What is your name?
Markus Saastamoinen
What is your genre of music?
A mix of alternative, hard & melodic rock, with a few twists & turns thrown in!
Give us a little bio about you.
I’ve been playing music since the age of 8, joining my 1st band in my late teens. I wrote my 1st song at the age of 16 (it was terrible!) and have written and recorded many songs either under my name or in various bands. I’ve been lucky to work with some outstanding and wonderful musicians and producers over the years, culminating in a fruitful relationship with Peter “Reggie” Bowman (Southern Sons, Virgil Donati) over the last few years!
What made you go into music?
I was born into music. My Dad sung in the Finnish Army Cadet Choir, and both of my older sisters sing and play organ/keyboards. Music is in my blood…it’s who I am
Who are your influences?
Queen and Van Halen are my 2 major influences. I also grew up with Mozart, Beethoven and Sibelius on in the house. Muse have been an influence too
Are you signed?
I’m fully independent. It gives me the freedom to do what I want when I want
You released your new single ‘Crazy’, tell us more about the single.
“Crazy” was written about how the world has gone severely off balance over the last couple of years. We’re constantly at each other’s throats over the smallest thing, especially of course over the last couple of years.
What is the meaning behind the single?
For some reason, we’ve stopped caring for each other, stopped looking out for one another. We’ve chosen to be acrimonious, chosen to hate instead of love. When did this happen and why? Hopefully we can turn the tide.
What was the writing and recording process like?
The 1st part of the song that came out was the chorus…I just started singing it, then the chords formed around it. Writing the lyrics then didn’t take long, with the music coming quite quickly too! I recorded my parts in my studio, with the others recording their parts the same way. Reggie then put it all together in the mix (including the maniacal mantra/laughing at the start!), with Cameron Mitchell putting the final touches on it in mastering.
Describe the track in two words.
Heart breaking
Who did you work with on the single?
It was mixed & produced by Reggie Bowman for Screamlouder Productions, mastered by Cam Mitchell. The bass guitar was recorded by Simon Best, drums by the brilliant Gerry Pantazis! Backing vocals were recorded by my dear friends Artie Jones & Shereen Teixiera. The artwork was created by my amazing niece Olivia Kirk and finished by my guy, Ian Ritter.
Will we see a Music video for ‘Crazy’ and if so, what can we expect from it?
You can see the official video on my official YouTube page:
Will we see a EP or Album and if so what can we expect from it.
I released my debut album “Puzzle Pieces” this time last year, however I do have some plans for an EP early in the new year.
Do you have any live shows or a tour coming up and if so let us know where we can catch you at?
No live shows planned at this stage, as I’m quite busy in the studio.
What else can we expect at the end of 2021/ Early 2022?
I’m working on a tribute to my mum, who passed away earlier this year. The way it’s shaping up is really something special.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Writing, recording and producing music not only for myself, but for other artists as well.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Have a good time, all of the time”
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Guitar, amp, pedals, leads and pants!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Indeed I do! You can follow me here:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
