FI NEWS - February

We’re going down!! It’s all over!!!
At times, having a subscription to the Economist can be a bit taxing. I’d hesitate to say that they are unduly alarmist. Maybe it’s more a case of truthhurtsitis, a very common and highly virulent human virus.   

At times like this you can take solace in talking to those older musicians and music business folks who were around last recession and have managed to not grow pathologically embittered during the intervening decades.

I hear practice spaces were easy to come by back when realty speculators didn’t think every dank basement could house a technology startup. And gigs were plentiful. People had time to go places.

So maybe this is the Titanic, but who cares? We’re all in the band!
 
Underwater basket weaving never really took off… UwSSoc will!

Maybe a university in Olympia, Washington offered it or, if it involved the taking of the drugs, Reed… On the whole, though, it held no promise for the future.
Underwater Sleeping Society (BACKSTAGE ALLIANCE) does. Oodles of it. Their new album, The Dead Vegas, will be released Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands in February, followed by Denmark and Norway in March.

Naturally, the band will undertake an above ground tour. See the end of this newsletter for dates.
 
Damn Seagulls swoop down on Europe
Damn Seagulls’ (FULLSTEAM RECORDS) third album "Hunting Season" will be released in Germany (PIAS), Sweden (Sound Pollution), The Netherlands, Belgium (Rough Trade) and Canada (PHD) on March 27, 2009. After a mission statement of a first album and a prodigious branching out on their second album, the band has found what is doubtless the first of many treasures on “Hunting Season”, their third album for Fullsteam Records. The success of the explorations that preceded it, gave the band the confidence to self-produce the album, with the exception of the vocals, which were produced by Miikka Koivisto of label mates Disco Ensemble. The album’s two new singles "Libertine" and "The City Takes Care Of It" are now streaming on the band’s MySpace site, along with the brand new video for "Libertine".
 
KTU’s arrow comes out of the Quiver
The new album by KTU (ROCKADILLO RECORDS), featuring Pohjonen on accordion, Mastelotto on percussions and Gunn on Warr guitar, is already being hailed as one of the best releases in the accordion-rebel’s long career. The album was composed, arranged and produced by KTU, recorded at The Zone studios in Texas and mixed at Seawolf Studios, Helsinki, by the inestimable Steven Wilson, leader of Porcupine Tree.

This future classic will be released in Finland this month. European and US release dates will be announced shortly. Japanese release is set for March 6th.
 
Experimental rock juggernaut rolls on
”Providence”, the third album by experimental rock/metal band Callisto (FULLSTEAM RECORDS), will be released in Finland & Sweden on February 18 and in Germany & Benelux on March 27 by Fullsteam Records (via PIAS in Germany, Rough Trade in Benelux and Sound Pollution in Sweden).

New tracks "Covenant Colours" and "Drying Mouths (in a Gasping Land)", taken from the new album, are now streaming in the Callisto Myspace.

The new album will be the debut for the band’s new vocalist Jani Ala-Hukkala, whose screaming and clean vocals mark a new element in the band’s sonic palette. None of the original members have left the band, and Callisto’s former vocalist Markus Myllykangas continues with the band as a guitarist.

The artwork for the album was done by Martin Kvamme of Unit Delta Plus (Fantomas, Satyricon, Turbonegro).
 
Vampires in the sun
The 69 Eyes (EMI) will start recording their ninth studio album with the Grammy award-winning producer Matt Hyde. He is known from his work with Slayer, Monster Magnet and Fu Manchu. The recording process will take place both in Helsinki and Los Angeles. The still unnamed album will come out in September, a possible video & single cut earlier this summer.
"For a long time, we used Slayer’s "God Hates Us All" to wake us up before the shows on tour. I guess that’s where the name Matt Hyde came into our mind. It’ll be very interesting to work with him. We have some very good material written!" says drummer Jussi69.
 
