Tommy

Date/place of birth: Nov-23-1981 in Keitele, Finland

How did you end up in Rock Royale?
-I got to know Jussi via our wives, and Jussi having heard that I play keyboards asked me to join jamming sometimes with them. Maybe after six months after this was first put up, I got myself playing with guys. Hammonds and Rhodes-pianos that I brought into RRs songs kicked in immediately, so I was asked to join band.

Tell us something about your musical history.
-I started playing piano at the age of 8. I played first the Michael Aaron’s piano school book (yeah, the blue book which have been used for teasing for numerous kids already many generations…). I went for lessons for about 6 years, after which I have been self-taught. Maybe luckily I did not get into higher-level classical lessons (although I applied) – I know numerous people who have played classical piano and haven’t played anything after they got out music school. As a teenager we had some bands, in which I played drums. I have also sung in choir and played keyboards in cover band.

What other hobbies do you have?
-I have been an actor, producer and a musician in NääsPeksi, which is an interactive student theater production, with a lot of improvisation. Nowadays family and work (and of course Rock Royale!) take mostly my time.

Name some artists/bands that you like?
Absoluuttinen nollapiste, Regina Spektor, The Beatles, YUP, Muse, Pink Floyd... and many others.

Books/ Movies?
I recently read Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk (the author of the Fight Club), and it was great!

What gear you use at the gigs/studio?
I have Clavia Nord Stage 76 (that’s the red gig piano that you see in TV frequently ;) – it has great Hammond simulation and also good Rhodes / acoustic piano sounds. The other keyboard that I have is Roland Juno-G. It has quite good samples for more exotic sounds and a rather good synth engine. I also use it as MIDI-controller.