Japan Benefit EP

"March 2011, Japan was hit with a devastating earthquake and tsunami which left people in a great need of food, shelter, just about everything you can imagine. In addition the event created an ongoing dangerous nuclear problem. As I watched the horrorfying waves wash off entire towns, I felt completely helpless. So I turned to the one thing I knew I could do: writing a song and releasing a benefit EP. All proceeds coming off of "Japan" EP (including ringtones, seperate singles and any additional products that may be added) will be donated to the Red Cross to help the Japanese in this time of crisis. They need our help. So please, look into your heart and help me help them by purchasing a product. Thank you." — Press Release for Japan Benefit EP

JAPAN BENEFIT EP was released on March 31, 2011. Additional single "Japan (Alternate Stadium Edit)" was released on April 1, 2011.

To buy the EP, go to either of the following stores:

http://www.reverbnation.com/store/index/artist_1404110

http://kimmo.bandcamp.com/album/japan-benefit-ep

(more stores to be added soon)

Thank you to each and every one who buys the EP, or a song from it, or the alternate version of "Japan", or a ringtone. Every purchase counts in helping the Japanese, so take part in my mission. Also, I would appreciate it very much if you could spread the word through by posting a link to your FB pages, Twitter, or any other media. The more people hear about the EP, the more good we can do. Thank you!

Happy New Year 2011!

The year 2010 was a good year, despite of the fact that I lost some very dear close ones. The year was full of inspiration and music poured out of me both in the form of numerous original songs, as well as classical compositions. Thank you God and Happy New Year 2011 to each and everyone of you! Blessed be!

*I apologise for not updating this blog very much. I have been busy, starting one project after finishinjavascript:void(0)g another. I hope in 2011 I will have more time to devote into writing to this blog.

Shackles and Arrows

I would say this song is slightly inspired by the dark and twisted movie by Lars von Trier ("Antichrist"). I have to admit, I didn't like the movie very much, though at the same time wasn't expecting to. Disturbing and a bit too dark for my taste. At times the cinematography was very beautiful and captivating and this is where the inspiration for this song came about.

The movie also inspired a second piece of poetry called "Paradox" which I will later use in a different song, so would not say I "tormented" myself for nothing. Even so, if you decide to watch the movie, brace yourself because it invades you in more ways than one - not to mention being sexually provocative and even pornographic at times.
The idea of a love affair, eden gone wrong - that is where "Shackles and Arrows" was born.

The Last Day

This week I catched a film called "2012". I'm talking about a documentary which deals with Nostradamus' long lost manuscript about the end days, not the movie by the same name. After viewing this documentary, I would be lying if I said I felt fine. The next day I woke up with rather deep anxiety inside me. It's not exactly thrilling news that I and my loved ones might have to live through such historic events.

I don't believe the end of the world comes in 2012. But I do think it's a significant year and the world is changing rapidly. We are living a significant time period, all you need to do is read the news - the world is in complete chaos. In a way 2012 marks the beginning of a new age. During that year a galactical alignment is about to happen. The sun will rise in the centre of the milkyway which can result to a number of events. It's an event that has not happened during human history - ever. Anything is possible.

So I am returning to this subject again as I care about it alot and I hope more people would care about it. Though we see propaganda all around, twisted facts, fantasy land imagery in the movies, there is something real happening as well. Has been happening for a long time.

I myself stop frequently and ask: What would you do if it was the last day? And I ponder would I be good enough for heaven and content with how I have lived. Could I own up to my life or would I run away from it? Many people don't even care about these things and I respect their ways. But to those who do care, these things are real, To question ones final destination is never pointless. It's always good to ask big questions, they can lead up to big answers. And it's better to be safe than sorry.

Trilogy EP out now!

February 11th, 2010, "Trilogy" EP was released. It is an EP which contains three classical pieces including "Requiem for Aurora", "Recollections" and "Manifestation".

The "Trilogy" EP was conceived not according to any plan but it was simply born out of my needs and the circumstances. My grandmother's passing had a very strong effect on me emotionally and lots of things kept bubbling under my skin. Music became my way of getting it all out. In the process, three pieces were born, of which I am very proud and at the same time ashtonished that I actually did them. It is my first departure into classical music but I can assure you, it won't be my last. I find it very liberating to escape writing lyrics and singing occasionally. I enjoy the process of creating a mood through instrumental music alone.

"Requiem for Aurora" describes the journey to an unknown place, the sorrow of letting go as well as the point of no return. "Recollections" describes the many memories and events that our lives consists of. "Manifestation" finalizes the trilogy, describing the battle to come to the other side, the birth of a new beginning.

*"Trilogy" EP can be downloaded through Kimmo's Bandcamp page, click the widget on this page and you can listen, share and download the EP.

**Above the main covers as well as the individual covers for each track.

*** "Trilogy" EP is not the only release, look out for the full length digital albums coming out soon!

Requiem for Aurora

In the end of January 2010, my grandmother passed away. I wrote a song "Be Set Free" as she was laying in the hospital with no hope of returning to us. Last Saturday we said our goodbyes and laid her to the ground. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust... And I felt I was not yet finished living through all my emotions, that there were parts of me that still haven't quite realized what has happened. At times it seems like I'm drifting through a surreal fog. Letting go is never easy. Dying is the end of one chapter but it is also the beginning of another. Life on earth is simply a test we must pass.

The inspiration for "Requiem for Aurora" came to me from the second name of my grandmother: Aurora. The name is of Latin origin, meaning "dawn". It seemed to hold in the most precious thought, the salvation of a soul, it's journey from earth to the infinite light - and the composition wrote itself. I was just an instrument, as I always am. Music helps me deal with emotions of many sorts, and in this time of loss, it has helped me more than perhaps anything else. Rest in peace, Helvi Aurora - and above all, be with God.