Moistmaker

Members

Juha-Matti Saario (Vocals), Sami Parkkinen (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Aku Hirvonen (Lead Guitar), Samu Hirvonen (Bass), Heikki Hakkala (Drums)

Where In Finland Are You From?

Helsinki.

How Would You Describe Your Band For Those Who Don’t Know You?

We play melodic, guitar driven rock music with some grunge & stoner influences. If I had to mention other bands to describe our music, I would say we are a mixture of Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, Eleven, Queens Of The Stone Age, Incubus, Foo Fighters and The Smashing Pumpkins. We steal from so many directions that in the end our music sounds like Moistmaker. It’s moist makin’ music.

When Did You Form As A Group?

2004, when Jude joined the band as a singer. Up until late 2006 we were called Grooving Target, but it became Moistmaker after a change in the bass-playing department.

What Was The Inspiration For Your Recent Album?

We had lots of songs waiting to be recorded. We picked four best ones and entered the studio to work on the arrangements and to record the hell out of them. The plan was to do an awesome demo, send it around and see what happens. It’s still a work in progress but the demo itself turned out great.

What Other Releases Do You Have?

We have our first demo, which was recorded in 2005, when we were called Grooving Target.

What Is Your Favorite Song On Your Most Recent Album?

I like them all. But I’m thinking Swing Low. It’s a beautiful song and has a cool vibe to it.

Do You Have Any Gigs Coming Up?

Early next year. January. Don’t have the dates yet, but we do have gigs coming up.

What’s Your Favorite Type Of Venue To Play?

At the moment, small clubs that are both comfy and sleazy at the same time. We get all our friends and everyone else there and the place will be packed. That’s nice.

If You Could Play Anywhere In The World This Week, Where Would It Be?

Not yet icehalls or stadiums, I think. Maybe Koko in London. Such a cool venue. Or Showbox in Seattle.

Do You Have A Website, Trig, MySpace, Facebook Etc.?

Website is at works and I’m setting up our Trig account as I write. MySpace and Facebook we have.

What Are Your Influences As A Band?

Life. Things around us. Movies, books, music by our favorite bands. We also inspire each other every single day to try something different, to come up with new and cool riffs, melodies, chord structures and things to take our music to the next level.

People Who Enjoy Your Music Tend To Like What Other Bands?

We’ve been compared to Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Queens Of The Stone Age, Incubus, Smashing Pumpkins, King’s X and even Placebo and Oasis.

Are You Signed To A Label?

Not yet, no. Hopefully soon.

Where Do You Think You’ll Be As A Band In 5 Years?

Hopefully we’ll have a recording contract, we’re making music we love and have lots of gigs and fans to play them to.

Is There Anything Else People Should Know About Moistmaker?

We aim to fill in some gaps, to be something that the Finnish rock scene has been missing. I think we are getting better day by day. If you want to see what we’re all about, please come to see us play live.

Be Sociable, Share!

•