STAIRS

Interviewed by Heili and Kaheli

Tell us a little bit about Stairs…When did you first form as a band and why did you choose the name ‘Stairs’?

It all began in the spring time of 2008 when Antti and Tuomas started to jam together with an idea of forming a new band because their last band Bullet Ride broke up. Tarko our bass player joined Antti and Tuomas in the late spring of 2008 and at this time Tuomas got the idea of naming the band STAIRS.

Marios joined the band in October 2008 and the package was ready.

The name STAIRS was approved by all of us after Tuomas introduced it to us. It symbolize the steps of life which we all have to take on this short time we breath and feel.

How long have you known each other prior to forming Stairs? How did you first meet and what made you choose to have a band together?

Antti and Tuomas have known each other for about 5 years now but Marios and Tarko have known each other since they joined STAIRS. Antti and Tuomas met each other on their last band Bullet Ride. Tarko was known by a friend of Tuomas and because Tarko was also known as a really good bass player, Tuomas contacted Tarko immediately after this information.

In August 2008, Marios moved from Rauma to Tampere to the next door of Antti. One lovely day Marios spotted Antti smoking a cigarette on his balcony and realized that he wanted to form a band with this guy. So Marios shouted to Antti “Lets form the greatest fucking band ever!!” and a month after Marios was singing in STAIRS.

We know that Tuomas is a busy man with his other band and his promotions work but what about the rest of you? Do you have other bands that you currently play with?

We all give 100% to STAIRS.

For Antti, Tuomas and Tarko: Why did you choose the instrument that you play? How long have you been playing this instrument? What other instruments do you know how to play?

Antti:

I got my first guitar when I was 5 years old as a Christmas present. Since then I wanted to be rock star. My other instrument skills are nothing to be mentioned but I am an outstanding wrestler.

Tuomas:

My father was a drummer in his younger years so rhythm was in my blood. I was a huge table drummer before changing to real drums about 18 years ago.

Tarko:

First there was bass and guitar both in my life but somewhere on the line I chose bass to my instrument because it was easier. I have played about 15 years now. I also play guitar and little bit of keyboards.

For Marios: Do you play any instruments? If so, which instruments and how long have you played? Why did you choose vocals and how long have you been singing professionally?

Marios:

I play almost anything that’s set in front of me but am I a professional in any? No. I have been singing for about 6 years now and each time I sing I get more and more from it. That’s why I do it, for the love of it.

If you couldn’t be a musician, what profession would you like to do instead?

Tarko:

Actor

Marios:

Actor

Tuomas:

I have always been interested about sales and marketing.

Antti:

Fisherman

Do you also work outside of performing in a band? If so, is it related to the music industry in any way? Also, has it made rehearsing, recording and/or performing with Stairs difficult to schedule?

Tarko:

Yes I work but it ain’t related to music in anyway. My schedule is always perfect and just fine.

Marios:

I study in a music related school and it doesn’t disturb my time with STAIRS in any way.

Antti:

I also study in a music related school and have a lot of time for STAIRS.

Tuomas:

I don’t work at the time so my effort to STAIRS is 1000%.

About your logo…it’s quite an interesting concept with the optical illusion of the birds migrating into stairs. Is there any significant meaning behind it? Also, we’ve noticed that there are 2 different logos, do you plan to use both or will you eventually decide on just one of them?

The meaning of the logo is the same as the name of the band (It symbolize the steps of life which we all have to take on this short time we breath and feel). The birds symbolize the freedom to choose your pathway in this journey of life. We haven’t decided which one of the logos will we choose to use so we use them as we like.

We’ve been listening to your music and we all agree that it’s great stuff! Do you have any plans to make a debut album? If so, when can fans expect to be graced with this fine piece of art?

The plan is to record our debut album in this spring time as also our first music video from the song “Afraid of Yourself”. We hope that the album could be released in 2010 but we’ll see.

Who does the writing of your lyrics and music? What inspires you to write, life in general, personal experiences etc?

Normally Marios brings some kind of basic composition with a chorus or some part of the song but the final music is written by all of us. Lyrics come from Marios and they mainly consist of the luxurious feelings of life like love, hate, fear etc.

What comes first in the writing process, the lyrics or the music or do they have a way of coming together at the same time?

Always the music first. By the colour of the music and the vibes that it gives Marios writes the lyrics.

You’ve recently done some gigs, any plans to hit the summer festivals? If so, what songs can one expect to hear in your set list? What seems to be the audience’s favorite song of yours?

Summer is still open because we want to give 110% to the upcoming recordings. But we will be touring also in summer and people have liked songs like “Afraid of Yourself”, “Rewind” and “Shake Me”. Which can also be heard this summer.

What has been the biggest challenge that you, as a band and as individual artists, have you had to face so far with Stairs?

Last summer was a tough time because of Marios lived the summer in a different city and we didn’t see each other that often and everything was kinda frozen. There was a lot of irritation in the air which almost led to the breaking of the band.

Do you get lots of feedback from your fans? Does the feedback influence the direction or creative process when you’re writing an album?

We get a little of feedback which is always great but we don’t let it affect on our music. We write stuff that feels good.

Do you think that hip/hop and rap music is taking over the world?

Well it’s mainstream now so yes.

One last question, is there anything more you would like to add about Stairs?

This shit is real! It’s exciting, mystic, sexy and new.

STAIRS, 9.9 out of 10 based on 23 ratings