(by Joni Takalo)
Howdy partners!
This time, the Dark Ride Blog will tell you about life in the Dark Ride Family as seen through the eyes of a drummer. I became part of the band in spring 2016. The idea of entering this company was presented to me by Vesa back in fall 2015. In the beginning, I was cautiously positive about this idea. I didn’t really know what to expect. In spring 2016, I took part in the rehearsal for the first time. I still remember how surprised and deeply impressed I was by how things are being done by these guys. A few days after the rehearsal Vesa called me and said I was welcome to join the band. Wow! What a great feeling! Now, about ten gigs and one studio session later, I can only look back and note that I am very thankful for having been given the opportunity to become a part of all this.
I've been making music my whole life, in various bands and many different constellations. I don’t know if it’s my age (increasingly rushing towards 100) or the exceptional attraction of our band, but there are several situations in which I waxed sentimental due to what I experienced in connection with this music – in a way I didn’t think was possible. I am thinking, for example, of a gig we played for children. Feedback from children is always straightforward, honest and it’s given quite directly. It is a special pleasure to succeed in front of such an audience. I also learnt that music and its power can help us to carry on when things are difficult.
While I am writing this blog, it’s November, it’s sleeting like crazy and it’s dark outside. Let’s not be bothered about these details, as there still are a lot of Dark Ride sensations coming up this year. For example, in two weeks from now we will celebrate our Dark Ride Xmas together with you – don’t miss it! Apart from that, rumor has it that there’ll be news regarding the next single release in the near future.
I wish you all a great pre-Christmas period (in Finnish: pikkujoulukausi) and a Happy New Year, an even better one than this one!
See you on our gigs!
Joni
Dark Ride Brothers