In 2019 The Rasmus celebrates 15th anniversary of the first epic album “Dead Letters” with the world tour. Before their visit to Moscow we spoke with Lauri about past and future of The Rasmus, and about some Lauri’s personal projects.
The Rasmus was created 25 years ago, and the band has released 9 albums already. “Dead Letters” is the 5th album. What made it so special, that the band became famous worldwide, and now after 15 years you want to celebrate it with your fans?
Lauri: Before this album we had already “practised” for ten years of playing, touring, and making albums. We had enough time to clarify our identity and become who we are as a band. Change to more darker sound and image gave depth and took us closer to our Finnish roots. I think this is why fans for example in Mexico find us exotic. This album is the key to our international success and we are forever grateful for that. It feels powerful to play songs that people know all the lyrics no matter were you are in the world. Many fans have told me “Dead Letters” was the first album they ever bought, this really means a lot to me. This kind of bond can last for a life time.
For 15th anniversary of the album the band released “Dead Letters Fan Edition”. What is the difference comparing to the original one?
Lauri: There are some rare bonus songs done in the same studio session with the album. There is also another CD that has ten songs voted by the fans. We had a large scale voting on the internet with all the songs we”ve ever written. It was interesting to see what songs the fans actually wanted on it. We also play these songs in the life shows now on this tour.
The Rasmus is in the tour already. How is it going? Any new impressions and new memories?
Lauri: This “Dead Letters” tour has been a success. Old songs and special old video material takes us back to year 2003. We went through some old private video tapes to create footage on the video screens. It get really emotional and personal sometimes. The overall feeling in the concerts is quite nostalgic.
There are many dates in Europe, UK, ex-Soviet countries, and even Peru in the tour. But you played just a few shows in Finland earlier this year. Are you still planning a Finnish tour?
Lauri: No, not this year. Maybe 2020.
What are your greatest memories from previous shows or tours in Russia?
Lauri: Shows in Russia are obviously great, but many memories are made doing something else. For example we booked this Russian “banya” in Rostov. The owner was there to bath us. He was also giving us a beating with branches. We love going to sauna. It releases bad spirits and prepares us well for the concert. After that we had nice dinner with local foods.
And now let’s remember your later albums. After “Dead Letters” the band recorded “Hide from the Sun”. Again it was full of strong, philosophical, and cool songs. How would you describe this album from your side now?
Lauri: “Hide from the Sun” is little more angry album. There were some personal issues that had an impact on the lyrics, and the sound. Every time making an album I try to capture my current feelings on it. It’s kind of like writing a diary. We also felt pressure after having such a big hit with “In the Shadows”.
Next album “Black Roses” is very cool and emotional. What was special in that album for you?
Lauri: With this album we got a chance to work with legendary producer Desmond Child. He has written biggest hit songs for Bon Jovi, Kiss, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, and many more. He got us working really hard for this album, and it paid off.
The band needed 5 years to record the last album by now. “Dark Matters” sounds closer to your solo project you did some years ago. And what amazes most of all, after almost 15 years of worldwide success you recorded 9 songs full of pain, depression, and hopelessness, and the official videos just make these feelings even stronger. Why?
Lauri: Life is beautiful and I really enjoy it. But I do have dark side of me that comes out through our music. I’m surrounded by fans, glory and success but actually I’m an introvert shy person behind it all. I need to channel painful feeling somewhere and what better place than our music. It’s my form of therapy.
So, the last full length album was released by The Rasmus 4 years ago. What are the plans for future releases?
Lauri: We are currently working on the new album. Some weeks ago we rented a villa in the mountains of Spain and put up a studio set there. It was cool to be just the four of us there on this band camp. We wrote new songs and planned the next album quite far already. I have also written many new songs on this tour inspired by the tour life, fans and home sickness.
You play together in the band for ages, but now you all live far away from each other. You move between Finland and California, Eero lives in Sydney, and we are not sure about Pauli and Aki. What are your relationships now?
Lauri: We are such good friends it’s more like a brotherhood. I have gone to the same class with Eero since I was 9 years old. We had our first band together already then. Playing together for 25 years is way more than half of our lives. We could take a ten year break and it would feel like yesterday coming back together.
Lauri, you have your architect company Alvardag. Tell us more about it. What exactly do you and your company create? What is that new project “Design by Lauri” on Finnish TV about?
Lauri: I have another passion which is architecture and design. I’m a creative person and have a need to do something all the time it seems :). “Design by Lauri” is my own TV show format where I design and build houses for Finnish celebrities. We are now airing the second season already. It’s been a great success in Finland.
A few month ago you participated in Finnish song show “Vain Elämää”. Ruutu.fi blocks the series for viewers outside of Finland, and publish just some random songs. So, tell us more about the show, your participation, the brightest, or funniest moments.
Lauri: This was a fun but challenging experience. We are well known in Finland for 25 years and had a tons of radio hit singles along the years. It was interesting to hear other artist to make versions of our songs in their own style. Finland will always have a special meaning for us as a band thought we all live around the world these days.
In 2011-12 you had a solo project, and it was beautiful. How is Amanda?
Lauri: My solo project is on a hold now. I want to focus fully on The Rasmus and get the next album out as soon as possible!
Your home is in California. Your business is in Finland. And your music is everywhere. What are your feelings about it?
Lauri: I lived in California for 6 years but I actually just moved to Hawaii two months ago. It’s a wonderful place. I can spend hours hiking in the mountains. And it takes me only one night to get anywhere in the world by plane. The world is quite small after all!
By Melamory, CrimsonCrown
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