Korpiklaani have just released their new album, Manala. We spoke to Juho Kauppinen, the accordionist of Korpiklaani to talk about the new album…
Festivalphoto: Your new album, Manala has just been released. Firstly where did the name come from?
Juho: Manala means the Underworld. It is a place where you go after you die. Three of the songs on the album are strongly connected with Manala. In addition, the overall feeling of the album is rather gloomy, which is an obvious reason for naming the album after the Underworld.
Festivalphoto: The album sounds great. How would you say it compares to your previous albums?
Juho: To put it simply, Manala is gloomier, heavier and more multi-dimensional than the previous albums. The execution of the songs on Manala is better and more experimental and we were not afraid to try out different solutions to achieve the best possible result.
Festivalphoto: What’s the song writing process in the band – is it a collaborative thing or are there one or two main song writers?
Juho: Jonne is the main songwriter and his composition process has always been the same. He heard melodies in his mind, grabs his guitar and goes to his home studio to record a demo for the song. The other members of the band listen to the demo and not long before entering the studio the band goes to rehearse the song.
Festivalphoto: What are your inspirations for writing the lyrics?
Juho: For example nature, the Finnish mythology and life in general.
Festivalphoto: You’re touring the USA and Canada in September then Europe in October. Are there any UK tour dates planned for later in the year?
Juho: I sincerely hope we will tour there as soon as possible!
Festivalphoto: What are you guys like on tour – party animals or sober?
Juho: Alcohol is consumed mostly in moderation in the band, at least almost always.
Festivalphoto: What is the favourite alcoholic drink amongst the band members?
Juho: Korpiklaani likes almost any type of alcohol drinks, be it expensive or cheap, but it’s almost always worth it.
Festivalphoto: Finland is only a fairly small country yet has been hugely influential in metal music – Why do you think Finland has produced so many great bands?
Juho: Finland has cold winters that leave no room for anything else than playing guitar home alone.
Festivalphoto: What bands do you think have influenced your music?
Juho: A lot of 80’s heavy metal bands, for instance. In addition, a lot of folk music has left its mark on Korpiklaani.
Festivalphoto: Which do you prefer and why – CD or legal mp3 downloads ?
Juho: I would basically prefer both, but nowadays it is easier to listen to MP3s, because I travel a lot.
Festivalphoto: What was the last album you bought?
Juho: Modest Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition.
