You just spent the past months in studios for the recording of your coming album. How did it go?
-recording was easier than ever. we worked with same producers as last time together we took the music to a completely higher level.

During the process of making an album, what is the moment that you prefer?
-myself i really enjoy the lunch breaks, but to be honest i think the best thing is to travel to another country for 5 weeks with my best friends, live in the same flat, stink, laugh and just play rock 12 hours a day.

The Rasmus is really famous and appreciated in Finland, does it mean that you’re not affraid any more of the reaction of the public when you release a new album?
-releasing a new album is always very exiting cause we never know how people will react to it. kill me if i’m wrong but i think every band needs an audience.

Is there a special theme in your new album?
-the sounds and lyrics are both a bit darker and moodier than ever before. all the songs go in a minor key and the the feeling is pretty sad and desperate. finnish dreamy melancoly with lots of power.

When and how was your band created?
-we started -94 as a high school band playing metallica, nirvana, etc. we rehearsed in pauli’s parent’s basement. we also had about 5 songs of our own. we worked together putting up posters on the walls to collect money to record our first cd-demo. by accident we got the song on the radio and people went crazy at the gigs.

Where the name of the band is coming from?
-the name The Rasmus doesn’t really mean anything to us. we just though it looks cool and it’s original.

What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
-i’ve always loved Weezer and right now the best band is Muse. i also admire Björk because she’s always gone her own way but still kept her mind open for new cool things. a good attitude and life style.

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician / singer (in Finland)?
-first of all i’m very happy to be able to live and get along with just playing in this band. i never had to work in a hamburger restaurant and i’m very proud of that. the negative side is that same thoughtless fans disturb my private life by camping just outside my front door.

What are stories/topics you tell/treat in your songs?
-on this album the lyrics are more like apologies, confessions or cry-outs for help. each song is like a letter to someone. that’s why the name of the album is Dead Letters.

What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
-it’s really hard to say and it keeps changing all the time. at the moment it’s Funeral Song from the up coming album. it is very personal almost too personal.

Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
-i enjoy both very much because they differ so much from each other. but still nothing beats live gigs, touring and travelling with our wicked live crew. the live situation is more spontaneous, that makes it more exiting.

A stupid question but… what is among all the songs you’ve been listening in your life the BEST song? Why?
- “A Goog Life” – Weezer, Pinkerton. it just IS! ( a good guestion i think)

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?
- myself i’d rather buy a real cd with a real cover and get the whole package as it was meant to be. buying albums also allows the artist to do their next album. so buy or die!