Interview With 'Joensuu Riihimäki'

Firstly, introduce yourselves and tell us a little bit about the band and how you came to be?

Hi! I’m Sami Joensuu from Joensuu Riihimäki. We are an Americana Roots Rock band from Finland.

The origins of the union go back a couple of years when we met with Kari at the songwriter's club I was hosting at the time. Things clicked right away and the band evolved from there, hence the name Joensuu Riihimäki (JR). Both last names are also town names in Finland, adding a nice touch to band's road imagery.

What were you all up too prior to the band, was this always the chosen path or did you have other dreams and aspirations?

Though there are other aspirations, they all include the band succeeding either before or after the other goals. Prior to the band, the members of JR were very involved in music through different bands.

Tell us about your latest Album and why our readers should check it out.

We have recently (Dec 1st) released our new album ’Highwater’. That’s our 3rd album. The band sounds more like a cohesive group than ever. You gotta check it out cause it’s pure rock n roll!

Have you ever come face to face with someone within the music scene who has left you awestruck and why?

Some years ago, I first time met the Finnish Blues legend Dave Lindholm as if he had an answer to every question in the world. It was a great time. Since then we have known well.

If we were to head out to one of your live shows what can ourselves and others expect?

Our live shows are intensive. We have that kind of live approach. We try to let the audience be completely overwhelmed by our music. We do not have a set list at our gigs. We live with situations and with the audience. Every night is different, that's awesome.

If you had one artist/band that you could go on tour with tomorrow who would it be and why?

Rolling Stones. They still make Rock’n Roll as it should be.

You can spend an hour with a musical icon living or dead, who would you pick, why and what would you speak about?

Personally I could choose Rory Gallagher, He’s the one of my all time heroes. Have some drinks and acoustic guitar sessions. I think I will learn a lot from him. and There’s no dull moment.

And finally and most importantly is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?

Home Alone. That’s The Cracking One ;)

Website - www.jrofficial.fi

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joensuuriihimaki/