Interview with Jonne Aaron in Oulu, Finland - English Version

(Negative)

29.12.2006 von Diana Hartmann

Dieses Interview wurde in Zusammenarbeit mit Bizarre Radio durchgeführt. Die deutsche Version des Interviews samt einem kleinen Gewinnspiel könnt ihr daher HIER auf Bizarre Radios Website finden. Ein dickes Dankeschön geht an Alexa und Steffen von Bizarre Radio für die super Zusammenarbeit!

This interview was carried out in cooperation with Bizarre Radio. The German version of the interview as well as a little competition can be found HERE on Bizarre Radio's website. A big fat thank you goes to Alexa and Steffen from Bizarre Radio for the excellent cooperation!

The year 2006 is coming to an end and on a freezing winter day in Northern Finland, Alexa and I had the opportunity to check with Jonne from Negative how things were going three months after the release of their latest album Anorectic and the touring that came with it. On arrival the crew guys told us to just wander to backstage and see the guys, and a little anxiously we knocked on the door to their cosy living-room-like domicile for that evening. All of the band were present, preparing themselves for the show and chilling out. They got pens, papers and stuff to sign from us to keep busy while poor Jonne got pinned down to the sofa in the corner to be bombarded with questions...

Negative and the Anorecticcircus have been on the road for 2.5 months now and you have been rocking stages all over Europe, like Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Finland, as well as in other places like Russia and Japan. How did it all go? Could you give us a short summary about how the last months since the release and the tour start went for you? Your expectations, reactions, personal experiences and things like that

Jonne: Right from the start I have to say, personally, it has been greatest tour so far in our history. I mean all that chemistry between band members and stuff like that. Weve had the best time ever on this tour. And I have to say the release date of Anorectic was really close to Japan tour dates. So maybe the Japanese audience they were more like just checking out what is happening. They didnt know the lyrics yet so well when we were there. But you know, step by step, its been like it has been getting more and more hectic. Especially in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Those shows we have played 16 shows those were the best ones. And in Russia also. We had a great time. They were really fanatic. And of course, also here in Finland some of the shows, but I dont know its more exciting to play outside the borders of Finland, you know. So maybe I would say, it has been great (Christus disturbs and has a short conversation with Jonne in Finnish) Sorry!

Its okay. In our last interview you told me this tour is gonna be your longest. You have been touring for 2.5 months now. Is there anything that is or was completely different this time? I mean for you personally, like your physical or mental condition, or with the band, like the mood, solidarity and expectations

Jonne: Its more easier.

Easier?

Jonne: Yeah, to me personally. I mean, being on the stage, year by year. I mean, maybe theres gonna be some moments some turning point in the future, when its gonna come, you know turn upside down as it is now. But its like the more you do shows the more its getting better. You feel more comfortable and stuff like that. My stage fright Im okay with that in these days.

What else can I say About expectations. We couldnt expect anything for the European tour. And then we had such a big audience when we went over there and we were all surprised about that. I think it was quite positive for our band, because I see it in that way: for our kind of band the best way to build up your fan base is touring and there is no shortcut to any kind of crossover success. You just need to work hard and be patient.

How did you prepare for this tour? It was foreseeable that it would be more difficult for your voice this time

Jonne: Yeah, I was really a little bit nervous about that, because these songs these are much higher than ever before. The songs on Sweet & Deceitful and War of Love, they were more like not so how can I say (asks Larry something in Finnish, Larry answers in English: Breaking the boundaries!) Yeah, breaking the boundaries and these kind of things. So its this time it was more like I really tried to break my limits as a singer. So I was a little bit nervous. But so far its been great.

How do you protect your voice? Do you have a secret recipe, like tea with onion juice or something like that?

Jonne: (smirks) No, I dont have anything like that Of course, I cant drink as much as the other guys on tour, because if Im gonna be in a hangover, the show is gonna be probably not so good. (grins) But I dont know. Anyway, I enjoy the shows more. Its more comfortable to sing when you know all the time whats happening around you. You cant be totally wasted all the time.

Last time I asked you about your favourite song on Anorectic. This time we would like to change the question a little bit and ask you, which song you like best performing, and which one not so much?

Jonne: From Anorectic?

Yes.

Jonne: I like all of them in a different way, because it depends on the day and it depends on the time and everything. You cant just say that there are some songs you dont want to play or dont like to play

Hmm, I meant more, which song is more difficult to sing and which less

Jonne: Ah, okaySinners Night / Misty Morning is really difficult for my voice, because youre going in a high note all the time during this song. But its getting easier and easier to me, because the more I do it, the more I feel like it comes from the soul. You dont need to push so hard. I like that song, because the highest notes you really need to push yourself. And you can hear that.