Twice the Heartbreak… Binaural, to be precise
After the release of their debut full-length album "Inspiration (Back from the Dead)" in Finland, it’s now time for the energetic punk rock trio Heartbreak Stereo to release the album in Europe, UK and Japan. The album will be released in Europe trough Rookie Records while the releases in UK and Japan are handled by Boss Tuneage. The European release in March will be followed by a tour starting 16.4.



St Valentine’s sin

Indie-rock band The Jade (NORTH & SOUTH) will release a long-time live favorite as a single on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Yes, it’s the old Pet Shop Boys hit It’s A Sin with a new rock arrangement provided by Petri Majuri at the Seawolf Studios. The British influence is no accident, as three of the band members lived in London for years.

The single is from The Jade’s upcoming album, which will be released in nine European countries by North & South. The band will be also touring Europe for the third time in the fall. The single includes a music video, featuring some classic, legendary Finnish actors.

Have a sinful Valentine’s Day and listen the new version at the band´s MySpace site.
 
Manboy news
Manboy (SUOMEN MUSIIKKI) will release their new album in Finland on March 25th through Kari Hynninen’s Suomen Musiikki label.  The album, titled "Deus Protector Noster", is the band’s 4th album and is produced through their own Secret Flat production company.

Suomen Musiikki is one of Finland’s leading independent record companies, with a roster that includes gold-selling band The Crash, platinum-selling band Egotrippi and the singer from Sister Flo, Samae Koskinen‘s, solo albums.

Outside Finland, Manboy are now looking to license the album and will soon announce European tour dates.
 
Have guitar, will travel
Ben Granfelt is familiar to many people from the current incarnation of classic rock band Wishbone Ash. In the past he has played with bands like Guitar Slingers and Leningrad Cowboys. All along, or at least since 1993, he’s also made time for the Ben Granfelt Band (WINDSEEKERS), which is releasing its 10th album, Kaleidoscope, in February. European release dates will be announced shortly.

The band, which is a veteran of tours with Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash and Thin Lizzy, the band is now heading out on its own. Check the end of the newsletter for current dates.
 
A modern Renaissance man
Anssi 8000 (BONE VOYAGE), the man from Sahalahti, is not only an exceptional musician and performer; he is also an exceptional artist. A new webpage gives you a bit of an idea of his art, including film works and sculptures. To be continued…
 
Cini over Europe

An electronic musician Cini (CYMBIDIUM/Widervisions) released her debut Additive’ (11/08) and is gigging in Europe. A DJ gig together with Zemi17 (US) will warm up the crowd at Finnish Fest in Budapest, Hungary (13th FEB). The line-up includes Aavepyörä, Trollscientists, and Mac Mavis. The animations/visuals are provided by Cini, who is a professional graphic designer. A special, experimental live-set will also take place. Zemi17 is an electronic musician, Gamelan expert, resident DJ for Danger.com and sound artist from New York, Brooklyn.  Cini and Zemi met in South-Siberia, Khan Altay Fest (SOJ) in 2008, where they started collaborating on music. Recently Zemi and Cini have concentrated on a new ‘minipsy’ project. They ’ perform live together in Budapest, (Cökxpon) Finnish Fest and Ambient Fest 13th-22nd FEB 2009.
 
 
More live than a barrel full of monkeys in a nut factory
 
I Walk The Line (COMBAT ROCK INDUSTRIES)

08.04.2009 Australia, Geelong, The National Hotel

09.04.2009 Australia, Adelaide, The Crown & Anchor

10.04.2009 Australia, Melbourne, The Old Bar

11.04.2009 Australia, Wollongong

12.04.2009 Australia, Newcastle, The Loft

15.04.2009 Tasmania, Hobart, The Brisbane Hotel

16.04.2009 Tasmania, Launceston

17.04.2009 Australia, Sydney, The Bald Faced Stag

18.04.2009 Australia, Brisbane, Rosies.

22.04.2009 New Zealand, Dunedin, ReFuel

23.04.2009 New Zealand, Christchurch, The Media Club

24.04.2009 New Zealand, Wellington, Mighty Mighty

25.04.2009 New Zealand, Auckland, The Thirsty Dog
 
Blooddrunks Crawling Over Your EU Tour 2009, featuring Children of Bodom (SPINEFARM), Cannibal Corpse and Diablo (SAKARA RECORDS)

