No problem.
First question, how many years have you been playing keyboards? And when you first started, who were some of your major influences?
I've been playing keys for about 8 years, but I had alot of jazz piano before. So all in all about 15 years. Jens Johansson from STRATOVARIUS is pretty much only influence, and lots of classical stuff.
Were you friends with Alexi and the other guys before you joined CHILDREN OF BODOM?
Not really, I knew Jaska from school and he asked for me to play on "Something Wild". After that I became a permanant member.
What could you tell me about "Are You Dead Yet?"
It's very different, yet the same as HCDR I guess. Some industial stuff even some faster songs. But still full of guitar and keyboard solos.
I'm sure you heard alot of fans were making a big deal over the name of the new BODOM album, because they say it's copying the CARNAL FORGE album of a similar title. What's your view on this?
I never knew about them and neither did Alexi, just a weird coincidence. But we're not changing anything.
CHILDREN OF BODOM toured the States a few times last year, were thr tours successful do you think?
Yes. Some shitty venues at times, but we love the States and can't wait to come back.
Any plans to come back anytime soon?
Like maybe end of the summer, some headlining stuff as well. Not sure exact dates though.
What could you tell me about your new solo album?
Well it's the same as the other stuff i guess. The first single is a cover of this 80s song from the dude Rockwell, "Somebody's Watching Me". And Alexi sings it. That's probably the only crazy thing on the album. Everything else is standard from what you'd expect.
What's your favorite BODOM song to play live?
It used to be "Silent Night, Bodom Night"...but now it's "Needled 24/7" I think. It's just the best solo I've written. Maybe this new one called "In Your Face" will be my favorite, but I haven't played it live enough.
How did you and Ralph Santolla become such good friends? You live in different countries and shit. Was it through touring?
Yeah through touring. Ralph's a crazy dude and a great friend. Great producer, he's producing this band from Arizona called SLAVES FOR SCORES which I like alot. The singer is friends with us and when they work with Ralph it's gonna be good stuff.
What is the weirdest thing you've done on a tour?
To many to mention (laughs), but a good one was letting our merch guy come on stage and do a LAMB OF GOD cover on the US tour. That was memerable.
Ok Janne, last question for you today. What's your view on downloading music on the internet?
It's cool to download a song as preview, but buy the fucking album! It's alot of money and time people put into them.
Well Janne, thank you for your time and keep up the kick ass music!!!
Will do, stay heavy!