I felt bad as I was walking onto the bus to interview Janne Warman, keyboardist of Children of Bodom. Their tour manager had to wake him up, so I was planning on him being miserable and making me feel like a fool. Luckily, that didn't happen, as he was a real nice guy, had some good answers, and a cool accent.
This interview went down on March 22, 2006 at Lupo's in Providence, RI. Keep in mind that these guys will be part of the amazing Unholy Alliance Tour, featuring Slayer, Lamb of God, Mastodon and Thine Eyes Bleed, taking place this summer.

PL: State something interesting about yourself.
COB: I don't know. Weird question.
PL: Most of my questions are weird.
COB: Okay, thats good. Something that would be interesting...I like diving.

PL: Do you get enough sleep while on tour?
COB: Yes. Sometimes when we're in not so big a city or not that interesting of a place and we're just waiting for the show, I'll sleep all day.

PL: Is playing piano different from playing the keyboard?
COB: I think its totally different. Even though it looks alike, I think its a different instrument, for me at least.

PL: Does being a musician ever seem like just another job to you?
COB: Luckily not. Its really cool that we get to do what we really like doing. I think its awesome and we're really lucky to be doing what we're doing.

PL: Do you think other countries hate America as much as the media makes it seem?
COB: No. I don't think so. In Europe, I don't think people hate the U.S.A. at all, but then there are these fucked up Middle East countries or whatever. I hate religion. People should just fucking try and get along. In general, I don't think people in Europe hate the U.S.A.

PL: Is there more pressure when you're headlining a show?
COB: Yeah, of course. You play longer, and if people don't show up, its your fault. Its a totally different thing when you're headlining.
PL: Would you pick headlining a show over being a supporting act?
COB: Being a supporting act is great. You get to play earlier and play a shorter set, and then there's more time to party or whatnot after the show. But, when you have a great show with a lot of people who came just to see you, its amazing. They both have their good things.

PL: Whats one movie everyone should see?
COB: "The Big Lebowski." That is the best movie of all time. Its amazing.

PL: Whats a little known fact about Finland?
COB: Nokia is from Finland. Its the big cell phone company.

PL: Name one album, besides your own, that you think all kids should have in their collection.
COB: I'm gonna say Alice Cooper's Trash.

PL: Do you have any final comments.
COB: I don't know...this was a cool interview, by the way; I hate the usual questions. We're happy to be on tour again, and a lot of people have been coming to the shows, which is always nice.

Interview by: RF

BACK