“Good morning, darling. I trust you slept well. I hope I wasn't too much of an animal.
- Come. Hold me.
- You know I will!”
I just woke up to the coldness of November and I blew the soap bubbles out of my pipe…NOT!
But I noticed that October passed by quickly while doing some shows and little this and that. I also realized that we are having our last shows of this year in couple of days.
We have a great month behind ‘cause we did some pretty tight shows and our latest single/video Frontrow Girl has been on the official Finnish download chart and single chart 4 weeks now, which is nice.
Specially I think that we did nice stuff in St. Petersburg, Hämeenlinna Suisto-club and Tampere Dog’s Home.
Well, next we will have our last gigs ahead, so if You wish to see the set of “Tour Bus Diaries” tour, it’s about time to come and check us out. At least I recommend it! :)
More or less end of the year and winter time we will work with the new songs. We already have a good start ‘cause we’ve been doin’ some new demos during this month and we also have a lot of new riffs and ideas in ProTools. And I think that we still got the touch! I can tell you that there is some good shit already done, kinda of “standard WF” R’n’R stuff and some new feeling as well. It’s good to start working around it, that’s how I feel.
So hope to see You soon!
Get the White Flame vaccination to protect effectively against the pandemic:
05.11.2009, (FIN) Tampere, Jack the Rooster
06.11.2009, (FIN) Jyväskylä, Redneck
21.11.2009, (FIN) Tampere, Pub Ahjo
-Vince & Anthon acoustic Hurdy-Gurdy set-
~A~
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
St. Petersburg
At last we had our very first visit to our eastern neighbour and it was lot of fun! The club we were playing at was Jagger Club located in St. Petersburg.
We started our journey early in the Wednesday morning (even it was more like night...) from our rehearsal joint where our Russian shuttledriver arrived to pick us up. Due to lack of space in the car we had to leave couple of objects (our guitar/bass cabinets) and trust that the house backline would work for us. The drive went smoothly and it was possible to get some sleep in the car ´cause it was dark outside till we got to the border. There we had to fill up some forms which had too many questions for simple-minded rockers and there was only one pen... Luckily the whole border bustle only took under an hour and we continued to the other side. The traffic culture was so different in Russia compared to Finland... It took some time to get used to it! Luckily our driver was experienced and took us alive at the destination.
The club itself was gorgeous! I think we´ve never seen a place like this in Finland. Everything was so well put together and designed. The audio and lighting systems were placed nicely and the stage was big enough. The backstage was equipped well and there were enough space for two bands. We were served a great and tasty dinner including four courses. Our promoter took really good care of us! And of course we enjoyed pints of delicious local beer brewed there in the club. And it didn´t take so long before we had a chance to took shots of local Vodka!
When the house technician arrived we set up our stuff on the stage and did a nice, long soundcheck. The stage sound was good (at least I was very happy with it) and the local tech was awesome guy and it was a pleasure to work with him. There was a local band supporting us that night and they did soundcheck after us while we got our chance to visit a local supermarket. And everyone can imagine why we went there... Of course for cheap Vodka! Finnish musicians used to high prices in their home country were astonished in front of the Vodka shelfs. Money wasn´t the problem, only problem was to choose among huge selection of that liquid yummy.
Later in the evening, after the local support having their blast of metal music on stage, we started our rock show. Four musicians (Vodka in their veins), great audience, awesome atmosphere and succesful show! We played something like 1,5 hours and had also encore after audience demanding it strongly. It was hell of fun! After the show we were having a good time with our local colleagues from the other band and of course involved some Vodka and other liquids. We were so happy to get even some supper the organizer offered us! They truly took care of us.
The drive home was so unclear to me that I don´t remember much. But I remember we had to show our passports like 5 times or something on the border... But most important: we got home alive! (even I got some flu including high fever, sniffle, sore throat, cough...)
Great gig, great people, great experience! The local promoter was excited about us so who knows if we´re gonna visit Russia again sooner or later.
-Sammye
Click top of pic to view the full size:
We started our journey early in the Wednesday morning (even it was more like night...) from our rehearsal joint where our Russian shuttledriver arrived to pick us up. Due to lack of space in the car we had to leave couple of objects (our guitar/bass cabinets) and trust that the house backline would work for us. The drive went smoothly and it was possible to get some sleep in the car ´cause it was dark outside till we got to the border. There we had to fill up some forms which had too many questions for simple-minded rockers and there was only one pen... Luckily the whole border bustle only took under an hour and we continued to the other side. The traffic culture was so different in Russia compared to Finland... It took some time to get used to it! Luckily our driver was experienced and took us alive at the destination.
