Cheerios !
So after coming home from the European Leg of the Pariah’s Child World Tour, I’ve mostly been enjoying Ice-Hockey and spending time with my family. The NHL play-offs are still underway and the New York Rangers are on their way to the finals so all is well on that front. At the World Championships Finland made it all the way to the final just to get their ass kicked by the Russian Team (and the referees for that matter). Nevertheless, that’s the ”what I’ve been enjoying lately” part.
As for work, we’re in the middle of re-recording Ecliptica. So far I’ve done 4 songs and I’m about to do another later today, the drums are done and Elias have been playing some guitars as well so we’re pretty much on schedule here. As far as I know it will be out this fall. In the live department we’re doing a bunch of festivals (mainly in Finland) but the schedule is quite easy so that we’ll be able to finish the recordings before we start our North-American Tour.
In a bit over a week we’ll play the first two festivals, South Park in Tampere and Kivenlahti Rock in Espoo. The latter might be really interesting since we’re letting the fans vote on which 10 songs we’re gonna play (out of 27 that we’ve been performing this year).Let’s see how that turns out and if we can put the voted songs in some reasonable order.
Other than that there’s really not much going on in the Sonata camp. With Silent Voices we’re been talking about getting together sometime in the summer to write some music and my solo album is still on the shelf due to unfortunate fact that there is only 24 hours in a day :-( All the songs are written and the keyboards are done as well as the rythm guitars so still the drums & bass, some solos and the vocals are missing….I doubt it’ll be out before sometime next year with this kind of schedule but it’ll be worth the wait….
Breakfast time and then back to recording some keyboards, I’ll check back from the festivals !
cheers,
Henkka
Can't wait for South Park. It's been a while...or at least it felt like it! ;)
ReplyDeleteI've also heard talks of a a few dates with SV so I'm keeping my hopes up for that as well. But I'm always keeping my hopes up for that.
And DUH, of course your solo album is gonna be worth the wait, and in other news I hear the pope is Catholic ;) can I already ask you about it or is it too early for spoilers? Is the lineup going to be like the first? Have you already found a singer, is it somebody we know?
Yeah we're trying to get some SV shows going during the summer since in the fall we're too busy with SA. Definitely too early for spoilers, no idea about singer or singers but the other guys will most probably be the same...
DeleteYeah I've talked on and off with Miro about those and tried to help a bit but I guess we'll see ;) I really, really want to finally see you guys live and Elias is an amazing bonus!
DeleteAlso? Sing on it yourself!! Maybe not all songs but maybe one or two...I know you could pull it off ;)
Don't ya worry, I'll work it out ;-)
DeleteWoohoo, time with the family! That's nice, just take it easy, the rest of the tour will be hard enough on you I guess :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for re-recorded Ecliptica. The re-issue already had a much more awesome version of Letter to Dana (not that the first one wasn't already awesome...). You said that Mary Lou won't be on the re-recorded release, right? That's a shame :-/
Now that my husband's got a new job, I'm finally able to afford your album "And the weird turned pro", yay! I'm honestly ashamed that I didn't get to listen to it until now :-/ Just a quick question, would it be better _for you_ if I ordered it from Amazon or madsupply? Or doesn't it make any difference? Oh wait, I thought I saw it in your online shop once, but it isn't there anymore D: But Amazon has the Japanese version... guess that's it then. Or do you still have some CDs lying around at home which I could buy directly from you? Just kidding ;) (...or not?)
So, enough blabbering from me. Wish you the best, have fun at the festivals, and those damn days definitely need more hours!
Cheers back at ya!
Maria
Exactly, we're not re-recording Mary Lou at the moment since it wasn't on the original album. Really makes no huge difference from where you buy the KS album for me, as long as you get it I extend a big thanks & cheers to ya !
DeleteGet the Japanese edition, it's got Woodoo Lounge and it's a great song!
DeleteSo much going on, even if you are taking it slowly :D It's going to be one busy fall.
ReplyDeleteLetting the fans vote what to play is an excellent idea, it would be very interesting to know the results (and the order) after the show. Of course I'll be there listening what we voted.
The results or at least the setlist will probably be online somewhere after the show...
Deletehttp://www.setlist.fm/search?query=Sonata+Arctica
DeleteYou're welcome.
So, I've heard rumors that Ecliptica 14 will only be released in Japan :/ Do you know if that's true it not?
ReplyDeleteAnd I pray to God that solo album gets done eventually. ATWTP was awesome.
