Sara is a long-running Finnish rock outfit that marked a significant milestone this February with the release of their tenth album, Hallava. In a detailed interview, vocalist-guitarist Joa Korhonen reflects on the band’s decades-spanning journey and the themes shaping their latest record.
Now celebrating three decades together, Sara set out to emphasize heavier riffs and bolder choruses on Hallava. According to Korhonen, a crucial change this time was having producer Tuomas Kokko on board, offering fresh perspectives and helping to refine each track’s arrangement. Most songs came together rapidly, though one older piece, “Ikuisesti”, has followed the band for well over ten years.
The album’s subject matter ranges from grappling with the loss of loved ones to musings on artificial intelligence. Tracks like “Hyvästi kapteeni” and “Valtameri ovella” fuse personal reflections with broader global phenomena. Korhonen acknowledges that singing about weighty topics live can be demanding, but repeated rehearsals and recording sessions ultimately make it easier to become fully immersed on stage.
Sara has always maintained a strong visual focus, and for this release they delved into AI-assisted creativity, crafting an experimental video collage for “Valtameri ovella”. Korhonen finds these technological possibilities intriguing, even though the process itself requires just as much effort as more traditional methods.
With the new album out, the band continues touring before hitting summer festivals, an opportunity Korhonen eagerly anticipates. The current phase of Sara’s career is a high point, underscored by larger crowds at shows and rising chart success.
Sara interview 27.01.2025
Joa Korhonen
Producer: Janne Vuorela
https://www.saranhuone.net/
Picture: Sara
