Paasonen (Vocals) – Yeah, sure! The title track has received incredibly positive feedback since its release, so I think it really stands out to a lot of people. Like most of our songs, this one started when our guitarist, Terho Korhonen, introduced the main theme to the rest of us. It already had such a powerful energy that we were excited to start building the song together. The rhythm of the main theme became a driving force and ended up serving as the foundation for the verses. Instrumentally, the chorus came together naturally—we all felt it needed to act as a “release” after the tension built throughout the song.
As with most of our songs, I had several different ideas for the chorus vocals, but once I started working on the version that ultimately made it onto the album, the whole band—and our producer, Rami Nykänen—immediately felt this was the one. We wanted the vocal melodies to be just right, so I remember going back and forth with Rami over WhatsApp quite a bit, fine-tuning them until we found the perfect version.
Lyrically, the song explores themes of existential crisis, reflecting on how we spend our lives and the one chance we all have. It’s like a wake-up call—realizing that if someone continues down the same path, their future could turn out to be miserable.
SOURCE – Outside of singles and touring, what have you done to keep the band growing between releases?
Aleksi Paasonen (Vocals) – Playing gigs and releasing new music are definitely the most important ways for a band to reach and engage more listeners. Between releases, it’s crucial to stay active on social media and provide content that keeps both new and longtime fans engaged. In this industry, it’s also essential to think ahead, make plans, and stay prepared for whatever the future may bring.
SOURCE – How hard is it to find your place as a band in such a competitive music market like the Finnish scene, and to build up a fanbase?
Aleksi Paasonen (Vocals) – Well, we’ve been a band for almost ten years now, and based on that experience, I’d say it’s definitely challenging. The Finnish audience and industry can be tough to impress and even harder to gain attention from. Interestingly, it often seems like once a band gains recognition abroad, the Finnish industry starts to take them more seriously. For new bands looking to build a lasting presence in the scene, I’d say the key is to find their own unique sound and play a ton of great live shows.
SOURCE – How will the band maintain momentum and engagement after the initial album release to sustain long-term interest and sales?
Aleksi Paasonen (Vocals) – We plan to keep the momentum going by staying visible, actively promoting the album, and playing as many shows as possible. Hopefully, we’ll also have more opportunities to tour in Europe and perform our best music yet to new audiences. The goal is to keep the energy alive long after the initial release and ensure the music reaches as many people as possible.
SOURCE – How has Spotify helped you reach new listeners around the world, and do you feel the platform has been instrumental in expanding your fanbase?
Aleksi Paasonen (Vocals) – When a song gets added to an official Spotify playlist, it has the potential to reach many new listeners. In that sense, Spotify can definitely help a band expand its audience and connect with potential fans. However, with the massive rise of streaming, the way people consume music has changed. While Spotify exposure is great for visibility, it does not always directly translate to ticket or merchandise sales, which are still crucial for a band’s long-term success.
SOURCE – The development of AI has been a major topic as of late – especially with its impact on the entertainment industry. What are your thoughts on how this technology will affect the music industry?
Terho Korhonen (Guitar) – It is pretty clear that AI is here to stay, including in the music industry. Personally, I think that from time to time, AI can serve as a tool to help spark new ideas. But you have to be in the driver’s seat and have experience and expertise of your own to make proper use of AI input.
Personally, I don’t like the idea of using AI to generate complete song parts, ready-to-go melodies, or lyrics that you just use as they are. I also feel like people are becoming more and more aware of the subtle qualities that reveal something has been purely AI-generated, which is definitely a good thing.
SOURCE – What are your plans for this year, aside from the album release?
Aleksi Paasonen (Vocals) – This year, our main focus is to truly enjoy the moments we get to share—both as a band and with the amazing people we’re fortunate to work with. We’re excited to play great shows and make the most of every second on stage, performing songs that we’ve poured our hearts into.
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