Bad Religion, the legendary punk rock band from Los Angeles, was not born yesterday: the band celebrates its thirtieth anniversary this year. But instead of feeling their age, the punk rockers are angrier and more zealous than ever, says guitarist Greg Hetson, interviewed on his day off in California.

— We’ve got energy in abundance. Where does this passion come from? I don’t think it comes from anywhere in particular. We just love playing. This used to be a favourite pastime that turned into a job, and what could be better than that.

(lisää…)

Valtteri Pöyhönen, a member of Dalindéo and Five Corners Quintet, now leads Ricky-Tick Big Band who, in mid-July, will pack their horns, whistles and drums into their gig bus and come to Ilosaarirock Festival bringing their great jazz groove with them.

— Our band plays world-class big band music based on true jazz traditions. We’ve got the best young jazz musicians in Finland. However, we stay true to traditions. I believe big band music is all about extroversion, approachability, rhythm, dance and intensity.

(lisää…)

Boban and Marko Markovic, father and son, are recognised as two of the leading trumpeters in Serbia. Their big band, the Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar, has carried the mantle of the leading band in Serbia since the 80s. I interviewed them about their festival experiences and the trumpet, among other things.

I was very excited to hear that the Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar is coming to the Ilosaarirock music festival this summer. What is the orchestra currently up to?

Marko and Boban

Marko: The orchestra is living one of the busiest moments ever. We would like to continue working with Shantel (we’ll play with him and his Bukovina Orchestra on the 17th of August in Guca), Calexico and Paolo Fresu. As well as with the project Il terrone, l’ebreo e lo zingaro with Roy Paci and Frank London. I recently played a concert with Hüsnü Şenlendirici in Istanbul and I would really appreciate having some time in the studio with him.

We have many plans. I am a volcano of ideas and I am supported by the whole crew. We are in search for new collaborations because we think they are a huge enrichment for an artist. I just recorded with the band DelaDap from Vienna and in the near future we’ll present an important project which involves us and another very famous band. It is a competition. I can’t say more than this for the moment.

(lisää…)