Age: 28
Height: 183 cm (6 ft)
Eyes: blue
Hometown: Helsinki
Date of birth and sign: 080978 Virgo
Hobbies: tennis, downhill skiing, concerts, woodwork, culinary art
Food: seafood and venison dishes
Drink: Mineral water, Krug Grand Cuvee, lager beer

The best of...

... tv-series?
None at the moment. Just finished Prison Break’s second season on DVD.
...movies?
Ocean’s 13
...albums?
U2 “18 singles” (one hit after another!), Jaakko Teppo “Karjalan kunnailla” (listening to the record lengthens your lifespan!)
... tracks?
Dixie Chicks “Not Ready to Make Nice”, Maroon 5 “Makes Me Wonder”, Janos Valmunen – “Bussipysäkillä”

Interview

What kind of musical background do you have?
I started classical piano and theory lessons at the age of six. As I couldn't read music at that time my mum used to play me the tune which I would then play by ear. I wanted to become a versatile pianist so I played all the time also rhythm music in different ways. I passed the piano examination level C (mark: excellent) in Helsinki after which I officially ended my classical piano studies. Jazz piano and theory studies I kept on with and actually still do. I wanted to become an all-round musician able to play professionally different music styles and to cover a wide range of different musical tastes.

I've worked as a pianist and conductor in several theatres, on albums, radio and TV. I've composed and arranged music in different genres for years. I've performed in more than 20 countries on different kinds of occasions, so I've seen a little bit of what's out there. In 1999 I was awarded the Pro Musica Scholarship. Music has always been my one and only work. Officially I am a private entrepreneur...

I always try to get acquainted with new things and experience a lot in order to be able to be selective and concentrate on what's essential in the future. I really hate the way people categorize music into different genres. For me there's only good or not-so-good music! I try to expand my way of expressing music by singing, something I've basically done my whole life only the last five years more ambitiously. The Giant Leap will play a major role in my near future and I hope it'll give me as much as I'm expecting of it. Still, I never really ended playing the classical piano. Bach, Mozart and Chopin are on their way back to my living room - poor neighbors!

W hat do you like to listen to in your free time?
I don't listen to music much in my free time, usually classical music while driving.

Who are your musical idols and why?
Too many to mention. Everyone who puts 110% in what he's doing.

What are your strengths?
A good sense of humor, creativity, solidarity. Open-mindedness.

Where do you want to be in ten years from now?
Still a young man, both mentally and physically!

What would your dream vacation be?
By the sea, sun, cold drinks, girls, culture and party - everything in balance! .

What advice would you give a young person who wants to become a musician?
A lot of hard work and open ears! Hang out with older and wiser colleagues. Never stop trying!

What would you like to say to your listeners?
There's never too much healthy criticism but luckily there's plenty of good music!