Thursday, November 1, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Featured Interview: Hannu Lepisto
... in March of 2011 Hannu Lepisto released “Run Away With
Me” -EP. The 5 track EP is by far an amazing album. Lepisto really showcased
what it means to really come undone with this album. Having gone through a
painful divorce, battling a heavy addiction and then almost succumbing to the
almighty himself but before it could get any worst he was quickly surround and
rescued by close friends and family from a further downward spiral.
To read more ------> Review: Hannu LepistoSince August of this year we here at Invaders Asylum received great response for the review with did about Finnish singer/songwriter Hannu Lepisto. And for the most part we were asked if an interview would ever happend with the talented singer/songwriter. So in late September yours truly asked if we could conduct an emailed interview with Hannu Lepisto. And in doing we were granted access to asked the questions we though that might be of interest to you (the fans) and of course us!
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| Hannu Lepisto Singer/ Songwriter #1 on Finland Reverbnation! |
The Interview .....
October 9th 2012
Ava-Invaders Asylum: When and why did you start playing music?
Hannu Lepisto: Hi and thank you for the honor for asking me for an interview.
Music was always present at home, my keyboard player nowadays and big brother - also head of Homeward Records Oy which I'm signed to, practiced classical etc. piano playing constantly and my father who was vicar opened his voice and singed hymns every day and then at about 4 years old I swore - I don't never want to be involved in anything that concerns music but then my world was blown away at the age of five - when my bro came home with Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A and soon other great records from various great artists. And then I knew what I want to do when I grow up. (Laughing)
But that was long since I started to actually play something. But after I saw my brother's band supporting quite famous Finnish gospel rock band - I had the chance to try drums that were minced through PA - I was sold. I had finally found my thing. And quite soon I got my own drums.
Thank You parents for that too.. :)
And then I played drums in different congregation / school / noise / punk/ grunge /rock etc. bands and later on high school - I met Petteri my lead guitarist nowadays and at some point I switched to guitar as well and man we played and jammed all the time, skipped classes and all and then I started singing and started to write songs because I felt that I was better than previous leaders and songwriters of the bands I played drums in. And when we were in the studio with one of my previous bands - I sang the reference melody for our lead singer to one of my songs (I've just switched to guitar and started to write) - the recording engineer praised my voice and tone. Of course it felt good, but at the same time it felt awkward for our lead singer’s point of view... But that gave me courage to continue on this path.
IA: Do you remember at what point in your life when you realize that you wanted to make this a career?
HL: That was my goal at the age of five when I heard the first beat and notes of Born In The USA - but seriously when my band (The Matt Pistol Project) had some buzz and we got signed to one of the major agencies: Koetinkivi Oy here in Finland and later on we signed an international publishing deal with Stockholm based Marsongs (now defunct). And when my songs started to be on radios all around the world, especially in USA and online and in some FM-channels as well.
IA: Do you come from a musical family background?
HL: :) My Godfather and my idol and my father's youngest brother Tapani Lepisto played guitar in popular band called Esko Nummisuutarit here in Finland back in 1970's and made living out of it for years. And man he plays guitar so awesomely still. And I've an honor to tell that the same "family" label Homeward Records Oy that I am currently signed into releases his and one of his old friend Juhani's comeback single before Christmas and I'm very proud to be in such a great role in their project as a recording engineer, bassist, programmer, mixing engineer and Producer. Their band's name is Tapsa & Juhani and it's like a time trip to 70's. And I'm very satisfied what we have accomplished. It's instrumental but I feature on vocals on the title track. So stay tuned. ;)
IA: What was your first instrument(s) that you learned to play? And what was the very first tune or song you learned how to play?
HL: [Drums] and first song I learned to play was my first "composition" or song. Lol. I've quite never or seldom played nor rehearsed other artists songs with guitar (as a drummer of course I did) except some great covers on gigs.
IA: What and who are your musical influences?
HL: Oh, I could write a book of out them lol, but to mention "few": The Boss (solo and with) & The E Street Band, Steve Earle, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Pearl Jam, Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Michael Blair, Tom Waits, Tapsa, Nirvana, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Juice Leskinen, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler, Dave Grohl, Roy Orbison, Frank Zappa, Dr. Dre, Sonic Youth, JJ Cale...
IA: I notice that before you decided to go solo, you were in a band called “The Matt Pistol Project” what was it like being a part of that band?
