Vahtera: “Copyright gives me security and value to my work”

How did your career as an artist start?

My artistic career started about ten years ago when I took part in the fifth season of The Voice of Finland. I came third in the competition and started working on my own music the same year with songwriter and producer Jonas Olsson.

In spring 2017 I signed a record deal with Universal Music and in autumn of the same year I released my first single under the artist name Vahtera.

I have been singing all my life and music has always been my passion. Before Voice, I used to gig on a small scale. My big dream as a child was to release an album of my own music one day. Here I am, soon to release my third album!

Who is your musical idol?

I love Vesala! He is definitely my idol. I love that she’s making a return to the stage this summer! I look up to all charismatic singers who boldly walk their own path.

My own music follows in the footsteps of artists like Vesala, Erin, Kaija Koo and Jenni Vartiainen. As an artist, big pop is close to my heart. The country influences in music are particularly inspiring at the moment.

At what point in your career did you hear about Gramex?

I heard about Gramex from my producer as soon as I started making purposeful music ten years ago. Even before my own releases, I was already singing a lot of backing vocals for different artists’ releases and immediately joined Gramex.

What role do your Gramex remunerations play in your income formation?

I receive Gramex remunerations for my own releases, a few duets and for background vocals.

For me, Gramex (and Teosto) payments function mainly as a savings fund. I’ve used my Gramex earnings, for example, to cover the costs of holidays. During financially quieter periods, they have also played an important role in covering everyday expenses.

What does copyright mean to you?

Copyright gives me security and gives value to my work. The works I have presented are not just one-offs, but continue to live on after publication. Copyright gives me the assurance that the value of my work will be preserved.

Copyright also helps to prevent all kinds of misuse of works, which is another reason why artists should take an interest in copyright. Your art is your art, no one else’s.

What’s next for your career?

The third album is in the final stages of recording and I’m focusing on everything related to it. At the same time I’m working on new music all the time.

My goal is definitely to be able to publish and perform music for as long as possible and to keep the joy of doing it. This requires that I continue to be surrounded by the right and good people with whom it is inspiring, equal, respectful and supportive to work.

The big festival trip and the Emma nomination have not yet materialised, so we’re definitely going for them! Big, but achievable things!

What does the value of music mean to you?

Music is who I am and what I want to convey to others. Music is a means of communication. Music is a job and a great love, a passion.

The value of music is such a huge and complex thing for me that I can’t even put it into words.