Interviews: Sata Kaskelottia

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Stoner Metal/Sludge Metal band, Sata Kaskelottia 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? Did you plan it, or come out like that?

Naming the band is the hardest thing! Sata kaskelottia, which means “One Hundred Spermwhales,” came by accident: someone suggested something completely different, and our original drummer misheard it and thought “yes, yes, Sata kaskelottia is a great name!” We thought it was hilarious and stuck with it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

When we started, Finland was full of power metal, disco metal, thrash metal, gothic rock, etc. No one was really doing that kind of progressive sludge that we enjoyed, bands like Mastodon, Baroness, etc. Their music hit us hard and was a source of inspiration for our own style. After all, when you put four guys together making music they enjoy, you cannot force it to be something else.

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

Matti and I (another guitar player) met in university in the 00’s and became friends some years before forming a band together. Our new members Sami (bass) and Kristian (drums), are experienced and talented musicians who joined us a couple of years ago to replace our former bassist and drummer. Getting to know talented people like them and becoming friends is one of the great aspects of this business.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

I guess Mastodon is a common ground for us all. Nowadays, Matti is anticipating Karnivool’s comeback. Sami and Kristian are big fans of Tool. I’m a sucker for Foo Fighters, can’t help it!

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I think Matti is a more riff-oriented writer than me. For me, the most powerful sources of inspiration are emotional challenges that happen to us all: feeling hurt, disappointed, angry, or grief. When there are longer pauses, you don’t touch your instruments or don’t try to force new songs; something builds up inside and materializes when the time is right. Of course, you often get inspired just by the way something sounds. Searching for that cool stuff, you know.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was our album release show in August at Bar Loose, a great rock club in the center of Helsinki. It was a fun night that ended up in a karaoke bar. 5/5.

7. Where would you like to act?

There are some cool summer festivals in Finland and abroad that are always a pleasure to play in. We’ll see.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We have played with some really nice colleagues lately. Of course, it would be great to join our heroes like Josh Homme someday. Maybe Kvelertak? I really don’t know.

9. Whom not?

Musically, it doesn’t matter. As long as you are not a nazi or an asshole, we will get along just fine.

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

The three or two hours before the showtime are the worst. All that waiting and getting anxious about it: “Why have we put ourselves in this situation – again?” But then, half an hour before hitting the stage, something happens: you get really focused, excited, and ready to show what you’ve got. And that’s when you start to enjoy it. If you have trained well and you know your stuff, it’s gonna be just fine. A little tension is a part of it, and it is necessary: it’s a sign that you respect your art and your audience. Never underestimate them both.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Besides all that Atalanta scene, there are so many artists you could mention. Basically, they seem to be more into rock than metal, such as QOTSA and Rival Sons. Alice In Chains. Finnish bands like CMX. There is A LOT of good stuff.

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

We have got some enthusiastic fans. One of them shouted at our last gig: “The most underrated band in Finland!” We totally agree with that.

13. What do you think of your fans?

You’ve gotta love them. When someone is giving his/her time to your music and enjoys it, it’s a really humbling thing.

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s great that you do stuff like this, very cool! It tells us that music still matters.

15. Something to add?

If you are into original, groovy heavy music, take a spin of our new album “Kaaos, toivo ja todellisuus”. You will love it!