THE BLANKO Interview: Music comes first!

January 22, 2015

1971

What did you achieve as a band over the past year?
We played a few great shows in Finland, including Provinssirock, Ilosaarirock and Qstock [most prominent rock festival in Finland – author’s note]. Our album ‘Into The Silence’ was released in Japan and we also had the pleasure to rock out at the Finland Fest –event in Tokyo.

Are you currently working on your third album?
Yes, we are. The songs are more or less ready and we are very excited about the new material. We are also working with a new producer, Jyrki Tuovinen from Fried Music. The ‘B-story’ goes on. And there’s nothing we can do about it. (laughs)

The Blanko has quite a distinct sound. Will your new material be similar to your first two albums?
We like to think that we are always moving forward, when it comes to making music. As it is with everything. Everything is on a constant move. And it’s interesting to work with a new producer who has given us a lot of great energy already. Of course, it’s still going to be sounding like us. I write the songs and we arrange them together at the rehearsal place, and when a song finally reaches the daylight, we’ll beat the shit out of it on stage. (laughs)

The band’s raw and energetic sound appeals a lot to guys, while your appearance and style attract female audience. Who does your live audience usually consist of? Girls or guys?
It depends a bit on the gig and where we play. It’s hard to say. I think it’s about 50/50 at the moment. I personally believe that the energy appeals to everyone. And we don’t mind: it’s great to have an audience at the gigs, whichever sex they are.

Pauli Hauta-aho, vocals. Photo © Veli Granö

Any plans for tours and festivals this year?
We would love to rock out on every festival there is, but first things first: we need to release new material, and since we’re not sure about the dates, it’s hard to say just yet. We want the music to come first, not the schedules. Although we will play every show we get for that’s what we do and that’s what we do best.

The Blanko performed outside Finland, as well. Which countries have you played in so far and how are the impressions?
We have played a few shows in Moscow, Tallinn and Tartu in Estonia, Berlin, and also Tokyo, Japan. The reception’s been great everywhere we’ve played and we’d love to go back anytime!

What music did you grow up on? What bands made you who you are today?
Obviously, we haven’t been able to stay away from traditional Finnish music, some of which comes from the Slavic culture, more or less. Melancholic feel, and all the songs go in minor. Also, way back when I started playing, I listened to The Shadows and practiced their songs. And of course, as a guitarist, there was a time, when Jimi Hendrix had a great influence on me – and still does. Later on I’ve had the pleasure to discover artists and bands like Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits, Stevie Ray Vaughan, NIN, Muse, Rage Against the Machine, just to mention a few. But in the end, the list is as long as there are emotions, and that’s a lot.

What music is on your playlist right now?
Mostly our demos. The new songs. We’re trying to grab them by the balls. (laughs) When I drive my car, I try to listen to the radio. I usually surf through all the channels there are, get bored, and turn it off. But I’m not into any particular band right now. I feel like we have to focus on our new stuff at the moment.

Which of The Blanko songs best represents you as a person?
On the last album, Into The Silence there were quite many songs with this vitality and courage in them. Some songs are saying things out loud that I would maybe sometimes like someone to tell me. It also depends a lot on the mood, because we feel things differently in different situations. At this very moment I would say “Krazy Heart”.

Speaking of moods. Whenever you are in a bad mood, are you the kind of person everybody should stay away from?
Well, I’m quite impulsive and sensitive, but I also know how to take my space whenever needed, so I don’t have to scare people off. At its best, all of the moods can be channeled into creative energy to try and come up with something good.

What makes you feel good?
As Keith Richards said in his book, as long as there’s a guitar, food, and there’s a roof over my head, I’m happy.

And how do you unwind when you’re stressed?
You know, playing the guitar and playing with your band is the best place to be when you’re stressed. It’s a kind of a meditation. Also there’s a chance of me going jogging or to the gym.