HL: Band is like a family with it's good and bad sides. Maybe the chemistry and different life situations and too democratic arrangement policy :) broke the band. And my personal problems then and urge to go solo.. We were bunch of friends and I'm still continuing to work with Petteri and Markku from TMPP. So no hard feelings. And boy it was great to support artists like Bonnie Tyler in front of many thousand peoples!
IA: In March 2011 you’ve finally released your debut 5-track EP ‘Run Away With Me’. What was the inspiration for this EP?
HL: More personal touch was living very hard phase in my life and so it was therapeutic as well and for more artistic freedom and I wanted to push out more out of my songs. Oh and finding new love in my life inspired me very much.
So we started working with Petteri on acoustic vibe and soundscapes and more acoustic traditional Singer-Songwriter type of thing - but label and we thought the songs were so good and versatile to be just pure man and guitar type (of course there is one song of that type too, my first single: "There Is An Angel For Everyone") that I and label asked my good friend Michael Blair and previous producer of TMPP (The Matt Pistol Project) to bring his great twisted magic on percussion and drums and to production and he was in and brought his good friend great Ulf "Rockis" Ivarsson on the bass and Rockis to work as another producer as well, and the Finnish- American-Swedish connection we had, worked like a charm. Yet another top-notch guy a veteran mixing engineer Ollie Olson mixed the EP and Michael's old buddy Legendary Howie Weinberg mastered the EP on Masterdisk Studios on New York. Country boy's (Mine that is..) wildest dreams had come through. And it was great to share the stage with Michael on my EP's release gig here in Helsinki. He had just arrived from States from Hugh Laurie's tour and recording sessions. Way cool.
IA: What is your song writing process like? And how do you come up with material for the album in process?
HL: I never force myself in songwriting process (You know - like I have to start to write a song).
The arranging and getting the song finished is more "work like". Sometimes song births from a good lyric line or lyrics that just comes out of somewhere, of course they somehow reflect my own life to a certain point, and sometimes I come with a good riff or chord progression and like great John Fogerty's had said about his songwriting process that when he just jams with guitar and then plays accidentally wrong note on a chord - - the song starts to build from that accidental hook. That happens to me a lot too. (Laughing)
IA: For this EP you worked with the legendary Michael Blair (Tom Waits, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello) and Ulf”Rockis”Ivarsson (Thåström, N. Dunger) as rhythm section and co-producers. What was this experience like for you working with them in the studio?
HL: It was great and a dream come true and very, very professional and creative but in the end we all breathe the same air. So they are still legends in my eyes but normal, friendly, moody, sensitive guys and friends as well.
IA: You also took part in a documentary “"Maailman Valloittajat"(Veikka Gustafsson, Thomas Johanson and Timothy Kopra) "Conquerors of the World" in English by Olli Pirhonen. And wrote the song is of the same name "Conquerors of the World". How did this collaboration with Olli and you come to fruition?
HL: Yeah indeed! It was great honor and experience to be part of such huge project of those Finnish heroes. I knew Olli from the past - he was my good friend's friend and we used to hang out in our teens sometimes. Olli likes my music and is a fan and gave me all the freedom - trusted me and that kind of working suits me well. I read lot of background of the heroes and used them as construction parts but I wanted the song to be more universal at the same time and when I got the lyrics ready - I came up with the chorus, well the title was obvious and then all the rest and then we produced it with Michael, sending e-mails and speaking on the phone in the middle of the night, (laughing) to get it to sound right for the project. And the song was ready to give to Publisher and Olli 4 hours before the deadline. And it was very exciting to hear what they would say and to my relief they loved it, without wanting to fix anything in it. I think it's one of my best songs I've written. And all the "Conquerors" liked it very much as well. And goddamn that felt good. An alternate version of the song is in the debut LP that is soon coming out. Our plan is to get it released before the Christmas.
IA: What inspires you to do what you do, musically of course?
HL: Emotions...Sometimes and often playing guitar and writing are good way to write down sad and happy things to release stress and music is what I love, so I love to play as much as possible
IA: Are you currently working on an album? If so, when should we (the fans) get to listen to it?
HL: [Debut LP that is soon coming out. Our plan is to get it released before the Christmas]. On the album you can hear Michael, Rockis, Petteri, Markku. As well as fantastic new players bringing their magic to my songs. And there is one song I've co-written with Michael as well.
IA: Any other side projects you are currently working on other than music that you would like your fans to know about?
HL: Basically just music. Tapsa & Juhani rules. :)
IA: Are there plans for a tour? If so, will it be outside of Scandinavia and Europe? Do you have plans of touring US and Canada one day?
