Lullacry

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Interview : Sami from "Lullacry"

When and how was your band created?
It was year 1997 when first Lullacry line-up got together. Lullacry has always been Helsinki- based band. We had played five years before that with Sauli Kivilahti but the first Lullacry demo was came out in 1998. Since that we we´ve changed line-up couple of times but now it seems to be strong enough to conquer the world, hahhaa.

Were is the name of the band coming from?
Bacically, the name doesn´t have any meaning. It´s just taken from the word "lullaby" and turned around a bit. "Song of crying" is an excellent way to figure it out.

What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
Bacically, 70´s and 80´s heavy rock, I think. I´ve always been a big fan of bands like Kiss, Wasp, Black Sabbath, Cult, Motley Crue and so on. When it comes to guitarists that have influenced me, I would mention THE Zakk Wylde, Steve Vai, Tony Iommi just to name couple cool six-string ( or seven like Vai).

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician / singer (in Finland)?
You can get all the coolest chicks.. hahaha. Positive aspects are definitely that you can make lots of friends when you are "hanging in the scene". Negative aspect is that you can´t make hardly any money by being a musician, but that´s not a big thing If you just love what you do.

How could you qualify your style of music?
Catchy and melodical heavy rock music with fantastic female vocals.

Have you ever considered the possibilty to change totally your style of music? If so, what style of music would you choose?
We haven´t considered that, but If it would be A MUST, I would like to play some really heavy music like Haunted, Soilwork or Entombed (all Swedish bands, shit, hahaha) or on the other hand one of the biggest challenge would be to write a perfect pop song.

What are stories/topics you tell/treat in your songs?
Bacically all the songs are about life and death. Love, hate, joy and sorrow.

What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
It depends. After album is ready I like the songs that succeed well (Every Single Day) and in live situtation I love to play songs that rock your heart out, you know.(Alright Tonight). Bacically I love all my songs. They are my babies.

Do you tour regularly? Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
I love both. maybe 60 % for the live. We haven´t toured in Europe so much yet, but hopefully in the near future!! After every album we´ve made a big Finnish tour. Also we have done some festivals f.ex. in Italy and USA.

During the process of making an album, what is the moment that you prefer?
Getting the Master CD on my hands is definitely the most enjoyable moment, but in general I have to admit that I love every second when creating music. Sometimes it can be very frustrating but you have to turn that negative energy to positive. And if that won´t help, then just go out and have a beer (or ten), haha.

What kind of music / What artists do you currently listen?
Charon, The Cult, Heaven & Hell, Garbage are the latest bands I´ve been listening. I try to go out and check bands live. I love to do that! Latest band I´ve seen are Opeth, Charon, Meshuggah, Machine Men, Impaled Nazarene. I must say that the best live gig I´ve ever seen is when Monster Magnet was in Tavastia in 1995 after their superb Dopes To Infinity- album!!!!

A stupid question but... what is among all the songs you've been listening in your life the BEST song? Why?
Tough question, almost impossible to answer.. It can be Alice in Chains´s "Down In A Hole", Madonna´s "Live To Tell" or, Pride & Glory´s "Horse Called War" or some Black Sabbath or..or..or..or FUCK this!!! It´s "Heaven´s on Fire" by the almighty KISS!! or it can be... hahahaha.

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?
Lots of things have changed since 1992 when we started to make demos. Nowadays internet gives an opportunity to young bands to spread their name and music easily and it´s a very good thing! But when it comes to professional ( not us, hahaha) musicians it can be bad because of piratism. Anyway I think it´s very good way to communicate with your fans etc.

What are your actual and future projects?
We are currently making new songs, which by the way kick your bloody ass!! New album will be out in 2004. Til then Drink beer, get laid & listen to good music and so on. Cheeers! See ya on tour!
Interview by Vincent Lefrançois - 2003