We know you are all in the throes of a Musiikki & Media hangover, but can you take repetition? October truly is a month to separate the wheat from the chaff
This bears repeating:
Last week Tampere was hosting some schmoozing par excellence by luminaries like Jonathan Poneman, known as one of the founders of Sub Pop Records, which as you all know, is one THE classic indie labels of all time having blazed a luminous trail from the Mudhoneys and Nirvanas of yore to the Fleet Foxes and Death Vessels of this day.
Also in attendance were two people connected to The Ramones. Tommy Ramone is the original drummer. Since leaving the band, he has made a career for himself as a respected producer. Tommy was joined by the man who discovered his band, Seymour Stein. Stein is the head of Sire Records and a Vice-President at Warner Bros Records. Stein was back for a return visit.
And heres the corporate downlow. Musiikki & Media is an annual Finnish music conference held in Tampere, Finland. M & M brings together the entire Finnish recording, publishing and live music industries and seeks to bring into focus the energy and innovation of this industry, both in its home country and internationally. It features words that sound really neat and leave themselves open to an unending number of semi-correct interpretations. Musiiikki & Media also offers a unique, spine-tingling opportunity for professionals to view showcase performances by a broad spectrum of Finland’s hottest new artists. This year The Lost In Music -festival showcased nearly 100 artists at 12 different venues around Tampere.
NEM booking follows the Viking trail
They came from the north, to Albion. Tampere-based booking & promotion agency, Nem-Booking Oy, is scheduled to open an office in Birmingham, England in January 2009. The company - which books local artists and bands such as Kolmas Nainen, Ultra Bra (PYRAMID RECORDS), Miljoonasade, Lovex (EMI) and Maj Karma (JOHANNA KUSTANNUS), as well foreign bands (territory: Finland) with the likes of LostAlone (UK), Die So Fluid (UK), Paprika Korps (POL) and Delinquent Habits (USA) - has been active in the Finnish music industry since 1988.
This is an apt way to celebrate 20 years in this very volatile business. Check out the NEM-booking MySpace site.
“One sip and you´re hooked”
Berlin based Finnish DJ Sasu Ripatti alias Luomo (HUUME RECORDS) released his fourth album Convival. The album received raving reviews (Guardian, IDJ
) stating that even his most ardent fans will be surprised with the way hes moulded and shaped house, two-step, techno and pop to fit his vision. The Convival was recorded with a series of guest collaborators and vocalists Scissor Sisterss Jake Shears, Apparat, Cassy and Robert Owens.
Clockwork turns to TV Off
We dont mean that somebody is finally taking a stand against crap TV. Thatd be foolhardy and heretical, likely to get you burned on a stake
No, instead, Clockwork Music Management, home to Crash (FLOP MUSIC), Sister Flo (FULLSTEAM RECORDS), Manboy (DRIVER 8 RECORDINGS), etc. signs on TV Off. The Helsinki-based duo is currently in the studio recording its debut album, although they will take time out to perform at Music & Media on Tampere on October 24.
Rasmus hits a hat trick, +1
Having released their 7th studio album Black Roses on September 24, The Rasmus (PLAYGROUND MUSIC) went straight to number one on the official Finnish Album Chart. Not content with that the band also topped the official Finnish single and download charts the same week with Livin’ in a world withou you. They also spent a 6th week on the #1 spot of the Music Control radio chart.
The Rasmus will be awarded a Gold disc for sales of Black Roses in Finland as they head out on the Dynasty tour together with Finnish disco-pop sensation Mariko (DYNASTY RECORDINGS) and progressive rockers Von Hertzen Brothers (DYNASTY RECORDINGS).
www.therasmus.com
NAKED is releasing the digital-only EP Chasing Charlie in (R)Oc(k)tober
You might have thought that the era of rumbling and stumbling and screamingly loudly rockin’ bands was over. Or the music business is dying like yesterdays news after they invented downloads. Well, you were wrong!! Atlantic Rock Band Naked (T-BAG RECORDS) is releasing their ep Chasing Charlie in October 20 and is offering the whole thing as downloads for almost free!!!
