Interviews: Velvetcut

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band Velvetcut from Finland. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just happen organically?

Oh boy, that was a long time ago when our style was slightly different. The idea was to come up with a name that combines two contradictory elements: something edgy and something smooth. Probably the words "paper cut" and the movie "Blue Velvet" were haunting the back of my mind.

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

According to a study I read recently, the music you listened to when you were 13-19 is usually what matters the most. For me, it's metal and grunge. I've been missing playing grunge, and since the music from that era is something that's already in my spine, the new music just started to flow. The original plan was to release a single, but it soon turned into an EP and then into an album.

3. Did you know each other before forming the band?

We are childhood friends, so yes.

4. What is each band member's favorite band?

Tomi: NIN, Tool, Nirvana, Radiohead, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Mastodon, Kvelertak

Topi: Stone Temple Pilots, Faith No More, Pink Floyd, Bad Religion, Nirvana, Dream Theater, RATM

Vesa-Ville: Primus, Clawfinger, Nickelback (yes, you read correctly), Limb Bizkit, H-Blockx, RATM, Stuck Mojo, Linkin Park, Senser

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Sometimes the songs are born with jamming, but recently I've tried to listen to my intuition. Melodies and structures may pop into my head in a parking lot or in a car. Sometimes the whole song is practically ready before we have tested it with the instruments.

6. Where was your last gig? 

We had a break during the album process, so we have to say it was last year at "On The Rocks" venue in Helsinki, Finland.

7. Where would you like to perform in the future? 

I like the atmosphere of small clubs, but Wembley would be nice;-)

8. Which artist or band would you like to collaborate with?

Rick Rubin has a controversial reputation as a producer, but I believe he would have a magic touch when it comes to our music. From musicians, either one of the remaining members of Nirvana or Serj Tankian / Daron Malakian from System Of A Down could also drop by in a studio.

9. Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to collaborate with?

I'm pretty open-minded, but we would not have use for somebody with completely different values or understanding of music.

10. Have any of you ever experienced stage fright? Do you have any tips for beginners on overcoming it?

It's natural to have some butterflies in the stomach before the show, but I have not experienced overwhelming stage fright. It must have something to do with the number of people in the crowd. If there is none, there is no reason to be frightened.. ha ha.. But my tip would be to read about EFT, which means emotional freedom technique. That's a pretty simple method, and it works.

11. Which bands have influenced you the most? 

Most of them are big names from the ´90s grunge era (Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, Tool), along with Bad Religion, Social Distortion, and The Hellacopters

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

Probably our fans have been too normal or shy to suggest anything very weird. 

13. What do you think of your fans?

There are too few of them.. ha ha.. Seriously, I'm very honoured to have such loyal, nice, and awesome fans!! I'm really thankful to everyone of them and their support is hugely appreciated!

14. What do you think of our site?

It really seems you are doing it with passion and for the love of music. Very pro! 

15. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for the interview, and keep on supporting rising acts that are still flying under the radar!