The Northern Light - Revontulet Interview!

The Russian symphonic tradition meets the northern light of finnish winter to warm our hearts!
Directly from Revontulet singer Alexandra, their story for you.

LFdM:  Let's start with the origin of your name, taken from an old Finnish legend about the Northern lights. This is also the theme for the cover of your album. Why Finland? What's the meaning of that and what's the message?

Alexandra: Well, first of all, we really love Finland, its nature and of course metal bands! I studied Finnish language for about three years, and Sergey has Finnish roots. The legend you mentioned is very beautiful. And the lights itself are magical and totally awesome!

LFdM: Among a lot of musical genres, symphonic is one of the most fascinating, what of its sound attracts so many people, in your opinion?

A: I believe that the true lovers of symphonic music understand how intricate and refined this music is. It is absolutely amazing how many voices of different instruments merge into one overwhelming composition. But even if you’re not interested in the music structure, you can feel the tremendous power of the orchestra!

LFdM: What does it mean for you, to live and play in a music industry in which also play great bands like Nightwish, Epica etc? What's your personal style, the thing that makes you different in some way?

A: I guess there are some things that you can’t do any other way, when your music flows right from your heart. Every good composer has his own specific melodic style, a composer's ‘handwriting’. And it is the author’s personality reflected in his creation. And a listener will recognize it. When you add an original sound and diverse orchestrations, you get a very original music composition. And I believe we have it all… 

LFdM: Symphonic is basically based on the voice, it needs a lot of study and musical interpretation, so, in consideration of this, tell us what training you have had and what impact it has had on you?

A: I wouldn’t say that it’s based on the voice itself; it’s rather the right combination of the voice and the orchestration. Though, you have to control your vocals very well. I took classical singing lessons from Emma Sarkisyan, a Russian opera singer, who performs in Novaya Opera and Bolshoi Theater. It is a great foundation for building your voice. But I think that the genuine operatic singing is pretty tiresome in metal music. So now I try to sing in a more contemporary manner. 

LFdM: How do you try to get the balance between technical and emotional impact?

A: Music is the most efficient way of sharing feelings with other people, it is the universal language. The technical part is just to serve the emotional matter. The vocals are the most important in this impact, that’s why I prefer the contemporary singing - it is more interesting and emotional. 

LFdM: You had some problems with the line up during the years. Do you ever thought to give everything up, or music was stronger than the will to giving up everything?

Maybe just for the first time, when Jury Leshchishen, the guitar-player with whom we started the band, left… But, you know, the path of a musician is not the easiest one, and I can’t force people to follow it, if they don’t want. But I just can’t live without music.

LFdM: Do you enjoy the instant interaction with your audience that internet brings? What effects do you think it has on the music industry and the artists, right now?

A: The Internet is an amazing tool for communicating with fans! It’s just incredible how music can reach people from across the ocean in just a moment! And it’s also wonderful to have the real-time feedback on our activities. We truly appreciate it. 

Now the crowdfunding platforms bring the independent musicians to a whole new level of association with their audience. I guess this tendency will only intensify in the future.

By the way, we’ve recently got an Instagram account (http://instagram.com/revontuletband) in addition to a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/revontuletofficial) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/RevontuletBand), so feel free to follow us! ;) 

LFdM: You played a lot of gigs, what kind of experience has been?

A: That’s true, we had many gigs and always got a really warm reception. We share all our energy and emotions with the audience! I also hope that it transfers though the Internet when we play online!

LFdM: What are your next plans and goals?

A: The next goal is the first music video! This is going to be a very interesting story! Thanks to our dear friends and fans we’ve got enough funds to embody all our ideas in this clip! Also I compose some new songs. Hopefully you’ll hear them soon! 

LFdM: We too dear, thank you again!