Sami Hinkka, bassist for Melodic Death Metal band Ensiferum. Interview September 14, 2012
Ensiferum Interview
1. Could you tell me about the recording and writing process for Ensiferum’s new album Unsung Heroes?
The writing process started years ago because we are slow composers and we want to twist and turn every note and try different kind of arrangements but that way we can be sure that the result the best we can do. Recording of Unsung Heroes went really smoothly because we were really well prepared. We had learned from previous mistakes and we even had pre-production meetings with the mixer/recorder guy Hiili Hiilesmaa about the sound we want for the album etc. We lived together almost two months which was really nice and relaxing experience that brought us together as a band.
2. What would be some the amplifiers and guitars used in the recording to create the tones?
On this album we used Ibanez guitars and Mesa Boogie Mark V amplifier.
3. How do you manage your time as a musician?
Music is so big part of our lives that everything else is scheduled so that there won’t be need for any compromises concerning music.
4. What products are you currently endorsing?
Ibanez, Mesa Boogie, EVH, Pearl, Paiste
5. Without Social Media could bands today manage to survive?
I think they could but social media is a great tool.
6. What’s your vision of the internet for musicians in the future?
Internet is good way to reach new listeners and I’m sure it will evolve to be even bigger part of music business in the future.
7. What could we find interesting in your Music collection today?
I like a lot of different kind of music for example Björk, At The Gates, Ella Fitzgerald, Iron Maiden, Medeia, Sigur Ros, Ulver, The Prodigy and many folk bands and classical composers. So in case people thought that I’m just metal head, they are wrong.
8. Any tours lined up in the near future?
We just finished 5 gigs in Finland and started the actual European tour. We have plans to tour also in North America next year.
9. What other projects could we be seeing from you in the near future?
I’m involved in few other bands/projects but I think Ensiferum will keep me pretty busy for next few months.
10. Where do you see Music in 100 years from now?
It will still be important part of peoples lives and culture.
11. Any words for musicians starting out?
Stay honest to yourselves, enjoy creating music/expressing yourselves and never stop evolving/challenging yourselves.
Check out Ensiferum Online http://www.ensiferum.com/