- The studio’s small window lets in just the right amount of daylight for making music. Antti Kuosmanen is used to the dim atmosphere of his ‘man cave’—it doesn’t bother him. Music creation is so immersive that there’s little time to admire the scenery, Antti notes. Kuosmanen has been performing since his teens, first with his father’s orchestra and later with his own band. For almost as long, he has made his own music, starting with modest tape recorders and, as technology advanced, in his own home studio.
- Over the years, the studio has accumulated a variety of instruments and technical equipment, some of which have outlived their time. Kuosmanen introduces his decades-old drum set and mentions that its market value is now higher than when it was new. So, it’s worth thinking twice before selling off even outdated technology. It might experience a new renaissance, and besides, these devices always carry a bit of emotion with them, Kuosmanen admits.
- Kuosmanen cannot prioritize touring over working in a home studio or vice versa. It’s not an either-or situation, but rather a both-and. Sometimes, sneaking into the studio at 6 AM on a weekend and everything falling into place gives a wonderful feeling, Kuosmanen describes. On the other hand, the immediate feedback from the audience during a gig can create a similar sense of success. Even though technology plays a strong role in both, the creative process still starts with the person. Creativity cannot be replaced by technology, says Kuosmanen.
- Finally, the composer gives a small glimpse into the routines of studio work. Radio Sandells' new song is being shaped into performance-ready form. Antti calls Katariina Keinänen, plays the demo of the song, and they immediately agree on a future recording day. The process is so clear that if Sandells' jury approves the song, it might be heard on the radio by the end of the summer. Antti Kuosmanen stays behind, adjusting the mysterious-looking buttons for the layman, as I leave humming with an earworm: come on Sandels, that’s our sound…