HL: I totally hope so - performing especially in the USA and of course everywhere around the world. Agencies here I am! :)
IA: Where should your fans try and purchase your music physically and/or digitally?
HL: You can listen to my songs for example on my reverbnation profiIe and in Spotify. And from my soon opening websites. Goddamn freaking Japanese? pornfirm stole my domain, we weren't quick enough... I think all the digital stores. For example iTunes, Amazon... and from cdbaby and from some record stores in Helsinki, like from Levykauppa Äx. We have had several distributor and label negotiations but haven't found agreement that suits both of the sides. But suggestions are always welcome.
IA: What’s currently playing on your iPod, (laughing)... name at least (3) bands/singers that you’ve got on heavy rotation lately?
HL: Leonard Cohen's fantastic new album "Old Ideas", Springsteen's newest and Promise-package,
Mojo from Tom Petty and Heartbreakers, Rage Against The Machine's debut (Imo - one Of the best debuts ever - I never get tired of it, although I need certain mood to listen for that)
and Bob Marley's Natty Dread just to mention few.
IA: And anything you would like to say to your fans and to the readers of The Invaders Asylum Blog site?
HL: I wanna thank everyone who took the time to read my thoughts and please listen to my songs and join my fan groups on Facebook and on other sites. And please spread the word and support by buying if you like what you here. And many thanks for the interview request Ava - a pleasure. And most importantly thank you dear fans for your support! It means the World to me. Greetings from Helsinki!
Hannu Lepisto
Finland's genre-bending answer to Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Lou Reed & Johnny Cash & Leonard Cohen.
Finland's #1 Alternative artist on ReverbNation since April 2011
www.hannuofficial.info
www.victorianunderground.com/hannu-lepisto.html
Hannu is signed to Homeward Records, Oy, Finland
Invaders Asylum
Website - http://www.invadersasylum.com
Blog - http://www.invadersasylum.blogspot.com
Twitter - @invadersasylum
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/invadersasylum
Saturday, October 6, 2012
METAL CHURCH Reunion On Board 70000TONS OF METAL!
Vancouver, BC / Miami, FL / Hanover, Germany – October 5, 2012
METAL CHURCH Reunion On Board 70000TONS OF METAL!
Did you think the ship went off course, lost faith and started to pray? Oh yes you will pray! But you will pray on board. You will pray in the METAL CHURCH!
METAL CHURCH with Ronny Munroe on vocals, Kurdt Vanderhoof and Jay Reynolds on guitars, Steve Unger on bass, and Jeff Plate on drums, will celebrate their official reunion on board 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise.
For one of their two shows on board, they will play their debut album Metal Church in it's entirety. The other show will be a Greatest Hits set. And guess what? You will be able to vote the songs for the Greatest Hits setlist. More details on how to vote will be announced... SOON!
So are you ready to start next year in style? Just imagine: In January 2013, 40 Heavy Metal bands and 2,000 fans from all over the World will go to the Caribbean to take over the luxury cruise ship "Majesty of the Seas" for 5 days and 4 nights.Book your cabin now at www.70000tons.com and be part of Heavy Metal History made in the Caribbean once again on 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise! The Original Metal Cruise: Home of the biggest open air stage to sail the oceans!
METAL CHURCH Reunion On Board 70000TONS OF METAL!
Did you think the ship went off course, lost faith and started to pray? Oh yes you will pray! But you will pray on board. You will pray in the METAL CHURCH!
METAL CHURCH with Ronny Munroe on vocals, Kurdt Vanderhoof and Jay Reynolds on guitars, Steve Unger on bass, and Jeff Plate on drums, will celebrate their official reunion on board 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise.
For one of their two shows on board, they will play their debut album Metal Church in it's entirety. The other show will be a Greatest Hits set. And guess what? You will be able to vote the songs for the Greatest Hits setlist. More details on how to vote will be announced... SOON!
So are you ready to start next year in style? Just imagine: In January 2013, 40 Heavy Metal bands and 2,000 fans from all over the World will go to the Caribbean to take over the luxury cruise ship "Majesty of the Seas" for 5 days and 4 nights.Book your cabin now at www.70000tons.com and be part of Heavy Metal History made in the Caribbean once again on 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise! The Original Metal Cruise: Home of the biggest open air stage to sail the oceans!
