BANG! BANG! Interview : THE RASMUS

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Banger Hair Bang Bang Bang Bang or Siri Season Lang Bang Desertiscoir Dondu Studio Bang Bang or Siri Aveg Desertisconosois Donu Studio Perform exterior. [00:00:55] Speaker B: All right. [00:00:56] Speaker C: Thank you. [00:00:58] Speaker B: Thank you. Good to be here in your sacred lair. [00:01:03] Speaker C: Cool place. Yeah, this is cool. [00:01:06] Speaker A: So we're so happy to have you because we did a lot of interviews in our lives and we didn't have you. So right now it's gonna be okay. And I'm so happy because we listened to your music since a long time. Since, like, few years, of course, because we're so youth. But I'm happy to have you, and I'm happy to talk about this new album, the 11. [00:01:30] Speaker B: Yes. Yes. [00:01:31] Speaker C: Wow. [00:01:31] Speaker B: Wow. [00:01:33] Speaker A: What does it mean to you to have this 11th album when you take a look? [00:01:38] Speaker B: Yeah, well, it's been a long career. You know, we started in 94. First show we played, it was at school. We played at a Christmas party, really. November 94. We played five songs, and, you know, it just felt really good, and we wanted to continue. And here we are, 30 years later. Boom. [00:01:59] Speaker A: And how crazy. How do you feel? Do you feel the same? Because we always say that rock and roll keep us like young people, like child. [00:02:05] Speaker B: Yeah, I. I believe, like, you know, whatever happened that day and that beginning, it sort of locked us in this bubble, and we're still here, and I can't find our way out. Yeah, that's good. [00:02:19] Speaker C: You even talked about, like, writing about the same kind of subjects as today. So I think there's a lot of, like, core stuff that never changes. [00:02:29] Speaker B: Right. You don't really change. Like, I think when you change the most is when you become a teenager. And, like, those are very important years in your life. Like, what music you listen to, it will stick to you for the rest of your life. Whatever friendships you make, you know, those are very important. So a lot of, you know, identity is born in that time, so it. It hasn't changed that much. Like you said, I have been writing kind of the same things all over the years. Like, on the first album, I was also kind of writing about being the weird guy at school. You know, my life was different. The world was different. Everything was different. But since the same sort of need to write that song, like, I can't be myself. I can't be myself. Like, please accept me as the way I am. [00:03:24] Speaker A: You know, there's a lot of people thinking this now. [00:03:26] Speaker B: Yeah. And that's kind of the message of the new album. And the title track, Weirdo, which is Kind of. It's not that far from the, you know, the first idea I got. [00:03:38] Speaker A: Because when you're a teenager, it's a root part of our lives, you know. [00:03:42] Speaker C: Yeah. And especially today, like, I think even though we felt like outsiders or it was kind of hard for us to fit in or find our. Or to like, be ourselves. But even it's even harder today because teenagers of, like, today, they experience a lot of pressure from social media. The whole Internet is very cruel. And I think it's even harder to like, be brave and unique and different because everyone is telling you to be like all others. [00:04:27] Speaker B: And this bullying, like, bullying business is like, got on the next level. You can just kind of namelessly, anonymously write stuff about anyone and it can really hurt people and make people insecure. Because I remember being younger, I always had insecurities, like, you know, especially when I was younger, more about my looks, like, oh, my small nose and I'm so short and I. I'm this and that. And I don't like, you know, like, I was not feeling so good about myself. And later on in life, you realize that it really meant nothing. Like what? You just have to live life to kind of understand it better. But, you know, still I. I worship all the young people. You know, those are the future of our, you know, Earth and, you know, and so there's nothing I want to say bad about them, you know, in the night. [00:05:26] Speaker A: Yes. [00:05:26] Speaker D: No, I just wanted to say that it's great to come back with such a strong, like, saying, we are weirdos. And it's okay right now because I feel like it kind of like this message kind of disappeared with years. And I feel like young people need it so much right now. And it's. It's really cool from a band like you that we. That went through many decades to say, it's okay, it's okay for you, like, to like, you're still. You're the cool, grand, grand brother that come back and say, no, it's okay. [00:06:06] Speaker B: No problem. Don't worry. Don't worry about it. [00:06:08] Speaker C: That's exactly our message, like trying to. To encourage people and of all ages, but of course, young people to be themselves. And there are many, many teenagers struggling. So we hope to get our message through. [00:06:27] Speaker B: Yeah, I think when we released the album titled Weirdo, many of our fans were. [00:06:32] Speaker C: It was crazy. They just heard the title, just the. [00:06:37] Speaker B: One word and they were like, I'm a weirdo. [00:06:39] Speaker C: I'm a weirdo. [00:06:40] Speaker B: Is this the new album title? I'm loving it. You know, so it's like, it's beautiful. It's