After spending much of the last few years turning out a wealth of rich and mesmerising delights, Finnish outfit Aves are now back once again to deliver their eagerly-awaited new album 'Transformations'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'Silent Solitude', 'Hunting Points' and 'Jaguar', this new ten-track collection makes for an incredibly rich and dynamic listen. Brimming with a warm and illustrious atmosphere that ebbs and flows throughout, 'Transformations' continues their ascent as one of the more spellbinding names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Joonas: Probably the piano or the mellotron.
Antti: My older cousin and uncle played the drums, so I was inspired to start as well. I still do love a bit of banging on the drums.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Joonas: I’ve had many different periods of musical discoveries in my life. I remember listening to Beach Boys and The Beatles in elementary school. Also some Sabrina and Samantha Fox were in the mix. During high-school it was hip hop like De La Soul and MC Solar mixed in with 2Unlimited and U96 but as I aged Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, The Chemical Brothers. Nirvana, Massive Attack and The Prodigy were on high rotation.
Antti: Initially, I listened to a wide variety of music that my parents and sister enjoyed, including artists like Madonna, Tina Turner, and New Kids on the Block. However, as I began to develop my own musical preferences, I found myself drawn to grunge artists such as Temple Of the Dog, Soundgarden, and Nirvana.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Jooonas: If I remember correctly me and my older brother got to pick a vinyl and I picked Kiss - Peter Criss album., I think I was 6. I think it was mostly for the cover art as he looked like a cat.
Antti: I think it was a cassette of Michael Jackson's Thriller album that I got from my late uncle.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There are so many, but to name a few Elton John - Tiny Dancer, David Bowie - Life On Mars, Radiohead - Paranoid Android, Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody and Jon Hopkins - Open Eye Signal.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Joonas: Either wanting to experiment with an idea I’ve been walking around with for some time or the other is procrastinating for as long as possible until the inevitable deadline.
Antti:I try to read some inspirational books and meditate just to get into the right mood. Then usually I have some drum beats or riffs I have been inspired by and start working some chords and melodies on top of those.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Joonas: Some artists that I keep going back to are Beach House, Jon Hopkins.
Antti: I seem to always go back to all these 60’s 70’s artists like Fleetwood Mac, Cream, The Who, David Bowie and so on… Also Vangelis is something I often listen to.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Tame Impala, Caribou, those which come first to mind, but there are so many.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Joonas: Getting to create something out of nothing that has the potential to touch and make a difference in people’s lives. Music is such an important aspect in life so it feels good to be able to give back.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Joonas: Not knowing when a song is ready which can lead to an endless amount of tweaking.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Joonas: Never give up.
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Aves' new album 'Transformations' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.