I do know...and it's not true, it will be out elsewhere as well.
DeleteHey, Henkka! It's too bad about your Finnish team. So close! Better luck next time. The last two games against the Rangers and Habs were intense...especially tonight's game. Won't say any more in case you haven't seen it yet. ;-) All I'll say is, Stepan is one tough cookie!
ReplyDeleteGood to know you're working on a solo album! I have a few questions for you: The other day I found a video on youtube of you doing a solo at one of your concerts. 1) I'd like to know what the name of that piece is and if it is available anywhere now...or will it be going on your solo album? 2) I'm assuming Pasi will be providing the bass since he plays with you in both Sonata and Silent Voices, but who will be the rest of the lineup? 3) Will you guys allow your North American fans vote for their favorite songs as you're doing for your fans in Espoo? It would be awesome if you do! and last, but not least, 4) Who would you prefer the Rangers to play against in the finals if they win this series? Kings or Blackhawks?
Cheers,
Tracey
Just watching game 5 so nice not to give it away.... 1, I've done a few different solos live so it would help if you'd send the link, ok ? 2,For the next solo album ? Most probably the same guys as last time, Elias on guitar, Pasi on bass and Jari Huttunen (ex-Requiem) on drums... 3, We haven't talked about it but most probably not, at least not for every gig. 4,I kinda like the Kings but I'm not too convinced that NYR can win that kind of series...
DeleteCrazy game, eh? We're still hangin' in there! It'd be interesting to know what you thought of it.
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I had no idea until now that you had a previous solo album!o_O
I'd love the name of that as well, please!
So this is the link of the your solo I was referring to: http://youtu.be/ITVXEXmgrTA. Actually, I've seen two or three videos of you playing the same piece at different venues. Since I've heard it I've been humming it every now and then. Good stuff!! :-)
It's interesting that you say you don't think NYR can win against the Kings. Before the playoffs I believed Chicago was the stronger team, so at the beginning of their series, I was hoping that IF the Habs made it to the finals, they play the Kings...but that's not what it's looking like now!..Though deep down in my heart I would like Chicago to win.:-p
Crazy oh yeah, skipping on that bet doesn't seem so stupid now, at least not from my point of view. Anyways the solo in question was written just for the tour and if/when I check out the name somewhere on my old computer where I made the background stuff It'll probably be named testicles or something equally uplifting, clever and mature. So let's just skip that one...My first solo album is: Klingenberg Syndrome:...and the weird turned pro. It seems that the physical cd's are sold out on the SA webshop (just made a small batch) but you can get the Japan Version on Amazon.com If you just want the music it's also on itunes as well...
ReplyDeleteSkipping on the bet...hmmm, is that a clucking chicken I hear?...haha, just kidding.;-) Tonight is another do or die game for us so maybe I would have more of a reason to be clucking. I still think you would rock that Habs T.
ReplyDeleteA keytar composition named Testicles...Ha! Um...interesting choice...! I'm just glad I wasn't drinking anything at the time I read that, lol! Any, chance you will play it in September? Or did I ask you that already?
Thanks for the info on your first solo album. I do have itunes but, for some annoying reason I've been unsuccessful in getting it to function properly! I will check Amazon.
I was also wondering the same thing as Heavymetalqueen, if you will be singing lead on your upcoming solo? How comfortable are you with singing lead? I've only heard you sing backing. I think it would be nice to hear you in the front.
I have a feeling it's going to be another tumultuous game tonight. Enjoy, and may the better team win!
Regarding the live solo, next time I'll do one it's gonna be something different again...and regarding the vocals, no worries I have a pretty good idea how they will be handled on the upcoming solo album ;-) ...and enjoy the summer break, NYR are in the finals ;-)
DeleteReally looking forward to hearing your new solo album when it's done, as well as the re-recording of Ecliptica! :-) Especially curious to hear how a couple of songs in particular will sound 15 years later.
DeleteYep, I'm sure you were jumping for joy after Thursday night's game, Henkka. I'm over my "WTF was that?!!" phase over the Habs loss, lol! :-) Still very proud they made it as far as they did. They played really well most of the time....Btw, have you watched or checked the results of Kings/Blackhawks game yet? It was a very good one!
Yeah I watched the CHI/LAK game as well, just waiting for the game 7 tonight :-) It will be awesome, I'm sure...
