The MetalSucks Podcast #558 - Juha Raivio (Swallow The Sun)
Sep 30, 2024
Juha Raivio, the founder of the atmospheric metal band Swallow The Sun, joins for a deep dive into his creative process and the personal themes in their latest album, 'Shining.' He shares how living in a secluded environment fuels his music and reflects on the influence of Queen in his songwriting. The conversation touches on the complexities of same-sex representation in heavy metal, as well as the surprising negativity it often encounters. Juha's insights blend darkness with themes of hope, showcasing the healing power of music and nature.
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Push Back Against Scene Gatekeeping
- Petar defends openness in metal and criticizes gatekeeping and harassment of artists like Poppy and Butcher Babies.
- He stresses that the scene should welcome diverse artists instead of policing image or origins.
Scandals May Pause But Not End Bands
- Petar thinks Foo Fighters' current scandal won't end their career, but the band may step back for a while.
- He notes the spotlight now is brutal and some artists prefer to avoid modern fame's glare.
Create From Authentic Urge
- Juha Raivio avoids writing to please fans and lets music come naturally without calculating expectations.
- He believes overthinking audience desires leads to inauthentic, poor records.