February

01 - Stadtgarden - Erfurt, Germany

03 - Backstage - München, Germany

04 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland

05 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland

07 - Syma Hall - Budapest, Hungary

08 - Gasometer - Wien, Austria

10 - Alcatraz - Milan, Italy

12 - Paradiso - Amsterdam, Netherlands

20 - Elysee Montmatre, Paris, France

21 - Hof Ter Loo - Antwerpen, Belgium

22 - Hof Ter Loo - Antwerpen, Belgium

23 - Grosse Freiheit - Hamburg, Germany

26 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, Norway

27 - Tyrol - Stockholm, Sweden
 
69 Eyes (with Tiamat) (EMI)

12.02.09 DE – Leipzig – Werk 2

13.02.09 PO - Warsaw – Progresja

14.02.09 PO - Krakow – Studio

15.02.09 CZ – Prague – Abaton

17.02.09 HU – Budapest - Petofi Hall

18.02.09 DE – Munich - Backstage

19.02.09 AT – Vienna – Szene

20.02.09 IT – Bologna – Estragon

21.02.09 CH – Pratteln - Z7

22.02.09 CH – Lausanne – Docks

24.02.09 DE – Stuttgart – Die Röhre

25.02.09 BE – Leuven - Depot

26.02.09 DE – Frankfurt – Batschkapp

27.02.09 DE – Saarbrücken – Garage

28.02.09 NL – Zoetermeer - Boerderij

01.03.09 FR – Paris - La Locomotive

02.03.09 UK – London -  Electric Ballroom

Jo’ Buddy & Down Home King III (RAM-BAM RECORDS)

30.4.2009 24th Night of the Blues Festival in Wuuswezel, Belgium. 
 
Joensuu 1685 (BONE VOYAGE)

21.02. SE-Stockholm, Debaser (with Amazing Baby)

24.02. UK-London, Windmill Brixton (with 22-Pistepirkko)

25.02. UK-London, 12 Bar Club (with 22-Pistepirkko)

26.02. UK-London, The Lexington (with Cats & Cats & Cats, A.Genuine.Freakshow) pres. by Hooked On Music
 
Underwater Sleeping Society (BACKSTAGE ALLIANCE)

Feb 19 2009 Rockefeller Annex/ by:Larm, Oslo (NO)

Feb 20 2009 Sentrum Scene/ by:Larm, Oslo (NO)

Mar 04 2009 Debaser, Malmö (SE)

Mar 05 2009 Ost-Pol, Dresden (DE)

Mar 06 2009 P3, Purmerend (NL)

Mar 07 2009 W2, s-Hertogenbosch (NL)

Mar 09 2009 Cafe Video, Ghent (BE)

Mar 12 2009 Espace Tatry, Bourdeaux (FR)

Mar 13 2009 Gare De Lion, Wil SG (CH)

Mar 14 2009 Kukuun, Hamburg (DE)

Mar 17 2009 Mono, Oslo (NO)

Mar 18 2009 Garage, Bergen (NO)

Mar 19 2009 Kråga, Kristiansand (NO)

Mar 21 2009 Studentersamfundet, Trondheim (NO)

Apr 04 2009 Is this It, Helsinki (FI)


Lordi (STUPIDO RECORDS)

