#robert linna

Robert Linna is the lead vocalist and guitarist of Estonian rock band Elephants From Neptune. Band's last big apperance was in February, when they got into the final of pre-Eurovision contest Eesti Laul and won the 4th place with an awesome song and performance! So Robert Linna took the time to answer our seven question. And as if this wasn't cool enough, he answered the questions last week on Estonian Independence Day!

Interviewed by Kaisa Laurimaa

(Photo by Renee Altrov)

1. Last song that was stuck in your head?

I woke up this morning with "Crosstown Traffic" by Jimi Hendrix going through my head. I got lucky cause Jimi is my man, but usually I get the short end of the stick and songs like Dana International's Viva la Diva or some local pop crap will haunt me like crazy. That's why I have developed a good sense of fantasy, to push these bastards out of my head by my own music.

2. What are you listening to at the moment?

I'm listening to the legendary sports commentator Lembitu Kuuse doing an intro to some skiing contest. I'm at my mother's place getting ready for an epic independence day dinner, the TV is on, mom's pouring juice and my girl is brushing her hair. Sweet.

3. Last album/song you bought?

I have never bought a specific song, but last album...hmm...probably Osibisa’s  Ojah Awake from a flea market in Budapest.

4. Next concert you're going to attend?

I will honestly say that I don't know. And I like that. I like musical surprises. The only definite plan of the summer will be AC/DC.

5. Most interesting band/artist in Estonia at the moment?

There's many, e.g. Kali Briis, Progress, Liblikas, DVPH, Tartu Roki ja Popi Instituut, etc.

6. Music that always calms you down?

Freddie King, Mac DeMarco, Bobby McFerrin, Donovan, just to name a few. It's not about the genre, it's about the relaxing essence of the performance.

7. A song that makes you want to dance?

The Stepkids "The Slap". No reason, just makes me feel good.

***

Last year Elephants (like the band is often called in Estonia) released their latest album "Pressure & Pleasure", which was awarded the Best Rock Album at the Estonian Music Awards! This week there are vinyl release parties in Tartu, Rakvere and Tallinn! If you're near these cities, don't miss out!

Also the video for the song "Flowers" was just released yesterday (03.03), so take a look!

Apparently there are bands who manage to reach into the consciousness of public in large as a result of insistent marketing and promotion and then there are bands who obtain a place in the hearts and minds of their audiences’ simply because their creation is convincing enough.  Elephants from Neptune, an Estonian rock legend-to-be, belongs to that group of artists whose lead singer doesn’t get on his knees on stage as a cry for attention – he does it because he gets carried away from the live-energy exactly like the audience in front of the stage does. The main charm of that band as a live act is their sincere, pure and raw being without any unnecessary pushing and posing – all moves and emotions seem to be inspired from the present energetics combined from the unbreakable connection and synergy between band members, tunes, sounds and the reflection from the audience. Their liveshows can be described as a cocktail mixed from whisky, sweat, pulsating testosterone and tears of heart-breaked girls in the front row – though this all wouldn’t be sufficient without high level of playing skills and outstanding songs. Through their creation they invite listeners to join their  world of experiments with dry guitar sounds,juicy-romantic lyrics hidden behind destructive beats, bluesy  mood changing to highly rockish style and back while making their first exploratory steps on the fields of unpredictable psychedelia.