Q&A began as an acoustic project of the well-known Finnish rock singer Mikko Rautakallio, whose previous efforts included the critically acclaimed groups The Panda and The Black Market. Rautakallio had for a long time envisioned an acoustic project to complement his rock bands; the more silent and tender, the better. Hence, Q&A was conceived.
Rautakallio started touring in Finland on his worn-down Opel Corsa car; just him and his two acoustic guitars. He honed his craft with live shows on small stages, cafes and bars, slowly building his delicate, intimate and brutally honest live act. His first album, Regression To The Mean (2012) he recorded himself in the kitchen of his condo. The album was released through Johnny Get The Rifle, an independent Helsinki-based record label. After the release, a Finland tour ensued and the lead single ”My Tongue Carries Knives” received airplay on Finnish radio waves.
After a small hiatus the development of the sophomore Q&A album was commenced, this time with a slightly bigger and more polished production. After three years of relentless labour, Q&A will reappear with a dozen new songs, produced by the production duo Recorder & DJMG. The bigger repertoire of instruments has added a subtle layer to Q&A:s expression, still remaining faithful to its acoustic origins. Rautakallio’s lyrics are, as always, introspective yet uplifting, empowering and occasionally deeply romantic.
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