Chasing Charlie is pure confetti bursting euro techno blasting rock that will make your knickers kick before you remember to blink. With Chasing Charlie Naked is gearing their space scooter to the stars. On the way they will not only take care of the whole production of the ep but of the visual artwork as well. You can download the whole thing from the web and choose the records cover from three alternatives to decorate your own and special Chasing Charlie.
New Label On The Block
This one has NO chance of driving teenage girls crazy. None whatsoever. It does, however, have the chance to stick some righteous punk rock in your earhole. Mitstrick Records opening volley is Inspiration (Back from the Dead) by punk trio Heartbreak Stereo. The new album contains 11 catchy, raw and melodic punk rock & roll tunes in 28 minutes. The record is available on interpunk.com as well as on other various European internet sites and in stores around Finland. Heartbreak Stereo will do a three-week European Tour starting October 17 in Europe promoting the new record with Heartattack Radio from Belgium as support band. Other countries that are included in the tour are: Belgium, Hungary, Italy and the Czech Republic. Songs of the new record Inspiration (Back from the Dead) are now available for listen and download at the bands MySpace.
October gets EVEN MORE rock! New bastardly album coming out
For some old school, check out Los Bastardos Finlandeses (100% RECORD COMPANY) . Los Bastardos Finlandeses is a gaggle of the best rnr heritage musicians, who have wielded influence in bands such as Leningrad Cowboys, Royal Tramps and Peer Günt. Behind the cowboy cartoon character names hide the legends of Finnish rock: Twist Twist Erkinharju, Bryn Jones, Olli Kykkänen, Pekka Virtanen and Jussi Kinnunen. They form a myth-shaking and ground-breaking combo that has moved European crowds steadily and heavily since their debut album My Name is El Muerte saw the daylight in 2007.
The mighty Los Bastardos Finlandeses is releasing second studio album Return of El Diablo on October 15 through 100 % Record Company.
Los Bastardos Finlandeses will be seen at Music & Media on Saturday October 25 at club Hellä.
Yesterdays News tomorrows headlines in Europe?
Finnish hard rock hellraisers White Flame (NORTH AND SOUTH) are releasing their debut album Yesterday’s News in eight European countries. The album will be released by German label Twilight Records. The bands first international single release earlier this month was Hour of Emptiness, one of the album tracks. The band had already collaborated with moviemakers to produce a space-age music video for the song.
In addition to their album release, White Flame join fellow countrymen Lovex (EMI) on their tour in Europe in October. The tour starts from Prague, Czech Republic on the October 10 and the two bands will continue touring together for shows in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Damn Seagulls in studio
Damn Seagulls (FULLSTEAM RECORDS) are currently recording their third full-length due in February 2009 in Studio Mankku, Porvoo and Hästholmen, Helsinki. Mixed by Jussi Jaakonaho who has previously worked with 22-Pistepirkko (BONE VOYAGE), the album will be both recorded and produced by the band except for the vocals that will be produced by Miikka Koivisto from Disco Ensemble (FULLSTEAM RECORDS). The first single from the yet untitled record will be released late October.
Medeias new album receives excited responses
Alternative death metal band Medeia‘s first Fullsteam-released album “Cult” hit stores on September 17. It both debuted well on the Finnish album charts and has received excellent reviews in prominent Finnish and German press.
Disco Ensemble in Europe
No, were not talking about any of the 18 versions of Boney M. currently touring in Central Europe nor Kool & The Gang or Village People appearing in the dingy buttfuck Vantaa version of Las Vegas.
