NOUVEAU - Kaisa Vala

1) Hi! First of all, how would you introduce yourself to the people who doesn't know you?

I'm a singer-songwriter, and I started writing songs for myself six years ago. My cat kept following my fingers when I played the piano, and after a few nasty scratches, I started hoping for a larger audience. Back then, I noticed that this is the best way for me to carry out my anguished need for escapism, you know, to get as far from the present as possible. Reality bores me. It kills me. It lacks fireworks and adrenaline. Fuck it. Today, I'm 26 years old and in the process of producing my first album after releasing an acoustic EP in 2007.

2) Ok you're not another symphonic metal band with a female singer ...But what's the difference between you and the other rock bands, especially in Finland?

Actually, I don't think it's my job to find differences between myself and others. The media and people listening to the music do it inevitably. I get Kate Bush comparisons all the time which is fine. I pretty much focus only on doing my own thing regardless of everything else. But I can tell you that now, as a band, we've worked hard on creating our own distinctive sound combining melodic singer-songwriting with alternative rock. I guess this is because, in addition to singing vocals, my main instrument is the piano. I use it to compose all of my songs. I think it affects the chord progression differently compared to songs composed on a guitar or some other instrument. At least in my case, it results in not taking a very straight-forward way of writing songs. I usually tend to opt for the bumpy road... the progressive musical structures.
And you're right when saying that I probably don't fit the European stereotype of a Finnish female musician. Finns seem to be very aware of the international status of the metal genre. But other genres are alive and kicking here as well, you know, I grew up listening to punk and alternative rock in the 80s and 90s.

3) Your songs are excellent and radiophonic (even if they are not 3min30 long) but still, you're trying to be produced by a label. What are their echos ?

Positive and encouraging, as I'm signed on an indie label. I have full artistic freedom, as well as the right and obligation to go as experimental and insane as I want. There are times when I get lost, of course, and times when I write a set of shitty songs. Then it's good to have people around you who say: "Hey Kaisa, wake up. This part of the song works, this part is a load of gibberish. You can do better than this." Then I go and write new versions until we're all satisfied, to a reasonable point. I will never be able to master songwriting perfectly, but I can try to be honest and let the songs take their, sometimes playfull, form and length.

4) We discovered you through myspace. What do you think of that media? what did it bring you ?

Well, I think musicians create the heart of the music industry and the media brings air to its lungs. Sometimes the air is smoking with polluted gas, sometimes it revives and supports the heart. MySpace is hugely important for indie artists because it makes it possible for listeners, as well as the media, to discover us without the financial support of major labels. I've gotten many precious contacts through MySpace, and it's a very good place to inform people about your shows and what you're up to. There are no losers in that game.

5) What are your favourite records of bands and artists you like?

I'm a picky person when it comes to music − and wine. One of my all time favourites is Nirvana's Nevermind. I'm also madly in love with anything by Radiohead and Tool. They've shown how raw and brutal music can be without loosing the beauty. I listened to a lot of Chopin as a child, and still get goose bumps when hearing his work.

6) What is your dream as a musician/singer ?

To live, breathe and love through music. Whatever happens, I hope music will always be the first priority in my life. Being naive or not, I can't see myself giving up on that thought anytime soon.

7) Did someone ask you to make compromises to be signed ?

No, but then again, I never sent my demos to any of the major labels. Things might have gone differently if I had. I'm happy with my situation right now, because it gives me the chance to collaborate with other labels and distributors in the future, as well.

8 ) The first record you bought ?

My father, who's a musician, got me many of the records I asked for. One of the records that come to my mind right now is "Ehjä" by Apulanta, bought in the mid 1990s. They were pretty good then.

9) Your best musical souvenir ?

I think the best musical souvenirs are the moments when you find something new that changes your concept of how music or performing works. For example, when you see a band play a great show, it can make you understand something really profound. It has happened to me many times, but the latest happened a couple of weeks ago, when watching a band called Murmansk play. The show was simple, down-to-earth and all about music. They weren't on stage to entertain anybody. They were just cool, and yet somehow vulnerable.

10) Which producer do you want to work with, for the next record / song ?

Mentioning any names here feels risky, because you know how your hopes might not come true if you say them out loud? I enjoy working with experienced, talented and visionary people who know how to guide me through the jungle I call music. The jungle drum will take care of the rest.

Iceman a écrit:
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