WRITTEN INTERVIEW- Kalle "Cane" Savijärvi of Korpiklaani

Korpiklaani has been filling the Folk Metal world is drinking, dancing, and fun filled songs for 10 albums now. Never set on making the same album twice, the band got back into the studio to release their newest album, Kulkija, coming out September 7th through Nuclear Blast Records. The album is filled with a sense of travel and adventure that really fits the band perfectly. Recently, I got to ask guitarist Cane (Kalle Savijarvi) a few questions about everything going on in the world of Korpiklaani. ENJOY!


Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview!
Thank you for having me!
 
Kulkija is coming out September 7th through Nuclear Blast. How does it feel to have this album coming out in just a couple weeks?
The wait has been long. We finished the recordings already in December last year. Now when the album is finally going to be released it feels very relieving. Four singles are out already from the record and the feedback has been positive. You can imagine how
excited we are about album being out at last.

How did the songwriting process begin for Kulkija?
It never stopped after “Noita”. First ideas for “Kulkija” were there written before the last album came out. Again Jonne wrote the most of the music, but also Sami did two songs and Tuomas and Jarkko both one. Lyrics were mostly written by Tuomas Keskimäki. Poet who has been writing texts for our previous albums also. Sami did all the folk arrangements ready before the recordings, so this time we didn’t need to work on those in the studio anymore like before. In general the process went as usual, demos were made by one and then together see if something needs to be changed.
 
Kulkijais about a Wanderer’s journey on the road and seeing where life will take him. Where did the idea come from to a full album based on this concept?
First of all, this is not a concept album even if one would like to think so. All the songs were written separately, only when all the material we had was put together, we noticed that there was that kind of traveler theme going through the songs. It wasn’t intentional, but our life as touring musicians is not that far from wanderers life, if you want to see it that way.

What I really love about this album is everyone in this band feels perfectly showcased throughout. From solos and leads to the overall production, everyone stand out and fits together perfectly. Which I imagine will make the songs sound even more incredible live.
Was this the intention of this album or did that happen naturally?
It’s nice that you say that, because it was one of the main things we focused on this album. We wanted the overall sound to be more like our live sound. Have enough space for vocals and folk instruments, which are leading the most of the time. Also not to pack the songs with too much stuff and avoid compressing songs too much to maintain the natural feeling. To make all these changes, we had to try a different producer than on the previous albums. Janne Saksa was a perfect choice for that job. It was really easy to work with him right from the start. He knew exactly what we were looking for.
 
There has been 3 great songs released as single so far. How did you decide what songs off this massive 14 track, 71 minute epic, album to be released as singles?
“Kotikonnut” was the first one because the summer had just started and the song has has a very summerish atmosphere in it. “Harmaja” then again differs enough from the other material, so we wanted to show that side of the band too. That has a great video also, when the previous one had only lyric video. The other real video we made, was for “Henkselipoika”, the third single. That is a really “good mood” song, which was perfect choice after the darker and slower “Harmaja”. Video worked out well also. It has beautiful views of the Finnish nature and being funny at the same time.

It’s hard to believe that Kulkija is already the 10th album from Korpiklaani. How does it feel on your end to have this be the 10th album from the band?
When making an album it really doesn’t matter if it is fourth or tenth. But of course it’s nice to think that we’ve been able to do all that in 15 years. It’s funny how time flies when you’re having a good time!
 
Coming this Fall, you will be hitting North America once again and bringing Arkona with you. How does it feel to be hitting North America and being able to promote this album? What should people except from this upcoming tour?
This tour is something we’ve been waiting for three years. Finally it’s happening and the whole band is excited about it. We are going to play a lot of songs from the new album, but not to forget the older classics. It’s going awesome again. Those people  who were there last time knows it. If you like drinking, dancing, having fun and things like that, come to our show and you won’t regret!

What is planned for Korpiklaani in 2019?
Shows, gigs, concerts and more shows! Now it’s time to tour around the world again, when the new album is out. Starting with European tour in February.
 
With being such a leader in the Folk Metal world, how do you feel about the current state of Folk Metal today?
It’s live and kicking. Korpiklaani is doing better than ever. I think that tells something about the state of Folk Metal.
 
When you get free time away from Korpiklaani, what do you like to do in your free time?
Well, I don’t like it but, count days to get back on the road with the band.

Thank you so very much for taking the time to do this interview. Being a long time fan of the band it was a sheer honor to be able to talk talk to you about everything going on in the world of Korpiklaani. Before we are done is there anything else you would like
to mention that I haven’t brought up yet?
Thank you! Besides the new album, remember to check out our first live CD/DVD “Live at Masters of Rock” which came out in the end of last year! See you in November!