Jussi and Ville have gradually found their rhythm as songwriting partners. Jussi builds the instrumental foundations, often with much of the arrangement already in place, before Ville adds vocal melodies and lyrics. From there, the ideas bounce back and forth, with each new version offering opportunities to reshape the song. Sometimes that means making small adjustments; other times, entire sections end up on the cutting-room floor. “Main thing is just to stay humble and sincere in front of the song and not to let your ego run the process,” Ville explains.

The album opener, “Razor’s Edge”, is a good example. Its introduction originally existed as a later section of the song, but when the other parts failed to inspire Jussi, they decided to build around the section that did. That willingness to question their own ideas is essential, although knowing when to stop can be just as important. With experience, they’ve learned that endlessly polishing a track can sometimes take away the freshness that made it special in the first place. “You have to be brave enough to question all of those parts that aren’t working the best way, even though you would like to get it done,” Ville says.

That openness also extends to the album’s emotional direction. After spending considerable time touring their previous record, Moon Shot noticed that the songs carrying the most personal meaning for them often resonated most strongly with audiences. It encouraged them to take a more sincere and vulnerable approach to ‘Thunderlust’, rather than simply trying to make something heavier or harder. As Ville puts it, “Now it’s time to tell the truth, whatever it happens, whatever it means. But to be more sincere and open and vulnerable, more than before.”

The album reflects an acceptance that growing older and gaining experience doesn’t mean having everything figured out. People remain works in progress, and the experiences they might struggle with are often part of what makes them who they are. It’s a perspective that leaves room for uncertainty while still encouraging listeners to trust their instincts.

That same willingness to let things happen naturally shaped the choice of singles and even the album title. ‘Thunderlust’ began as a song title before the band realised it also captured something about the record as a whole. Ville likes the combination of words and the possibility that listeners will eventually attach their own meaning to it, perhaps even recognising a moment in their lives as a “Thunderlust moment”.

With the album ready for release, both musicians are particularly excited about bringing “Razor’s Edge” to the stage. For Jussi, playing a song live gives it another dimension, allowing new details and improvisations to emerge until the live version develops a life of its own.

Looking ahead, Moon Shot have more touring planned, including dates in Finland and Germany, alongside further live and songwriting plans. But for now, the focus is on letting ‘Thunderlust’ find its listeners. Jussi hopes it will become the kind of record people return to without needing to make a statement about what they listen to.

More than anything, he hopes the album can offer a little comfort and energy when it’s needed most. “I hope that Thunderlust will be a great companion.”

Links