[The Rasmus] Exclusive interview with ‘Lauri’

SUNRAY MAGAZINE has the big pleasure to interview ‘Lauri Ylönen’ the leader of one of the most famous and huge Rock bands from Finland “The Rasmus”
The band was formed in 1994 in Helsinki while its members were in high school.
They rose to prominence in 2003 when their fifth album “Dead Letters” and its first single “In The Shadows” were released. The album and single sold more than 1 million copies worldwide.

During all these years the band released several successful albums, last year, was part of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the beautiful single “Jezebel”.
Before they visit Latin America, Lauri takes his time to talk with us about the band career and give us a little advance about what we`ll enjoy at their concert here in Argentina next May 22 at the Teatro Flores and LATAM.

Hi, Lauri thank you so much for this interview.
SUNRAY: Lauri talk to us, about how started this adventure, to former a rock band when you were a teenager.

Lauri: We were school mates before starting The Rasmus. I went to the same class with Eero from the third grade onwards. I was 10 years old playing drums in a band where Eero played bass. The Rasmus was formed in 1994 when we were on the eigth grade in junior high. We played our first gig at school’s Christmas party. There was a scene for bands but noone sounded like us. Our music was combinagion of Grunge and Funk. I felt like I had come home when Rasmus was formed. It was a cool feeling to be in a band and belong to something.

SUNRAY: Who were Your Biggest Influences?

Lauri: In the beginning our biggest influences as a band were Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and Metallica. But personally was listening also pop bands like The Beatles to whom I own a lot for my melodies. There was a time when I was listening a lot of rap music too. Artist like Cypress Hill, ICE T and so on.

SUNRAY: I remember when I was a teen girl, the first time I listened to your track “In The Shadows”, the song blew my mind! The people loved it, selling more than 1 million copies. How was that moment for the band?

Lauri: It was an incredible moment for us. For almost a decade we had been releasing music and working hard for success. When it finally came it hit us really hard. For the first time we had a change to play all around the world. We were living our dream!

SUNRAY: What’s Your Songwriting Process?

Lauri: Songs are born in different ways. Sometimes they take years to develope to be something good enough to be released. For example our song ”Ten Black Roses” was a classical guitar piece I had composed ten years earlier. But then sometimes songs come together in just minutes like ”Jezebel”. I keep recording little melodies and lyrics in my phone every day. Most of it is unusable crap but 10% could be very useful. I never know when inspiration hits, it can be anywhere or any time of the day.

SUNRAY: During all these years, you released several albums and singles, What is your favorite song to perform?

Lauri: I have enjoyed singing ”Funeral Song” it’s one of the most personal ones for me. Usually I’m alone on stage singing together with the audience and the rest of the band have a break. It’s a magical moment. I also like to play rockier songs like ” Night after Night” and ”Immortal”.

SUNRAY: The fans in Argentina and Latin America are so excited and waiting for your visit, What can you advance us about the next concerts?

Lauri: We’ll play a few songs from the new album for sure but also want to introduce some older songs from the past. We think our past and our roots play an important role in the present moment. Almost thirty years in this band had made us who we are musically and as people. We should listen to that. And be proud of it.

SUNRAY: What is one message you would give to your fans?

Lauri: We miss you guys and super happy to see you again in May!! Thank you for being so patient!!

The Rasmus will be performing in Argentina next May 22 at the Teatro Flores, Tickets on Sale
www.passline.com/eventos/the-rasmus-22-de-mayo
Produce Hellnois Booking, California Sun
Press HP Prensa.

Latin America Tour dates
09.5.2023 Monterrey, Foro Didi, Mexico
10.5.2023 Guadalajara, C3 Stage, Mexico
12.5.2023 Mexico City, Pepsi Center
14.5.2023 Bogota, Royal Center
16.5.2023 Quito, Teatro Nacional Casa De La Cultura
18.5.2023 Lima, Perù
20.5.2023 Santiago, Teatro Cariola
22.5.2023 Buenos Aires, El Teatro Flores
Tickets on Sale
www.therasmus.com

Interview by Maria Fernanda Capici
Special thanks to Taína Franzén (Backbone Management)

Photo by Venla Shalin