And you can see it

Christus: Its more a challenge.

Jonne: Yeah, you can, and yeah, its more a challenge. I mean, we want to move on as a band. I want to be a better singer, the guys want to be better players and we want to be a tighter band in the future. So it doesnt make sense to write that kind of song that feels too obvious for you. We want to make opera. Rock opera!

Okay, big plans When you enter the stage, what is the first you see or feel?

Jonne: When Im on stage?

Yeah, when you start the show.

Jonne: I just concentrate to myself during the first song... Im just concentrating. Only Im trying to not forget the lyrics. Im trying to remember the lyrics and its like hmm but after a few songs you feel relieved and then its gonna take you maybe into a better direction, or in a worse. Its like Im trying to entertain myself. Im trying to suck some energy from the other guys also. And after that comes the audience, you know. Maybe I dont know, it depends. Its really difficult to say what Im thinking on stage. It depends If youre having a great time you dont think anything. But if youre not having a so great time youre thinking: What comes next? What can we do better? Because I see it in that way that when theres gonna be a great show its about us 40 to 50 percent. And the audience is the rest. The audience is 50 to 60 percent. And were gonna do our best every time. Its about the audience how the show is gonna be.

When youre on stage, how is it for you to perform songs you wrote when you didnt feel so well? All the feelings and thoughts you had when you were writing, do they come back then and do you feel kind of naked or vulnerable? Or will that not happen, because the situation is completely different then?

Jonne: Of course, its totally different, but sometimes when you get it can be really really, you know, calm and sensitive on stage. And youre this close (shows with two fingers) to break down and cry or whatever. Its really emotional. But not always! But Im trying to get that feeling every time. I try to get that

Even when its not so nice for you to remember?

Jonne: No, I mean in the songs probably the words can easily tell you that theres theyre not so positive. But Im trying to put a lot of hope in the words, so its like to me its not so its of course painful but its more relieving and more like Im singing about that kind of things that Im okay with, that I like to sing about it (thinks)

When its behind you?

Jonne: Yeah, when its behind me. If its just gonna be a too painful subject for a song Im not gonna write it down. I cant write it down. And if Im gonna write it down then I cant sing that on stage. Do you know what I mean?Then I dont want to record that. Its too close to me.

So then youre writing it down but skip it until the time youre over it.

Jonne: Yeah, yeah, I need to take my time to get over it

Hmm, I know what you mean

Jonne: I think we all do in a certain way.

Yeah, I think so, too. For example writing a diary. Write it down when you feel bad and read over it after a certain time. Youll see it in a different way then and it doesnt hurt that much anymore

Jonne: Yeah, maybe you need to write it down and leave it behind for a while and then take it back again in the future

Were now at the topic writing, so we would like to ask you something about song writing and the lyrics on Anorectic. The entire album, the mood, is more aggressive and louder (Jonne agrees) than on the previous ones. This can also be heard in your voice. Is this a way for you to express yourself and to tell the people like fans, friends, band how you feel or does this happen more through the lyrics, or is it a combination of both?

Jonne: Oh, its all those things together I mean, lyrics, how you express yourself and so Hmm This time we tried to create a timeless album. Timeless music! I mean, we didnt try, we didnt push ourselves. It just happened. I mean, it was this album was something I needed to do, something different we wanted to do. In some way we wanted to tell also to people that they should not think that its obvious that there is a band, which is called Negative and belongs to some certain category, you know what I mean... We wanted to tell the people and show them that we are able to do whatever we want. So maybe thats why the album is like a roller coaster. Upside down, upside down and up and down, up and down, with the mood. (moves his hands) And yeah, its not so simple like Sweet & Deceitful, I agree. I think this album, if I have to put it into words, I would say that War Of Love was a collection of demo tapes and Sweet & Deceitful was like a beautiful half sister and Anorectic is the bad half sister

Yeah, we were talking about that in July. Anorectic is the bitchy sister

Jonne: (laughs) Yeah, yeah, the bitchy half brother or sister. And the next one is gonna be the evil stepfather (laughter)

Okay

Jonne: Which is gonna fuck them all! No, Im just kidding (more laughter)

We will see

Jonne: We will see, yeah.

When youre recording and rehearsing new material and the other guys add their work to yours, do you tell them about the meaning of the lyrics and what stands behind them?

Jonne: No, we dont discuss about that kind of things. Actually Im usually hiding my lyrics until Im doing my part.

