Interview with Tony Kakko conducted Winter 2001.
Written by Alina Michelle.

PHOTOMISTRESS: How and when did you get together as a band?  Were you all always interested in music?

TONY KAKKO: It was our ex-/also new bass player Marko Paasikoski who gathered the players in this band back in 1995/96. I had played with Marko in a very different kind of band before that and then he wanted me to join the band first just as a singer, but then I brought my keyboards with me and the whole thing started sounding good to me too. There has to be keys in my music.

PM: What does your band name signify and how did it come about  (in other words, where did it come from and why did you choose it as a name)?

TK: Well, it really says quite a lot about us. We play this music with some classical influences, maybe, some people say so anyway, and then we come from north, near polar circle. We didn't come up with that our selves. It was our friend after we got the deal that named us.

PM: Being such a young band, have you encountered any of the typical stereotypes of young people?  For example, people not taking you seriously or they don't think you have a clue about the music industry, etc.

TK: It has been merely positive thing for us, so far. Everybody's wondering how so young kids can do just about the same that the older bands like Stratovarius does. I really don't consider myself young anymore (I'm 26) so that whole thing is weird in my opinion. The other guys bring the average age down. Tommy and Jani are 19 and 20. This whole age thing will surely backfire sometime, when people suddenly notice that we are 30. I hope we don't need that age advantage thinking anymore. It just seems to be an issue for many people.

PM: You have been blessed enough to play with Stratovarius on numerous occasions.  How did you get the gigs and how did it turn out?  Are you a fan of theirs?

TK: Yes, we are fans! I've been since 'Visions' and that was the album that got us playing like this in the first place. We were asked to join their European tour (36 shows)before our first album was even out, which was weird.  The tour anyways was a huge success in every way! We got to know many people and places. Perfect first tour!

PM: In ONE word (only ONE), describe each band member (including yourself).

TK: Jani: fingers, Tommy: youngest, Mikko: new, Marko: hilarious, Tony: Tired

PM: Successor was released not too long ago.  Is there a reason it's so impossible to find here?  What does it sound like?

TK: Yes there is. You haven't ordered it from your local music store. We have a deal with Century Media in Europe, but so far I think it has not been expanded to cover US. Sorry. Not our fault. =(

PM: Being that English is not your native language, do you find it difficult writing lyrics?

TK: Not really. I do have a dictionary. Of course there are those lyrical 'flowers' that you have to understand. It hard to find ways of saying things so that they are ok with melody line and also correct.

PM: What inspired you to write "Replica" (my favorite song)?

TK: I wanted to write this song about surviving a personal disaster (war, car accident, what ever). I think I got the inspiration from Metallica's black album. One of my faves as well.

PM: Would you ever like to tour outside of Finland, especially here in the U.S.?  Whom would you like to tour with?

TK: We have done Europe once already and go again with Gamma Ray starting September. US is a bit difficult for bands like us. There are fans, but they are spread so widely all over the country that it's hard to imagine playing bigger places than local malls. =) It would be GREAT though! I hope someday. I'd like to tour with Nightwish or Stratovarius or BOTH!

PM: I know there's a HUGE amount of metal fans and bands in Finland.  Why do you think it's more "popular" to be in a band or be a true metal fan there?  Is there a different mentality over there or something?

TK: What a heck is true metal?! =) That phrase makes me laugh. Yeah, I'm eating true bread and drinking true milk, none of that no-fat shit. AND of course drinking True-Cola with sugar, because light versions are disgrace!  But to answer you question, I don't think we have more metal heads here than anywhere else. We have a lot great bands when you think that we only have a population of 5 million. Everybody always asks this and I don't know the answer.

PM: In a hundred years, after you're dead, would you rather be hatefully remembered or totally forgotten?

TK: Hatefully remembered! HA!

PM: You have an incredibly strong and beautiful voice.  Did you have a vocal trainer?  Or what do you do to keep it in shape?

TK: Thanks (blush). I haven't taken any lessons or anything like that. I should, I know, but I just don't have time and also it's hard to find a proper teacher from here. To keep it in shape I sing as much as I can and try to keep my self in shape. Working out and just keeping your self fit has a very big meaning at least in this kind of music.

PM: What would you most like to happen to your band?

TK: I hope we can have at least one hit song on our career. Album would be great too! Smaller wish is to have a gold disc here in Finland. Finland is the only country that is realistically thinking possible.

PM:  Okay, hun... there are your questions.  Is there a way you can send me a promo photo of you guys?  I would like to use it.  Lemme know.  Talk soon, I hope!

TK: Ok. Nice ones, I might add. Not at all boring! =) Sure I can send you a photo if you like(once we get some first), but in the meanwhile you can freely use all photos on our website www.sonataarctica.com or the ones you can find from Spinefarm's site Take care and shine on! ~Tony

Official Website:  www.sonataarctica.info
For more live photos of Sonata Arctica please click here.