Finnish songwriter, producer and guitarist Petter Näse may cite ’80s hair metal as his main influences, but his new country-tinged release “Highs and Lows” sounds like what would happen if Petty and Zevon took some quaaludes together.
Early Signs beautifully weaves together powerful elements of nostalgia, combining indie alt songwriting with country refrains in his second single. Slick country-esque guitar licks punctuate the track, with lush harmonised vocals starting things off with the chorus and refrain “Highs & Lows, go together, Highs and Lows, best friends”
Who are some of your musical influences?
My childhood heroes were mainly hair metal like Europe and Guns N’ Roses. They soon gave way for a long period with U2. Paul McCartney, Eagles and Paul Simon, which I found early on in my dad’s record collection, are still a big influence on me. My desert island listening would probably be Bon Iver, especially the “22, A Million” album. Buddy Miller has been a key figure with his soundscapes and quirky yet beautiful guitar playing. Daniel Lanois has been and is very important to me as a source of inspiration. Norah Jones’ album “The Fall” was a huge influence on me while I was coming into my own as a producer. Recently I’ve really enjoyed Vargas & Lagola’s albums, I love their natural sense of melody. I could easily name twenty more artists that always stay with my in one way or another.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
Every now and then a song takes hold of you and you’re sort of totally immersed in the song, not questioning anything about it. Often it’s the vocal performance, other times it’s the intangible sum of it all and sometimes it’s just the way a song makes you feel. “8 (circle)” by Bon Iver is up there with ”Dream On” by Aerosmith and ”The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles.
What have you missed about touring?
Apart from the obvious which of course is playing music in front of an audience, I have missed the deep discussions on the road, the camaraderie and experiencing new places.
Have you ever been given something remarkable by a fan?
From my days of touring as a sideman I remember the artist I was working with at the time received a cold microwave dinner. On stage. As I remember it there was a letter attached to the steak and mashed potatoes.
How do you manage having a good time at shows, but also trying to stay mentally and physically fit?
For me, they really go hand in hand. I love exploring cities while running which helps me stay in shape both mentally and physically. For me, having that balance, is the key to being able to really enjoy playing shows and stay in the music, in the moment.
Early Signs — Instagram