The club itself was gorgeous! I think we´ve never seen a place like this in Finland. Everything was so well put together and designed. The audio and lighting systems were placed nicely and the stage was big enough. The backstage was equipped well and there were enough space for two bands. We were served a great and tasty dinner including four courses. Our promoter took really good care of us! And of course we enjoyed pints of delicious local beer brewed there in the club. And it didn´t take so long before we had a chance to took shots of local Vodka!
When the house technician arrived we set up our stuff on the stage and did a nice, long soundcheck. The stage sound was good (at least I was very happy with it) and the local tech was awesome guy and it was a pleasure to work with him. There was a local band supporting us that night and they did soundcheck after us while we got our chance to visit a local supermarket. And everyone can imagine why we went there... Of course for cheap Vodka! Finnish musicians used to high prices in their home country were astonished in front of the Vodka shelfs. Money wasn´t the problem, only problem was to choose among huge selection of that liquid yummy.
Later in the evening, after the local support having their blast of metal music on stage, we started our rock show. Four musicians (Vodka in their veins), great audience, awesome atmosphere and succesful show! We played something like 1,5 hours and had also encore after audience demanding it strongly. It was hell of fun! After the show we were having a good time with our local colleagues from the other band and of course involved some Vodka and other liquids. We were so happy to get even some supper the organizer offered us! They truly took care of us.
The drive home was so unclear to me that I don´t remember much. But I remember we had to show our passports like 5 times or something on the border... But most important: we got home alive! (even I got some flu including high fever, sniffle, sore throat, cough...)
Great gig, great people, great experience! The local promoter was excited about us so who knows if we´re gonna visit Russia again sooner or later.
-Sammye
Click top of pic to view the full size:
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Man behind the second g'tar!
If you've been rocking with us at shows lately in Klubi @ Tampere and Klubi @ Turku, or last year in Pakkahuone, you might have been wondering who is that hot lookin' guy with vintage equipments on Sammye's side of the stage. We've heard that some of you´ve been confused if that is the fifth member of White Flame or whadda hell is happenin'. Well, we wanted to introduce you this mysterious guy who sometimes gives his helping hand with his guitar and background singing.
So, who are you, please tell us something about yourself?
”Hello, my name is Laz. I play the guitar and I'm addicted to good sound. I love guitars and their ability to make people feel something special. I don't consider myself a traditional session man musician, and I never want to end up being one. White Flame is an exception, because... well it's White fuckin' Flame!”
”I'm not an acrobat in playing the guitar. I rather just play the notes that have something to say. I'm in White Flame to make the band's live sound bigger, and that suits me well. I like to try out new stuff, which helps things to keep rolling. I love the feeling of finding out something new - something that nobody else has found out yet. And if it sounds good as well, it's even better :) I hate bad music and I love good music. It's as simple as that.”
How did you end up with these guys?
”A few years ago I was forming a band that would play sincere and down-to-earth rock music. The result was a band called Bullet Ride. It took off pretty well, and soon we got some gigs. One night there were four charming young men watching our gig, and soon I found out they called themselves White Flame. We got along pretty well, and after a while Vince called me and asked if I would like to play Aerosmith songs with them. I liked the idea. We landed some gigs, and soon I got myself the nickname 'Laz Whitford'. How cool is that? Also Anthon and Jony were playin in the band which we named Ragdoll. We realized it was cool to play together, which must have had some effect when Vince, Anthon, Sammye and Jony were thinking of me to become the second guitarist in White Flame live shows. I didn't hesitate, when they asked me to join them.”
What is it like to be with this band?
”Cool. I always have lots of fun with these guys, which is important. Yes they are nuts, but they know what it takes to make music. I wouldn't play with anybody who doesn't love music and playing. Just look at these guys on stage, and you'll see that it's cool to play with them!”
And finally, the word is your's, if you want to say something!
”Like Ilu Fagerström would say: 'If you have THE thing, keep THE thing.' ”
So people, that's the story of our livemusician dude, Mr. Laz! Next time he will rock with White Flame at Simerock and Tammerfest, so don't miss the shows!
