Ville Valo (HIM) Interview in Sölden, Austria | 2000 | Music Rules Archive

Ville Valo of HIM was interviewed in 2000 before a concert in Sölden, Austria. In this “Music Rules” feature, the Finnish band reflects on songwriting, symbolism and the emotional core of their music at the height of their early international breakthrough. During the conversation, Valo speaks about balancing darkness and melody, about writing lyrics filled with symbolic meaning rather than literal confession, and about creating songs that can become part of people’s lives – from first kisses to lasting relationships. He also describes how HIM channel personal turmoil into music instead of living it out offstage. Filmed before the show in Sölden, this interview captures HIM in a phase when their blend of gothic rock, romance and melancholy was reaching audiences far beyond Finland. Interview: Jaschka Lämmert Produced and filmed by Keywan Rezaei A keymedia Wien production for webfreetv.com (2000).