The Kool Kids

For those of you who haven’t heard of the name yet: Huoratron is a project from a crazy Finnish guy called Aku Raski who is bald and has an occasionally long beard. Other projects of him are Alpha Males and Nu Science. “With his harsh and hardly danceable sounds he has tried to rock dancefloors for years already. In year 2002 Huoratron was born, first as a project, where Raski very effectively used two Game Boy consoles to produce experimental Electro.” Currently signed at Last Gang Records, he will release his debut album on the same label in a short time.

Huoratron surprised the scene with his his shockingly exciting track “$$ Troopers” 2 years ago. Ever since his loud noises are heard all around the world. Recently the Finn released the track “Corporate Occult” on the label from Finland of which he is one of the founders, New Judas. We spoke with the guy during the Jailhouse event at the Maassilo in Rotterdam on April the 12th.

Huoratron – $$ Troopers from New Judas on Vimeo.

How are you doing at the moment?
It’s going okay. It’s already my second gig of today, so I’m a bit down right now. Just tired. Things are really busy at the moment, with the whole tour going and stuff.

What have you been doing lately?
The things I’ve been doing lately are travelling and studio. Honestly, that’s all I’ve been doing. I’m travelling so much lately that it’s hard to get in the studio at certain times. There are so many gigs going. I have a US tour, an Australian tour, then another US tour and a vacation tour going. And in the meanwhile the label is also saying to me like “Yeah, yeah, we want the material”, so it’s a bit tiring.

So when is the album done?
The album is a pretty huge thing for me in my head. I have like millions of tracks and ideas in mind. At least I can tell you that the album will be out in early 2011. Before the album there will be some sort of release I think. There will be some kind of special action with the album, art-related. Not so much in graphics, but essential art. This part is pretty important for me. It’s pretty hard to explain.

So you’ve recently signed at Last Gang Records. What’s the difference between Last Gang Records and the New Judas label?
Money. That’s the biggest difference. Of course there are also some other slight differences, but this is the biggest one. I have a long-term agreement with Last Gang Records. The album will be released on Last Gang Records, so they are pushing me a bit about finishing it.

How did the development came from being a “bedroom DJ” to a real artist?
I have been in a couple of punk bands. I was playing the bass and I remember being so shit at it haha. I was into Industrial and Metal music. And at some point my friend had a sampler. Kids way back in the day, about 15 years ago, used way worse stuff than the kind of instruments you have now. Anyway, my friend made a sampler for me and from that point I created some bass and started programming some industrial stuff. A lot of stuff didn’t exist back then, so it was pretty hard for me in the beginning. When I created my first noise it all just went on from there.

Considering Lowlands festival will be soon again this year, can you tell us how your gig at Lowlands festival went last year?
Uhm, I played just before Boys Noize and it was a fucking good show. All the people were dancing like crazy and It was quite big and fucking madness everywhere. Too bad I won’t be going there this year, but I will be there probably next year, when the album is out. I’m going to play at Valtifest in Amsterdam in September though, so you can check me out there.

What are your plans now that you are at Last Gang Records?
Well, first up is the album release. After that there will be some kind of personal project. The album needs a lot of preparation. The organization, the graphics etc. Everybody needs to be in sync in order to make a success out of this album. The graphic design is not done yet. All the time I’m travelling and working in the studio, and that’s it. It takes lot of time to make stuff. I use many different programs. I try not to disappoint myself with the album. Next Tuesday I’m going to US for couple of weeks, playing some gigs over there.

“CORPORATE OCCULT” Huoratron Music Video from Cédric BLAISBOIS on Vimeo.

How is the scene going in Finland?
New Judas Label is from Finland. People there know what’s what. People know where the party’s at. I’m from Helsinki myself and Helsinki is a fucking good city for partying. Clubs are always loaded with people and they always serve good music.

Wasn’t it hard to leave New Judas label cause it’s from Helsinki?
I actually was one of the original founders of the label, so of course it was hard. But I think it’s a good thing.

How do you cope with other habits in such a “business life”?
I have other habits like I can do a lot of visual stuff and studio work. I’m often enjoying the ride when I’m on tour. I’ve been to China for 2 months. It’s so weird and amazing to get in touch with thousands and thousands of years of old dynasties. I don’t really have time to go and explore the cities and countries, but whenever it’s possible I try to.

Are you going to plan some artwork or collaborations with other artists?
It’s basically bringing some other ideas in some other life of form. It will be on some different label. It’s impossible to explain. I impersonate musicians. Of course there are some inspirations. Lady Gaga is an absolute favourite haha. Some Hiphop… There are all kinds of influences. The début album will be the whole package. Meaning the design, artwork, both visual and audio etc. Its going be pretty Rock & Roll like.

What’s your evaluation of these evening?
I fucking adore the venue. It’s so rough and industrial-like. It’s really nice.

Why do you think you’re kool?
Hmm, tough question. I’m kool, because I’m from Finland, so my body temperature is lower than average haha.

What’s your motto?
My motto… Ah, my motto is: Opinions are like assholes. Everybody has got one.

As a bonus, you can get the track “Gbay” for free! This sick Game Boy sound-like track of Huoratron is free to download once you’ve filled in your email address to be updated by the latest news.