TONTTU

As a preface, TONTTU really is the craziest project I've seen in my life. With all CDs and songs based purely around the death of gnomes who are to blamed for such chaotic events as natural disasters, to the simplest effects such as a bed spring popping, TONTTU blames the little critters for everything. For more insight into the act, I recently sent out a questionnaire to the man behind the music (who chose to remain nameless). The results do not disappoint: plenty of gnome hating to be found within this interview. Check it out below!

Alright. Let's get straight down to the basics. You have one of the weirdest acts I have ever seen before. Tell me: what gave you the idea to start TONTTU in the first place?

TONTTU - "Letting our guards down, shall we?! Well, maybe there are no gnomes or sympathizers in the BR-audience...

Understand and embrace: If all men used all their power to hate gnomes, the world would be a better place to be...

It was dark and cold and moist 90's (95-96?) and we were spending some time with a few friends in a rehearsal room... Couple of hours of that quality time and for some reason we started playing and singing the first version of Saunatonttu (Jyrki, sorry for borrowing your mic, could not help it because I was in a totally gnomish state of mind not knowing how to resist them yet. But look where all this lead us: Be Proud!) Of course we witnessed increasing gnomic activity at that time, so that may have had impact on things to come. In fact one of them was later to join this campaign under the name Rudolf (pure genius that guy is, I tell ya). Well, story goes on. It was just one of those nights again and I was hanging out in a studio of another fella... Behold, again I began to see more of those gnomish apparitions and decided to start a project for that...With more to come later."

Did you have any influences impact your work? Such as other artists or films? Though I doubt there are any artists or films out there that can really compare to the eradication of gnomes.

TONTTU - "Sure! I've mentioned them on Nekro: As for the origins I would have to say Darkthrone, Storm, Isengard, NON, Blood Axis, and Puissance... And one of my favourites Keuhkot, very original stuff from Finland. And Laibach naturally, everyone should listen to them! Looking back in retrospect I should mention Two Witches also. Combining those influences, Voilá! Movies: I've seen loads of horror & fiction, which totally have made an impact... Cannot single out but that's what you get spending your time with movies & books at a young, impressionable - even vulnerable - age."

Now, I know that you have recently released Nekrognomekon, which consisted of your full catalogue ranging from 1997-2013. When you originally released your music, did it come out to much fare? And why did you choose to rerelease it?

TONTTU - "And as our first release we made Cd-r EP Kabouter Dämmerung (1997) which included 3 songs. Was kind of a blast doing and selling it from hand to hand (some 70 copies or so...). We even had a guitarist (Thanks, Toby!) at the studio to finish those songs with more metal outcome. Later that year we decided to do remixes, naturally like a best of from the first one. Cd-r EP Gnomedrome (97-98?) saw the light and, in addition, only used remixes. Our first true martial industrial song, the infamous Taisteluni, saw the light, and by that time the battle had begun with totally militaristic influences. Both releases had some Rom-material in them and then we began to see those soul munching parasites fight back. They managed to infest Drome's files and inserted a virus there to a word-file and we did not notice, dammit. Messed up one computer in the process, sorry Tommi. But gnomes, what can you do...

And that was that. Era of T was over. Lost contact to our first engineer and such events.

Later on in 2012 I remembered T again and began to ponder the possibility of printing a CD out of them, contacted the first engineer with success and he suggested that we should do new material. I was so in! So I started writing the lyrics. And he disappeared again. Supposedly kidnapped by gnomes and we do not negotiate with terrorists as I have stated earlier. That was that. Era 2 of T was over before it even began.

However I continued to write because I was having such a good time with it... Time went on and then I met one of my old friends Rudolf again: Shameless as I am, I asked if he wanted to join the fight and we were on again, stronger than ever! We went to the studio to record notorious Der Zwergenhammer in the beginning of 2013. We had a blast, but that was just the beginning of things to come, you could call it a rehearsal to what I would call Eradication-Era! (Cheers to Trev, because he introduced that E-word to me). Lots of good stuff on that EP, dammit! It sure was continuing the Taisteluni-path with militaristic, industrial and gloomy tunes and then more spoken word oriented vox. Then we just combined the 3 EPs and that was Nekrognomekon CD (self released 300 copies) with some magnificent artwork from Mr. Latva-Nikkola. I just wanted to have everything on a proper CD (CD-rom in fact). I found the pleasures of Bandcamp at that time as a means to share the propaganda. Then it was just so much fun, that I asked Rudolf if he was up to do some more. He agreed and I started preparing for what later was to be known as the AGD4 - Ultimate Anthem to Hatred."

