Interviews: KING OF NONE

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Stoner Rock band KING OF NONE from Finland. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, did you plan it or come out just like that?

The band name refers to the saying “jack of all trades, master of none”, but with a playing card twist. It was mostly chosen for sounding cool at the time.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We have a background in playing and listening to metal but inspired especially by Kyuss and other stoner rock acts, we decided to try something simpler and heavier. After our first EP, we started incorporating a wider variety of inspirations, including more progressive, psychedelic, and metal influences.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Some of us have known each other way before the band was formed. The current line-up came together some ten years ago when an earlier band fizzled out and eventually evolved into who we are today.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Aleksi: Lost Horizon

Miiro: Elder

Juho: Musta Huone

Patrick: Soen Juha: Messa

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Inspiration comes from many sources: media and art forms ranging from current TV shows to ancient philosophy. Many of the songs on the upcoming album were also inspired by relationships and life in general. Musically, inspiration is derived from our collective pasts dabbling in different genres: stoner/hard rock, metal, and different types of prog. The newest single was inspired by a certain space opera originally from the 70’s.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our most recent show, which also happened to be the final one of the year, took place at the beginning of December 2023. We performed with a few other metal/rock bands at Enlightery Puotila in Helsinki.

7. Where would you like to act?

Our priority is to establish a strong presence in our home continent of Europe. We would love to play outside of Finland, ideally with other like-minded bands who we share a musical connection with.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We still haven’t played with a lot of Finnish bands we’re fans of, such as Craneium, Kaleidobolt, and Demonic Death Judge. Other current acts we’d love to share the stage with are Greenleaf, Slomosa, Messa, Hällas, and of course our old favorite Truckfighters!

9. Whom not?

We won’t play with anyone who won’t play with us.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Having played live shows for over ten years, we don’t really experience stage fright anymore. There is a healthy sense of excitement every time we hit the stage, but nothing debilitating. If we ever get to play huge venues or festivals, we might have to reconsider this answer. Our tips for beginners when it comes to stage fright is to just keep playing live shows and not rely on booze, pizza, or drugs, but rather on diligent practice.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Definitely, Kyuss, Sleep, Orange Goblin, Black Sabbath, Truckfighters, and other riff-heavy bands when it comes to the core of our sound. Our progressive and psychedelic influences include Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, and The Mars Volta. We also enjoy a lot of music from the 70s and 80s or newer bands that have those types of vibes going on.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

To share guitar tabs of our songs on floppy disks during shows.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We have always had a connection with our fans, especially during live shows. We enjoy spending time with them before, during, and after gigs and have even become friends with some of the more dedicated fans (hi Alex, I know you’re reading this). You can never have too many friends.

14. What do you think of our site?

Breathing the Core is an awesome resource for underground music and gives fans the chance to get to know new bands. We especially enjoy the “Behind the Artworks” section of the page, which gives insight into a much-neglected part of music: the visuals!

15. Something to add?

Thanks for giving us the chance to share our thoughts while promoting our new single ‘Speeder Approaching’ and upcoming album.