But I mean, do you make the intention of the song clear to them, so they can try giving their best to reach the special atmosphere the song should have?

Jonne: Hmm No, no. Its not necessary. We all do have a really common language between each other when were working in the studio. Its like its like a magical feeling. It can be, because when you record some new stuff its weird how we find our you know, we have the same kind of imagination. We have the same kind of main target. How is the song gonna sound and how is the song? Is it gonna be purple or green or orange? You know what I mean?

You know each other pretty well and so you know how each of you sees it and puts his part to it.

Jonne: Yeah, yeah, its like that. They can hear it from the melodies and from Its like hmm, its really difficult to explain. But no, I dont explain my lyrics to them like: Hey, this is about when I was 18 years and broke up with my girlfriend. And this is about that We dont talk about it. We all do have hmm I want to keep that open and they dont know about it.

In other interviews you have explained some of your lyrics

Jonne: Yes, probably some. But its like we have talked about how there is a double meaning.

Hmm, I would say you have explained them. For example Swans. You said that its about and for a divorced couple you know.

Jonne: Yeah, it is. Okay. But usually we dont talk about them or discuss them. Its nice to hear how Christus, for example, thinks about In Memoriam. He has his own way he found his own meaning behind that. So all the other guys probably would have something like that, too.

I guess everybody has his or her own understanding when you think of the lyrics.

Jonne: Yes But we dont have any kind of meetings where Im gonna tell them what is the song about.

Have you ever written lyrics for band members or addressed them to them?

Jonne: Yeah, I spied in their lives during the recording sessions of Anorectic. So all the lyrics on this album are not about my life. So they can be anything

Ah, okay. I dont want to go to deep into this topic

Jonne: Because some of them they were going through really difficult times. And that kind of things, you know, not so happy things, do inspire me. I like to spy at peoples lives when Im too happy on my own. I mean, when I feel stable. Not too happy, but stable But yeah, I mean as you told me that I have said something, we have talked about the meaning of our lyrics probably I have said that in another meaning

Hmm, let me think how it was (gives him a short summary of an interview with him and Larry in a German magazine)

Jonne: Yeah, okay.

You explained Swans and some other songs. Sure, we would like to know something about some other songs, but now that we know you dont like to talk about, I dont want to do it

Jonne: I dont want to explain my songs too much, you know. I want to keep that open, otherwise its gonna be too You know what I want to say (gesticulates as if he was writing down something)

Yes, and its okay.

Jonne: I want all the people to find hopefully they will find something in common with their lives. You know what I mean, with the feelings When I hear a great song, or a song that I like, for the first time and Im listening to that over and over again. And if I know directly the story behind a song and the meaning what the singer or the band or songwriter wants to tell it will be it will take some power from that song.

Yes, okay, I think I know what you want to say (explains to him an example of one of their songs on Anorectic how the feeling about this song and the song itself changed after thinking about the lyrics compared to when hearing it for the first time)

Jonne: In Memoriam is too personal for me. I want to keep that for myself, for example. Its like hmm It is like, you know, the feeling. Theres a lot of frustration on Anorectic and some things like in Fading Yourself youre losing your hope and faith and looking for the right direction

Okay, now we have a question, which is not so comfortable for me to ask, because actually its not directly for you. Its more about other people in the band. But I would like to ask it and you can say if you dont want to answer or just answer as much as you want or can

Jonne: Okay.

Youve been talking about problems in various interviews before, and two of your band members have recently mentioned their problems with alcohol and drugs.

Jonne: Hmm

At first glance a rock star life with sex, drugs and rocknroll sounds exciting and fun. But on the other hand a lot of problems can arise when the partying is overdone and you dont or didnt manage to jump off in time. So quite a few fans have noticed by now that some things are maybe not as they should be, because some of the band members currently dont look as if their health condition was one of the best

Jonne: (nods) Hmm

So it has become pretty much obvious and of course that is leading to discussions. We go by that you are aware of those problems, but are you actually also aware of the fact the fans have noticed?

