Text: Kris & Melamory

The Band

Crimson Dawn: The most typical first question - how it all started. Whose idea it was and how it all worked out.

Tommy: Jay started to look for suitable members, and Antza was the first one he found from current lineup. Antza knew the rest of us, and we wouldn't be here without him.

How would you describe your music for people who have never heard it?

Bunch of drunks playing harmonica naked.

Who has come up with the name Soulrelic and what does it mean?

The first vocalist came up with the name, and we liked it, so there was no reason to change it. It means what is left of a beaten-up soul. Or something. It's just a name.

How did you manage to get a deal with Spinefarm records and what do you expect from it?

We made a promo, and sent it around. We had some negotiations with different labels, but Spinefarm made the best offer. It's a great label, and as Soulrelic is in the 6th place in Finnish official top20 single chart, I think the collaboration has been quite satisfying for both parties. So far...

Describe a typical Soulrelic fan. looks, age act.

They wear black and worship Satan... No, I don't really know... I haven't met that many of our own fans, and I'm not even sure if we have any. Of course I wish our music would break some borders, so there wouldn't be a typical fan.

You've already played quite a number of live shows. Have you already discovered any special joys and troubles about that? Name some greatest and most embarrassing moments on stage.

Of course the moment you get on stage is always thrilling. I don't know if anyone else has any troubles with all the wires on stage, but I'm always trying to be careful with them. I'm maybe too drunk or just clumsy. Nothing juicy has happened yet.

Have you noticed the difference about touring abroad and in Finland?

The people abroad are more open and not willing to beat you up as soon as they see you wearing eyeliner. Of course it's always nice to travel and talk with different people, so I like touring abroad more.

As far as we know Soulrelic have taken part in mysterious The Global Battle of the Bands. Can you enlighten us what it all was about?

If I told you, I'd have to kill you. No, it's just a stupid competition, and it was quite stupid for us to take part. How the hell can you compete with music?! The prize would've been nice though...

The Music

What is the source of inspiration for Soulrelic?

The life itself is a good inspiration. Just keep your eyes, ears and mind open, and there will always be inspiration.

Who usually writes music and lyrics and which comes first?

Jay has written the music for the first album, and I write the lyrics. The music comes first, but I might have some lyrics in my backpocket, which fit the song. The process of writing the lyrics begins with the feeling I get from the music. Antza helps sometimes with the lyrics.

When will the new album be released? Is there already some specific info like how many track it will include and what kind of tunes we are going to hear?

The album will (hopefully) be released in October here in Finland, and maybe in December in Europe, but it depends on the licensing. You're are not going to hear 10 Hollow Cravings...

Your video Hollow Craving looks quite professional. Who has come up with the idea for it and how the shooting went.

Well, it's not. It's something we'd all like to forget... The song was the demo version, and the video cost like couple of hundred euros... It was shot and directed by our friend, Matti Kuusniemi. He's actually quite talented, but with that budget, you can't expect much. If you have it, delete it... The album version of Hollow Craving is a lot different, but there won't be a video for that one. If you wish to hear the new Hollow Craving, order the single via Spinefarm! We'll make a music video later this year for a song called Tears Of Deceit. It will be expensive, but I don't care, as long as I don't have to pay for it.

Whose artwork is Soulrelic's logo?

The heart with S & R? It was designed by a Finnish artist called Tuuni Turula. She also makes cool pendants, and I have a few made by her.

Personal

Do the bandmembers work or study? What your parents & other relatives think of you playing in the band?

Pecu studies history in the university, but the rest of us are doing nothing... Some of the relatives are proud I think, but some tell to get a dayjob. My father played guitar and liked rock music, and I'm sure he'd be proud of me, if he was still alive.

The music you listen to at home.

I've recently found Nick Cave and PJ Harvey, so they're on my playlist at the moment. I also like Coldplay. Katatonia is actually the only metal band I listen to. Frank & Nancy Sinatra and Roy Orbison are timeless.

Describe yourself and other bandmembers in three words.

Me (Tommy): neurotic, fearful, quiet
Antza: caretaking, manic-depressive, joker
Raymond: tormented, possessed, lost
Jay: musical, weird, observing
Pecu: clever, hard-working, supermodel

What in the world can make you laugh/cry?

Just thinking about loosing someone close to me, brings a tear to my eye. I don't laugh that much, but seeing the happiness of my friends and beloved ones brings a smile upon my face.

St00pid questions: What's (are) the best.

... Finnish beer

Karhu or Koff Velvet

... Soulrelic's friends among Finnish bands

To/Die/For!!! Fucking great guys! And I'm also very close with my ex-bandmembers from Bleak Crowd.

... in a woman

Smile and eyes are the first ones I spot...

... movie

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind is my latest favourite.

... gig of another band you've ever seen

Charon is always great, and Metallica was great in Ruisrock '99.

... Soulrelic's song

Burned To Ashes.

... Middle-Earth race

Although I don't like women with beard, the dwarves were funny.

The final

What are your ultimate future plans?

I try to live to see tomorrow. What comes for the band, I try not to plan too much. I have my arms open for everything. Too much plans = A long way to fall.

Thank you and hope to see you soon!

© Crimson Dawn WebTeam