Mikael Saari, who has emerged the big fan favorite in UMK 2013 kindly took a moment to answer some questions by yours truly. He's very busy at the moment with the performances in Hair musical and the preparations for UMK. Let's see what he has to tell us.
- You are doing musical and studying music. Tell us a little bit about it. hen did you start and you are starring in Hair at the moment?
- Yes, I study music theater at Lahti Polytechnic, fourth year now. It has been great there. And now i’m working at Lahti city theater in the musical Hair in which I have a supporting role. Hair can be seen until may this year.
- How did you start writing songs and do you remember your first song you wrote?
- I started writing the moment I first started learning to play guitar. I was around twelve, and so lazy to practice already existing music that I wrote my own. I’m not sure if I can remember the first piece, but I still remember a song that I wrote when I was thirteen. It’s called Särkynyt, and I still play it sometimes. I don’t think I’ve ever written a better song since.
- If you were offered a recording deal and rush to make an album, would you have enough material? How do you feel about covers and is there a song or two that you'd like to cover?
- I’m actually making my own debut album already with my producer Kai Poutanen, though the songs are mainly demo-stage now because of UMK that’s taking up all the time now. I’m trying to manage without a big company behind me, that leaves me the opportunity to do things the way I want to do them. Although I do have enough own songs written to cover the whole album, I think I will do a cover or two. There are so unbelievably many great songs (waaaay better than mine) that I’d like to play. It’s a shame really that I don’t dare make a cover of any Queen song… maybe some day!
- If you could work with any musician (living or not), who would it be?
- This a hard one. Of course there are dozens… I’d like to have been a listening student and watch Sergei Rachmaninoff write his epic piano pieces and concertos. I just cannot understand such brilliance.
- An ideal duet partner?
- Again, there are of course many and many. I would like to perform together with Fiona Apple! She’s unbelievable. And I’m secretly hoping to duet up with Diandra some time!
- Who are your idols, musical influences?
- Queen is the most important, I always get back to Queen. Damien Rice, Mumford & sons, Rachmaninoff and other romantic piano composers, Pain of Salvation, System of a Down, lots and lots of stuff. All good music is inspiring, I listen to all kinds of music, regardless of the genre.
- Did you watch UMK last year and if so, what did you think?
- I did, from the point where there was 12 acts left. I enjoyed it very much, it’s great to have a show in Finland that enables musician to participate with their own music. Mica Ikonen and I share the same hometown, Hyvinkää, and he was great! Now there’s Diandra and myself, wonder who will next year’s Hyvinkää-representation? Aili was also so great last year!
- I think the quality of songs is much better this year, do you agree?
- I guess I can’t say anything to that, I’m too partial! But that I know that this year’s songs are awesome, I have no idea how the competition is going to go! Anyone can win.
- Are you happy how everything is progressing in UMK this year?
- I am yes, but I’m only able to answer this through my own eyes and from inside the production. Having said that, I’m very pleased! It’s been a pleasure being involved, and I’m happy the real thing hasn’t even begun yet!
- Are you an Eurovision fan and have you followed it? If you did last year, what did you think about the Estonian and Albanese entries, Kuula and Suus, and their success?
- They were my favorites last year. Easy to say, really easy. Especially Suus was something spectacular when I first heard in the semifinal. And yes, I do watch this every year, there’s something inexplicable about it all.
- Any Eurovision favorites?
- I don’t think I’ll ever forget Brainstorm’s My Star from the year 2000! Of course there are many great songs in the history of Eurovision.
- We just saw this Thursday your first performance to the judges? How did you feel it went? Were you nervous?
- Yes I was nervous! I didn’t know beforehand who the judges are, so I only got to see them from the stage for the first time. The beginning of the song I was just squinting to see who were sitting there! I hope the live shows will go better, not so pitchy and all.. more secure. But I will have my band with me then!
- What do you think about their advice and opinions?
- I appreciate it all, it’s a very rare opportunity to get advice and help from such a variety of pro musicians. I also understand all the comments, none of them were untrue, I think.
- Are you going to act on them? What can we except in two weeks time in live gig at Circus?
- Well, I can promise that the song will sound so much better! Let’s leave it at that for now, you’ll see!
- Where were you when Lordi won Eurovision? Did you think one day you would be very close to that stage as well (well, not Athens but Malmö...)
- I was celebrating the premiere of a musical I was making with the company I was in. We were in a restaurant at Erottaja, Helsinki, and the final could be seen from large screens on the walls. It was great!
- How will you get your fans to vote for you in UMK? Are you busy in social medias and what plans do you have on that?
- I hope people will hear the song and vote for it, if they like it. I’ll just try to do my best on the gigs.
- International readers seem to have taken your song to their hearts, especially Italians. What do you think about it?
- I’m overwhelmed. I can’t believe this, and i don’t even think I really even get this yet, this is so new to me. I hope I can continue to make songs for the people to be touched by. That is my dream.
- Thanks for the interview, Mikael. Would you like to say hi to the readers of Blogilkar?
- Greets to you all from a gloomy Lahti, and see you soon when the live gigs start! Mikael
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