Expect ‘handsome Finnish men, beer and sweat’

FINNISH band Steve ‘N’ Seagulls are back with their latest tour following the release of their third album, Grainsville, in August after shooting to fame by uploading videos of themselves performing on their YouTube channel. Bandmember Tomi Tajakka, aka Remmel, discusses the group’s sound and what’s to come from their Nottingham gig this month.

How would you describe your sound?

“We mingle somewhere between bluegrass, country, metal and rock. In our videos we’re more acoustic. When people attend our live shows they are often surprised by our energy and punch that we produce live. So, I’d say we’re pretty unique live. Easiest way is to come and see us live.”

What inspires your music?

“Partially the stuff we grew up with. We’re mainly 90s kids, so MTV and stuff like that was big back then. Metal, grunge, rock and all that. We get inspired about the freedom of music. So we can kinda dig in to this huge box of influences and come up with something new. And also that we can have fun with music.” Can you give us some background about your latest release?

“We worked on the pre-production a bit longer this time and wanted to find some new angles compared to the two earlier. We also included few original songs on this new one. So the whole production was a bit different. We worked on the album in few locations in the Finnish countryside and had a great time throwing in ideas and trying out stuff.”

What do you like most about touring?

“Well, of course meeting people from different countries is always great. And to be able to play live in front of them and see the reaction we can get. Music is best enjoyed live. And also it’s awesome to see different places. We feel very lucky that we can do this in so many different places.”

What can people expect from your upcoming Nottingham gig?

“Some might be surprised about the energy of our live show. We are more punchy and lively than in our videos. And also handsome Finnish men and beer and sweat.”

What are you enjoying listening to at the moment?

“Well we all probably listen to different stuff. But personally, I’ve been listening to Finnish hardcore punk, Neil Young, Slayer, Dead Kennedys and Astor Piazzolla. That’s what my Spotify says right now.”

What’s been your best live gig appearance as a performer?

“Oh, that’s impossible to say... Some really memorable have been festivals like Wacken, Sweden rock, Maximus festival. Also Faroe islands were interesting. Maybe something like that.”

■Steve ’N’ Seagulls will headline The Rescue Rooms in Nottingham on December 10 alongside support act Stuart Landon. Tickets are available from alttickets.com now for £16.50 including booking fee.