We did an email interview with Heinie the vocalist of the Finnish band Bitch Alert to see how the band have been enjoying there break and what they have planned for the future.

Hello and how are things?
Pretty okay, thanks. After last Autumn's show case gigs in Manchester and Berlin we've been playing shows only in Finland. Chilling out, recording new material and getting ourselves together for the challenges in the future.

How did Bitch Alert come together and get their name?
We started as a girl trio in 1997. Maritta and I have known each other since we were little wankers (played barbies together....). After our first bass player left the band and got married, Kimmo was found from a party. His ex-girlfriend announced him to the band. Casual sex is sometimes the key to pretty beautiful things! Nothing else about the name, I think.

How would you describe your style of music?
Aggressive rock with sweaty emotions and pure feelings.

What made you want to play guitar and what was the first song you learnt?
At some point it was just inevitable to throw my cello away and turn out to be a guitarist and Maritta sat behind the drums and realized it was her thing. Blame Nirvana and Metallica and Hole and Mudhoney, blame Dave Grohl! First song was Police's Every Breath You Take. It was from some song book. Really easy cake! After that I studied Weezer's Buddy Holly and started with Stairway to Heaven. I'm still working on that one, though, never been too patient in my life!

Who are your main influences?
When we started the band it was mostly the late 80's - early 90's grunge and riot grrl bands like L7, Sonic Youth, Melvins, Babes In Toyland etc. etc. Nowadays our taste in music has really became much wider, can't name only few influences, the list is endless. Sunny and warm midnight in the summer, having a smoke outside, fucking brilliant!

You released an album back in 2001 and various ep's. Some of the tracks from these recordings appeared on 2004's 'Rriot' album but will the UK fans ever be able to hear or get these previous releases?
We can't tell yet. For sure, you can order those releases from the internet anytime!

'Rriot' has been out for nearly a year now, how has it gone down with the fans and press?
Surprisingly well with the press. We didn't think we could get that much space from the big rock magazines like Kerrang!, Metal Hammer and Rocksound. Very nice. The fans are amazing! All we can do is thank you little darlings and please be patient, we will get our asses back to UK!

When can we expect a follow up to 'Rriot' any time soon?
Can't tell yet, I'm sorry.

Out of all the Bitch Alert songs, which is your favourite?
Tough one! We love all our songs, of course. To name some, Heroine is full of power and angst, Rockets is beautiful story about love and Big Brother's Secret has got the wibes and the swing.

What is your favourite track to perform live and why?
I would say God Doesn't Like Me. It ends to a climax, it's really emotional and euphoric. Gets your hair up, haha!

Do you prefer recording in the studio or playing live shows?
Live shows definitely. We love to make contact with the audience and sweat our guts out on stage. It's what the whole playing-in-the-band-thing is for us! Working in studio is very creative, it's different. We always aim to be pretty fast in the studio, to keep it simple, keep the primitive spirit in the music.

How was it supporting 3Colours Red in the UK last summer?
We had a blast with the boys! They taught us what touring is about (cheers, Chris!!). About 15 stinky people sharing the same bus, trying to keep our heads together and for sure - partying a lot. The audience was great. We got very positive response. We just loved it!

How different were the shows in the UK compared to shows in your home country Finland?
The fans are different in Finland. People are more abstemious. British fans are wild and enthusiastic. It's really new to us. We're used to go out in the audience after our show and check out the other bands. It was funny when people were surprised when we did!

What's it like being away on tour for weeks? Do you ever get homesick?
Never! Our home is wherever the band is! Touring is the thing we need to do to be alive.

Any plans to come back and tour in the UK anytime soon?
We're hoping to come back as soon as possible but unfortunately the arrangements are taking time. It's sad that everything depends of the money.. Check out the latest information from our website www.bitchalert.org

What have you been busy with since you toured the UK with 3Colours Red?
We've been touring Finland and recording new material. Getting ourselves ready for the new challenges in the future. Sucking the inspiration out from our loved ones.

What can we expect in 2005 from Bitch Alert?
We're in the middle of discussions at the moment so there's nothing to tell you at this point. But make sure you keep up the rriot spirit! Keep on checking out the website every now and then and be ready when we hit the UK again!

If the reader of this interview hasn't heard of Bitch Alert, why should they check you out?
Great songs, primitive and aggressive attitude and sweaty live shows, darrrling!

Where do you see the band in 5 years time?
--Hahaa!! We've dyed our hair blue and wear pure pink costumes and play in front of the big audience in Tokio after we've toured the whole Europe and US! We're all the time developing our musical skills and our creativity. The goal is to tour more and more in the future and grow our audience.

Thanks for you time; is there a message you would like to add for your fans?
Be what you are and do what you want to do. And be aware of the big trucks, they might hit the pink bunnies sooner than you think!

Interview by Trigger