Now, speaking of Nekrognomekon, I understand that on your BandCamp site, the prices are extremely ridiculous. The digital goes for 65.34 euros, while the CD goes for 99.99 euros. Why is this?

TONTTU - "There is a real reason for that, which you may not have expected! I started with that http://tonttu.bandcamp.com/ when I published Nekrognomekon. Then as we entered Panicmachine I did not want to let that go, especially when I had made lots of linking to that site. If you haven't noticed, there are these links to Panicmachine because the whole operation is now there. Hahaaha, unless of course someone wants to pay those prices! Hmm, maybe I should raise them a bit. But that's a catchy address to keep and easy to find, besides I wouldn't want gnomes to get a hold of it!"

Now, another thing that some people question is the theme of your music; some suggest that there may be a hidden political agenda within the works of the songs. Is this a fact, or is TONTTU all for fun?

"Well wouldn't it be odd if no one did? People see what they want to see and it's their right to a certain level. No, it's all about gnomes and the horror of it, dammit! If you want to dig deeper: I'm just really intrigued of that Us vs Them nonsense which seems to be the nature of humans as a species, go figure.You always need a scapegoat to make you feel better or something like that, sigh. And it's always kosher and useful to hate gnomes, so I took that agenda and took it to a bit extreme level. Anyway, if you find ulterior motives, good for you! You then know more than I do. I use lots of not so PC quotations and so on, so no wonder really. They fit in so nicely in the universe of T so why not?

Now, I know you've told me that you're a happy family man with a wife and children. So, tell me, what do they think of all your craziness?

TONTTU - "Well, we are a good match. I can be a bit enthusiastic sometimes, but she knows me by now after all these years. And I feel it is my duty to keep them safe from those vile red caps. The kid will understand these matters as she gets older, I'll make that sure! We need fighters against those cretins in the future, so. As SHTF, who's gonna protect you? Family that slays together, stays together as someone once said.
You there at home: I Love You."

Would you say that TONTTU is a way for you to just release a lot of stress? Or is it a way to get out all of your antics that wouldn't be accepted publicly?

TONTTU - "Hahahhahah, I love writing and found a new gear for that lately, twisted stories in movies and books have always intrigued me so T is all about that. I always wanted to do something musical as well and now there's this splendid opportunity to combine those two things, ain't that something! Thanks to Rudolf one more time for making this possible. Naturally this all relaxes me and makes me feel better."

Also, you recently signed with Panicmachine as a record label. How did this occur? I'm quite curious as to why a label would sign a band based around the eradication of gnomes.

TONTTU - "Panicmachine sure is close to my heart! Well: They stumbled on Nekrognomekon through a review, we later contacted and found out we sure have a similar taste in music and humour (of course these are grave issues we are dealing with, but otherwise). So we started planning the release of AGD4 in there and also moved Nekro to their site. Isn't it always the same thing: Both sides saw something to gain by combining forces. Panicmachine in every sense is something I really look up to: Good music and great vibes.

Now, also, in keeping up with the whole gnome thing, practically everything that TONTTU does is focused around gnomes. Do you think that any sort of fans or following that you have will get sick of the gnome-theme?

