Finland-based band Raivo Jackson recently released their debut album “Tangled Up In Roots,” a collection of narrative driven songs written from compelling character point of views. The latest single from the album, “Swimming Under Ice,” is a blues-infused, western groove that explores the forces that drive someone to make bad decisions. Beyond the music, lead vocalist Saska teaches Finnish to immigrants at the Finnish Refugee Council. To learn more about Raivo Jackson and their debut album, read on.

Where are you based?
I’m currently based in Helsinki, Finland.

What inspired you to come together and start making music?
I started making music as Raivo Jackson around 2010 while I lived in London. First I worked alone, but after moving back to Finland in 2017, I found other musicians to join me.

How would you describe the genre of music your band makes? Are there any artists or cultures in particular that influence your sound?
Our music spans different genres, but can be described as Americana, roots or nordic noir. I incorporate bits from everywhere interesting, but some definite influences are Townes van Zandt, Nick Cave, and Timber Timbre.

Congratulations, your debut album titled “Tangled Up in Roots” was just released! What inspired you to make this album?
Thank you! This is a great moment for our band, and we look forward to sharing the songs with live audiences. And it’s amazing to be interviewed for Jejune, it’s interesting to talk about other important themes as well as the music.

We recorded several EPs over the years, but felt it was time to create a full album. The album is a showcase of the various styles we merge, and designed as an old school collection of songs that take the listener through many moods and stories. It works really well on vinyl, where you have two sides that are both separate entities.

Can you tell us a bit about the themes explored throughout the project and why you chose to write about them?
At times I write lyrics as a character, in order to tell darker stories from a specific viewpoint. Some songs include personal experiences, others explore issues we face in our societies.

“Swimming Under Ice” is your latest single from the album! What is the story behind this song?
This deals with the forces that lead people to make bad choices in life. The narrator could be a member of authority working in a society that represses human rights, violent gang member, hateful religious figure. A person who spreads negative and hateful messages, and tries to find a way out — that’s the metaphor ‘swimming under ice’. But the message is not entirely hopeless, maybe this character will redeem themselves at some point in life.

Your music is very narrative-driven. Do you tend to write first and build the instrumentals around your lyrics or do melody and instrumentals inspire lyrics?
This changes from song to song. Sometimes I write the lyrics first if I have an idea of a story, but I also might find a nice sounding phrase that works rhythmically with a riff or a melody. Having played with a band for a while now, I tend to write with more emphasis on the different instruments in the band. Initially it was all singer/songwriter stuff for vocals and acoustic guitar.

“Fire Song” is another single off of your album. What was the inspiration behind this song?
I’ve had a fascination for fire since I was a child, and the song is a story written from a pyromaniac’s perspective. So it's an exaggerated version of my fondness for fire as an element. I love making fires at campsites and at my cabin in the woods, which is heated with a fireplace. Or any other occasion there is! Watching the flames is one of the most relaxing things. As a child, I almost burnt our house down twice, but fortunately got my impulses under control.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope they can appreciate the melancholic beauty that we try to create with the songs. I’d love to have people listen to the lyrics too, as they are such an important aspect.

Saska, you teach Finnish to immigrants in the Finnish Refugee Council’s discussion group. Can you tell us more about what you do and how you got started?
I volunteer a couple of times a month teaching Finnish to immigrants, with different levels of the language. It’s great and rewarding to support people new to our country, and provide a welcoming and safe space in a society in which many experience racism on a daily basis. The current populist-rightwing government is very anti-immigration, and the empathy is seriously lacking. It also restores hope in people, seeing the many nationalities and religions learning together. Racist people often have very limited interactions with people from other cultures, and it’s easier to hate the unknown.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
Currently all our energy is directed at promoting the new record, getting people to hear it, and practicing for forthcoming gigs. There are vague plans for collaborations with other artists, let’s see what comes out of those!

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least three more. How have you been staying positive?
I have to admit it’s difficult to maintain an optimistic outlook, as many of the good things created after WW2 are being dismantled as we speak. I go through dark periods and don’t see this ending very well for us, but at the same time try to appreciate the amazing, eventful life full of wonderful experiences that I’ve had so far. In everyday life music, swimming, yoga and nature help keep the balance on the positive side.

What is your motto in life?
“Every silver lining has a cloud attached.” I like sarcasm in humour.

To learn more about Raivo Jackson, please check out the links below:

Official website

SoundCloud: Raivo Jackson

Instagram: @raivojackson

The Finnish Refugee Council