resonating in people in the right way. [00:06:48] Speaker D: And also all the. The visuals that comes with the album are really going to. In this direction. And it's really cool. I think it's so fresh. So it's really cool. And I think that's why I was talking about younger generation, because I think this can talk to them a lot. Not saying that you can't be weirdo when you're old. [00:07:12] Speaker B: Like, we know. [00:07:17] Speaker D: But. Yeah, I think all the visuals are really, really good, so. [00:07:21] Speaker B: Oh, thank you. Yeah, we've spent a lot of time creating these visual things and, you know, it's always been part of the Erasmus world. Like, not just the music, just to show the whole picture, whatever is in our minds. Like, you know, we. We want to combine the cutie little kitty and like, put the evil eyes and like, you know, like combine the opposites and like, play with that kind of stuff and that. [00:07:49] Speaker C: And now we've been planning the whole tour and the visuals on our show. Show and. Yeah, same thing. We want to be like, we want to present the whole thing. [00:08:02] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:08:02] Speaker D: Expand it to the. To the shows. [00:08:04] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:08:05] Speaker D: That's amazing because I think you all, like Erasmus, always did kind of had a strong visual and not paying really attention to what people say. And you always had great looks and weird looks, I think. [00:08:23] Speaker B: Thank you. Yeah. [00:08:25] Speaker A: In a good way. [00:08:27] Speaker D: And you always felt that you were so 100% sure of yourself with this. And I found it amazing that you got to be strong enough to do this. It's amazing. [00:08:43] Speaker B: Yeah. It's a twisted world because at the same time I'm feeling strong when I'm putting the feathers in my hair and putting all this superhero costume of mine, and then I go on the streets and people are shouting like, hey, you freak. Like, and it's all of a sudden, like, like it's like very twisted because I. I was hurt a lot, but at the same time I was like, it made me guts. Yeah, like hell. I'm just gonna go worse. I'm gonna go harder, you know, like. And that's kind of the attitude, like, amazing. You shouldn't listen what they're saying about you. You know, it's not gonna be nice. [00:09:24] Speaker A: And it's amazing also because your music is doing the same. You're doing music with strong subjects and you're talking about heartbreaking or mind fucking and all these things. And at the same time, we can have lights with your sounds with your music. We can be nice, cool we feel really cool, really nice with your music. Is that a choice? [00:09:45] Speaker C: Yeah, I think that the two things combining in the music of this band is the core element what makes the response what it is. Like light and darkness and as you said, cute and evil and like really soft and emotional stuff, but still the, like, hard and heavier sounds and all that. But it's the, it's the magic. [00:10:12] Speaker B: Yeah. If, if I talk about myself, there's always been these two sides of me. The other one is like, really dark and scary and, you know, sometimes I lean too much there and, you know, I have these guys to pull me back or some, some good friends in life. Like, hey, wake up. You know, I, I, I also get tired. I have this image maybe that I'm, I'm like, quite energetic and fun and like, outgoing, but also I just sometimes totally shut down and like, disappear. But, you know, I don't, you know, it's like, I think we're all like that and, you know, it's. Yeah, for me, maybe it's just very radical change. [00:11:00] Speaker D: Big, big moves. [00:11:01] Speaker B: Yeah, big moves. [00:11:03] Speaker D: I feel like sometimes, as you say, we are all like this. I'm kind of like this. And I was wondering is, is the dark part makes you create, like, write and stuff like this and like the, the other, the my most joyful part with the others, when you're sharing it and doing music is kind of the part that lifts you up from the dark thing. You think it's like a balance that helps you create, but also you need to share it to, to kind of get rid of it. [00:11:37] Speaker B: Well, I, I get many ideas when I'm going through a dark period or some. There's some struggle in life. Those are the good ideas for songs, but I couldn't write them then because I don't have the strength I need to be physically feeling, like, powerful. And then I can execute those and write the songs and like, do them, but it's like I need both. [00:12:06] Speaker A: Yeah, well, that's really strong for you. [00:12:11] Speaker B: Well, it helps to have this band, like my, My health and mental health is going hand in hand with this band. If the band is doing bad, I'm doing bad. Like, before and who joined us, we had really a lot of issues with the previous guy with differences opinions about music and about life and everything. And. And then when he left, we realized how many issues we actually had. And like, it was such a good thing that we broke up and like, almost split because then joined us and good things happen and like, there was a new beginning. [00:12:53] Speaker C: I didn't know anything about the issues. And I don't need to know because I just came to. [00:12:58] Speaker B: You don't want to hear about my. [00:12:59] Speaker C: Exactly. Yeah. But I just came with my guitar and my Marshall lamp and play. And