We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anton Elokuu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anton, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I feel like I’ve never been able to learn in conventional ways. The things I learned through school, classes, and books didn’t seem to stick. Instead, I’ve been trying to imitate the artists I love the most, and through that, I’ve been finding my own ways. This also seems to be the exact way my idols learned their art.
To speed up my learning process, I could have spent more time consuming and analyzing my favorite artists’ works. Through imitation, I think I’ve trained my ears so well that picking up songs by ear has become quite easy.
One significant obstacle has been my lack of formal music theory knowledge. Skipping music theory has made it harder to analyze musical pieces on a theoretical level and also more challenging to continue composing when I get stuck.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Since childhood, music has been a fundamental part of my identity. I’ve always loved exploring sounds, listening intently to every note, and experimenting with various ways to express myself. Along the way, I’ve picked up piano and guitar skills, delving into diverse genres that continue to shape my musical journey. My influences range from the likes of Gojira, Katatonia, Depeche Mode, and Queen to more recent inspirations such as the Norwegian singer-songwriter Sivert Høyem, whose work has helped me find my voice as both a novice singer and songwriter.

As a musician, I offer a range of services—from crafting film scores and soundtracks to contributing as a session musician on guitar, bass, or synths. Additionally, I’ve developed a passion for photography, particularly the art of film photography. I’m drawn to its unconventional and atmospheric qualities—the charming grain, the captivating bokeh, and even the occasional imperfections like scratches and light leaks. Both of my cameras are over 50 years old, each photograph becomes a nostalgic journey inspired by icons like Ansel Adams and Vivian Maier. Working with these cameras feels like working with pieces of history, which I absolutely enjoy. It makes me slow down and concetrate on each frame.

What sets me apart is my commitment to embracing the unconventional and the nostalgic. Whether through my music or my photography, my aim is to evoke emotions and tell stories in extraordinary ways. By blending my diverse musical influences with the timeless allure of film photography, I offer a unique blend of artistry and authenticity. Every note and every frame is infused with a sense of nostalgia and depth, inviting viewers to join me on a journey of discovery.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe one of the most impactful ways society can support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is by actively purchasing their products, particularly directly from the artists themselves. This not only provides financial support but also fosters a deeper connection between creators and their audience.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

They biggest reward is the process in itself, weather it’s photography or music, I love emmersing into the process of creating those things. It’s also the anticipation and the result of those processes. Being able to create, and share these parts of myself and my vision.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elokuufilmph/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHhcriiMTyhxNMG263V3EUg
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-621880374
• Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/199161222@N04/

Image Credits

N/A