James Wilson-Taylor is joined by Hokka (Joel Hokka), formerly of Blind Channel, to discuss his debut solo album and the bold new chapter it represents. Drawing on the classic rock and dark Finnish heritage that shaped him, Joel explains how a chance encounter with long-time friend Pauli Rantasalmi, co-founder and former guitarist of The Rasmus, sparked a creative flood that brought the record together at lightning speed. Plus, he takes on the 7 of 30 questions to recount his starstruck bathroom run-in with Oli Sykes at Knotfest, and share the song that made absolutely everything possible.

00:00 – Introduction
01:06 – Transitioning to solo life
02:45 – Shifting musical direction towards ’80s rock
04:12 – The creative “flood” behind the new album
05:31 – Establishing the identity of “Hokka”
07:21 – Reclaiming Finnish dark rock heritage
08:28 – Building the new live band
10:22 – 7 of 30 interview begins
11:28 – What song would you like played at your funeral?
13:39 – What was your best memory of school?
15:24 – What is the stupidest thing you’ve ever done on stage?
16:21 – Name a time that you got starstruck
19:43 – What do you want to be remembered for?
21:31 – What is the worst meal you have ever had on tour?
23:49 – What would you ask if you ever met the devil?
27:42 – The quick-fire questions round
31:35 – The Seven Song Setlist

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