NAKED is a pretty young band. Tell us, how was it found?

Muff: Well it all started from a four-year-old boy's dream (that being me) of the perfect rock band. Mr. Tikka (he's my elder brother) gave me four or five KISS records when I was four and I was hooked for about 12 years. But then I decided to start playing myself, so I picked up the guitar. I needed some guys for my first band so I asked this friend who used to brag that he played the drums to join my still untitled band. We needed another guitarist and a bass player, so we took this guy whose name I don't remember to play bass (he was a cry baby and sucked) and then I asked my best friend Zack Daniels to play guitar. Zack had never played guitar, but neither had I so it was ok. The band went under the name Voodoo Duck. Well anyway we fired the sissy bass player and changed name. We went on as a trio for a while and then we quit when Zack moved to England for a year. When he came back we put the band back together and asked Dizzy to join on bass. That's when we became NAKED. Well we recorded a single that sucked and Zack and I were not too happy with it. Then the drummer moved to Canada for a year and we were stranded. I asked my brother Mr. Tikka to join for a year. Well the music became much heavier during the whole year thanks to Mr. Tikka and when our old drummer came home we told him that he was out of the band. That was tiff on us, because he was our friend, but Mr. Tikka was perfect for NAKED, hands down. Well we started rehearsing like maniacs, because Mr. Tikka was on a whole no other level playing wise. Then we played a couple of gigs and the response was marvelous. We asked our record company boss to come to rehearsals to check out the new line up. Of course he was blown away; we had smoke machines and lights and threw a show for him. Well, he decided that we were ready, and ready we were! We recorded the ‘Look At me' single last summer and now we have finished our debut album ‘This One Goes To Eleven'. That is all the history for now, I hope there will be years of history in future :)

And how did it happen that you named your band NAKED?

Muff: Well I think we wanted a name that everyone can identify with, plus it had to be a short name not more that six letters. Just like KISS for example. And I don't remember the other names we were throwing around at the time but NAKED really sounded good and we all thought it was perfect for our band. We also wanted a name that can be pronounced in a lot of different languages, such as English, Finnish and Swedish. I don't really remember who came up with the name, but I think it was me but I'm not sure. That is pretty much all I can tell you about our name.

Well, you've mentioned KISS, which you were and are keen on. And I also know that you are a great CD and vinyl collector.

Muff: Well yes I have a lot of records and I still buy about two a week if I have extra money on my hands. I have all kinds of music: everything from Isaac Hayes which I'm listening to now, to classic 80 s heavy metal.

Which are your favorite albums and bands besides KISS in your collection? Were there any influences in your music because of them?

Muff: I have a lot of favorite records and artists, but in my opinion you can never pin point a record and say that it is the best record ever, because I think the music you listen to at one moment has a lot to do with the mood that you're in at the moment. But bands and artists that I listen to often are Isaac Hayes, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Ozzy Osbourne, Classic Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Motley Crue, The Black Crows, The Hellacopters, KISS, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Thin Lizzy, Fun Lovin Criminals, believe it or not but when I am drunk I can even listen to Journey or Vinnie Vincent Invasion! I also enjoy Hanoi Rocks and occasionally Backyard Babies, old Aerosmith is cool, Skid Row, The blues Brothers. I am open to a lot of music, but of course I like good sleazy rock 'n' roll music, which is the best. I take influences from all the artists that I listen to and of course elements of KISS is incorporated in our music because they used to be a great band in the 70 s and I used to think a lot of them. But now they ride on their name, and that sucks… I would still go and see them if they came to Finland of course. But as you see I like a lot of old acts, because there are not too many good bands out today but I reconcile that in the coming five years the situation will be different. Because the whole scene is changing and rock will take over again, and the reason is the following: all the big touring bands are all rock bands, really, and soon they will stop and there will be a void to fill. That void will be filled by new rock bands. Because deep down everyone likes a little guitar and drums. The waves of different music come and go, but bands like The Rolling Stones still sell out arenas. This proves my point.

Finland has lots of talents and produces many rock bands that tend to be perspective treasures. What do you think about Finnish music on the whole? Are there any bands you really like?

Muff: I like some bands but there are not any bands that I think the world of. There are actually only two other bands besides NAKED that I enjoy and those bands are The Flaming Sideburns and Hanoi Rocks. Besides those two bands I really can't say that I listen to any other Finnish bands. Maybe it is because the other Finnish bands are so God damned depressing. But I think that in the near future Finland will be over flowing with good rock bands, or not who knows? I only know one new great band! *laughs*

What is the songwriting process like for you? Where do you come up with the inspirations? Do you write your lyrics first then the music or the other way around?

Muff: First I start out by playing the guitar and just singing some melodies. Then I get the music together. After that I start writing the lyrics and see how they work with the music. Then I patch the song together. After that I sing and play the song through. Then I show it to the band. But sometimes a song can come to you in 5 minutes and sometimes it can take a long fucking time to write a song. Every song is different, and every song writer will tell you the same thing. Then the band arranges it and it becomes a NAKED song. When I write lyrics I usually get inspired by things around me, but when I write music it just flows out of the guitar. My Les Paul is a guitar with the magical meaning.

