KORPIKLAANI Interview with Jarkko Aaltonen

XM: Hey, how are you today?
Jarkko: I'm good.

XM: Now, this is the second day of your Ukon Waka North America Tour. How was the first show of the tour last night in Quebec?
Jarkko: For the first show, it was quite nice. There was no big fuck ups at all. We had a good audience. Quite a nice number of people there, it was a good start.

XM: And Arkona are to be joining you for nearly the whole tour, except the first two dates and the last date. Do you know why Eastern Canadian dates are without Arkona?
Jarkko: I don't know about what's the deal with that... The guys are basically playing, but they're playing as a different band... It's like their side project or something.

XM: And this tour will take your up to the 18th of December, where you will have a few days off before playing a show to break in the new year in Zurich with Eluveitie and Coroner. How did this one show get set up?
Jarkko: I think the show is called Eluveitie and Friends. So, that sums it up. It's their show, they are inviting the bands that they've been playing with and toured with. The people they want to have.

XM: Have you toured a lot with Eluveitie before?
Jarkko: Yeah, we've done a lot of stuff with them.

XM: What does Korpiklaani's rider usually look like?
Jarkko: Are you talking about the catering rider or the technical one?
XM: Ah, catering.
Jarkko: Honestly, I don't know what is on it right now. Everybody always thinks our catering rider is only about alcohol. *Laughs* But, alcohol is only a small part of that. It lists a lot of stuff about like, food, and towels, and whatever. Usually, I don't think our rider is that different or that strange. We might have more hard liquors then most bands... But, it's not so bad.

XM: What are Korpiklaani's plans so far for the start of the new year?
Jarkko: Well, we've already started to record the next album. So, once we're done with this tour and the Eluveitie and Friends show, we have a week or two break. Then, in mid January we'll get back to recording that. Then, once the album is done, we again have a small break. Unless, the booking agent decides to do some shows, but we don't know about that yet... In April, I think, there's some shows in Europe, some festivals, then a possible tour in Europe where normal tours don't go.

XM: So tell us about the new album. How much have you recorded?
Jarkko: We've been in the studio for about a week. Then, we're recording again in January.

XM: Have you written the whole album, and have just to record it now?
Jarkko: Yes, basically.

XM: So, how did the week in the studio go?
Jarkko: Actually, we've only done drums for the entire album. Then, for various reasons, we've had to finish one song.

XM: That song is Metsalle, which you did for Eurovision, right?
Jarkko: Yes, yes.

XM: And although this is not your first time in Canada, have you tried any Canadian beers yet?
Jarkko: Yes, we have.
XM: Impressions?
Jarkko: I'd like to quote her *Points to a girl in the room* "Water".

XM: And, I'm curious, out of all the Korpiklaani songs that are all about drinking, do you have a favorite?
Jarkko: I don't know... I have no idea. It's completely different to listen to a song then to play a song. For example, Juodaan Viinaa is my song to play. And, it's quite good as well. But, it's a cover song, so it doesn't count, really. I think Beer Beer would probably be my song.

XM: If you could have been involved in the writing, recording, or production of any album ever which would it be and why?
Jarkko: Ah... Thriller. By Micheal Jackson.
XM: Really? Why?
Jarkko: Because! I would be a millionaire right now.

XM: If you had to describe Korpiklaani's music in three words they would be...
Jarkko: Rock and Roll. Three words.

XM: Haha, okay. That's it, thank you very much for the interview. Final words are up to you.
Jarkko: No... I never have anything to say. Actually, I have a lot to say, but when asked. If not, I have nothing to say.