Jakko Eino Kalevi's latest album, entitled "Out Of Touch", was released in 2018. Since then he has toured a bit, found some time to relax and also finished a mini album. We contacted him before his home appearance at Flow Festival in Helsinki on Saturday, August 10, and he talked to us about all the above.
MixGrill: How is your summer going so far? Do fewer gigs mean new music is coming soon?
Jaakko Eino Kalevi: Yes, it's nice to relax in the summer. And actually there is a mini album coming up in the autumn. So, you got that right.
MG: It's been more or less a year since your latest album was released. How do you feel looking back to it? Is there anything you would change?
JEK: Not really, but of course they grow when you play them live. You come up with new parts and things like that. Also, I'm very happy with the mastering of the new upcoming mini album, so maybe I would do the mastering with this guy. I am one of those who believe in the power of mastering.
MG: How do you feel about its reception so far?
JEK: I don't really read the reviews usually, but I think it's been good. Especially I was surprised when we toured in the US supporting Kero Kero Bonito. The response was great, although I feel our music is very different.
Jaako Eino Kalevi at Plisskën Festival 2015 in Athens. Photo: Dimitris Dimopoulos
MG: You are playing at Flow Festival in August. How was your last experience there?
JEK: I think the last time I played there were a lot of guests, including Inés the original "Macho" singer and Suad. It was good, but I think it could've been later.
MG: Do you or did you use to attend festivals as a visitor/music fan? Do you feel close to the "festival culture"?
JEK: I have almost always been playing at the festivals I have been to. Festivals seem nice and little bit more "wild" than concerts, but it's kind of problematic too. There are so many people and as a visitor you can't usually chill anywhere. It can be a very intense experience.
MG: There are several great artists in the lineup of Flow Festival, young and older. Are you planning or hoping to catch the set of anyone?
JEK: Yes, I think so. Probably Tame Impala, The Cure, Stereolab and Khruangbin.
MG: Which artists of our era would you say are your favourite or inspire your music?
JEK: Vilunki [3000] & [Timo] Kaukolampi definitely and Jimi Tenor.
MG: Do you live in Finland these days, or elsewhere? How do you think your descent affects your music?
JEK: I also live in Berlin. It's difficult to say how it affects my music, but it definitely does. Each city has it's own grind.
MG: You've already played in Greece twice. What's your impression so far? Do you see any differences compared to Finland when it comes to venues or fans?
JEK: It's been very good both times. Kind of a similar crowd to Finland, strangely, I would say. Not too crazy, but more in the listening side. I'm like that, too, usually.
MG: There still are a lot of people here (i.e., in Greece) who don't know your music. How would you describe it to them?
JEK: It's pop! It's hip! It's happening!
MG: And what would you say to Finnish people? Why should they come to the Balloon stage for you?
JEK: Because it's a day after my birthday and my band is very tight! And it is the best stage of the festival!
MixGrill will be reporting from Flow Festival that takes place from the 9th to the 11th of August in Helsinki.
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