10.07.2009, (FIN) Rovaniemi, Simerock Festival
- Showtime 3:00pm (klo. 15:00)
11.07.2009, (FIN) Tampere, Tammerfest, Noste-lava
- Showtime 7:20pm (klo. 19:20)
+Laz1.jpg)
So, who are you, please tell us something about yourself?
”Hello, my name is Laz. I play the guitar and I'm addicted to good sound. I love guitars and their ability to make people feel something special. I don't consider myself a traditional session man musician, and I never want to end up being one. White Flame is an exception, because... well it's White fuckin' Flame!”
”I'm not an acrobat in playing the guitar. I rather just play the notes that have something to say. I'm in White Flame to make the band's live sound bigger, and that suits me well. I like to try out new stuff, which helps things to keep rolling. I love the feeling of finding out something new - something that nobody else has found out yet. And if it sounds good as well, it's even better :) I hate bad music and I love good music. It's as simple as that.”
How did you end up with these guys?
”A few years ago I was forming a band that would play sincere and down-to-earth rock music. The result was a band called Bullet Ride. It took off pretty well, and soon we got some gigs. One night there were four charming young men watching our gig, and soon I found out they called themselves White Flame. We got along pretty well, and after a while Vince called me and asked if I would like to play Aerosmith songs with them. I liked the idea. We landed some gigs, and soon I got myself the nickname 'Laz Whitford'. How cool is that? Also Anthon and Jony were playin in the band which we named Ragdoll. We realized it was cool to play together, which must have had some effect when Vince, Anthon, Sammye and Jony were thinking of me to become the second guitarist in White Flame live shows. I didn't hesitate, when they asked me to join them.”
What is it like to be with this band?
”Cool. I always have lots of fun with these guys, which is important. Yes they are nuts, but they know what it takes to make music. I wouldn't play with anybody who doesn't love music and playing. Just look at these guys on stage, and you'll see that it's cool to play with them!”
And finally, the word is your's, if you want to say something!
”Like Ilu Fagerström would say: 'If you have THE thing, keep THE thing.' ”
So people, that's the story of our livemusician dude, Mr. Laz! Next time he will rock with White Flame at Simerock and Tammerfest, so don't miss the shows!
10.07.2009, (FIN) Rovaniemi, Simerock Festival
- Showtime 3:00pm (klo. 15:00)
11.07.2009, (FIN) Tampere, Tammerfest, Noste-lava
- Showtime 7:20pm (klo. 19:20)
+Laz1.jpg)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Here is some pictures from our tour with Deep Insight this spring. We played in Germany, Austria, Switzerland Hungary and France. We met a lot of new people and I was glad to also see some people from previous encounters both abroad and back in Finland aswell. It was fun to play all the new tunes, and we had a positive problem with so many great songs we just couldn't fit in the set every night. Thanks to everyone who was involved in putting this tour together! I hope you enjoy my pics and vids!
Look how happy we all were at the beginning of our trip. Everyone enjoying a little ol' Meister.
Here's our driver Ville. But we called him more than just that. He went by the names Trance-Rantanen, Dance-Rantanen, Mr. Late and finally Iskelmä-Rantanen.
When on the road, make sure you have enough to eat...
...and drink
Also you must remember to try to get some rest
Alltough I know you'd much rather be playing NHL
Duct Tape High School part 1
Duct Tape High School part 2
Look! We even met Conan O'brien on our trip!
It's time to meet our tournig buddies, Deep Insight. A fun bunch of lads!
First one up is their bass player Jore. He is the only guy we knew before the tour.
Here is their lead singer Jukka. He taught me a few new moves even tough he didn't recodnize them to be his. Notice the mirror - there you can see:
TERO! He's actually a guitarist, but demonstrates his ultimate drumming skills on this video.
This is Ville. He reminded me of Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters.
Johannes digged our band, but had some suggestions for the guy's hair styles: (He is a stylist, after all)
Still Julian's brother...
Dude, you look just like Johannes!!
Rowan was Deep Insight's mixing guy and backup singer. He also happens to book our gigs.
I even joined Deep Insight on the last gig to do Rock With My Band!
Indeed you are!
Little did Sammye know that his sausage was covered with plastic...
They left their mark on the bass amp...
