Amberian Dawn is a Finnish metal band that honed their trademark sound with expert precision, making highly polished albums of symphonic melodic metal
Interview conducted on Jan 24, 2020
by Dan Locke
With their first single, “United”, already providing a hint of the musical direction their new album Looking For You is headed, AMBERIAN DAWN’s new version of ABBA’s hit track “Lay All Your Love On Me” leaves nothing left to be questioned. This song is the perfect statement and sound honoring the Swedish pop giants.
Following in the footsteps of ABBA, Tuomas recorded most of the keyboard parts directly in Benny Andersson’s legendary studio on the original equipment that ABBA used to create their worldwide hits! This popular sound is spiced up with exciting keyboard and guitar details. Capri Virkkunen’s outstanding, emotional voice and the riff driven AMBERIAN DAWN attitude create a powerful rejuvenation of ABBA’s all time pop classic “Lay All Your Love On Me” – pushing it to the next level.
Band Members
Tuomas Seppälä – Guitar & Keyboards
Capri – Vocals
Emil Pohjalainen – Guitar
Joonas Pykälä-aho – Drums
Jukka Hoffren – Bass
What’s the story behind the band’s name?
Tuomas Seppälä: We just did some brainstorming with band members and this name just came up. There’s nothing special about it.
Your band is from Finland. What is the live music scene like in Finland?
Tuomas: Traditionally, it’s been a good and lively music scene here in Finland, but things have been changing a little bit lately. We have lost some very legendary venues, like Nosturi in Helsinki. Seems like the trend happening globally is finally affecting Finland too. Nowadays it’s financially possible to do shows only on Fridays and Saturdays. On the other weekdays, there wouldn’t be enough people attending.
How did you find and connect with Capri?
Tuomas: When we decided to change singers back then in 2012, we decided to look for a new singer secretly and I agreed with Heidi that at the same time we would promote the “Circus Black” album together and officially part ways after releasing the album. I found Capri with the help of my musician friends. Some guy knew her and gave me a hint. She demoed “Cold Kiss” for me and that’s how it started.
Capri- How was it to participate in the Syksyn Savel twice?
Capri: This is very difficult to answer because at that time I had to sing music I didn’t like so much. I was young and I kind of sang what other people wanted me to sing because I thought that was the only way to be in the music industry. How naive I was. But Syksyn Savel was a song contest where people voted the best song of 10 finalists, it was fun.
Capri- How are the metal market and pop market different since you have worked in both fields?
Capri: I think that when you do what you love everything is better. I don´t mind singing pop, rock or classical but you have to have your heart in it. Music is music.
Why did you decide to remake the ABBA song “Lay All Your Love On Me”? And since the song has been covered a few times, how did you make sure your version would stand out?
Tuomas: I had been planning to make a cover version of that song for several years before we went to the studio. I had made some experiments at my home studio and the song just felt right for covering. I haven’t heard other cover versions. But I just wanted to keep most of the song as original as possible and then add something of our own as a spice. I’m glad it worked out in that way.
Capri- In 2013 you portrayed on stage, Frida Lyngstad from the band ABBA in a stage musical about the group. Tell me about that, and did it help you to re-do your latest single?
Capri: I loved playing Frida’s role for five years. Piritta Lumous from Manzana played Agnetha, so we had two rock women in leading roles. ABBA’s music is amazing, the original sounds are unique. It was quite natural to sing “Lay All Your Love On Me”, as ABBA was one of the bands I used to listen to when I grew up. I’ve also played one of my other favorite singers, Whitney Houston, in a Bodyguard musical, so who knows what happens…
Tuomas- You went to Helsinki University of Technology. What was your major?
Tuomas: Real Estate and Surveying related stuff.
Tuomas- You have been in the music business since the mid-2000s. What has been the biggest change/ impact of the times over the years, in your opinion?
Tuomas: Well, I played in some bands before Amberian Dawn but it’s been only since AD that I’ve really been in the music business. Before that, I just played on some bands and wasn’t involved with the business side and marketing at all. I guess it’s obvious that there’s less money in the music business now (in our genre anyways) and that makes it harder to produce good quality albums. Otherwise, making music is still making music…
Your newest release comes out this month. Are you ready for the release?
Tuomas. Well, I guess I’m as ready as I can be… The procedure is always the same, there are some singles released before the album comes out and a lot of interviews to be done. It takes a lot of time. But I like to do it.
Any plans for any touring this upcoming year?
Tuomas: Nothing is settled yet. I hope we’re able to tour later this year, probably in the fall.
Where do you see your band in 5 years?
Tuomas: Probably still here in Finland and with same lineup!