I think that's what's very important. [00:13:12] Speaker B: Because that's what strike us. [00:13:15] Speaker C: Yeah, exactly. [00:13:16] Speaker B: Us. We were like, wow, she came down the hall for the audition thing, like pushing her martial amp, you know, like a size of a car. She's like, where should I put this? We're like, wow, what is this? [00:13:33] Speaker C: Ready to play. [00:13:38] Speaker B: So you know, like. And then we very soon like got to know each other. Like we didn't know each other, but we had this history. Like we used to live in the same neighborhood when we were kids growing up. [00:13:51] Speaker C: We have the same school, like similar. [00:13:54] Speaker B: Background, same guitar teacher. [00:13:56] Speaker C: Exactly. And I didn't know it like first classical. [00:13:58] Speaker B: You told me like one month ago. [00:14:00] Speaker C: Yeah, we had the same teacher. [00:14:02] Speaker B: Like. [00:14:03] Speaker C: Yeah, similar background, like musically, but also otherwise like similar way of thinking and values and all that. Because it's so important. Even though we're a band and obviously music is our thing and that's what we do. But for example, during tours there's so much more time to like do other stuff and we have to really get along as human beings, as people. It's. It wouldn't do much if I. I were really kick ass guitar guitarist, but an asshole as a person. We have to like really enjoy each other's company. [00:14:51] Speaker B: Yeah. It's like a commitment for life if you start being in a band. At least in our case it's been 30 fucking years. So it's like still going on, who knows, until we die and hopefully late. Yeah. But you know, like it's. It's like you have to feel good. [00:15:11] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:15:11] Speaker B: Being in the. In the group, of course. And that's like the starting point of everything. [00:15:17] Speaker D: Wasn't it too hard to find your place, your space in. In bend that hold that. So much experience together. [00:15:25] Speaker C: Yeah, that's a good question. It could have been, but it wasn't. I. I immediately thought that I can't and I shouldn't try to feel any boots or try to like try to be like puzzle piece. Not my size. But I just have to be myself. I'm bringing what I. What I am. And I have to be honest and like really myself. And the guys will either like it or not. But that's what I brought on the table and. And they obviously liked it. And that's what I've been thinking since Like, I can't, like, think of the pressure, what the fans or anyone might think. Just, like, do me and all will be good. [00:16:30] Speaker D: Honesty. [00:16:30] Speaker C: Yeah, it went that way. I was kind of, like, nervous. What the. Like, long, long time. Fans will think about a new guitarist. But they. They really liked me. [00:16:43] Speaker B: Yeah. They took you so well. [00:16:44] Speaker C: Like, immediately. [00:16:45] Speaker B: Incredible. [00:16:45] Speaker C: And I think the reason is that I wasn't trying to be anyone else. Than just yourself. [00:16:52] Speaker B: Yeah, it's. You know, they also see us, the rest of us, happy. [00:16:57] Speaker C: True. [00:16:58] Speaker B: It's almost like they're our children. [00:17:00] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:17:00] Speaker B: And then they see the parents happy. [00:17:02] Speaker C: And everything is good. Angry. [00:17:05] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, it's like in a relationship, if you have a bad one, you. You try to hold on to it and make it work and make it work, and it's still, like, if the parents are fighting, it's really bad for the kids, for the fans. [00:17:20] Speaker C: Wait, what are we talking about? [00:17:21] Speaker B: I don't know. [00:17:25] Speaker A: So it's because of you, this new sound. [00:17:29] Speaker C: I think there's many reasons. Obviously, it was so great to get to make this album together in the same place, because the previous one was made during COVID and all that. And we were really. Even before we started recording, we were talking about, like, making a real rock album with all the guitars and, like, trying to show how we feel in this band. But also there's, like, the effort of the producers and all that. Like, many, many things. And as Laurie has said, like, even the times in the world, like, the world is suffering now. There's a lot of shit going on and the times are hard. So even that is affecting the sound of this album. So a lot of things combined, because. [00:18:28] Speaker A: This is really loud, we can hear really strong music, like nu metal kind of music, and also pop music, because you used to know to do it, and it's really hard to do it, so you do it well. Congratulations. Because I'm always amazed. Like, oh, shit, they do it again. So congrats for this. And is that why you choose Nashville and all these producers? Do you want anything? Something really special? [00:18:55] Speaker B: Well, one of the producers, the executive producer, is Desmond Child, a legend, living legend guy who's written songs for Bon Jovi, you know, Living on a Prayer, and you Give Love a bad name. And my childhood heroes like Alice Cooper, you know, Poison, this great song, and, you know, Kiss songs. I Was Made for Loving you, Heavens on Fire, the list is, like, goes on forever. Desmond lives in Nashville, so that's why. And also the other producer called Marty Fredrickson, who's also