The Rasmus is a Finnish rock band that is rocking the charts with the single In The Shadows. They will be playing live in KL, Hard Rock Cafe, at 11 pm, on 19th in July 2004.

Left to right: Aki (drums), Lauri (vocals), Eero (bass) and Pauli (guitarr).

Questions are in bold.

Do you guys have any plans to play with anybody since you've played with Red Hot Chili Peppers?
Lauri: Well it would be cool to play with Apocalyptica (a Finnish band who plays cello metal, most famous for their Metallica covers).

Tell us about the video.
Eero: This video was made in Romania, in an old mansion; a girl comes as a servant and sees another level through the mirror. She gets pulled in. What is important is that we are delivering the energy.
Lauri: We like cinematic videos that are bigger than life and has a mysterious theme to it.

What is the central theme of your songs?
Lauri: Our lyrics are down to earth. They are based on normal daily life. Every album is different. I think for living for the future.

How has your music changed?
Eero: When we were 15, we weren't serious and just played for fun. We played ska punk, funk and rap. As we grew older, we tried different styles. It's now more straight-forward; more melodic. We like this current direction; it feels good with melancholic lyrics.

Would you guys continue in this genre? Do you have songs ready for the next album?
Eero: Yes we have. We have many fast songs with lots of melody.

People link rock with negativity. What do you guys have to say about that?
Eero: Some rock sounds depressing. We have a positive message though; it's kinda hopeful. We encourage people to move on. For some reason however, our sad songs ended up on this album. Since rock is all distorted and loud, people think rock is negative. That's why we get stereotyped with alcohol, drugs and women.

How would you define rock music?
Eero: It's more about groove and rhythm; the energy, for fun.

The video has supernatural elements. Have any of you guys experienced supernatural occurences?
Lauri: Well, since we're touring, we live at night and sleep during the day.
Pauli: We don't have any experiences, but we do have weird dreams.

With the exception of bands from the UK, no one really breaks through. What do you guys think made you break through here?
Eero: It depends on the attitude. Some bands think that there is no market here in Asia. Linkin Park can, because they're doing well.

Why do you think people like The Rasmus?
Aki: Because... (laughs) It's something different from the American sound. We decide what kind of music is on the album.
Lauri: Not many Scandinavian bands are around, so it interests them.

With not many Scandinavian bands around, do you think The Rasmus will affect what people think of Scandinavia?
Lauri: Some band came 20 years ago, and they recently came back.
Eero: We have HIM and Nightwish but they're on the metal side. 5 years ago, people said we couldn't break through.

Do you guys see yourself as representing Finland? Carrying the flag?
Lauri: When we tour, we'll bring a Finnish band that needs exposure.

Have you guys heard any Malaysian music?
Eero:Well when I was in the taxi, I heard a female Malay singer singing a bossanova song.I really liked it.

How long have you guys been around?
Eero: We've been around 10 years; people know us quite while. Our first album went gold. It was only with this album that we gained international recognition.

Who are your influences?
Lauri: We like Guns N Roses, Metallica, Skid Row and 80's rock in general. However, we came from classical background; some of us know how to play the violin.

What will make your concert special tonight?
Lauri: The crowd! Well we're happy. We'll play some older songs, too.

Would there be a difference between playing in Finland and here?
Eero: Every place we'd been to, the rock audience is quite similiar.

You guys have been clubbing. What do you guys think of Malaysian girls?
Lauri: I like! I was just sitting there and a girl grabs my arm and we go.

thanks to DarkLady90