Jonne: I dont know, its just the lives that we live. Its maybe better to talk about it right from the beginning, right from the start so that theres not gonna be any misunderstandings. I mean, we know anything can happen. If somebodys gonna die or whatever You know, there are six members in the band and weve been around now for five years in this group. And we all know already our limits and stuff like that

Okay, its just because it has become sort of obvious to the fans

Jonne: Yeah, there is no glamour

Its not the glamour thing I mean. Its more like how can I say During your tour in Germany it got really obvious to a lot of people that some band members may have a problem with alcohol and drugs. (Jonne nods and listens to a more detailed explanation of things, which would be too long and inappropriate to write down here) Fans have noticed and theyve started to worry and discuss about it. And maybe some of them cant even enjoy the gigs as much as they did before. Theyre thinking about if you can deal with these problems, if you get help from somewhere. Youre on tour now, and there is no time to solve any problems as you should, would, could or whatever

Jonne: (nods) But theyre working. We all are working with our problems when we have some free time. And you know, we all do have our problems. Its like a You cant work with those problems on a tour. You need to concentrate only for the shows

Yeah, thats what I mean. But the thing with these kind of problems is that they become bigger and bigger the longer they last.

Jonne: Hmm, yeah, I know. But its like I know, but I cant live for anybody, you know what I mean, for any other band members. But everything is okay. No need to worry... I mean, think about the bands from the past and these days. They all have done crazy things and took alcohol and drugs, this has always been around.

Somehow it belongs to the rock star life, we dont have to discuss about that. We just thought it could be interesting for you to know that people have recognized and started to discuss and worry about it.

Jonne: I hope that when people come to our shows, that they dont think that kind of things. I hope they come to enjoy their time and have a great time.

Oh, they do, but some of them have the other things in their mind as well

Jonne: Yeah I know, but its something that Theres a lot of people who are having the same kind of problems.

Thats true, but youre also personalities other people pay attention to, so its more obvious

Jonne: Hmm, yeah. Its like We want to come to Thats why we are doing shows. We are trying to entertain ourselves. We are trying to get some kicks from playing. So we really do hope that when people come to our concerts they can forget all their problems, troubles, whatever. That we can take them to some other mood.

Okay, lets go to another topic. With these kind of things in your mind, would you still say that the life as a musician or rock star is the most desirable for you?

Jonne: My life?

Yeah, the life as a musician and with it all the problems that come with it

Jonne: Hmm, its weird, because Im scared of I have this fear to be famous, you know what I mean. Im afraid to be recognized on the street, in a store or wherever. But still, I want to be one more than anything else in my life. I want that Negative is more known than Coca Cola some day! (laughs) You know what I mean...

Yeah... (laughs too)

Jonne: Its a perverse combination. It seems like the longer we are going on this trip, the more Im scared, but still the more I want that what I cant get. You know, its like

Yeah, thats really perverse. (laughs) I mean, the two sides become bigger and bigger

Jonne: Yeah, yeah, but if you put on your right arm those things youre scared of and on the other those you want (shows with his arms and hands) then this (authors note: the left side) is more heavier, you know what I mean. Much more heavier And also the band, Negative, is number one thing in my life, but Im trying also to get some other things in my life outside the band. Theres something else than music also for me. Im trying to get some free time for myself more and more in these days. Its really important. But of course, Im surrounded by music 24 hours. Like when Im having days off at my place, I play acoustic guitar, working with the new ideas and stuff like that

But its also really important to get some friends outside of the band also. And thats why Im trying to hold on to my roots. You know what I mean There are a few of my friends, which have been my friends since I was a teenager. So Im trying to hold on to those friends. Its really important, otherwise Im gonna go nuts, you know what I mean. Its like Im gonna lose myself. There needs to be something else than that also.

I dont live my life through Negative Its just a band and to me its just a big dream that Im able do do in these days And now you realize actually in these days how long weve been doing this. Theres no holidays and stuff like that. Were doing this really hard and for a long time now, since our first single came out. Weve been creeping up the stairs, waiting for the downhill. I dont know, its like Actually we were in the studio last week and the week before that and now were gonna be there next week, also in the studio, working for some new material

Okay. Whats your opinion on fans stalking you like to Finland, to your hotel or apartment or whatever and by this partly entering into your private life, which of course can be unpleasant and awkward. How far do you let them go and what is the point where youd run out of patience and say: Ok, up to here, but not further?

Jonne: Some people might get easily that kind of picture that Im really I can be really rude to people, but I dont want it. I mean, if Im having some free time, for example, at my favourite bar or whatever and then people come to say hello, its ok. When they come to say this. But if somebody comes too close and wants to sit down and talk about something. You know, totally strangers that I dont even know and he or she starts to talk something and Im having a conversation with some of my friends and he or she doesnt understand, then I can get really pissed off.

Its like I try to separate. I understand that wherever I go, especially in Finland, people most of the people recognize me and stuff like that. Its ok, I dont complain, it was my choice. (grins) And Im glad that Im able to do this with the guys what we are doing. But you need to try to separate and get some free time for yourself, as I already told. Sometimes, I cant just say: Sorry, Im having a day off! Im probably too kind for that. You know what I mean... Im just learning it. Im working on it to say no. Im really not so good to say no.