Worked with Aerosmith and, you know, like legendary bands. So we. We recorded in. In a Sienna studio. [00:19:38] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:19:38] Speaker B: In the middle of Nashville. Like, it was really inspiring because, you know, it's a music capital in America. Kind of not only country music, which is not my favorite, but, you know, a lot of music. I mean, you can just feel it and you can hear it on the streets, like everywhere. Some. Some like a really talented troupadure playing somewhere. [00:20:02] Speaker A: You feel over there, special energy. [00:20:04] Speaker B: Yeah, you feel the energy. It's. It's a good place to. To make music. And then at the very end of the recordings, we found this other guy who became as like the third producer called Joseph McQueen from Los Angeles, who is younger. Younger than us even. Like, he had this like a new modern sound that he brought in, which was really cool because he. He knows like 2025 should sound like that. So we kind of got the best of all the worlds in this album. It's really amazing. [00:20:40] Speaker D: It's really a good mix. From what I heard, you get like really heavy banging titles, songs, and also some with all this catchy chorus and it's like. Yeah. As you say, the best of both worlds. It's like heavy and. And like dancing. [00:21:01] Speaker A: We want to dance. Yes. Yeah. [00:21:04] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:21:05] Speaker A: So that's perfect. We love that. [00:21:06] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:21:07] Speaker A: Congrats again. And do you think that US still the place to do this kind of music or. Because when we were young, we think that USA is the main place for the rock and roll. Well, you're from the north of Europe and it's rock and roll. [00:21:21] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:21:22] Speaker B: I think it doesn't matter where you are. [00:21:24] Speaker C: I mean, the mental state. [00:21:26] Speaker B: Yeah, it's the mental state. And like, like there is not right now some, like, main country that produces the best music. There's a lot going on. You know, I would say, like a lot of great things happening in uk, also in America, you know, Bad Omens and Falling in Reverse. And there's kind of this new scene, like new generation of like rock and. And also like old bands. My Chemical Romance, Escape Back playing Linkin Park. So something's happening. It's been about like five years now. Like, seems like the rock and roll, rock metal music, like creeping back. And I'm really happy it's. [00:22:12] Speaker D: You've been listening to a lot of AV stuff or more like, like, like radio metal. I would say, like Bon Jovi for me is more radio friendly than. [00:22:25] Speaker C: That's very radio. [00:22:27] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:22:29] Speaker D: You've been listening to AV stuff like. [00:22:31] Speaker B: Like, I have, yeah. And I, you know, when when we started the band, some of my favorites were like, quite heavy, like Slayer, south of Heaven was one of the albums. I was like, like, you know, this is the. But my music taste is very wide. I have, like. I love Daft Punk, for example. You know, sometimes I want to just listen to that kind of music. Sometimes I want heavy riff, you know, it's nice that you can have, you know, the whole library, you know, Sometimes I want classical music. A lot of times when I'm driving my car, I'm listening to the classical radio. It's just like, maybe the only music I can really relax to because there's no vocals, there's no lyrics. It's just like, maybe only music that could be like a background music or like a soundtrack for my. [00:23:24] Speaker C: Because you would focus on the lyrics. Yeah, yeah. [00:23:27] Speaker B: And I can still, like. Like we have classical background. Like, we've been learning that. So I. I enjoy listening to that because I can, like, still sort of analyze it. I shouldn't, but I do it like, sort of like, you know, listen all. [00:23:44] Speaker D: The little harmonies and stuff. [00:23:46] Speaker B: Harmonies? Yeah, and like, nuances. What. What's there? I just love music and. [00:23:53] Speaker A: Depends on your moment, what you're thinking. Emotions. [00:23:56] Speaker C: Yes. [00:23:57] Speaker A: When you're angry, you don't listen the same thing that when you're so sad. [00:24:03] Speaker C: It's great because with music you can either enforce the feeling you have at the moment or change it. Sometimes when people are sad, they want to hear. Listen to sad music because it enforces it. It's the same emotion that they're experiencing. But also you could, if you're sad, listen to happy music to switch your mood. And it's like it's. Music is a superpower. It's like it's affecting us in so many levels. Like it's actually affecting our brain and changing stuff there scientifically. [00:24:45] Speaker B: Yes. [00:24:46] Speaker A: Universal language. [00:24:47] Speaker C: Yes. Yes. [00:24:49] Speaker A: And today. Today, how do you fit to do an entire album? Because some young bands say that you need to do just one song, one video clip, one after one. And you still have one album. Really nice album. [00:25:03] Speaker B: Yes, you can do that too. But I think for us, you know, it would break the cycle because we've used to do that. It's almost like collecting. [00:25:14] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:25:15] Speaker B: This