Disco Ensemble‘s (FULLSTEAM RECORDS) European tour started in Sweden some weeks ago. The band is currently in Germany with their support Lapko (FULLSTEAM RECORDS)and there are still nearly ten more shows to go. After the Euro tour, Disco Ensemble will play several gigs in Finland with support by I Walk The Line. All gig dates are to be found at http://www.fullsteamagency.com
Lapko goes blogging
Lapko (FULLSTEAM RECORDS) have started writing a blog. Check out the blog for fresh news and greetings and photos from the on-going tour. In December, Lapko will head back to Europe to play about a dozen gigs in Germany with Downstairs (FULLSTEAM RECORDS).
Theyre getting all medieval on your ass
Finnish RocknTroll stalwarts Kivimetsän Druidi (CENTURY MEDIA) just launched first impressions of their stunning new video Jäässä Varttunut at their MySpace profile. The Making Of features very interesting behind the scenes footage, interviews with some band members and explains the story behind Jäässä Varttunut. Expect an unmistakeable sound that is heavy, drivingly fast, but due to its epic atmosphere and highly catchy overtones a stunning amalgamation of Celtic folklore and vast extreme metal influences.
Shadowheart will be released on the following dates: FINLAND: Wednesday, October 15, 2008.
GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / BENELUX / ITALY: Friday, October 17, 2008.
UK / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / NORWAY / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, October 20, 2008.
SPAIN / PORTUGAL: Tuesday, October 21, 2008.
SWEDEN / HUNGARY: Wednesday, October 22, 2008.
Love Records re-releases DDT
Isnt that illegal, you ask? No! Silly! Read on:
For the first time on the remastered cd (digipack) the first album of the DDT (Downtown Dixie Tigers) from 1971. Among the major achievements of the group an appearance as supporting intermission band at the Louis Armstrong Concert in 1962 can be mentioned. Then came a number of appearences at the Pori Jazz Festivals, and finally, at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1970. This job gained some international recognition for the DDT, in the form of The Montreux Trad Group Award. In 2008 DDT is still going strong, playing gigs and celebrating their 50th Anniversary.
Last but not the least, as the Rocktober Elevator hits the bottom floor and plummets through, like Dio on his way to torment the last in line, we have Lordi!
Lording all over the world
Lordi (SONY BMG), the biggest monster band on the planet, will release a highly anticipated new album Deadache in Europe, USA and Japan on October 27, 2008. The new album presents melodic hard rock, which has characterized Lordis musical career throughout the years from Get Heavy to The Arockalypse. Lordis previous album, The Arockalypse, has sold 350.000 units to date and certified gold in Sweden and Germany not forgetting the triple platinum status in their home country Finland. Their hit single, Hard Rock Hallelujah has sold gold in Germany. As is customary for the band, the look of each character has been completely redesigned for the new album. The new costumes were designed by Mr. Lordi who is also responsible for Deadaches striking artwork.
Music samples from selected tracks can be heard here October 20, 2008 onwards. Lordi will hit American, Japanese and European stages later this year and in the beginning of next year. Two-month European tour will start in mid-January. Check out the tour dates later this month here and see entirely new and spectacular stage show!
Rocking goobers in Rocktober
AMBERIAN DAWN AND EPICA - EUROPEAN TOUR 2008
Finnish melodic metal band Amberian Dawn (KHY SUOMEN MUSIIKKI) is touring all over the Europe with Epica for 4 weeks. Before the tour AD they played their first gigs in UK at The Underworld (London) and The Damess of Darkness Festival
Oct 25 Turok Essen, Germany
Oct 26 Musikzentrum, Hannover, Germany
Oct 29 Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
Oct 30 Z7 Pratteln, Switzerland
Oct 31 Substage, Karlsruhe, Germany
Nov 01 Pont Rouge Monthey, Switzerland
Nov 02 Backstage, München, Germany
Nov 04 Firlej, Wroclawn, Poland
Nov 05 Masters of Rock Café Zlin, Czech Republic
Nov 06 Rock Café Prague, Czech Republic
Nov 08 Estragon, Bologna, Italy
Nov 09 Alcatraz, Milan, Italy
Nov 11 Transbordeur, Lyon, France
Nov 12 Rockstore, Montpellier, France
Nov 14 New Salamandra, Sala 1, Barcelona, Spain
Nov 15 Caracol, Madrid, Spain
Nov 16 Azkena, Viktoria, Spain
Nov 18 Bikini, Toulouse, France
Nov 19 Rock School Barbey, Bordeaux, France
Nov 20 Olympic, Nantes, France
Nov 21 Elysee Montmarte Paris, France
Heartbreak Stereo (MISTRICK RECORDS)
Oct 23 Szentes (Szeged), HU - JÓMADÁR SÖRÖZO
Oct 24 Idrija, SLOVENIA
Oct 25 Vicenza, ITA - Totem Club
Oct 26 Rome. IT - Trafic
Oct 27 Sulmona, IT - Barakka Geki.
