Radiopuhelimet

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Interview : Jarmo from Radiopuhelimet

When and how was your band created?
In March 1986 after Kansanturvamusiikkikomissio (KTMK) split up. Drummer Jyrki Raatikainen, guitarist Jukka Kangas and guitarist-composer Jarno Mällinen formed Radiopuhelimet. Vocalist Jyrki Mäki was found from art-punk band Ei!Ei, and bass player Mika Hautamäki from local library.

Where is the name of the band coming from?
From Raatikainen's brain. He was in foam-bath suffering hangover when the word "radiopuhelimet" (radio telephones) struck him. We were looking for some Warhol-style name, and Radiopuhelimet fulfilled that need perfectly.

What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
Captain Beefheart, The Stooges, James Brown, old blues, The Birthday Party.

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
Negative: You can't make a living by playing music unless you are a star or a dance musician.
Positive: Business will not corrupt your music unless you are a star or a dance musician (or planning to become one of those).

How could you define your style of music?
Aggressive rock with strong rhythms and quirky approach.

During the years how has your musical style changed?
A little bit. Tempos have slowed down and music has more dimensions than before. But for an outsider it is surely that same old stuff.

How do explain these changes?
We're older and wiser now. And we don't need to change much because our style has always come from the heart.

What are topics you treat in your songs?
The beauty of the nature, folklore, strange personalities, everyday absurdity, negative feelings.

What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
It's hard to choose from about 150 songs. But one of the best is Varmaa hapuilua ("Fumbling Firmly").

Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
To play well in a studio requires much work. To play on stage feels like a holiday.

During the process of making a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
When I first invent again that world's best riff. I have invented it about 150 times.

A stupid question but... what is among all the songs you've been listening
in your life the BEST song?
I choose... Search and Destroy.

What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
I don't use it as a musician but as a music fan. I search for knowledge of bands, songs etc., not of instruments, amplifiers etc.

What are your projects?
Radiopuhelimet is my only musical project, but our bass player Antti Annunen plays in many bands, including children's music band Taskumatit ("Pocket Flasks")

What "image" do you have of French music?
Lyrical, colourful, much "world music".

Is there one French song that you prefer? If so, what song is it?
Les Parapluies de Cherbourg by Michel Legrand. I'm a movie fan, and in French cinema there's much to adore.

Interview by Vincent Lefrançois - 2006