thing like a piece of diary. Always a new chapter comes up and now it's the 11th one and. [00:25:23] Speaker C: Oh, my God, I would have been so mad at you all if you stopped making albums after I joined this band. What the fuck? [00:25:33] Speaker A: And I have the problem. [00:25:35] Speaker B: I want to have it. [00:25:37] Speaker C: I want an album. [00:25:39] Speaker A: But it's the new business. And how is the business in 2025 when you compare it to 1994? [00:25:47] Speaker B: Yeah, it's different, but I. I like it. Honestly, I think. [00:25:51] Speaker A: Okay. [00:25:51] Speaker B: I think there's so many good things, like some artists are against, you know, streaming and Spotify and all that. But for me, I'm not only thinking about myself. I think it's great for upcoming artists or just beginning to have this opportunity to be on the same line with big bands like us. You know, they don't need the big studio. Like, when we started, we had to first get the record deal and we had to have them pay money for the studio. Blah, blah, blah. People make amazing music in just their bedrooms and, you know. [00:26:28] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:26:28] Speaker B: You know, like Billie Eilish. [00:26:30] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:26:30] Speaker B: She started, like, she just put a blanket over her head, like, whispering her whatever great stuff, and it's like, became viral and went the number one. And that's, like, so cool. Yeah. [00:26:43] Speaker A: And the people in the music industry, because, you know, we always talk about a lot of time, that late years, they're all quite strange people, you know, like dangerous, you know, because people with bad intention around and today maybe less or better people. [00:27:03] Speaker B: Yeah. Weirdos. Not the good ones, but. [00:27:12] Speaker C: Talking about bad, bad ones. Bad weirdos. [00:27:16] Speaker B: Exactly. But it's like they can be anywhere and I don't know like, so much about music. [00:27:23] Speaker C: Yeah. And I think it's easier for us because we're a band. Like, it's harder for solo artists because they're on their own and, like, facing everyone and everything on their own. And we have each other. So. So it's easier. [00:27:42] Speaker B: It's in good and bad. Like, having success together is awesome. But also taking hits. [00:27:49] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:27:50] Speaker B: You know, like, being in a bad place together, it's easier. [00:27:54] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:27:54] Speaker B: And, you know, it's not always easy for us. Like, it might look easy because we don't make a big deal out of the trouble we have to face, but, you know, obviously, you know, it's like up and down, up and down all the time. Like, that's life. [00:28:13] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah, that's what I would say. [00:28:15] Speaker D: Do you think as you add, like, international success, like, exploding everywhere in the world at, like, the middle of your career? It was like, I think it's around your fifth album that the in the Shadows was released and it becomes, like, international, like, all over the world. Do you think that this exposition makes it harder for you now? And in regard of this, do you wish that it was not that big and you could, like, get rid of this you see what I mean? [00:28:49] Speaker B: Yeah, I know what you mean. I don't think it has harmed us in any way, honestly. I think that song has guaranteed us artistic freedom for the rest of our lives. Because it's like, no matter how shitty music we make, it will still keep us above the surface. Thank you. But you know, like, it really. Half of that is true, you know, I mean, like, you know, like, we. We can't ever do that again. [00:29:23] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:29:24] Speaker B: That song is so special. Like, it would be really awful to try to copy that and try to do it again. And, you know, that was 20 years ago anyway. [00:29:34] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:29:35] Speaker B: World is different now, so. But I think it's just super important to do something that makes you feel good and proud of yourself and brings you to tears yourself, you know, like, love your own stuff so much and then it's ready to put out. [00:29:53] Speaker C: And I love the attitude because there's so many, like, bands or artists that hate their hits. And I love the fact that you never thought about it like that. Like, we always play obviously in the Shadows during our shows, and it's so. It's so great. It's. People love it and it's an anthem. [00:30:19] Speaker B: Besides, that song is not bad and it's not a funny, goofy song. Yeah. It's really serious one. And sometimes, like, it could be really difficult to get that song goes through. Yeah. I can cross over to all people, so it's quite proud of that. [00:30:38] Speaker D: It's good that your. Each song is a song that you like. [00:30:41] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:30:43] Speaker A: It's better. Yes. And it's a good thing to you to be free because it's artistically because of it. But at the same time, when you are at the top after, it can be hard for an artist, you know, to. To be okay with the detail of the music and what you do. [00:30:58] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:30:58] Speaker A: Because you can feel something bad after. [00:31:01] Speaker