We left our's on the bass drum
We went to see Finland - Chech Rep. in a local sports bar in Zurich and ran into a whole bunch of finns.
Typiska Turister
Have I mentioned that I also met Heikki Hietanen?
That's about it. Thanks again from the WF Crew, see you on the next one!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Tour bus diaries pt. 4
It’s been few days since I’ve write anything. A lot has happened and we’ve played shows in Budapest, Vienna, Zürich and Uster.
On a way to Hungary we stopped on some gas station nearby city. Guys from Deep Insight were there too and they had football with them. Of course we need to take short football match there and have some fun beside of the shows. It so great to have days that you don’t need to be in a hurry.
Next morning after Budapest show we head to Austria, Vienna. There we were also quite early so we had some time to explore the city. I took some time to hang out with my friend living there and guys get something to eat. After that we went to venue and put our stuff ready. DI arrived a ‘bit late and our sound check was just before doors opened. Everything went fine though and we had great show in Vienna.
Next morning we get up early and started our journey to Switzerland. We had show at the venue called Dynamo in Zürich and it seemed to be great place to play rock music. Next day we had day off and they let us hang out in dynamo band flat so we stayed in Zürich another day. Our off day plan was to find a place where to watch FIN - CZE world championship ice hockey game. We found bar called Nelson where they told us that you could watch the game like “mixed” with SWE - USA game. You know, they will show part of the both games. Well… that was all that we could get. It was great time tough and we met some Finnish people living in Austria. And after the game that bar was full of Finnish ice hockey tourists coming from the arena. You can imagine how fun it’s to party with tens of Finnish people in foreign country. And more fun ‘cause Finland won that game!
Next day we had tiny hangover and we went to sit on the sun beside the river flowing outside Dynamo. There were only like 30 kilometers to the next venue in Uster so we just wanted to hang around a bit before doing anything. We arrived to venue quite early. We had info that we could get inside there somewhere around 4pm but the guy at the venue told us that we need to wait ‘till 6pm. So we had more free time and we went to explore the streets of Uster. The show itself was great and we we’re quite energetic on the stage. There’s definitely listeners for our music style in Switzerland.
Now we’re on the way to Biel in Switzerland. We took some breakfast with the guys of DI and played guitar in the sun. Let see what happens today and you all are welcome to see the show!
And for the Finnish people: Hauskaa Vappua!
On a way to Hungary we stopped on some gas station nearby city. Guys from Deep Insight were there too and they had football with them. Of course we need to take short football match there and have some fun beside of the shows. It so great to have days that you don’t need to be in a hurry.
Next morning after Budapest show we head to Austria, Vienna. There we were also quite early so we had some time to explore the city. I took some time to hang out with my friend living there and guys get something to eat. After that we went to venue and put our stuff ready. DI arrived a ‘bit late and our sound check was just before doors opened. Everything went fine though and we had great show in Vienna.
Next morning we get up early and started our journey to Switzerland. We had show at the venue called Dynamo in Zürich and it seemed to be great place to play rock music. Next day we had day off and they let us hang out in dynamo band flat so we stayed in Zürich another day. Our off day plan was to find a place where to watch FIN - CZE world championship ice hockey game. We found bar called Nelson where they told us that you could watch the game like “mixed” with SWE - USA game. You know, they will show part of the both games. Well… that was all that we could get. It was great time tough and we met some Finnish people living in Austria. And after the game that bar was full of Finnish ice hockey tourists coming from the arena. You can imagine how fun it’s to party with tens of Finnish people in foreign country. And more fun ‘cause Finland won that game!
Next day we had tiny hangover and we went to sit on the sun beside the river flowing outside Dynamo. There were only like 30 kilometers to the next venue in Uster so we just wanted to hang around a bit before doing anything. We arrived to venue quite early. We had info that we could get inside there somewhere around 4pm but the guy at the venue told us that we need to wait ‘till 6pm. So we had more free time and we went to explore the streets of Uster. The show itself was great and we we’re quite energetic on the stage. There’s definitely listeners for our music style in Switzerland.
Now we’re on the way to Biel in Switzerland. We took some breakfast with the guys of DI and played guitar in the sun. Let see what happens today and you all are welcome to see the show!
And for the Finnish people: Hauskaa Vappua!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tour Bus Diaries pt. 3
It was nice to play again in Logo and see some familiar faces in the audience. Even tough it was again bit hard to get our equipment inside the venue ‘cause of road construction next to it.
