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Interview with
Jarmo Pääkkönen
(Lead Vocals - Excalion)

Jarmo Pääkkönen - Excalion


Interviewed by Brian Rademacher
Date: May 26th, 2005

http://www.excalion.com

Jarmo, thanks for taking time out to talk with us at www.rockeyez.com.
Hi everyone!

What was the first record you bought?
I think that it was “Creatures of the Night” from Kiss. I was twelve then.

What was the first concert you attended?
I went to see Stratovarius in the ninth grade.

What kind of kid were you in school?
I was reckless and wild.

Did you collect anything as a young man?
I have never collected anything.

What CD was the last CD you listened to? Not counting “Primal Exhale.”
Now I am listening Bon Jovi´s 'New Jersey' album.

What was the very first band you started singing with?
I was in a band called Slave of Wisdom; we played Iron Maiden’s style of music.

Did you record any material before Excalion and can fans get them?
I have done some recordings, but I really don’t want them to be published. Sorry.

Tell us what it was like at your first rehearsal joining Excalion?
I don’t recall what our first rehearsal was like. Chaotic, I suppose.

Your first demo came in 2001 called “Forlorn. How has the music from that demo changed from the new release Primal Exhale”?
Primal Exhale is more professional and a higher quality record and the guys have developed a lot than from the time of the Forlorn demo.

Why do you think Sound Riot Records signed Excalion and what song made up their mind?
I think that when they saw our potential, they believed that we could make a good record. “Stage of lies” was the song that did it.

Did you ever sing in school or church chorus?
In elementary school, I sang in the choir and at some parties. Sometimes I sang also alone.

Your voice is spectacular. Who would you compare your voice to?
It is tough to say, but I would say that Timo Kotipelto could be the closest one.

“A Moment in the Spotlight” is just an amazing tune. Do you feel that will be a breakout song for Excalion?
I agree that "A Moment in the Spotlight” is a very good song. It has hit potential, so it is possible.

What is your favorite song to sing off the new CD?
It depends on what kind of mood I’m in at the moment, but in general I like listen to “Dire Waters”.

I just finished up my review on your upcoming release “Primal Exhale”. It has received a fantastic rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. Do you read reviews?
Very rarely.

Can you give us your impression of each member of Excalion?
They ALL are really very good guys.

After the release what are the plans for Excalion?
We are going to practice a lot and hopefully do a lot of gigs. Later on this year we are going to record some new demo songs for our second album.

Will you tour in the USA?
I hope that someday we will. It would be great. But it depends on many things before we can come to USA - tour managers and things like that.

You guys look so young on the inner sleeve of the CD. Do people believe you’re part of the band?
Yes, I believe.

What is the wildest thing that has happened on stage?
I don’t have very much live-experience, so nothing big has happened yet.

If you had a chance to tour in the US with another band who would that be?
Hard to say, but maybe Stratovarius or Bon Jovi.

What is your feeling about autograph seekers?
Everyone does what they want.

What makes Jarmo pissed off?
People who are slow and lazy.

Were there any songs that did not make it to the new CD?
No, songs for the album were chosen at an early stage. We have a few old songs, but we don’t play them anymore.

If you had three wishes what would they be?
Too hard to answer, sorry.

I am going to say a few words. Tell us your impressions.

Excalion very potential band.

Sound Riot Records – Rodrigues Brothers.

Contract – Hard to get.

War – Sad thing.

Recording – Perfection.

Dream – Sleep.

Dislike – Lazy people.

Childhood – Very interesting time.

A day off – Relaxation.

Jarmo would you like to say anything in conclusion to our interview?
Thanks for the interview and the good review. Check out "Primal Exhale", it will rock!

 

 
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