Rising Star TOMI SAARIO Releases Latest Track SOMEONE LIKE YOU’ We Chat About Reaching 8 Million Streams, Military Service, Berlin Nightlife and More...

Rising pop-artist Tomi Saario has unveiled the official music video for his latest single ‘Someone Like You’. Produced by multi-platinum German production team Hitimpulse (Ellie Goulding, Kygo), the romantic single has garnered support from Spotify New Music Friday playlists across Europe. Directed by Max Motel, the music video is a creative and visceral experience, inspired by the rush of Berlin at night. In the twelve months since his debut single ‘Just A Little’, Tomi has garnered support from the likes of Wonderland, Rollacoaster and The BRIT Awards, as well as major radio and tv stations across Europe, picking up 8 million streams in the process. His Spandau Ballet-sampling previous single ‘Coconut Water’ with French production duo We Are Gold topped the most played list on Virgin Radio, as well as grabbing over 154k Shazams, becoming the second most Shazamed song in France. The latest exciting Scandinavian taking the globe by storm, 2021 sees Tomi Saario ready to take things to the next level.

Congratulations on your successes so far could you tell us about your journey leading up to your debut release?

Thank you very much. Well, I’d say the journey so far has been long but we’re still only at the beginning! Usually, people never see the amount of work that goes behind getting a record released. All they see is the finished product but it took years to even get to a point where it was possible to have a song released through a major label. Turning down a record deal in Finland in order to make music in English on a serious level, playing over 1000 shows in 4 years in London, writing hundreds of songs and learning to navigate the industry through mistakes. Not to mention learning to play the guitar and sing in the first place! I wouldn’t have it any other way though. It has to be hard so you know if you've got what it takes to see it through. 

Why did you choose music over a football career? How did this transition happen?

Honestly looking back on it I think it was bound to happen sooner than later. It wasn’t really a choice. Music and creating just felt like something I absolutely had to do. Football was more like something that I was just really good at and enjoyed. 

You had to complete mandatory military service in Finland. What was that experience like for you?

Wild... I’m really glad that I did it but I’m not sure if, given the choice, I’d do it again. I think it’s a rare opportunity to see how far you can ACTUALLY push yourself. We had to do things in the military that I would never in a million years have to do anywhere else, and through that, it definitely enriched my life in ways I didn’t think possible. It also makes you appreciate the nice things in life, like not being woken up by someone yelling in your face at 5 am every day haha. 

The Finnish Education System is renowned as the best in the world with free education including higher education. Did you study music at all?

Yes, that’s true, but I actually never really studied music. I had an awesome private guitar tutor for a couple of years when I was little, but even then, we usually just ended up listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan and learning his solos by ear. At my request of course. 

Having moved to London from Finland for music how did you find living in a new country/city?

Well, my home town in Finland has a population of about 40,000 people, so it isn’t quite as hectic as London! I didn’t know anybody when I moved there, so at first it all felt pretty overwhelming, but slowly I started to get to know the city more and I really loved living there. But, as I’m sure everyone who lives in London knows, sometimes you need a break from the city to catch your breath somewhere less busy. Renting in the city is crazy expensive though … 

How did Covid 19 affect your music last year and how have you adapted this year?

I wouldn’t say Covid 19 really affected the music that I make in any way, but it changed everything in the way we all have to approach promoting music and getting all the needed visuals done safely. It is quite unfortunate that everything was going perfectly until the first lockdown came. All the amazing promotional gigs that I had coming up were suddenly cancelled and there was no way to book more, which left me asking “okay, what now?”. 

Well, it’s been a year now and thanks to social media, I’ve been able to create some opportunities online to promote my music, even if I can’t do it face to face. I’ve also so far filmed two full music videos remotely with my cinematographer Max Motel. The first one with Skype and two iPhones (Don’t hurt yourself) and the second one via Google Meet with an amazing camera hooked up to my computer, so Max could direct me from Germany while I was in Finland (Someone Like You). It is what it is, but luckily quite often when your back is against the wall, creativity finds a way. I’m hoping later this year I can start touring again and making these videos in person. 

What are your hobbies and interests outside of music?

I’ve always been into sports and recently I discovered bouldering. Absolutely fell in love with it! It’s so meditative in its simplicity. I don’t have to think about anything else except “Okay, how do I get up there and not die in the process?”. Very cleansing feeling. 

What do you think separates you from other artists around at the moment what do you think you’re doing or saying differently?

I think having a background as a blues guitarist really separates me from the rest. I love making melodies that are direct and catchy but I’m always looking for that one extra thing that will add the depth that I think is so essential for music. Also, there aren't that many pop artists who are really solid guitarists. 

What has been your favourite travel destination and where else would you love to go?

One destination that I just can’t get out of my head is Virgin Gorda. Probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to and it pains me that I couldn’t spend more time there. I have to go back but it’s quite difficult to get there. I’ve always been a big fan of the Lord Of The Rings, so New Zealand is definitely one place I’d love to visit! 

What’s your favourite starter, main, dessert and drink?

Ah man… that's too hard. I love so many different dishes that it’s impossible for me to narrow them down to just one. My starter has to be seafood though. Drinks I can actually say! My favourite non-alcoholic drink is water and the alcoholic one is whisky.

Could you share your most memorable moment or funny experience from your time as an artist so far?

There have been many funny and memorable moments so far but I think one that really comes to mind right now is the first time I performed on national television in Finland. It was just such a big moment for my family. I’ll never forget it.

Having said the video was inspired by Berlin's nightlife, have you ever visited the famous/infamous Berghain Club?

Haha no I, unfortunately, have not! Whenever I’m in Berlin I tend to be so busy that I have no time to go out but I’ve heard wild stores about that club. I think I will have to check it out at least once! 

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Interview by John Burbidge