Interviews: BANGKOK DOLLARS

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hard Rock band, BANGKOK DOLLARS from Finland. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

It is kind of a cool story, Mikko our drummer saw a dream that he was playing in a band called Bangkok Dollars. We thought that why not, lets go with that one. 

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Well, we didn’t choose to play any specific genre. Everyone of us have been listening mostly rock and metal from childhood so its natural way to go, but in the writing process we don’t think about genres at all.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Partly yes, Max, Tino and I (Mikko) were in same school Janne joined us later, he was a friend of Max. That’s funny story, Max told to the rest of us that he knows this guy who is a killer guitar player and he can play Through the Fire and Flames perfectly, we said right at that moment that we need this guy in our band and well he turned out to be a very nice fella.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Mikko: Hard to say but if my life would depend on that I would say maybe Led Zeppelin.

Max: As an all-time favorite I have to say Guns N’ Roses.

Tino: Same with me, its just so cool band!

Janne: Van Halen, just legendary songs and the stage presence of whole band is so amazing!

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I (Max) think its everyone’s personal process that involves all the feelings and things that are going on in life, so it’s very hard to say any specific thing. Also, a lot of our songs just pop up in our jamming sessions and we build them from there.

6. Where was your last gig?

We were playing at club called On the Rocks in Helsinki, Finland. It is a famous live club, where is always a great audience and atmosphere! The gig was in autumn 2020 and we are waiting to get back on track after the pandemic situation allows it again!

7. Where would you like to act?

Whisky a go go would be the place. Knowing all the legendary stores from Sunset strip just make that place feels like something special.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Ahh, that’s really a hard question, there are so many... Maybe, Keith Richards, he is such a class act.

9. Whom not?

I’m (Janne) not sure is there any, we are so open minded with the music that I think we could manage to get some cool stuff done even with people from very different genres etc.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I (Mikko) think all of us have in the first gigs especially. Nowadays ‘’fright’’ has turned into excitement which gives some extra boost for the gig. On the day we have a gig we hang out together and try to do just basic stuff like going to eat somewhere or grab a couple of beers and that kind of stuff. So, our advice is that you should just try to relax, do stuff that makes you feel good, and try not to think about the gig too much.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

There are so many. I think that the whole band idea came when we were listening a lot of Guns N’ Roses and Hanoi Rocks stuff when we were little younger, so that might be the answer then. Of course, we still like that stuff!

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

There were one gig years ago were this dude just climbed up to the stage in the middle of the the song grabbed a microphone from one of the stands and insisted that he wants to play Thunderstruck from AC/DC with us, well obviously he was drunk as hell and never get the change but it was a little bit confusing moment. Then there was this guy who wanted to torch the band at the stage, but that was not actually on our bucket list at that time either.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Always been a blast to notice how they make the atmosphere at the gigs you know, how they sing along and party at the gigs, it’s just so cool! We appreciate them very much! 

14. What do you think of our site?

It's very cool, actually, we have found some new bands that we like from breathing the core, so keep up the good work!

15. Something add?

We are excited to get new music out with Sliptrick Records this year, album is going to be great! Meanwhile waiting we recommend checking out our debut album Roses n’ Ravens from Spotify and also check our social media platforms! Thank you, stay safe and see you on the road!