Kaupunginorkesteri

[ WWW.FINPOP.NET ]

THE FINNISH POP CULTURE PORTAL

Music
Interview : Martti from Kaupunginorkesteri

When and how was your band created?
In the end of 90s. A couple of lads in their twenties living in Kotka came together to play songs written by me.

Where is the name of the band coming from?
All the larger cities and towns in Finland have Kaupunginorkesteris, "City (Symphony or Chamber) Orchestras. " As Kotkan kaupunginorkesteri formed a union with the City Orchestra of Kouvola, a neighbouring town and their new name became Kymi Sinfonietta, our pop band decided to take over the name. The drummer and I also have a classical music education, which might have influenced the choice of name.

What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
Loads of them. The Police, David Bowie, Erik Satie, Eppu Normaali, Dingo, They Might Be Giants etc.

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
The market is quite small which is bad. Everybody knows each other, or have heard of each other, which is both good and bad.

How could you qualify your style of music?
Pop rock.

What are stories/topics you tell/treat in your songs?
The lives of ordinary people.

Have you ever considered the possibilty to change totally your style of music? If so, what style of music would you choose?
Yes. Humppa.

What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
Murheellinen. It's brand new.

Do you tour regularly? Do you prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
We don't tour regulaly because we're not that popular.

During the process of making a song or an album, what is the moment that you prefer?
The moment when you get the feeling you have made a song you yourself would like to listen to.

What kind of music / What artists do you currently listen?
Raymond och Maria: Ingen vill veta var du köpt din tröja. Jose Gonzáles.

A stupid question but... what is, among all the songs you've been listening in your life, the BEST song?
Maybe something by Roxette. I have no idea why.

What is your opnion, as a musician, regarding internet?
Many pros and many cons.

Is there an French artist or a French song that you particularly like?
Lots of Erik Satie. Yves Montand. Folk rock - Blankass, for instance.

What are your actual and future projects?
To write and produce as much music as I can as well as I am able.

Interview by Vincent Lefrançois - 2004