SOURCE – It’s the 10th anniversary of the band forming. What do you feel when you reflect upon your longevity? What were your goals and ambitions starting out?
Niko Lindman (Bass) – I joined the band in 2017, but I can speak for others when I say that ten years is already a great age for any band. The band was originally founded with such ambitious goals as just playing music with friends for therapeutic reasons, having some fun and hanging out with friends. That’s still what it’s all about for us, and maybe that’s why we’ve been doing this for so long together. Although, of course, things have become more serious since the early years, but still at the center of everything is a burning passion to escape everyday blue for a moment with friends and make the kind of music we enjoy the most.
SOURCE – The album Auer represents a fresh outlook considering your time writing and recording in the metal scene. Can you discuss the ambition and goals you wanted to achieve regarding this effort?
Niko Lindman (Bass) – The band’s goals have always been more or less the same. The most important thing is that we could just do this with this group for as long as possible and it’s a bonus if we can reach new listeners along the way that the music could possibly touch. On the other hand, it is true that the band has grown over the years, and all actions should always be measured accordingly. So we’re not just lying on the floor waiting to see what happens. In a way, that’s a bit of a motivator to chase our own little dreams, which as a teenager might have been just to play in a band or perform live… The more new things you get to experience in this project, and especially the more you realize that many things are essentially possible for the band, the more you also act businesswise according to them.
SOURCE – The album promotion process has changed a lot since your debut Horror Vacui in 2016, driven by social media. Do you miss the mystique of the earlier era, or do you like the accessibility and transparency of today’s social media?
Niko Lindman (Bass) – Yes and no. It’s kind of great that social media can provide an easily approachable way to communicate with those who like our music, and there are more options nowadays to reach new listeners. However, the fact is that no one in the band is a very active social media user. The best thing would be if our music somehow just found those who might like it. The world doesn’t work that way though, so we try to keep up with the world. In ten years, there will surely be something new again… but luckily we have people helping us with these matters as well.”
SOURCE – The metal press has suitably been impressed by giving the album great reviews. How does that feel or does the press’s reaction even matter to you?
Niko Lindman (Bass) – As I’m writing this, I haven’t read any reviews, but it’s great to hear that. Like with social media, feelings on this matter are a bit mixed. You see, we make music essentially from totally selfish starting points, and the most important thing is that we ourselves enjoy what we do, and it gives us a way to handle rough things and such.. However, of course it’s extremely heartwarming if our music touches other people. It makes the whole thing feel even more meaningful.
SOURCE – What are your memories surrounding the video shoot for Diseased?
Niko Lindman (Bass) – It feels like most of our videos have been shot in conditions where cold and wet have always been present. This time, the change was positive as we were able to shoot all parts indoors in a warehouse complex. Regarding this, we had a good laugh all weekend because for once, we were protected from the rain and wind, but the warehouse smelled quite strongly of fertilizer and other stuff haha. Nowadays, video productions are really enjoyable events because we have been able to work with almost the same team for several videos now. It’s therefore really pleasant to be there, because we often see people we don’t otherwise come across too much, and we’ve always had a really fun and communal vibe.
SOURCE – How important do you think are singles and EPs in this era in comparison to full length releases?
Niko Lindman (Bass) – It seems that in many genres, people have become accustomed to listening to individual songs rather than full albums. I haven’t really delved into that topic though. Personally, I enjoy listening to full albums much more and it’s certainly a matter of taste. The good thing is that, as a band, we can focus on telling a bit longer stories at once instead of separate single songs.
SOURCE – How challenging was the pandemic for you from both a business/music and personal standpoint?
Niko Lindman (Bass) – Not probably the most challenging situation. I mean, it was terrible to see how those who work in the industry struggled with their livelihood and other related issues. This band does not employ anyone full-time, so the situation did not affect us much financially. In my personal life, the situation was uncertain and distressing, especially at first, and the general concern about the state of the world was quite low. Fortunately, my loved ones and I survived with relatively few setbacks, and ultimately no one, for example, lost their job or suffered a serious illness.
SOURCE – Is there anything else you’ve noticed or a message you want to add?
Niko Lindman (Bass) – Greetings to everyone in Brazil! Hopefully one day we could play there too.
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