Phantom 409

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Interview : Matti from Phantom 409

When and how was your band created?
Phantom 409 was born in April 1999. Five guys just gathered together to play rockabilly. The first six months we played only covers, after that we started to write own songs.

Where is the name of the band coming from?
Well, there´s a country song by Red Sovine called "Phantom 309". On the other hand, "409" means a certain type of a motor for so called muscle cars. So, It means a certain type of a "Phantom car".

What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
As a kid I listened a lot to bands like Sex Pistols, Ramones and Damned. Lately, I´ve listened to Johnny Cash, Lee Hazelwood and others.

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
A positive thing is that music is quite good here, so you´ve got a lot of competition. A Negative thing is that it´s very hard live by music here, if you don´t happen to be a hit artist. Our bass player, Mika, is a "pro", but he has to play in several bands to make a living.

How could you define your style of music?
Just rockabilly, I guess.

During the years how has your musical style changed?
Maybe it´s rougher and more punky nowadays.

How do explain these changes?
We´d had quite a few lineup changes and each new member has brought his own influences into the music we play. The current lineup seems to prefer the harder way.

What are topics you treat in your songs?
Just everyday life and sometimes making fun of country and rockabilly clichés.

What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
At the moment, it´s maybe "Billy, José and Me". It´s so moody and a little different than the other songs.

Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Definetely live!

During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
The moment, when you start to feel that the song works!

A stupid question but... what is among all the songs you've been listening in your life the BEST song?
Let´s say... "Rumble" by Link Wray.

What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
It´s good. It has helped us quite a lot. We even found one of our ex-members through internet.

What are your projects?
Not much now. Taking it easy. Maybe some new songs in the near future.

What "image" do you have of French music?
That it´s a little different than music from anywhere else. Strong tradition.

Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
"Initials B.B." by Serge Gainsbourg

Interview by Vincent Lefrançois - 2006