Janne from the Pistones are the one who is answering my questions. Really good punk or what to call it and really hope that everone try to listen to them. September 2026

Please tell me the story about Pistones, why and when you started to play this sort of music?

-We started in 2009 after my previous band broke up. Maukka asked if we should start a band, and I had already discussed forming a new one with Frank (the original bassist). Maukka brought Ise along. It all came together easily, we've always liked the same kind of music. 

Please tell me a little about every member, age, instruments, bands before, bands on the side if you have any and somthing secret about ever member?

-We're all around 50 years old - some younger, some older. Everyone has played in several bands before. Currently Maukka (drums) plays in Häiriköt and Clamour, Pena (bass) plays in Lehtivihreät and Ystävät. Ise (guitar) has no other bands. Besides Pistones I (guitar and vocals) have Modern World (Jam cover band), Hats&Caps and LAMF. No secrets. 

If I look at Discogs you don´t do records every year, but have you played all the time from the beginning??

-Yes, we have been active and played together since the beginning - sometimes less, sometimes more.  

Does it feel like you have released a record if you only put it out digital?

-No. All our releases are on vinyl (and digital of course), a release has to be tangible. 

You sing in english, and why not anything in finnsih?

-In our opinion, the English language suits this musical style best. 

Your lyrics, what are they about, can you put in some politics sometimes or is it something you think that have with music to do? Your most political song?

-The politics in the songs is politics from a working-man's perspective - "street politics". Some songs are about my life, some are just stream of consciousness. No party politics. If you listen to the lyrics of "The Facts don't Matter" you get a pretty good idea of my way of thinking.

Which are your favorite political band, I mean which is the best band to get out politics in the best way?

-I like working class bands like Bonecrusher and Cock Sparrer. 

Is Finland a good punkcountry nowadays or how is it? Any good bands worth to mention?

-Finland has long had a vibrant punk scene. In addition to our own bands, others worth mentioning include Wasted, Kivesveto GoGo and Korkkivika.

Finland have a good history with old bands like Riistetyt, Tervett Kädet, Electric Blue Peggy Sue…and other bands, is that something that you like and which of the old bands are the best?

-My absolute favourites are Lama and Ratsia. Ratsia has been a major musical influence on me. 

Is there any of the old bands still playing?

-Yes there are, but not my favourites. Lama played a few shows maybe three years ago and I went to see them, of course. 

Distant second is your new album called? Any special meaning with it?

-Yes. It's our second album and there was 13 years between the albums so calling the album Distant Second felt appropriate. 

When you play live, which type of people comes, is it only punks and rockers or how is it? Old and young?

-Lot of different people come to the shows, both old and young.  

Is there any people you miss on your concerts? 

-The more people the better.  

You have been on many different labels and now you are on Stupido records, why so many different labels?

-No particular reason. 

Please tell me a little about the following lyrics,

Face in the mirror

-This song tells about a person who fucks up everything. It could be anybody or no one.  

The only way

-It's about a way of life. You start playing rock music and living the lifestyle, then later you think you have to give it up for the sake of "a normal life". Yet you want that life back - the flame still burns inside you, but you never return to the lifestyle you miss. Born a rocker, die a rocker. The song is hugely Springsteen inspired. 

Death by a thousand cuts

-The pressures and demands of everyday life may seem unbearable, but one has to keep moving forward. 

Who does the lyrics and how do you do your songs. Is there some who comes to the rehersal with a whole song or do you jamming them together?

-I do all the lyrics and melodics. I have the song kind of ready, but when it comes to arranging the song, everyone in the band has a vision, and the song is worked on collaboratively. 

If you should describe your music in three words for someone who never have heard you-which three words comes to mind?

-Working class rock'n'roll. 

Please tell me a little of following records and a little about it..

The Record which makes Pistones sound like you do?

The Chords: So Far Away - Mod revival, a perfect mix of melodic kind of punk rock, pop and The Who.

The first record you bought yourself?

-Sepultura: Arise - I was 12 years old and liked thrash metal. 

The record you want to have recorded and be a part of?

-Ratsia: Elämän syke - The Best Finnish album ever. 

The Record you like which you shouldn´t like?

-There is no such record.  

The Record which made you wanna play rockmusic yourself?

-Hurriganes: 16 Golden Greats 

Have you been much outside Finland and played? Which are the dreamplace to play?

-We have played in England and several times in Sweden. We like playing in Sweden and would like to come back.

If you could put together a big concert with both dead and living bands and a minifestival with five bands plus Pistones, which five bands have you choosed then?

-Ratsia, The Chords, The Jam, Hanoi Rocks and The Who. 

Is there any swedish bands you like?

-ABBA!!!

Do you care about reviews? Which is the most peculiar you ever had, with this band or any other band you have been to?

-Of course I do care, but can't remember which is the best one. 

Which bands does people compare you to? Is it frustrating that people compare bands with other bands or is it understandable?

-It's understandable, I do it all the time. The Jam was often mentioned when we started, and still is.  

You have a done a new record now, Distant Second? Are you satisfied with it or is it something you wish you have done different?

-I'm completely satisfied, although every time you finish an album you start to think if you should have done something different, but it's completely pointless. 

Are you planning for another record soon? Tour or what happens next?

-We're rehearsing new songs, but there is no plan. We play as many gigs as possible. 

Which is your own favoritesong among your own songs? And which song is the people choice?

-Death by a Thousand Cuts is my own favorite. Monday Rain might be the people's choice.  

Which is the record that you always must have in the tourbus?

-It varies, no special album.  

Do you buy much records, or is it only Spotify and those type of things to listen to music? Is there any good record shop in your hometown?

-I do buy records, but I also use Spotify. There are many good record stores in Helsinki. 

Is music a good way to get out frustration and become a nicer person outside the music?

-It is a good way to get out frustration. 

What shall a young guy do today to shock their parents as the way we did when we were young? They have already seen everything ;-)?

-Ask my wife :)

Is it boring with interviews? Is it much interviews? What do you prefer Telephoneinterviews, face to face or as this one via e-mail?

-It's not boring with interviews cause we don't do that many. All types of interviews are okay.

Futureplans for the band? And for yourself?

-To keep on making music.  

Wisdomword?

-Remember to have fun also.

Something more to add?

-Thanks for the interview.