Interview with Lauri [Russia]

Lauri, why your band called The Rasmus?
Actually this word means nothing. Simply it was pleasant to us, as it sounds.

How did you create the band?
We have created group when still went to school. It was the real school group. First we sang songs of groups Nirvana and Metallica. Officially the group was formed in 1994. Since then you have let out six studio albums, most known of which – the fifth, «Dead Letters» where the European hit «In The Shadows» has entered.

Will you come to Russia?
We will have some concerts in Russia. While there are arrangements on seven performances in Samara, Moscow, St.-Petersburg, Kazan and Ekaterinburg. While it is not clear, when it will be, but is already fast. Unlike some other groups and singers, we are not afraid to leave on tour to Russia.

You already were in Russia, what impressions do you have?
For the first time we were in Russia in 1997, very much it was pleasant to us. There are many fans here. The only thing that does not please, is that in Russia we are on sale a little: listeners have got used to use pirates and download songs from Internet.

On what is based your popularity?
Probably, that our style of music – the Gothic rock – young people like it. Though gradually the rock passes in the pop, and now argue much, if it is good or not. It will be clear in the future.

Your band is very famous, don’t you feel yourselves as national heroes?
No – music is international.

On last year’s “Eurovision” your fellow countrymen – group Lordi have won. Often speak, that the victory has got to them owing to protest voting. Whether so it? And who needs to be sent on competition from Russia to win?
Lordi’s victory has shown, that the rock music remains within the limits of festival though was considered, that “Eurovision” is basically pop festival. Also was considered, that competition people of average generation look, and the youth is indifferent to it. Lordi have won just owing to young which began to vote through sms. And from Russia, in my opinion, it is necessary to send Petersburg group Spitfier, they play good music.

And would you like to be on “Eurovision” from Finland?
No. I don’t like such situations when groups should compete.

And how you concern to other groups? It is friendship or rivalry?
In Finland everyone know each other and support. With the some people we were together on tours, we write down songs, for example, with groups HIM and Apocalyptica.

How long time you need to create one song? – from the idea till record?
Differently. Ideas of this or that song can ripen many years in a head. I always have with itself a dictophone where I write down the ideas, phrases, melodies which occur. Even at night I can wake up, include a dictophone and sing or tell, that to me have just dreamed or thought.

Do you sing in finnish?
No, we don’t. When I have started to listen to music, all songs were in English. Probably, it also has affected – songs told me about a life. Therefore now I “tell” about a life in English. However, we have sung once one song in Finnish, but it was the joke more likely.

Lauri, today you are all in black. Your fashion is an image or something else?
Black color makes me thinner. I don’t always prefer this color in clothes.

What your attitude to the life?
I would describe it as «positive sadness». This is very beautiful feeling – when you tired, but happy.

What do you do when you have free time?
I can walk. And people when notice me, often don’t come to me – we are very shy people. Also every year I come somewhere with a guitar, I try to find in the world such place where in general nobody knows me.

In March in Finland will pass parliamentary elections. Will you go to vote?
Yes.

For whom?
We don’t speak about it on public.

What is your best song?
It is not written yet. In following year we will release a new album. In this year we will work on it. For the first time we had good conditions for work, studio. We wrote last albums in Sweden. Though the most good ideas come not in studio but and outside of it.

Are there any conflicts in a band and how solve the problems?
There aren’t, because I’m the chief.

What music do you listen? What bands do you like?
Muse, 30 Seconds To Mars.

What is your favorite holiday?
All my life is a holiday.

What kind of sport do you prefer?
Diving, sometimes – «northern walking» [«nordic walking», popular among the population of the Scandinavian countries a kind of sports when people at usual walking on city, on walks, on the nature use special a stick, very similar on ski. It is considered, that it strengthens humeral muscles and hands, prevents disease of joints].

Do the popularity disturb you?
No, owing to it I’ve met many very interesting people. Besides, friends will always stop me, if I shall start «to fly in clouds».

There are many candles in studio, why?
It is for the mood. Also here it is cold.

What you can say about drugs?
I against from using it. My good friend has died because of drugs, it was very difficult for going through.

And what about alcohol?
Two days ago drank a bottle of vodka – a gift from Russia.

What do you think about 2014 Olympic games passing in the Russian city Sochi?
Why not?

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