B: The huge success with that song, obviously there is like a hangover, you know. Yeah. And then you try to make the next album and everybody's like, where is the hit? Where is the in the Shadows number two? Like, well, you. [00:31:18] Speaker D: It's in the light now. [00:31:21] Speaker B: Like. Yeah. But I think that pressure came more from, like, you know, from like, a record label. Yeah. Yeah. Things get so big, and then it's like, it's not easy, but now it's been a long time, and then you get some perspective. [00:31:40] Speaker D: Just like, was it hard for you to stay sane in this situation? Like, we. [00:31:46] Speaker A: We. [00:31:46] Speaker D: We talk a lot about mental health in the show. And. And I think this, when you, like, you can be okay with doing what you want to do, but having the pressure of people, like, wanting things from you, Is it the kind of thing that makes you want to quit? We know we. We met some people who went through this and were like, okay, I just. I need to stop music and do something else because it's too much pressure, and it's not what I want. It's not what. Why I made music in the. [00:32:20] Speaker B: For many people who have a hit like that in their career, after that, it's. They're barely even playing music because the only thing they're doing is interviews and talking about themselves. And it's all the things out besides music. And it just, like, I think that's when people realize, hey, this is one. This wasn't the stuff that I sign for exactly. Like, that could be one thing. And also that, you know, like, if people start recognizing your streets and like, that, it can feel, you know, overwhelming and. [00:33:04] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah. [00:33:05] Speaker B: And haunting and, like, you can get really paranoid. It's not for everybody. [00:33:09] Speaker C: And then you can't, like, focus on the main thing, like making music, playing shows. Yeah. And that might, like, mess with your head. [00:33:22] Speaker A: So we need. I don't know the word in English. Psychological people, doctors. [00:33:29] Speaker C: I have. [00:33:31] Speaker A: So the music is, like, therapeutic for you? I think so. It's like therapy because you talk about the bad things and you can explain things. You can spit it out. Spit it out. Yes. And at the same time, do you need to go to see a doctor? You know what I mean? Because we talk a lot of this about this to the young people because sometimes they're shy to go to see someone. [00:33:53] Speaker B: Yeah. This musical therapy has not always been enough for me. I had to turn to some specialists sometimes to talk about, you know, my situation. Of course, you know, take medicine. Whatever, you know, it takes. I'm not ashamed of that or, you know, it's nothing special. I think it's good to take care of yourself and. And sooner than later, do something about it. And if you can't see it yourself, maybe someone in your, you know, your family can or friends can, like, help you. But that's very important. [00:34:30] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:34:30] Speaker B: And you're not alone. [00:34:31] Speaker C: Yeah. And it's so important. Important to speak about these things. And I think you guys make an important job by speaking about mental health issues because they are like. They shouldn't be something to be ashamed of. And it's. Sometimes people feel alone, but actually, so many people around the world are experiencing the same problems and same issues and. And whatever it is, depression or Anxiety or whatever. [00:35:09] Speaker A: Like you said, after you're better and you can do beautiful albums. That's a good thing. So with weirdo, people are gonna have a great doctor with them and a big brother, grand brother, big brother, big brothers. And you do beautiful things and you do amazing things. Like this gig in Ukraine, we have to talk about it because, you know, when I read it, I was just like, oh, shit. Because I was just thinking, if I. If it was me, can I do it? You know, And I think I can't because I'm so scared about this. And you did it. Can you explain how do you live it or do you feel it? [00:35:50] Speaker B: We got a message from Ukraine. Like, we have a strong fan base there. We've been touring there always. And since the war started, we have not, obviously. And they asked if we would like to take part of this charity festival as a headliner. And we said, like, of course we would be honored to do this. You know, it's a good way to show support to the Ukrainians. And it was a beautiful trip. [00:36:21] Speaker C: Yeah, very nice. And we got to raise money for this children's hospital and experience. Obviously, it was eye opening to see Kyiv and the situation there. But it wasn't like, only sad or horrible. It was also the trip was filled with positive moments. People were so happy that we actually came there because so many artists from abroad won't go there because they're scared or whatever. They were so, like, appreciative towards us, and we were so happy to be there. And there was, like, a lot of, like, good emotions going on. [00:37:10] Speaker A: How can we are. How can we be after this kind of gig? How can we feel after this about our own life, about our own thing, you know, when you see that and when you live that, you change, I'm sure. [00:37:23] Speaker B: Yeah, of course. [00:37:24] Speaker C: And I think people should experience things out of their comfort zone, out