Oct 28 Riva Del Garda. IT - Lochness Pub
Oct 29 Ulm. DE - Hemperium
Oct 30 Chemnitz. DE - Subway to Peter
Oct 31 Heinsberg, DE - ChillOut Bar
Nov 1 Berlin, DE - Cassiopeia
Nov 2 TBA
Nov 3 Minden, DE - Hamburger Hof
Nov 4 TBA
Nov 5 Gent, BE - The Frontline
Nov 6 TBA
Nov 7 Vreden. DE - N- joy
Nov 8 Neumünster. DE - AJZ Neumünster
Nov 15 Lahti, FI - Torvi w/Part Time Killer, Unkind
Dec 4 Turku, FIN - Klubi, ILTA w/Splitside
Dec 5 Porvoo, FIN - Streetbar & Café w/Splitside
Dec 6 FIN - TBA w/Splitside
Apocalyptica (ZOMBA)
Oct 18 Tokyo Japan Loudpark Festival
Oct 20 Denver CO USA, OGDEN THEATRE
Oct 21 Salt Lake City UT USA, IN THE VENUE
Oct 22 Boise ID USA KNITTING FACTORY
Oct 23 Seattle WA USA Showbox at the Market
Oct 24 Portland OR USA ROSELAND THEATRE
Oct 25 Vancouver Canada, The Vogue Theatre
Oct 27 San Francisco-Oakland-San CA USA Slims
Oct 28 Hollywood CA USA, THE AVALON HOLLYWOOD
Oct 29 Anaheim CA USA, House of Blues - Anaheim
Oct 30 San Diego CA USA, House of Blues
Oct 31 Las Vegas NV USA, HOUSE OF BLUES
Nov 01 Tucson AZ USA At The Rock
Nov 02 Tempe AZ USA Marquee Theatre
The Rasmus (PLAYGROUND)
25.10.2008 / MEX- Mexico City Concierto EXA 2008 (Plaza de Toros México)
28.10.2008 / GRC- Athens MAD TV LIVE
02.11.2008 / D- München Hard Rock Café
04.11.2008 / D- Berlin Hard Rock Café
05.11.2008 / D- Köln
Turisas (CENTURY MEDIA)
31.10.2008 W2 Den Bosch (NL)
01.11.2008 Ultima Ratio FestivalOberhausen (DE)
Boomhauer (STUPIDO)
25.10.2008 TBA
02.11.2008 Plan B, Moscow (RUS)
Iiro Haarla Quintet
17.11. London Jazz Festival 2008, Queen Elisabeth Hall,
20.11. Padova “Porsche” Jazz Festival 2008
Kimmo Pohjonen (HOEDOWN)
Oct 27: Helsinki - Finland - Semifinal (Kimmo Pohjonen / Juuso Hannukainen Kluster)
Oct 30: Aveiro, Portugal - Teatro Aveirense (Kluster: Kimmo Pohjonen & Juuso Hannukainen)
Nov 1: Lisboa, Portugal - Museo do Oriente (Kluster: Kimmo Pohjonen & Juuso Hannukainen)
Nov 2: Oporto, Portugal - Casa de Musica (Kluster: Kimmo Pohjonen & Juuso Hannukainen)
Rocktober! Yeah
on 2008-10-22