It is December 2007, and here is an interview I have conducted with Annika (pictured), vocalist with the Finnish band 'FOR SELENA AND SIN'. I enjoy this band's music, and their cd "Overdosed On You" received an 8.5/10 review here at Ravenheart Music. The cd is a worthy purchase, believe you me. Annika gladly gave us an interview, and a lovely girl she is too.
Hi Annika,
Many people here in the UK would not have heard of you. Tell me a little about how you arrived at the name FOR SELENA AND SIN and a little about the band's history?
Annika: The story of For Selena and Sin began in 2004 when Pasi and Teemu decided to make music more calm and emotional. So the first steps regards For Selena and Sin was taken. After the band was completed with the whole line-up and having composed and arraged songs, it was time to make the first demo. And soon, the potential of For Selena and Sin was noticed by Mascot Records and the deal was made. Their former singer left the band in spring 2006 and that's when I joined the band. About a month later from my arrival, the studio recordings started and six months later the record was finished.
Selene is the goddess of the moon, and Sin is the god of the moon in Greek mythology. The name of Selene took shape in Selena because of the easier pronouncing and so the name of our band was born. I think the night and the light of the moon and the contrast between them describes our music quite well..Maybe that idea is in our band's name.
We all know about those massive rockers NIGHTWISH, but by and large, what is the female fronted music scene like in Finland?
Annika: In the last few years, the female fronted metal scene has grown a little here in Finland. Nowadays there's quite many and very different kinds of metal bands with female vocalists, but only a few bands are known or have a record deal. Nightwish has been a leader in this female fronted metal scene and I'm very pleased and proud that they've succeeded abroad too. I think there's still room for many bands in Finland, and maybe throughout the whole world.
Your debut album "Ovedosed on You" on Mascot Records is a very good album, can you tell me more about the songs on the record, and the label that has released it?
Annika: Mascot Records is a Dutch label and has several artist and bands, so it's a big company. One of the main reasons why the record deal was made with Mascot Records was that they have good connections with many European countries, so it would be easier for us to conquer the whole of Europe ;)
Do you have any preferred tracks and why?
Was the recording of your debut album simple?
Annika: The recording sessions were very interesting. Even though I had only a month to practise all the songs, I didn't find it hard or difficult. I just was so excited to be in a band and to record for the first time in my life! Of course the days were long and everything was new to me, but it was all fun. We did quite a lot of backing vocals so it took suprisingly much time. That's why the recordings lasted for that long. I'm very pleased about the album. The songs are made with care, heart and honesty. Every song is ownkind. I think that's the reasons why our music is hard to put into some specific gategory. I think you can find your favorite song, even though you may listen to pop, rock or metal music. My own favorite songs are 'Satellites' and 'Million Miles High'. 'Satellites' has a great feeling, there's pain and emotion. 'Million Miles High' is fast and catchy and it's fun to sing in the gigs.
My reaction to your cd has been a good one, and I gave it an impressive review on my site. Do you know what other reactions you have received to the album so far?
Annika: We have received quite many good rewiews and feedbacks. The common reaction has been very good and we are very pleased about that. In Finnish Inferno Magazine we have been "the album of the month" and in many other rewiews we have received a lot encouraging comments. Too many rewiewers, especially in Europe, our album has been a positive suprise for them!
Well I must say, it was a pleasant surprise to me! Have you or any other members of the band been involved with any other musical projects that you would like to let us in on?
Annika: The guys have played black metal and have recorded a few albums years back. I've been singing for all my life, but never been in a band before. I've just been singing to myself and neighbours..:)
Despite Within Temptation making waves here recently (thanks to Roadrunner Records getting behind this band), the female fronted rock/metal scene here in the UK could be stronger. What are your expectations of the rock/metal scene as a whole in mainland Europe and indeed the UK? And would you hope to tour here in the UK if given the opportunity?
Annika: I think the rock/metal scene is very good in Europe. I don't think for a female fronted rock/metal band it's that difficult because there are many famous rock/metal bands with female vocalists that come from Europe. But I think it is harder to get any notice in the UK because the pop music culture is so strong, and yet on the other hand, you have so many legendary rock bands there that for a female it's very difficult to compete with these heavymen..;) But of course if we had a chance, we will come to your country at any time! I think it would be worth trying!
Musically and spiritually who/what are your inspirations?
Annika: For Selena and Sin's inpirations, they come from feelings that been gone through, pain, joy, despirations and hope. Basically from everyday life. Musical influences are all good music, it really doesn't matter if it is metal, rock or pop music. But, I guess the boys have listened to bands like Theatre of Tragedy, Tiamat and Paradise Lost before they started writing songs for this band.
And what are your plans for the future?
Annika: Our plans are to do a lot of gigs in Finland and tours in Europe and maybe outside Europe too. And of course make more records and have some success that could help us to make music many years ahead
Finally is there anything that you would like to say to anybody across the world, and in particular to the UK?
Annika: I hope we'll see you at gigs in the UK some day! And do have warm and peaceful Christmas season! And keep on rocking!
Thank you Annika!! For Selena And Sin can be found at www.myspace.com/forselenaandsin . This band are awesome and are sure worth checking out for fans of the genre, and by and large by anyone who may be curious. "Overdosed On You" can be ordered from your indie rock/metal retailer. But I know that Steve at ST Records in Dudley UK (+44 (0)1384 230726) should be able to get it for you. Remind him it's on Mascot Records.
Dave Smith (Aug 1, 2008)