H.E.A.T

Last Saturday H.E.A.T were having a concert in Tampere and we had the chance to meet some of the band members for a little chat. How drummer Crash describe their music? What are the favorite songs of the 80’s from Jona, Jimmy and Crash? All answers can be found here:

How did you come up with your band name? And what does “H.E.A.T” mean or stands for?

Crash: Well, we started visualizing by the end of January 2007, when we started H.E.A.T. And you know it stands for something H.E.A.T, but what it stands for we never tell. It’s a secret.

So my second question will be left without an answer?

Crash: We gonna release that soon.

Describe your music in 3 words.

C: True. Hard. Melodic.

You just released a live album “Live in London”. Why did you choose to London to record a live album and not Sweden?

C: Actually, it was the record label that choose London. And we just found out after it was recorded. Everything on the tour was recorded. The record company thought that London would be a cool place to release a show.

Did your song writing process changed during the years? And if so how?

C: Yeah a lot. I think nowadays, we are more open minded. We listen a lot what’s going on. Today there is more modern stuff, new stuff, different stuff, harder stuff. Just more open minded. We listen a lot to Rammstein, excellent German band. And we try to steal bits here and there. When we started the band, it was mostly about the 80’s melodic rock music.

How did the dynamics of the band changed after the change of the lead singer?

C: In a really good way, actually. I think we are tighter as group now. Once together, we are like a family. It is we against the world. And we feel like a more united force than ever.

And how long did you need to get used to each other?

C: Just a few weeks.

You are a successful band and were touring through Europe and also USA last year. What do you think was the reason for your success?

C: I think it is, we play a lot. We rarely say no to a gig. We just go out there and rock.

How do you see the music business in 10 years?

C: I have no idea, but I am curious how it gonna be.

In your opinion: Do you think there are still real rock bands á la AC/DC or Metallica nowadays?

C: Yeah I think there will be some on that level. Some of us will raising. But who’s gonna reach the top, I don’t know. At the top you have the old guys. But when they are gone, I don’t know who is gonna replace, but somebody will.

Do you have any rituals before a show? Which one?

C: Yeah sure. We always shake hands before we go on stage. We try to ignite the force of green wall. We scream green wall power. We need that to keep on going. Actually, we shake hands on those stages, is stolen from Titanic. When the ship is thinking, there is the band that plays classical music and they shake hands. That’s a gesture.

What was the weirdest location you had a gig?

C: I don’t know. We played a lot of gigs. Well we played in a cave. It was not a real gig but it was a party and we went up and played. It was a cave, they had a bar, illegal bar, with no security. It was just crazy. It was an old military cave that was hidden on the ground. When you came to the cave, you just see a guy smoking. It is dark, totally dark. And the entrance was a heavy metal door.

Keyboarder Jona and Bassist Jimmy joined the interview.

Where do you get your inspiration for your songs?

Jona: From Jacuzzis in Finland… I guess from everywhere like everyday situations, stuff that happens in your life.

What kind of music or songs did your parents “torture” you? Or did you like that songs/music and still listen to those?

C: My dad “tortured” me with Deep Purple. So I grew up with Deep Purple.

Jo: My parents showed me Swedish dance music. We listen to it in the car when we are on vacation.

Was there a special moment that influenced you to make music? Which ones?

C: For me it was the first time on stage. I was blown away. It was just awesome. When you do that in front of an enthusiastic crowed, it’s like wow. The energy you get is better than every drive in the world.

Jo: For me it was when I saw some bands on Swedish television when I was ten. And I saved money to buy all the albums.

Ji: I got naturally into it. I have been always a fan of music. And I was wondering how it would be to be in a band. And now I am in a band and I love it.

When did you start making music?

C: For me it was in school at some point. I was 13 years old.

Jo: My parents got me piano lessons because you needed to play an instrument.

C Now when you mentioned it. My grandmother got me piano lessons when I was 7 years old. I only played the piano for a year. I hated it. I sold the piano and bought a drum kit.

What is your favorite song from the 80’s?

C: this is a really boring answer but “Living on the prayer” from Bon Jovi.

Jo: Uhhh…. I would say “Aces High” from Iron Maiden.

Thank you guys for your time!

In Finnish/Suomeksi

In German/In Deutsch

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