of their own boxes, out of their own lives. Because sometimes we get stuck on ourselves and get stuck on our, like, everyday, normal life. And then the coffee machine being broken is the, like, biggest issue. But then when you get ripped out of your ordinary life and see something totally different, see how people have to live in those kind of circumstances, and then you, like, understand something and, yeah, you change. [00:38:03] Speaker B: Yeah, we. We spent a few nights there, and one night we had to sleep in the bomb shelter because there was an airstrike. And that night, I think it was like 300 drones, which are like the size of a small car, like, driving all around the. The country, and 13 missiles. And we could Follow from this app on our phone, which is like in real time. You can see where they're being hit. You can see the whole country. The map is like getting red and getting closer to you where. Where you are located. You see like little signs of missiles and drones on the map. It's like so scary. And this is something they have to deal with every day and every night for more than 12, 40 days. Then I was like, this is crazy. Like, I was exhausted after three days. Imagine these people, the families they have to evacuate in the middle of the night, night after night, go down the metro station, sleep on the cold concrete floor. [00:39:10] Speaker C: And during the days trying to go on with their lives. They have to work, they have to go to school, they have to do all the normal stuff in between. [00:39:20] Speaker D: Like, is the fact of seeing this in an environment that you already been to without the. The war that makes it more. Because we. We've seen war on TV and stuff like this, but it always happened in such remote place that we can't really make it make the link with all life. [00:39:41] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:39:42] Speaker D: And when it's like so close from us and in a place you already been without the war, how does it. Does it makes it even stronger and like maybe you can imagine it happening in. In your everyday life. [00:40:00] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, to be there experiencing this for that three days, it totally was clear that, you know, this could happen. This could be a reality in Helsinki, in Finland anytime. And that's pretty scary. You know, we have a long border with Russia, over a thousand kilometers and you know, so it's obvious, like you have to go through these thoughts and Finnish people have been scared, but also prepared for a lot of stuff. [00:40:41] Speaker C: Yeah. And the media and newspapers and all follow the situation very closely and carefully all the time. Like Finland has definitely not forgotten about the war at any point because. Because the our border and. [00:41:03] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:41:04] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:41:04] Speaker D: Story is not that far. [00:41:06] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:41:07] Speaker A: So congrats to you to did this beautiful things. And with this album. Do you talk a little bit about this, about this feeling or maybe you use metaphors to talk about a lot of things. Love, of course. Insecurity about yourself and about relationships between humans and everything like war. [00:41:31] Speaker B: Well, this just happened so recently that, you know, I'm sure it will be reflected on some of the songs in the future because it was such a remarkable visit. But I think like whenever he writes songs, it's like looking back the last five years or more, but like, it's like goes pretty way back. [00:41:59] Speaker C: You have to process things. [00:42:01] Speaker B: Process like all the time. I'm registering things and, like, I have, like, ideas coming all the time and I put them down on my phone or write them down, whatever. But when it's time to start, like, creating something new, start a new cycle of album cycle, then it's like you sort of, like, need a little break and like, kind of like do a little stop and like, refresh and okay, who am I? Where have I been? Where do I want to go? And like, kind of do a little summary. [00:42:37] Speaker D: It's kind of great because you just have to watch every album to have, like, a diary of your life. [00:42:46] Speaker A: What. [00:42:46] Speaker D: Happens between every album. You just have to listen to it. [00:42:50] Speaker B: It's crazy. It is. [00:42:52] Speaker A: And Weirdo is a beautiful album. So congrats again. And at 45 years old, that's my age, I'm still insecure with love. It's true. And we love, but it's true. And it's really hard for me, but I feel when I listen to this album, it's are for everybody, maybe. [00:43:16] Speaker B: Yeah, love is hard. We need it, we want it, but where to find it? [00:43:22] Speaker D: It's like, oh, we have to do. [00:43:25] Speaker A: To have the key. [00:43:26] Speaker B: Yeah, but I think the best thing is, like, to give it out yourself and it will come back to you. That's like my philosophy. [00:43:35] Speaker A: We need to love ourselves to. To love someone. [00:43:38] Speaker B: That is very important too. But it's very hard sometimes. It's hard. Yeah, I know. Don't make love to yourself. [00:43:49] Speaker A: Well, you really want to talk about. [00:43:51] Speaker B: This. [00:43:55] Speaker A: So thank you for everything. We can see you about in November in Paris at La Cigala 28th. [00:44:05] Speaker