You should learn that, because its important to protect yourself

Jonne: Yes. But there is an asshole side of me also. But Im trying to keep it down. (grins)

(grins too) Im sure youre having this side. Everybody has it and its good to let it out from time to time. Makes you feel better.

Jonne: But I can be really rude. And I need to be Sometimes these fucking morons, they dont understand, especially drunken people. You need to just say: Fuck off! (laughter) If words arent enough, Im gonna hit! (more laughter) No, Im just kidding.

In July you told me about the train and that you didnt know where its gonna lead you. You said it would take you to unknown places and no one knew in which direction it would go when it would start in September. What do you think today? Where has the train taken you and where will it take you? How will it go on?

Jonne: From Asia to Russia. Then to Europe. Hopefully its gonna take us also all over the globe. To new adventures. What else can I say Playing shows is the best part of the whole thing, you know. Thats the main part why we started to do a band, why we keep doing this.

What are the plans for Negative in 2007?

Jonne: Complete Europe. Conquer Europe.

Like Italy and Spain and so?

Jonne: Yes.

But you havent released anything there, have you?

Jonne: Yes, we have, but its like Its not so, how can I say Its okay, but the marketing is not so good from our side. Now Ive done a lot of interviews for Italy and stuff like that. And we are starting our promotion there. Finally, after the third album.

Are there plans to come back to Germany?

Jonne: Yes, were gonna come. Probably five to six shows, I dont know yet In the spring. And theres gonna be Italy, Spain, Greece and so on. You know, thats why Im doing promotion, finally, for Italy also. Because I know that theres been a lot of really fanatic fans and fan clubs, since weve started.

You have them in The Netherlands, Spain and everywhere. The Spanish ones, really, they are everywhere!

Jonne: Yes, the Spanish ones, since we started! I mean, we NEED to get there. Im gonna be a fat old man when Im gonna be there otherwise, and make a disappointment for them, like: Oh, these are old pictures (laughter)

I dont know, its like a I dont know any positions. I believe that wherever a band is going and people come to see our concerts that kind of things lead to another point. You know, before that we cant be big anywhere. To be on the stage, thats the best part, the strong part. People understand much better.

A lot of Finnish bands are going to the States

Jonne: Were not going to the States yet. We have a lot of work to do in Europe and Asia.

You have Germany now and thats a good point to go to other countries

Jonne: We dont have enough yet in Germany. We need more radio rotation.

Yeah, thats the problem. For example your last video. (authors note: Planet Of The Sun) It was played at Viva Plus, but this channel isnt sending all time in every part of Germany, like MTV or Viva do. But there it hasnt been played

Jonne: I dont know I mean its like a fucking combination with so many things

You said something about your plans touring in other parts of Europe. What about Scandinavia?

Jonne: Scandinavia we will do Sweden and Denmark and Norway but now we concentrate only for Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Finland.

So there are no plans as of yet?

Jonne: No. When were gonna be number one in Germany, then were gonna do a Scandinavian tour.

Okay. Scandinavia is different as well. Sweden is easier, but

Jonne: Yeah. Sweden follows Germany, its like a

Yeah, but Norway is very difficult, and Denmark as well. Hardly anyone is going over there
Anyway, will there be a new single in Germany, too? Because you didnt release Sinners Night / Misty Morning there.

Jonne: Sinners Night is not gonna be released in Germany Its gonna be available on internet, you can download that video from there. And in the next month, or the month after that, theres gonna be a new single, hopefully.

Was it your decision to not put it out in Germany or was it the label?

Jonne: Yeah, its the label. All the decisions Those are that kind of things that we are not able to do anything with. You know, we just cant be like that, because we havent sold a million copies in Germany yet. So its about the label...

Here we had to end a little abruptly, since we already had doubled our time and the crew was calling the guys to start with their soundcheck. Jonne still took a couple more minutes to fill out his questionnaire and we got to hand over and explain our little present too. After we managed to find out of backstage again we got to listen to the soundcheck before a little later doors opened and the fans, some of whom had been waiting in the freezing cold already since the morning, streamed in.

The show to come was one of the best we've had seen of Negative they were really on form that night. A totally energetic, bright and sparky band that performed a gig to remember.

We would like to thank Playground/Welldone for the possibility to have this interview, Kimmo for sorting out things for us on the spot, the band for being so patient with us and last but not least a big thank you to Jonne, for being a friendly and attentive interview partner we know we've given him a bit of a hard time with this one...