First off, I would like to congratulate you on the longevity of your musical careers, how hard has it been to keep pushing forward with all the obstacles there are to overcome?

Thanx. There's been quite long "career" for Amorphis and it will definitely continue for years to come. We are now very exited about our new label and release, it feels same like 10 years ago when we waited our first album to come out. As long as we believe in our music I don't see any
reason to quit playing.


Amorphis has many different "flavors" to there musical style, In my eyes it's important to add color and shape to music, and you have done such a great job! Who has been some of your crucial influences?

We are influenced everything not just certain genres of music but also from people and nature. At the end of the day music is just words what you take out of your head and say it through your instrument.


How does the band approach songwriting & structure?

Everybody is strongly involved with writing these days, we arrange all the stuff together at our rehearsing flat.


Has 'file sharing" mp3's helped you get fans you otherwise might not have been able to reach? What are your view's on internet file sharing?

Perhaps it has helped. MP3's sound quality is so shit that I compare it as an C-cassette. Sharing doesn't bother me as files can't never beat the original.


Was the new album "Far from the Sun" a challenge to produce and engineer? How did the recording process go?

Recording process went very smoothly. We used three different studios, one to record drums, another one to record guitars, bass & keys and last one to record vocals. We produce the album ourselves so there was no stress.


What are some of your best and worst times touring?

Best thing is to meet new people and see new countries, drink beer in weird bars. Worst thing is waiting and the actual traveling.


What does the band like to do for fun to keep yourselves "sane" ?

I do Thai boxing when I have time so I go to our training hall and get smacked by our coach. I have actually broke few bones with this "hobby", other guys do some weird things as well.


It is great so see a band evolve and keep changing. Has the band experienced positive or negative reaction from fans and critics?

Well, some people want to hear more old stuff and some new stuff, some people doesn't even know what they want to hear. Most of the comments have been positive of course.


When you all were growing up, when was that "special" moment when you realized that music is what you wanted to do with the rest of your life?

When I was 13 and I got my first guitar from my dad.


How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music?

Heavy shit with lots of feeling.


What is next for Amorphis?

We wait for this album to come out and then touring.


Any words of wisdom to pass along regarding the music business, musicianship or anything else?

My words of wisdom, huh. Keep your head clear and be open-minded.  Avoid cheesy people at thin bizness, they will tear your soul apart because "there's no business like music business"!

 

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