D: It's gonna be amazing. [00:44:07] Speaker A: It's going to be amazing. We're going to leave something really special. I feel that you will have more power than any time. I feel it. I don't know why. There's something special with this album, you know, I think there's really. It's going to be really huge, believe me. [00:44:23] Speaker B: Thank you. [00:44:24] Speaker A: And is there. Do you plan to do anything special at this tour? [00:44:30] Speaker B: Well, we have been preparing for the tour for ages already. [00:44:34] Speaker C: For weeks and weeks. [00:44:35] Speaker B: Yeah, for weeks and weeks. We really take this seriously. Like, we've been rehearsed many old songs. Even the ones are not singles, like some rare ones. We have, of course, new songs. You know, we want to show how the rasmus Sounds like 2025. [00:44:54] Speaker C: And we're gonna play not only the singles, but, yeah, stuff from the new album. There's for example, this great punkish song called Banksy that I can't wait to play. Live it's gonna be. [00:45:12] Speaker A: You're smart talking to us. [00:45:13] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. And of course we gotta play in the Shadows and Guilty and Sail Away. Why? [00:45:21] Speaker A: No, we always talk about this with the artists and with the bands because it can be really hard to choose the songs because fans are always asking things. And you want fans to be happy. Of course. [00:45:33] Speaker C: It'S hard. Yeah. [00:45:35] Speaker B: It feels like the more hardcore fans they are, they want the rarest song, like someone. No one's ever heard that song. [00:45:43] Speaker D: You know the one you even. You forgot, like. [00:45:46] Speaker B: Oh, what did you write this? The B sides of the B side. [00:45:51] Speaker D: Yeah, I mean, I remember Elephant album. It's a lot of songs. [00:45:55] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:45:56] Speaker D: It's getting hard to do the. [00:45:58] Speaker B: But EMP was good at doing the lists. [00:46:01] Speaker C: Yeah, I love it. [00:46:02] Speaker B: He's always like, yeah, you're a list person. [00:46:04] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:46:04] Speaker B: And she even like, you brought this like a flap type, like with like all the song titles. Like you can just move them around. Oh, yeah. [00:46:15] Speaker C: And I've only been in this band for four years, so I don't have any. The baggage of the history, you know, I don't have like. For me, the. All the songs are kind of in the same. Like. Yeah, I don't have this. Like, we have to do this. I like. Let's play this one. Let's play. This is good. Let's play this one. [00:46:36] Speaker D: You can think only about the energy and the feeling and not maybe the relation to the song. So maybe it's good also. Can't wait. [00:46:47] Speaker A: And today, few question and after. It's going to be okay. But what are you listening today? Are you listening to young bands? What's your favorite ones? [00:46:57] Speaker D: Any recommendation? [00:46:58] Speaker B: Yeah, well, I'm. I've been listening to a lot of like, rock music. Like, especially like American, just for some reason. Maybe because we signed a deal with the American label and you know, they have like a great roster. There's a band called the Funeral Portrait who are incredible American band. Our soul mates. We've become really very good friends with these guys and they are actually coming to Europe to support us on this tour. And we are happy to bring them over. [00:47:39] Speaker A: It's gonna be the party. [00:47:41] Speaker B: Yeah, they're also weirdos. [00:47:45] Speaker C: It's perfect if you like death metal or the hotter stuff. You have to check two bands from Finland, pretty new bands. Nautaja and Merket. Both awesome bands. [00:47:57] Speaker A: We need you to root. Right. [00:48:00] Speaker C: And then there's this lovely Swedish punk rock band that I have to mention. [00:48:07] Speaker A: Okay, nice. [00:48:07] Speaker D: We'll put everything in the description of the video. [00:48:09] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:48:11] Speaker A: And maybe a guilty pleasure. Something you listen, you say all ace of bass. I love it. [00:48:17] Speaker C: I love it. [00:48:22] Speaker A: Under the shower, like. Okay, I need to sing. That's nice. [00:48:26] Speaker D: No, everywhere. [00:48:28] Speaker A: That's okay. Okay. So thank you for everything. See you on the 28th of November. It's going to be really good. Everybody needs to have this new album. Where do you gonna have fun? You're gonna think about yourself. You're gonna grow with it. And you're gonna love it. Of course, because every song, each song is really, really nice. The sound is really beautiful. And you're gonna dance, you're gonna have feelings, you're gonna have a second life with it. I think so. So thank you so much for this. [00:48:57] Speaker B: Thank you very much. [00:48:58] Speaker C: Thank you so much. [00:48:59] Speaker B: Nice chat. [00:48:59] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:49:01] Speaker A: And see you next time. You know where we are. So. [00:49:03] Speaker C: Yeah, we'll be knocking on your door. [00:49:05] Speaker A: We always have food and drinks, so you're welcome. [00:49:08] Speaker C: Love it. [00:49:09] Speaker A: Thank you so much. Do you want to say something for the fans at the end maybe, or for people? [00:49:13] Speaker B: No. Miss you guys. See you.