Jyri Vahvanen - Guitar/Lyrics
Q.
How has the addition of Tomi Mykkanen and Timo Honkanen changed the band from a creative standpoint?
A.
The spirit in Battlelore has rose a lot. Now we don't have to suffer the depressive mood, which was around with Miika and Patrik. That's because we all knew that in a long run it wouldn't work but we still tried on. It is most delightful to work with Tomi and Timo because their fresh energy and eagerness affects in all of us. The creativity in band is better than ever.
Q.
Battlelore is getting more popular all the time. Where does the band go from here as far as the 4th record?
A.
We don't really think those things a lot, but of course it would be great to have chance to make bigger tours and play also in over sea countries. Hopefully our popularity stays and we'll reach a lot of new fans.
Q.
Many European bands such as Nightwish and Leaves Eyes are beginning to break into the American music scene. What do you think about playing in the United States?
A.
Personally I would love to play there, but all the arrangements and everything have to be well prepared and planned. According to our feedback, we have a lot of fans in States so it would be raelly nice o get a chance to play to them and meet them.
Q.
You have toured with many great bands, What is your favorite tour experience?
A.
There are good things in every tour, but the most favourite tour was our first one. We shared our nightliner with Sirenia and Trail of Tears and they were really nice guys/girls and we became a good friends with them. The arrangements on that tour weren't over the top, but the people and the spirit was extra ordinary.
Q.
European bands play a large number of festivals with thousands of people. Do you prefer to play the large crowds or smaller clubs?
A.
Both are fine for us. But maybe if you are playing in a middle of the hot summer day on open air stage, the atmosphere isn't that intensive than in a dark club. But to play open air festival gig for thousands of people at night, it is awesome!
Q.
Now more about Battlelore themselves. When you step on stage, at what level do you become the character you play?
A.
Right when I got my guitar, I'm quite far from my ordinary self. Some people have said to me that I'm totally like a different person when I'm on and off stage and that's good. For me playing live is the true escape from the reality and from daily routines and this boring greyness. I'm sure that it is the same thing with the people in our audience.
Q.
Has Battlelore had any bad experiences from crowds or fans due to the theme of the band?
A.
Some times we have heard some shouting from the crowd, but mostly the people have came to see our band and knows what to expect. We don't have any urge to argue with anybody so usually we'll answer all that crap with humour. We have self-irony with us and people have their rights for their opinions so I don't see any problem in that.
Q.
I find Battlelore to be an incredibly imaginative and unique band. What inspires you other than Middle Earth?
A.
As a band we use Tolkien's Middle-earth theme as our main source of inspiration and obviously we all are very much into metal music scenes. Of course the ancient mythologies have always been very interesting, but we aren't that much into those. Finnish nature and pagan-lifestyle affects in me a lot and I'm also a big roleplaying fan. I've been playing and being a gamemaster over 15 years for now and I'm still going strong with rpg's.
Q.
On a personal level, what do the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien mean to you?
A.
For me his pioneer work with fantasy literature and all the details and exact history of Middle-earth really blow me out. No other writer haven't create a fantasy world like that with all the languages, races, history etc. out from nothing. Nowadays most of the writers are copying his work in a way or another.
Q.
What is something you would like people to get from your music?
A.
It would be great if they could share the same feelings what I get from my music. The escapism from everyday life and mind views from Tolkien's Middle-earth. Most of all I'm doing this for my self and it is a great thing that I have reached so many people with my art. It gives me a lot.