Sentiment

Interviewed by Kaheli, Narri and Livia

You once opened for Stratovarius, we’d like to know what that experience was like? Your feelings and
thoughts…

(Jami)

It was amazing to play with them. One of our best shows so far. The venue was full and the crowd liked so…what else can you require?

Just out of pure curiosity, why was your first album only released in Japan? Do you have any plans to release it in other countries in the future?

(Jami)

Of course we’re hoping that someday “From Here To Ever After” will be released worldwide but Asia rocks and we’re really glad that our first album was released there.. Now we’re focusing on writing some new kick-ass songs for our second album.

You’ve had numerous lineup changes over the years since Sentiment first started, does this ever make you lose hope of having a steady band?

(Jami)

No. Sentiment was founded in 1996 so it was obvious that some line-up changes had to make during years. Now our line up is steady and working very well. Very talented musicians and really great persons all of them…

Outside of Sentiment, do any of you also play in any other band(s)? Any outside projects you work with?

(Jami)

I play in a rock-cover band called Joe Doakes from time to time. Michael and Janne has several different projects and Kari plays in a legendary Finnish band called Mannerheim.

(Michael)

Being a fan of music it kind of keeps things fresh doing something else every now and then. Doing cover gigs is just pure fun for me. Of course the money from those gigs isn’t bad either.

Do you have anyone you would consider a major influence in your life? Your reason being the person and/or musician you are today?

(Michael)

Well, I think my elder brother is to thank for my interest in heavy metal. He used to be a dj in the 80′s, playing rock and heavy metal music. He also played guitar and I was all over his album cabinet and instruments when wasn’t around.

(Jami)

I think my music teacher at school because he basically forced me and Toni to practice a lot harder than any other student. And he actually was a guy who suggested to us to form a band in the first place. And of course during the years we’ve had tons of positive feedback which keeps you doing this harder and harder.

Why did you choose Sentiment as the name for your band? The reason(s) for choosing it and not some other name…

(Jami)

Because Sentiment is a good solid name. Everybody thought that it works so we decided not to change it. And why would we?

(Michael)

Finnish people always kinda get’s it wrong – thinking it means sentimental or some shit like that, but it’s actually the whole range of emotions. So there you have it – it’s solid and it’s deep in meaning.

Who does most of the writing of lyrics and music? And what are some of the things that influence your writing?

(Jami)

Me, Toni and Kari, we compose most of our songs and Michael writes all the lyrics and make vocal melodies. Every song is produced by all of us.

(Michael)

I like to write the lyrics myself. That way I get more feel to my singing and the words “fit”, so to speak, to my style.

You’re currently working on a new album, any hints as to what we can expect to hear? Any major (or minor) differences between it and your previous releases?

(Michael)

The next album will have more soul and deepness in it. There will be more hooks and heaviness, but we’re not forgetting the melodies. Actually, we are paying more attention to melodies too, fine tuning them to the max. The songs won’t be as straight forward as they were on the first album. Of course there will be a couple of fast pace rockers, but we want to explore a bit more. We’re definitely not doing any prog stuff here, but we’re just not letting us off too easy this time around.

Could you describe to us the recording process such as where you record, who produces etc? How much influence and control do you guys have in the final outcome?

(Jami)

We’re using different places for recordings. Drums always need some good place and space because it’s an acoustic instrument and requires more than any other instrument in this genre. Guitars and bass guitars we record either in Turku or In Helsinki. Mainly in our rehearsing place. Vocals we can record in several places, but last time we used our rehearsing place and turned out that worked pretty good. Keyboards we record in Kari’s own studio in Klaukkala. Mostly we produce on our own but also we use our mixer Tero Kostermaa who is an excellent producer and brings a lot of good ideas. Usually first we record some demo versions of our songs before we’re starting to work with the album. That way it’s easier to change something when you’ll be able to listen songs with “fresh” ears..

What would each of consider to be the best 3 albums ever? And…how much of an influence do these albums have you and your music?

(Jami)

Very hard to say. There are too many of them. But of course some great albums from for example Yngwie, Rainbow, Dio etc has affected to us in some level and therefore to our music as well..

(Michael)

I think the three most important albums for me have been Yngwie’s “Trilogy”, Rush’s “Exit… Stage Left” and Queensrÿche’s “Empire”, but there has been tons of other bands like Rainbow, Whitesnake and Led Zeppelin that have had their share of influence on me. I also like to listen to singers like Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell as well, so I think that everything I listen to has steered my style and way of singing.

Michael, you describe yourself as being ‘sometimes tolerable’, why is that? Are you difficult to get along with?

(Janne)

Yes he is. Especially when he is awake

(Michael)

Heheh… I can be a bit demanding. But I guess someone has to be so the rest of the guys won’t just sit on their asses and we actually get something done!

Jami & Toni…as twins, do you guys often find yourself thinking the same thing and completing each others sentences or do consider yourselves to be completely different?

(Jami)

Like in a comic book? It’s very difficult to explain, but in a way we have a this special connection.. I just think beer and he will get me one… Just kidding…But sure it’s very easy to work with Toni when I know him so well and other way around.. It has always been like that and it always will.

Janne, do you find it difficult at times to juggle work, family and playing in several bands?

(Janne)

I ignore my family and friends, so nah.. not that difficult. But seriously, yes of course. Sometimes it feels like I needed extra days in the week.

(Michael)

… And a spinal cord.

Which one of you is able to wrestle our troll and win?

(Jami)

Tough question.. But I put it this way; In any circumstances your Mr. Troll will lose against of any of us

Last but never least is our standard Finnish Underground Radio…the one where no band is an exception: boxers, briefs or commando? Thoughts, opinions and/or preferences?

(Jami)

I think we have to save something for our imagination..

Sentiment, 10.0 out of 10 based on 2 ratings