"DREAM BABY DREAM" - MATTI AHOPELTO

Helsinki based composer Matti Ahopelto (28) studied film sound at the University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, before he decided to strike off into the musical universe in many different directions. Matti likes autumn, running, and creating strange noises. He dislikes the growing lack of empathy and “too much drama”.

Mostly known for being one of the founding members of future electro pop band Zebra & Snake, he also formed the concept rock band Siinai with Markus and Risto Joensuu (Joensuu 1865), and Saku Kämäräinen. His musical brilliance was not only verified by a cooperation with Wolf Parade singer Spencer Krug (alias Moonface), but also in interdisciplinary art projects with artist Tuomas A. Laitinen, which were shown in the Espoo museum of modern art, Emma, Residency Unlimited in New York and also in Helsinki Museum of Contemporary Art, Kiasma. Matti spent some time in Berlin when recording with Zebra & Snake, Siinai and Moonface at Kaiku Studios Berlin.

Matti with Zebra and Snake by Ilkka Saastamoinen

What are the things you feel most inspired by?

I recently moved to a new house in Helsinki and the best thing about is, it’s right by the sea. I can see the sea and sky without any obstacles from my window. It’s beautiful and so inspiring! Also I have a lot of really inspiring people around me, painters, sculptors, artists, musicians, so many talented people.

Left: Matti Ahopelto by Tapio Viitasaario | Right: Landscape by Matti Ahopelto

How did you end up working with a Berlin based producer?

To be honest, I really don’t remember how exactly we got to work with the guys at Kaiku Studios, but it’s been a good cooperation. Through mutual friends I guess… The girls from LCMDF hinted about them.
I guess that was it.

Conductor, Matti Ahopelto concert @ EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art from Tuomas A. Laitinen on Vimeo.

When writing music, what are the things most important to you?

I have a really nice studio with lots of nice gear, so that always helps. Working with inspiring people always seem to bear fruit as well. There’s always a possibility to collaborate with someone and exchange ideas, and those ideas generate new ideas and it kinda keeps everything interesting and in motion.

Did spending time in Berlin influence your creativity?

I never really lived in Berlin, just stayed there for a couple of times. But the ease of things there really gives a lot of room for creativity and that is really inspiring. Also it’s nice to go somewhere else for a while. It adds new perspectives on things and doings being away from home.

Siinai by Noora Lehtovuori

What are you working on right now?

Lots of stuff. I am working on a movie soundtrack for Finnish director Jan Ijäs, that will be premiered next month and an art show with artist Tuomas A. Laitinen. I am also producing a few Finnish bands, working on my own company as a composer for film and adverts and of course my bands Zebra and Snake, and Siinai!

Any words of wisdom?
Dream Baby Dream!

Interview by Victoria Trunova