"All About The Album - 15 Questions" - the Q&A section at the RockUnited site where any recording artist with recently released CD is confronted with the 'album'  questions (15 of them, duh!). If you'd like to have your material here, email: urban "at" rockunited.com (simply replace "at" with your standard @ )

STALA & SO: "It Is So"

STALA & SO - It Is So? It's what exactly?  Well, the former LORDI drummer (previously known as 'Kita' - nowadays 'Stala') returns to the scene with a rather Glammy and definitely 80s sounding project. Former Lordi bassist Nick Gore (previously known as 'Kalma') is also in the band, along with guitarists Sami J. and Pate Vaughn and drummer Hank. It's the 70s T. Rex, Sweet, Mott The Hoople and David Bowie vs the 80s Ratt and Motley Crue. Find out more about their debut album, here's: STALA...

How has the reaction to your latest CD been?

So far the reviews had been very positive and what's the most important, the fans have love it. After all it's your fans you want to please.

How long did this CD take to make from start to finish, recording-wise?

The first drumtracks were recorded the end of 2009. Of course before that we demoed the songs first in the studio. We did two songs at first to see how does it work. The rest of the recordings happened in between April-August 2010. The music was mastered in October 2010. So basically the making of the album took one year.

What kind of 'sound', production wise, did you have in the back of your mind, prior to entering the studio?

We were very careful that it should sound more rock than metal. because we are a rock band. I also wanted to have more reverb for the drums like they use to have back in the 80's. Big and powerful sound with a twist of a good old days.

What kind of input did the producer have during the process?

Well because I did the production mainly by myself, everything went as I
planned. I got some help from Splendid Laine with a couple of songs. He gave
some good ideas for the songs and he produced all my vocals as well. 

And are you pleased with the final outcome? (sound - production wise)

Yes very much. I was a little surprised how good the band sounded. I'm
really proud of the band. Also the guest musicians did a great job for the
album. 

Did the producer (you) use any (weird) experimental miking and/or recording techniques?

Well I got my ways to do things. Basic stuff. I mixed it with an analog Neve
mixing board and it did a lot to the sound. In one song (Everything For
Money) I used an electric kazoo in the beginning. That might be weird for
some people. 

How did you go on about capturing your 'live sound' in the studio, or perhaps you didn't

For me it's important that it sounds real. I don't use Beat detective and
very rarely Auto-tune. It's better to be out of tune if the feeling is
right. I'm so sick and tired of today's pop music where you can hear a robot
singing.

Please inform us about your favourite songs and lyrical highlights and why?

(Won't Let You) Down Again is one of my favourites. There the feeling is right and there's one of my best vocal performances ever. Also Pamela is kicking ass nicely. Personally I like funny lyrics like in One Nite Stand. Especially the part: "She put her hands into my pants..."

Any overall theme of mood that you're trying to capture while writing songs?

It depends what mood I'm in to. It's a kind of a spiritual moment for me when I'm writing a song. When I'm excited about it then I know that the song has something in it. Then it has a good possibility to work for the other people as well.

Does your vision for coming up with music get affected at all by time?

Of course it's developing all the time a little bit. I still try to keep the child's way of thinking when I write. I don't want to analyze it too much. When I started to write songs they used to be a 6-7 minute monsters. Now I've learned to arrange those a little. :) 

Did the record company interfere with anything on your "sound" and songs?

No because we didn't have a record deal when we did it. I finished everything before I gave the material to the label. Even the artwork. That's also one thing that we are proud of.

Are there any 'crazy' behind the scenes anecdotes from these sessions that you can share with us?

I don't know if it's crazy but you can hear two sheeps in the end of E-Major. Those are our guitarist's Pate's sheeps and one of them name is Beyonce. Believe it or not. :D [Urban's note: I'm sure I could come up with a really dodgy joke here.... better not :)) ].

How would you describe the sound of your new CD to any potential new fan?

It's an 80's oriented hard rock album with a modern punch. Great melodies with beautiful harmonies. How's that..?

Who are your influences and heroes? (music-wise)

Kiss, Van Halen, Whitesnake, Europe. The list is endless. Of course everyone has their own favourites.

If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do:

If you like our music, spread the word and come to our shows. We promise to put a smile to you faces. Have fun!
Sincerely,
Stala

Interview by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
Photos from the band's website www.myspace.com/showbyso
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