12.02.09 GBR-London - Carling Academy

13.02.09 GBR-Dudley - JB´s

15.02.09 IRE-Dublin - Button factory

16.02.09 GBR-Sheffield – Carling Academy

18.02.09 FRA-Paris - Elysee Montmartre

20.02.09 ES-Barcelona - Apolo

21.02.09 ES-Bilbao – Rock Star Live

22.02.09 ES-Madrid - Heineken

24.02.09 FRA-Toulouse - Havana

25.02.09 FRA-Lyon - Transbordeur

26.02.09 ITA-Milan - Rolling Stone

27.02.09 ITA-Rom - Alpheus

02.03.09 FRA-Mulhouse - Moumatrouff

04.03.09 SWI-Zürich – Rohstofflager

06.03.09 BUL-Sofia- Hristo Botev Hall

07.03.09 SER-Belgrade – SKC

09.03.09 AUT-Wörgl – Komma

11.03.09 HUN-Budapest – Petöfi Hall

12.03.09 AUT-Wien – Gasometer

16.03.09 CZE-Pardubice - Small Arena

17.03.09 CZE-Ostrava - CEZ Arena

18.03.09 CZE-Plzen - Halla Locomotiva

27.03.09 SWE-Lund – Mejeriet
28.03.09 SWE-Stockholm – Klubben

29.03.09 SWE-Gothenburg – Traedgarn
 
Ben Granfelt Band (WINDSEEKERS)

Feb 19 09 GER Wetter Live Earth Music Hall

Feb 20 09 GER Stuttgart LAB

Feb 21 09 GER Habach Village

Feb 24 09 GER Haltern Schänke

Feb 25 09 GER Herford Elfenbein

Feb 26 09 GER Rhere New Orleans

Feb 27 09 GER Föhr Erdbeer Paradies

Feb 28 09 GER Hannover Blues Garage

Apr 01 09 GER Frankfurt Musik Messe

Apr 02 09 GER Frankfurt Musik Messe

Apr 03 09 GER Frankfurt Musik Messe

Apr 04 09 GER Frankfurt Musik Messe

May 16 09 UK London, Shepherds Bush Theatre (Wishbone Ash 40th Anniversary Concert)
 
Nightwish (SPINEFARM RECORDS) and
Indica (SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT FINLAND)

11.03.2009 Carling Academy Brixton, London, UK

14.03.2009 Forest National, Brysseli, Belgium

15.03.2009 Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam, Holland

17.03.2009 Palladium, Köln, Germany

18.03.2009 Emslandhallen, Lingen, Germany

20.03.2009 Europahalle, Karlsruhe, Germany

21.03.2009 Messehalle, Erfurt, Germany

23.03.2009 Zenith, Pariisi, France

24.03.2009 Zenith, Pariisi, France

26.03.2009 Zenith, München, Germany

28.03.2009 St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland

30.03.2009 Palabam, Mantova, Italy

31.03.2009 Palasport, Pordenone, Italy

02.04.2009 Cibona Hall, Zagreb, Croatia

04.04.2009 Fonix Hall, Debrecen, Hungary
 
Kimmo Pohjonen (ROCKADILLO/Hoedown Arts)

Feb 12: Tartu, Estonia
  Vanemuise Concert Hall (Pohjonen/Kosminen & Proton String Quartet - Uniko)

Feb 13: Jõhvi, Estonia
  Concert Hall (Pohjonen/Kosminen & Proton String Quartet - Uniko)

Feb 14: Pärnu, Estonia
  Concert Hall (Pohjonen/Kosminen & Proton String Quartet - Uniko)

Feb 15: Tallinn, Estonia
  Estonia Concert Hall (Pohjonen/Kosminen & Proton String Quartet - Uniko)

March 14: Linz, Austria -   Stadtwerkstatt     (solo)

April 25: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canarias – (Pohjonen/Hannukainen Kluster)  
 
Capital Beat (STUPIDO RECORDS)

03.03. 2009 Vega / w REEL BIG FISH Copenhagen (DK)

04.03 .2009 KB / REEL BIG FISH Malmö (SWE)

05.03. 2009 Sticky Fingers / w REEL BIG FISH Göteborg (SWE)

06.03 2009 John Dee / w REEL BIG FISH Oslo (NOR)

07.03. 2009 Tyrol / w REEL BIG FISH Stockholm (SWE)

09.03. 2009 Nosturi / w REEL BIG FISH Helsinki (FIN)
 
JPP (OART MUSIC/Hoedown Arts)

Folk fiddling from Kaustinen with two concerts in Sweden

March 10: Stockholm, Sweden - Finlandsinstitutet

March 11: Eskilstuna, Sweden -   Eskilstuna  Teater