TONTTU - "Well, isn't anyone sick of themes like I'm so into Satan, that I grew a goatee and now thinking of getting married with him / it? Or Boy loves a girl and girl loves a boy and oh, that's so hard to keep it up and thus having an affair with a goat (oh wait, that would be the first guy...) Maybe you have already heard also, that cybertronics are cool and everyone of us should be weaponized robotykillingmachines in the near future -that would be sooooooo cool? Anyways, T is all about the folklore (some might say conspiracy theories) involving gnomes, so love it or leave it! Fair & Square and straight-up! Don't get me wrong with the examples, love BM / Industrial etc but just stating that aren't there a gazillion bands doing exactly the same things over and over and no one is complaining. Anti-Gnome? Not that much, we totally rule the Anti-Gnomemartialindustrialneofolkmetal scene in every continent. Huzaa!
A little twist there and then makes it more fun, if you don't feel it... Just move on to the next. And as for asking why I'm using the name Tonttufindergeneral, it's all part of this folklore, you could say the human side of things. Angry little SOB with lots of grudge, I also love this role play, it gives you the opportunity to think like another person...Or does it?

When it comes to making music, do you prefer going for hilarity over seriousness? Or do you just try and create a tale that all can enjoy?

TONTTU - "I just write and you could say that it's my style you see. When I'm happy with it, we proceed. TONTTU always goes lyrics first and those affect the music we do. We do everything on the spot in the studio, so it's very much up to Großinquisitor Rudolf Von Deer and then again my wishes where we are heading... It's a fun way to do it and total co-operation at its best. Nowadays and in the future High Commander Hephzibah is doing some composing beforehand and we will see where this will take us."

That being said, would you say that each album released under TONTTU is a concept album? Telling a story with each release?

TONTTU - "Not really, if you take a look for example at Der Zwergenhammer (EP made 2013 included in Nekro), there's a different take to these atrocities kabouters commit - even Santa Claus included. Or AGD4 which is basically 2 stories, including naturally lots of Goode-Olde-Eradication with that "TFG rants about gnomes" side of the story. Another part being more old style folklore."

Aside from selling CDs, do you have any plans on releasing other merchandise? Because I would love to have a poster on my wall from TONTTU that serves as propaganda against gnomes.

TONTTU - "Not a bad idea that poster - I could use the splendid AGD4 cover with some truly powerful art from Emerson Williams (Cheers!) We used to have coffee cups and t-shirts (Very Limited Editions) around the theme of Nekrognomekon, True rarities so if you have 'em, don't let 'em go!"

Now, the question as to whether or not you're planning on playing live has already been answered, and the answer is no. However, if you were ever asked to play at a venue, would you take the opportunity or deny it?

TONTTU - "We have already been asked, but refused gracefully. Sorry guys and girls!"

Are there any specific reasons as to why you haven't played live up to this point? Do you just not fancy the idea?

TONTTU - "We are a project and we will keep it like that. We can sure have fun pondering that, but we want this to be as it is: Gnome-Proof and Mystical."

Now, speaking of future release, what have you got working in the factory as of this moment? And, do you have an idea as to when you'll be releasing this material?

TONTTU - "In fact there is, I'm glad you asked: Remix-album is coming up hopefully in July, it will be a blast! Some very talented and especially gnome-hating people are taking part to this Epic Album! Through Panicmachine, naturally. Lair of TONTTU delivers once again. In fact, this connection with PM made this possible as I met really open hearted people with lots of anger towards what gnomes do, now they are connecting the dots.
I'm also working on new material, but no hurry with that. Building up some ideas, groundwork so to speak. It will be quite fun, I'm sure!"

And here is where the interview ends. I leave the space below free for you to leave any sort of messages to your friends, families, fellow artists, or anyone in general.

TONTTU - "What's wrong with doing what you want, dammit! You don't have to be so serious all the time, or you'll end up being a grumpy old git. And remember, if you want to join the hunt, lyrics are also translated to English every single time (in CD-rom or in download which comes with the CD) so do not miss those: You sure are missing the true essence of Eradication if you don't read / listen to them, but I guess it's ok if you just listen to the music if you feel like it, even though it will lack some of the power.

But summa summarum: I'm happy with the situation now, haters hate but there is lots of support that warms my heart. We're not trying to be the most successful band ever (obviously), but one that leaves you with anger or amazement asking, 'Why?' (99 to 1 at this point of average, I think... Haahaaaahah). Easy as that. One more Huzaa to those who'll participate in the forthcoming album, you know who you are.

Special Ending To Those Who Understand: PÖD!"