And we also spare no expense to remove the seats in front of the stage in the theater, or do you really like seated Heavy Metal shows? This is 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise where you enjoy unrestricted festival access to all live shows on board. And don't forget, every band plays twice! There are also Open Mic Nights, Clinics, Work-Shops, the infamous 70000TONS OF METAL Karaoke, Bars that never close, you heard right: They don't close, two full days at Sea, a fun-and-sun-filled day on a beautiful Caribbean Island and an opportunity to mingle side-by-side with the artists that all join us for the entire trip. It's like everyone has a backstage pass!
The following 19 out of 40 bands have already been announced:
ANACRUSIS
DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
DORO
DRAGONFORCE
ENSIFERUM
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
GOTTHARD
HELLOWEEN
HELSTAR
IMMOLATION
IN FLAMES
KREATOR
LACUNA COIL
METAL CHURCH (Reunion Show)
NILE
RAGE and LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA
SABATON
SUBWAY TO SALLY
TURISAS
70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, will sail Monday, January 28, 2013 aboard the Royal Caribbean “Majesty of the Seas” from Miami, FL and will not return you to the real world for four days until Friday, February 1, 2013.
Ticket prices start at US$666 plus US$299 taxes and fees per person and include all on-board entertainment, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages, all meals at the dining rooms, most on-board restaurants and even 24 room service!
What are you waiting for? You might even need a vacation from this vacation when all is said and done! Check out http://www.70000tons.com/ for more information.
ANACRUSIS
DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
DORO
DRAGONFORCE
ENSIFERUM
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
GOTTHARD
HELLOWEEN
HELSTAR
IMMOLATION
IN FLAMES
KREATOR
LACUNA COIL
METAL CHURCH (Reunion Show)
NILE
RAGE and LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA
SABATON
SUBWAY TO SALLY
TURISAS
70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, will sail Monday, January 28, 2013 aboard the Royal Caribbean “Majesty of the Seas” from Miami, FL and will not return you to the real world for four days until Friday, February 1, 2013.
Ticket prices start at US$666 plus US$299 taxes and fees per person and include all on-board entertainment, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages, all meals at the dining rooms, most on-board restaurants and even 24 room service!
What are you waiting for? You might even need a vacation from this vacation when all is said and done! Check out http://www.70000tons.com/ for more information.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
HELLOWEEN, KREATOR And GOTTHARD Announced For 70000TONS OF METAL 2013
Via -----> Ultimate Music Cruises Inc.
Vancouver, BC / Miami, FL / Hanover, Germany –September 26, 2012
HELLOWEEN, KREATOR And GOTTHARD Announced For 70000TONS OF METAL 2013
No news from the ship? But news from 70000TONS OF METAL's scouting party in Germany: They didn't want to wait until HELLOWEEN so they went to the country in the South: Switzerland. But there was too much traffic at the GOTTHARD and they decided to go back to Germany to meet their KREATOR!
Three more heavy hitters for 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise!
So are you ready to start next year in style? Just imagine: In January 2013, 40 Heavy Metal bands and 2,000 fans from all over the World will go to the Caribbean to take over the luxury cruise ship "Majesty of the Seas" for 5 days and 4 nights.Book your cabin now at www.70000tons.com and be part of Heavy Metal History made in the Caribbean once again on 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise! The Original Metal Cruise: Home of the biggest open air stage to sail the oceans!
Vancouver, BC / Miami, FL / Hanover, Germany –September 26, 2012
HELLOWEEN, KREATOR And GOTTHARD Announced For 70000TONS OF METAL 2013
No news from the ship? But news from 70000TONS OF METAL's scouting party in Germany: They didn't want to wait until HELLOWEEN so they went to the country in the South: Switzerland. But there was too much traffic at the GOTTHARD and they decided to go back to Germany to meet their KREATOR!
Three more heavy hitters for 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise!
So are you ready to start next year in style? Just imagine: In January 2013, 40 Heavy Metal bands and 2,000 fans from all over the World will go to the Caribbean to take over the luxury cruise ship "Majesty of the Seas" for 5 days and 4 nights.Book your cabin now at www.70000tons.com and be part of Heavy Metal History made in the Caribbean once again on 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise! The Original Metal Cruise: Home of the biggest open air stage to sail the oceans!
And unlike others they also remove the seats in front of the stage in the theater, or do you like seated Heavy Metal shows? This is 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise where you enjoy unrestricted festival access to all live shows on board. And don't forget, every band plays twice! There are also Open Mic Nights, Clinics, Work-Shops, the infamous 70000TONS OF METAL Karaoke, Bars that never close, you heard right: They don't close, two full days at Sea, a fun-and-sun-filled day on a beautiful Caribbean Island and an opportunity to mingle side-by-side with the artists that all join us for the entire trip. It's like everyone has a backstage pass!
