Asku

[ WWW.FINPOP.NET ]

THE FINNISH POP CULTURE PORTAL

Music
Interview : Asku

When and how was your band created?
One version goes that Aksu was formed early 2005 as I realised that I have enough material to put on a full-length album. Or, it was formed when I was born back in the 70's, as Aksu is a one man show.

Where is the name of the band coming from?
I am Aki Ala-Kokko, my nickname is Aksu.

What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
There is plenty of those of course, but I would name M.A. Numminen, Leevi and the leavings, certain punk and jazz musicians and acts and plenty more...

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
It is positive that you are able to be a musician - this is not common in most of the countries in the world. The negative part would be that it takes away your money and your health.

How could you define your style of music?
Aksu plays rockmusic. It is very simple. It has electronic touch to it. My favourite definition for Aksu would be digital punk.

During the years how has your musical style changed?
As Aksu is so young and fresh newcomer, the style hasn't change one inch to any direction.

What are topics you treat in your songs?
Mostly it about being open and curious towards everything that is surrounding us. It's about checking the positive side of things rather than the normal - suspicious and often hostile. There is plenty of wonderful things in life, other than the usual stuff like peace, love and girlfriends. I sing about certain friends, animals, space, everything.

What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
I have to seperate two things; Aksu on a record, and Aksu in a livesituation. On a record my fave would maybe be Avarus, as it includes beautiful singing by my grandmother. Best liveversion would be either Laulu Punkkareille (A song for the punkrockers) or Joonatan, which is a nice combination of dancemusic and more aggressive touch.

Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Live, definitely. I am not performing anything in a studio as the computer takes care of everything.

During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
It is the time when the mood, time and space shake hands. The moment when certain sound or sentence appears, and I know that "this is it".

A stupid question but... what is among all the songs you've been listening in your life the BEST song?
This is all difficult as I've answered to all these questions in the All Stars interview of finpop. What comes to my mind right now is "Our house" by Madness

What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
I get my living and money out of it. I work as a graphic designer in a it-company. Couldn't live without it. Aksu website has got very good feedback from all kinds of users.

What are your projects ?
The other bands that I play in are Cucumber Farmer, All Stars and Showtime.

What "image" do you have of French music?
I love Jordi!

Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
It is one of the best songs in the world, France Gall's "Poupée de cire, poupée de son"

Interview by Vincent Lefrançois - 2006