Interviews: Free Carmen

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band, Free Carmen, from Finland. Check out the interview, and this is an amazing band.

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

That’s a secret.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I don’t think you really choose the genre you play. You just end up playing something that feels natural to you, and this is what feels natural to us. Ultimately, every song you’ve ever heard somehow comes out in your playing, and you’re just this weird mix of different kinds of music.

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

Well, just for a few months. In Finland, if you are male, you have mandatory military service at the age of 19. I found the guys in the army where we formed the band.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Veeti - Pearl Jam

Onni - The Beatles

Roope - Blind Willie Johnson

Ukko - R.E.M

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

My biggest inspirations in life are my fiancée and nature. I feel there’s an endless pool to swim in with those two things alone. Lately, I’ve been dwelling on the life of Vincent van Gogh, which has been very inspirational. And it’s not only his paintings, his writing (mostly in the letters) was also something that even many writers can’t reach. Movies also inspire me deeply, and I enjoy challenging my taste in that form of art more than in anything else. 

When it comes to songwriting, it seems to be something I simply have to do. It’s like therapy, where I can share my darkest thoughts with confidence. A song doesn’t leak any information because the listener draws their own conclusions. Many times, I read my lyrics afterward and wonder what they’re all about, and later in life, they make perfect sense once something has happened. It just feels like I wrote about it in advance. I have a theory that in some kind of flow state, you can have the most honest views about your life and its future. Then you kind of know what’s going to happen or at least have a hunch about it. So, in a way, songs feel like a way to prepare myself for what’s ahead. I don’t choose topics. I write whatever is on my mind and try not to edit it too much afterward. Some songs take a long time to reveal their meaning; others are clear right away. With some songs, the meaning doesn't even need to unravel, and usually, they might be the best ones.

6. Where was your last gig?

In Helsinki, on the day of the winter solstice last December. It was our album release show for the Solstice II album.

7. Where would you like to perform?

Wembley Stadium.

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

With Pearl Jam!

9. Whom not?

Well, I think there are a lot of bands or artists that wouldn’t go so well with Free Carmen, but you never know. I have to admit that I’m not at all a fan of bands like Mötley Crüe and wouldn’t necessarily like to be connected to those guys.

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

There’s never been anything too dramatic, like throwing up, etc., but of cours,e there have been some very nervous and stiff guys backstage before a show. I don’t think there’s any other way to beat it than just going on stage and doing it. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Well, if I can also name a couple of solo artists, my list would be something like this: Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, U2, Foo Fighters, Alexi Murdoch, Neil Young, Jeff Buckley, and the one that started it all for me when I was a 9-year-old kid was Guns N’ Roses.

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

This happened before Free Carmen, but one woman once asked for our autographs on paper and said she was going to have them tattooed on her arm. Another thing I’ve always thought is kind of weird is when people want your water bottle from the stage.

13. What do you think of your fans?

If there are some, I love them with all my heart.

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s great, although there are a lot of ads for driving school.

15. Something to add?

Maybe something about ‘Solstice II’? Solstice II wouldn’t be without Solstice I, so go and enjoy them together.