The following 18 out of 40 bands have already been announced:
ANACRUSIS
DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
DORO
DRAGONFORCE
ENSIFERUM
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
GOTTHARD
HELLOWEEN
HELSTAR
IMMOLATION
IN FLAMES
KREATOR
LACUNA COIL
NILE
RAGE and LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA
SABATON
SUBWAY TO SALLY
TURISAS
70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, will sail Monday, January 28, 2013 aboard the Royal Caribbean “Majesty of the Seas” from Miami, FL and will not return you to the real world for four days until Friday, February 1, 2013.
Ticket prices start at US$666 plus US$299 taxes and fees per person and include all on-board entertainment, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages, all meals at the dining rooms, most on-board restaurants and even 24 room service!
What are you waiting for? You might even need a vacation from this vacation when all is said and done! Check out http://www.70000tons.com/ for more information.
ANACRUSIS
DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
DORO
DRAGONFORCE
ENSIFERUM
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
GOTTHARD
HELLOWEEN
HELSTAR
IMMOLATION
IN FLAMES
KREATOR
LACUNA COIL
NILE
RAGE and LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTRA
SABATON
SUBWAY TO SALLY
TURISAS
70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, will sail Monday, January 28, 2013 aboard the Royal Caribbean “Majesty of the Seas” from Miami, FL and will not return you to the real world for four days until Friday, February 1, 2013.
Ticket prices start at US$666 plus US$299 taxes and fees per person and include all on-board entertainment, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages, all meals at the dining rooms, most on-board restaurants and even 24 room service!
What are you waiting for? You might even need a vacation from this vacation when all is said and done! Check out http://www.70000tons.com/ for more information.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Diminished 7 - Hollow Haven - OCTOBER 2012
Diminished 7 <----- Click the link to their
Facebook page.
Hollywood, CA
Label: --
Current Sound: Gothic Rock, Rock
By Ave -Mimose <----- Click the link to their Facebook page.
Well guys and gals if you didn't know it already then I guess I'm just the right person to give you all a heads up on Diminished 7 second album entitled HOLLOW HAVEN. This album is scheduled for released in October 2012.
In 2007 Diminished 7 was created in Los Angeles by Alex Crescioni (lead vocals). Since then they have released their first album Dim World 11/10/2009 and two separate singles one called Dim Girl 05/11/2010 and the other Queen In Nuclear Rain 01/17/2012.
So far Diminished 7 is the only Los Angeles based band (that I know) to have successful hone in a very original American Gothic Rock style apart from the Euro/Scandinavian sound. They do have musical influences from such Scandinavian band such as The 69 Eyes, HIM, Negative & The Rasums but its very clear that they have they have a very distinct lyrical style and sound about them.
To get more of the bands updates and tour info please checkout the following website below:
Diminished 7 -- Website
Diminished 7 -- Facebook
Diminished 7 -- Official Store
Hollywood, CA
Label: --
Current Sound: Gothic Rock, Rock
By Ave -Mimose <----- Click the link to their Facebook page.
Well guys and gals if you didn't know it already then I guess I'm just the right person to give you all a heads up on Diminished 7 second album entitled HOLLOW HAVEN. This album is scheduled for released in October 2012.
 |
| Release Date: October 2012 |
In 2007 Diminished 7 was created in Los Angeles by Alex Crescioni (lead vocals). Since then they have released their first album Dim World 11/10/2009 and two separate singles one called Dim Girl 05/11/2010 and the other Queen In Nuclear Rain 01/17/2012.
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| Single 01/17/2012 |
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| Single 05/11/2010 |
 |
| Album 11/10/2009 |
So far Diminished 7 is the only Los Angeles based band (that I know) to have successful hone in a very original American Gothic Rock style apart from the Euro/Scandinavian sound. They do have musical influences from such Scandinavian band such as The 69 Eyes, HIM, Negative & The Rasums but its very clear that they have they have a very distinct lyrical style and sound about them.
 |
Alex Crescioni - Vocals
Scott Manthei - Guitar
William Liermann - Drums
Chiyo Mossmann - Bass
Photo Credits -- Photography by Manu Pix at LA's Industrial Metal Gathering V.
|
To get more of the bands updates and tour info please checkout the following website below:
Diminished 7 -- Website
Diminished 7 -- Facebook
Diminished 7 -- Official Store
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