Calling All Weirdos With LAURI YLONEN From THE RASMUS

Rock stars at the age of 16, Finnish warriors The Rasmus have
weathered the inevitable trappings of early success to morph into
one of the world's leading rock outfits.
Known for their musically dark atmospheres, The Rasmus have also
managed to connect on a deeper level with a plethora of music
lovers who can relate to the band's genuine feelings of despair.
Once labelled as outcasts, or 'weirdos' if you will, The Rasmus
have always embraced their perceived differences and championed the
cause of the underdog; the downtrodden. The 'weirdos'.
Which is why the title of The Rasmus' new album - out on September
12 - is both confronting and comforting. Weirdo, the 11th album
from The Rasmus, deals with feelings of inadequacy and discontent,
reinforcing the fact that it is okay to be different. Okay to walk
your own path. And okay to be on the outside.
Weirdo comes after an extensive promotional lead-in, which started
with the album's lead single Rest In Pieces, which debuted last
October. More singles followed with Creatures Of Chaos, Break These
Chains, and Love Is A Bitch, each track further exploring what is
no longer a sensitive subject for vocalist Lauri Ylönen. With the
album out tomorrow, HEAVY caught up with Ylönen to dive deeper into
Weirdo.
"I'm feeling excited," he smiled. "A little bit nervous, still,
after all these years. We've been putting a lot of emotion and a
lot of time into this album for the last two or three years, and
it's finally going to be released. It's a bit nerve-racking to let
it go. But so far it's been a really good response, and the fans
have been liking the new, little heavier sound. It's a strong
album."
We read back an earlier quote from Ylönen, which said, "I find it
comforting that our 11th album is pretty much the same message as
our first album released in 1996" and ask him to elaborate.
"It is maybe the main message of the band," he measured. "Just be
yourself, no matter what. I think that's always been a struggle for
me, but as I've grown up, I've been able to find my soulmates;
people like me have come to me because it was almost like an
invitation. To dress up like that, to put makeup on like that, do
my hair like that, especially back in the days when there was no
social media and that kind of easy access to people. You had to
send messages out there, like, please find me."
In the full interview, Lauri shared insights into the personal
nature of the lyrics on Weirdo, including a ballad dedicated to his
son, and discussed the album's overarching message of authenticity.
Lauri also reflected on the band's musical evolution, comparing
their discography to a diary of life experiences, and highlighted a
collaboration with Lee Jennings on the title track of the new
album.
We spoke more about the importance placed on fitting in with
society, finding your own path and surrounding yourself with
positivity. Talk also turned to next year's debut tour of Australia
and what to expect, and more.
Order your copy of Weirdo here:
https://therasmus.lnk.to/weirdoalbum


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