“Emppu” Suhonen Interview
We have the big pleasure to interview the Finnish Rock Star, a talented and lovely Guitarist of The Rasmus band “Emppu” Suhonen.
Today takes her time to talk with us, about her beginnings as a guitarist, The Rasmus, solo music, and more…
SUNRAY: Hi Emppu! What made you want to become a musician?
Emppu: My big brother started to play guitar and I wanted to follow his lead. I was 5 years old and my arms were too short for a full-size guitar so my parents bought me a small acoustic guitar and I started classical lessons. Since then I knew what I wanna do in life. I don’t even remember thinking about any other options.
SUNRAY: Who Are Your Biggest Influences?
Emppu: Well obviously my brother but also my parents. They didn’t force me to choose a traditional occupation. Instead, they have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. I don’t have any big musical influences. I admire every musician who’s following their path and I get inspired by all kinds of music and different genres.
SUNRAY: You are currently the guitarist of the famous Finnish band The Rasmus, I’m sure you admired the guys since your teenage, how did you feel when the band called you?
Emppu: I was of course surprised but also very grateful and happy when they contacted me. But now that I think about it, it’s pretty natural and logical. We grew up in the same neighborhood, we have similar backgrounds, we enjoy the same things in music and life, and so on. It was super easy to become part of this new family.
SUNRAY: What is your favorite song to perform?
Emppu: Oh no, this is so hard to answer. I have many favorites and it also changes. But one of my all-time favorites must be In My Life. The riff is just so fun to play!
SUNRAY: What techniques do you use to play guitar?
Emppu: Well at first I have to say I’m not that technically orientated musician. I have a classical background and I have been playing guitar professionally since I was a teenager. That being said, I’d like to see my instrument as a tool for creating beautiful and interesting stuff. I don’t practice to be fast, I practice to be able to create moods and feelings, to tell a story. Expressing emotions through music is my best technique. How I use my pick is not that relevant to me.
SUNRAY: What three qualities make a good guitarist?
Emppu: Patience, patience, and patience. Becoming great takes time. I have been playing for 32 years and still have a lot to learn.
SUNRAY: Can you talk to us about your career as a solo artist and the new single “Melissa”?
Emppu: I wrote that song after a special moment with this girl, Melissa. She’s been a fan for years and she always comes to see my gigs. A few years ago I was pretty lost and didn’t know what to do next. When I was talking with her, I suddenly understood that I’m already there. My music was so important to her. I don’t need huge success to be successful in life. I just need to keep going, writing my music, playing my guitar, and singing. There will always be that one person who’s listening.
SUNRAY: What is the best advice you could give to a young ambitious musician who is looking to develop and further his career in this sector?
Emppu: It’s important to follow your path and not to be looking only at streaming numbers or stuff like that. Sometimes it feels like people nowadays want everything fast ne easy. They forget how many hours it takes to be good, how many bad songs you have to write before writing an awesome song, and how many times you have to fall. Great things do happen, but you have to be ready to work for it. And be patient.
SUNRAY: What´s next for you with your solo music, and with The Rasmus?
Emppu: With The Rasmus we’re doing festival shows in Finland this summer and then start making the next album. Lauri is already writing the songs and they’re pretty damn great! I’m super super excited to be part of this album from the very beginning.
My solo album is already done and it’s gonna be released 25th of August this year.
www.instagram.com/emppu_suhonen
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP8JBf-6sac (Melissa Video)
www.instagram.com/therasmusofficial/
Interview by Maria Fernanda Capici
Photos by Carli NoLimit
