Below Me

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THE FINNISH POP CULTURE PORTAL

Music
Interview : Pete from Below Me

When and how was your band created?
In 2002 by me and our second guitarist Juhani, we met and had pretty much the same goal in mind: to play music which has balls in it.

Where is the name of the band coming from?
No comment on that :)

What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
Every true artist who does what he or she loves rather than being in it for the money.

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
Positive: A small country..
Negative: A small country, very hard to get noticed because you're definetly alone in the business and (sadly) the main focus is radio friendly hits these days.

How could you define your style of music?
Mainly rock with a hint of heavy influences but still melodic.

During the years how has your musical style changed?
Not that much, maybe gotten a little more aggressive, it lives a life of it's own..

How do explain these changes?
I love heavy music but also other styles like funk and I try to incorporate those flavors to the music. And the other guys bring in their influences too, and every day you feel like playing something a little different.

What are topics you treat in your songs?
You need to ask that from Jani our vocalist

What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
A new one called "Sailorman", it blends all the good aspects of our music: heaviness and melody.

Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Live definetly (whenever we get a change..)

During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
When a new idea comes up and gets stuck in the head, it's also interesting to see your ideas grow. The way we do songs is mainly between Juhani and I, me bringing most of the ideas to the table.

A stupid question but... what is among all the songs you've been listening in your life the BEST song?
"Can't touch this" by MC Hammer :), seriously, can't narrow it to just one.

What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
Definetly great way to unsigned bands (like us) to promote your material. Also a great way to find new cool bands.

What "image" do you have of French music?
Not familiar with the "underground" scene, but I can see a commercial vibe to it.

Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
None, sorry

Interview by Vincent Lefrançois - 2006