Paavo Lötjönen weighed in on the music industry’s current state in a recent interview on TotalRock’s ‘Louder with Ore B’ radio show. Asked if it’s easier for new bands to break through in the age of social media and streaming platforms, he said, “No, not really. I would say I’m really sad for the newcomer bands.”
The cellist then explained, “It’s so difficult to start touring and get some money for touring. We are lucky we’ve done it already in the past. To make this as a profession, it’s difficult… And people [have] kind of learned to get everything for free, and that’s a bit tricky if you really would like to create proper shows and live with this, ’cause many bands, newcomer bands, they are doing other jobs on the side and they can’t concentrate [on] playing and creating music. Only lucky ones.”
He also commented on the accessibility of recording technology and rise of Spotify, which has led to a crowded market: “In a way, it’s fantastic that it’s possible to spread your music all around. But the fact is that every day Spotify is releasing 140,000 songs — every day. How can you be found from there if you’re a newcomer? And if you are signed for the big record companies, like labels, if they take your deal, they take all your money in the future as well.”
Apocalyptica made their debut in 1996 with a tribute album to Metallica, titled ‘Plays Metallica by Four Cellos,’ and released nine more studio records since then. The latest one, a follow-up to their first, ‘Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2’ arrived in June 2024 via Throwdown Entertainment.
The new cover album included tracks from Metallica’s catalog with contributions from the original members themselves. James Hetfield recited lyrics in the single ‘One’ while Robert Trujillo made a guest appearance in ‘The Four Horsemen.’ Additionally, their version of ‘The Call of Ktulu’ featured the original bassline by Cliff Burton, who died in a tour bus accident in 1986.