DeleteWithout a doubt it's gonna be awesome! I know who I'll be rooting for. :-) Still hoping for a NYR/Kings matchup?...The game starts at 3ish for you. That's kind of late. Will you be watching live?
DeleteEnjoy, and may the Hawks win! :-)
I usually watch the re-runs on Viasat which starts at 0800 in the morning here, 3ish is too late when you got kids who get up early in the morning :-) ...and what a game it was, total crazyness....can't wait for the finals...
DeleteNope, it isn't the best idea to stay up that late when you have children, lol. :-D
DeleteCraziness-you're telling me! It was exhausting watching both teams...and thankfully I managed not to bite off any of my fingers, haha!
I'm anxious for the finals to start too...though I'm not sure who I want to root for yet. I've liked the Kings for a while now but I like Blackhawks a little better(but their out). I would root for the Rangers (who haven't won Stanley in exactly 20yrs) but they were a little too mean to my Habs (Who haven't won Stanley in 21yrs), Lol! I'll have to think about that one. ;-)
Anyhow, I hope you will continue to enjoy your time at home before the festivals start...btw, will you be able to see the games during that time?
Take care,
Tracey
Yeah, I'll be able to watch the finals at least most of the games ;-)
DeleteHehe, I like how you name your files =)
ReplyDeleteAs we're talking about solos... I found a video on YouTube where you enter the stage on a DragonForce concert and have kind of a keytar battle with the guy there. How did that happen? Were you in the same area during tour and thought "Hey, I'll go crash their show"? :D Just curious, sorry.
Have to agree with heavymetalqueen, you should at least do the backing vocals on your new album, cause it sounds awesome on For the Sake of Revenge and Tony or whoever will sing could work with less than 666 cups o' coffee ;) And I'm still waiting for a duet between you and Tony (please don't say it'll never happen, don't be shy!).
And I have a question. I want, no, need to have a piano again. Started with lessons when I was 7 and can't play anymore since I moved out from home. Real pianos are just effing expensive plus moving them to the 4th floor is a real hassle. So I found the Korg LP 180. Almost affordable, seems to have everything I need (feels like a piano, pedals and stuff). Would that be a good choice? Or what would I have to look out for with a smaller budget? Just want to play for myself, so the headphones option of digital pianos is really nice. Maybe an option to record something would be nice, but not necessary, and I guess that's what the midi-out on the LP 180 could be used for? Don't have experience with this stuff :)
Thanks in advance!
PS: @heavymetalqueen: thanks for the advice! :) I'll order it as soon as I finish this post =)
We actually opened for DragonForce for a whole US tour and before the tour Vadim (their keyboard player) just asked me to join in on his solo spot, so we did that throughout the tour. It was a lot of fun.About the LP180, I haven't tried it out but if it feels nice to you it'll probably work out well....as for the vocal stuff, see the above answer. I'm not gonna comment on that anymore before I have some cold hard facts ;-)
DeleteSheesh, I get it, I won't bother you about the singing anymore ;) Just looking forward to it, that's all. Waiting for "And the weird turned pro" to be delivered right now... yeehaw :) You're not so weird, actually...
DeleteAnyways, thanks for the advice. Guess I'll have to find a local store where they sell that stuff so I can try some out... Will be some time until I can buy it, so maybe in half a year or something. Meh.
Oh, I thought I read somewhere that DF once opened for SA. Either I'm misinformed on that one or you guys switched spots. Either way, it really does sound like fun!
Enjoy your vacation and easy summer schedule. I won't tell you to keep being awesome, 'cause you guys always are, haha :D
If you guys have heard him sing only backing, you totally need to check out Mental Care Foundation. Or at least Requiem's Dogs of War :D
ReplyDelete(And um, sorry, I didn't mean to raise a riot of people clamoring for you to sing!)
I meant GODS of war!! Embarrassing.
DeleteI can't wait for you guys to get to Toronto in September. It's going to be a killer show, as always. And I am glad to hear the remake of Ecliptica is going well. Can't wait to hear it with the band member who were not on the original album. It's so hard to pick a favorite song off that album. They are all so amazing. If I had to pick my favorite Sonata song of all time, hands down Sing In Silence. It got me threw tough times in my life and I'll always love that song. I've also really been into Silver Caleb lately. Can't get enough of it.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with the guys, and hope to get a chance to say HI to you after the show in Sept. Would be nice.
In my above commet, I meant to say Silver Tongue and Caleb. My autocorrect screwed that up haha
ReplyDelete