Finally your debut album will be released on 31.03'04. Let's promote it somehow :) What fans should expect to hear? How will your new album sound like?

Muff: Well the album is a great rock record full with energy and great tunes. It has some 70 s and 80 s elements. It has eleven songs on it. It is guitar driven. From the opening drums on the first track ‘Sister' to the ending chords of the last song ‘Empty Heart' the listener will be on His or Her ass. The album has humor on it because we hate bands that take themselves seriously. The album is called ‘This One Goes To Eleven' and is the pinnacle of Cock Rock. The fans can expect not to be disappointed and to be hooked for life on NAKED!

You've worked in the studio for the first time. And how was the recording process of the album? Did you enjoy it? Or you prefer playing live music at the gigs?

Muff: The album was recorded in eleven days and features eleven. I loved being in the studio, of course the pressure was on when we had eleven days to get it done but then again we work well under pressure. We did the drum tracks in one and a half day and the bass in I think two days but I don' t remember. Then Zack and I started recording the guitar tracks and I also started singing the lead vocals at the same time. Then we played guitar with Zack and I sang for some days then Zack started doing the solos and fill guitars. Then we sang the backing vocals and did percussions and our producer played acoustic guitar on two songs. We had a lot of fun in the studio, the atmosphere was great. We got along great with our producers Dan Weeks and Juha Jantti. On Friday the 13th of February we had about 20 fans come to the studio and we recorded a sing-along which is featured on the song ‘Let s Go' it was great, we had a party with some of them afterwards. Then we started mixing the album or we didn't t but Petri Majuri did. It was mixed for 5 or 6 days and then it was mastered. All of us loved being in the studio, we loved it but of course there is nothing like playing for the fans. I mean when a fan is screaming the lyrics to the songs at a concert it is fucking awesome! And the energy at a gig gives you a natural high. Besides we love rocking out on stage!!!!

And what has been the most embarrassing moment for you at a gig so far?

Muff: I haven't really had any embarrassing moment on stage, not that I remember of. This is a minor one, but once I ran across the stage and my cable got plugged out, but it went ok. I really can't think of anything…

You are going to throw a gig at Semifinal soon. This place is rather important for the rock-bands to play at. How do feel about it? Do you stay calm and confident?

Muff: Semifinal is a very cool place to play; this will be our third time in 1,5 years. It is not as important for Finnish bands to play at Semifinal as to play at Tavastia but Semifinal is a good plays to start out. I like the fact that the crowd is so close to you at Semifinal, the energy is always great.

What about playing at summer Finnish festivals?

Muff: As for festivals we still don't know anything. We'll have to see how the record does…

What is your favorite song on your debut album, the song which makes you feel proud of yourself?

Muff: Well of course I am very proud of each one and love them all. But I like ‘Escape', ‘68' and ‘Sister' on the record but live I love to play ‘Look At Me', ‘Let‘s Go', ‘Swine' and ‘Speeding Away'. I really don't have a favorite song and that is a good thing. What makes me feel proud is the fact that we have put a record together that we are very satisfied with.

To which song would you prefer to make a video?

Muff: The thing is that we could do a video of every song, because they are all so called video potential songs. But I guess I would go with ‘68' or ‘Magic Touch'. ‘Empty Heart' and ‘Let's Go' could work out fine too. But then again if I would call the shots, I would make a video of every song.

Have you ever listened to or heard of any Russian music?

Muff: I only know one Russian artist besides all the classical music writers and that is Masha Rasputina. Have you heard of her, she is hmm... terrible! But she makes me laugh and that is a good thing. I actually have her record on vinyl.

Your brother, Mr. Tikka, plays in NAKED. Do you have any tiffs and arguments sometimes or you are a quite calm and compliant guy ;)?

Muff: No, we never have any arguments with each other, because we respect each other too much to waste time on shit like arguments. Of course we can have different views on things, but we get along just great.

At the end, just imagine that you have an opportunity to throw a gig in every country you want and follow every destination you like. Where would you prefer playing?

Muff: A world tour would be the most amazing thing ever to happen to us. Of course we would like to play in every European country that will have us. Asia would be so awesome. Japan is dreams come true. I think they would like our album cover very much. Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, North America and if the mid-east ever takes a chill pill we want to go there too. Africa would be amazing to tour, but I don't know if there is a market for Cock Rock over there. But my biggest personal dream is to play a full packed Madison Square Garden with NAKED. A two hours show with more pyrotechnics than KISS, seeing the crowd of 20000 people going crazy… Man, I would be scared shitless! That will happen if arena rock doesn't t die out. But then again I didn't know if it is cool to play big shows, I know that playing small clubs is very cool. It is always so sweaty and sticky and the energy is awesome. But you can always dream.

Do you have any final words, any wishes to fans?

Muff: Well, I have enjoyed this interview with you and then I would like to say that I hope everyone who will get a hold of our album will be satisfied with it and enjoy it. KEEP COCK ROCKING!!!