Yesterday we started 1200km long way to Budapest. We had private accommodation in Hamburg and it was great to have some sleep before this long trip. Niina from Finnbands joined to our crew too and started to organize our interview schedules and merchandise. She’s big help for us because of tight time table on venues.
We traveled whole day through Germany and Czech watching sunny landscapes. Some necessary stops during the day but more or less driving. I think it was something over midnight when we decided to have a hotel room somewhere. First two were full but we found cheap and just perfect place to sleep for a while.
We get up from bed around 10:00am this morning. Fast shower and on the road again. “Trance Rantanen” (our driver got quite many nicknames already) started engine and our way to Hungary continued. Some breakfast after crossing the Slovakian border and Queen DVD on our PS3. So far seems that it’s great day ahead us. I think we’re now on near Hungary border and there’s under 200km to Budapest. Should I open a beer now?
“Lazing on a Sunday afternoon”
Yesterday we started 1200km long way to Budapest. We had private accommodation in Hamburg and it was great to have some sleep before this long trip. Niina from Finnbands joined to our crew too and started to organize our interview schedules and merchandise. She’s big help for us because of tight time table on venues.
We traveled whole day through Germany and Czech watching sunny landscapes. Some necessary stops during the day but more or less driving. I think it was something over midnight when we decided to have a hotel room somewhere. First two were full but we found cheap and just perfect place to sleep for a while.
We get up from bed around 10:00am this morning. Fast shower and on the road again. “Trance Rantanen” (our driver got quite many nicknames already) started engine and our way to Hungary continued. Some breakfast after crossing the Slovakian border and Queen DVD on our PS3. So far seems that it’s great day ahead us. I think we’re now on near Hungary border and there’s under 200km to Budapest. Should I open a beer now?
“Lazing on a Sunday afternoon”
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tour Bus Diaries pt. 2
Yesterday we had our first gig of this tour. Day started quite nicely after 8 hour sleep, relaxing and couple of beers last night. When I woke up I headed to Vince’s hotel room and there he was cutting Markku’s hair and beard. Our technician have now a brand new look taken from Lemmy Kilmister.
When we left from hotel room we went straight to our venue and parked our car there. We had enough time to do some shopping and finally we found ourselves drinking beer outside some local bar. Sun was shining and we had great time to hang out in Berlin.
When it was time to load in our equipment to venue, everything happened quite fast. We met some of the guys from Deep Insight for the first time and get to know each other. Great guys and we already had great time during load in and sound check. We decided to use my drums there and DI’s guitar and bass cabinets to make things work out faster in change between bands. Markku liked my new higher pitch drum tune and it was easy to mix the sound because of that.
Around 9:45 pm was our time to jump on the stage. It was very hot to play there and I think it was hot in audience too. We mixed up our new and old songs in our setlist and I think it worked pretty well. Maybe same setlist today or chancing one or two songs. Let see. We don’t usually plan these things =)
Now we’re sitting in our car and heading to Hamburg. There’s 20,5 degrees of Celsius outside and no clouds in sight. Let what happens today and where we’ll find ourselves tomorrow. If you happen to be in Hamburg you’re more than welcome to see the show. CU there!
When we left from hotel room we went straight to our venue and parked our car there. We had enough time to do some shopping and finally we found ourselves drinking beer outside some local bar. Sun was shining and we had great time to hang out in Berlin.
When it was time to load in our equipment to venue, everything happened quite fast. We met some of the guys from Deep Insight for the first time and get to know each other. Great guys and we already had great time during load in and sound check. We decided to use my drums there and DI’s guitar and bass cabinets to make things work out faster in change between bands. Markku liked my new higher pitch drum tune and it was easy to mix the sound because of that.
Around 9:45 pm was our time to jump on the stage. It was very hot to play there and I think it was hot in audience too. We mixed up our new and old songs in our setlist and I think it worked pretty well. Maybe same setlist today or chancing one or two songs. Let see. We don’t usually plan these things =)
Now we’re sitting in our car and heading to Hamburg. There’s 20,5 degrees of Celsius outside and no clouds in sight. Let what happens today and where we’ll find ourselves tomorrow. If you happen to be in Hamburg you’re more than welcome to see the show. CU there!
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