Here are the classic Frequently Asked Questions…Actually, no-one asked them, but I decided to provide the answers before anyone has time inquire!

WHAT IS RHYTHM BARREL RECORDS?
Rhythm Barrel Records is a record label (not a record company, mind you) that exists to put out good, melodic guitar pop and rock. The label is not going to limit itself any more than that, but one of the key ideas is to give more attention and recognition to Finnish music. Rhythm Barrel Records is one obsessive music fan's project, aimed at other like-minded people. From a music fan to music fans; a life-long dream come true - who wouldn't want to start a record label of one's very own? Rhythm Barrel Records equals The Rhythm Barrel, about whom more below.

WHO IS RHYTHM BARREL?
Rhythm Barrel is Mikko Lappalainen, a dedicated lifetime music fan, pop culture enthusiast, musician, DJ and free lance music writer. And an English teacher. But first and foremost, a music fan.

Rhythm Barrel's own musical adventures include playing drums in various bands for 15 years, the most noteworthy being the current priority projects, Ben's Diapers and Boomhauer.

Rhythm Barrel's other activities include writing about music (fanzines Elysium (1991-1998) and Kurnuk (2000-2003), local tabloids Hootch (1996-1997) and SUE, in which Barrel has his own column called Discolite (2000-), organizing guitar pop shindigs and Djing under the title Flavour Of The Month and listening to A LOT of music daily.

WHY RHYTHM BARREL?
Rhythm Barrel is a nickname given to RB by Miettinen (editor-in-chief of Kurnuk Fanzine, see also 5R Mailorder) that refers to RB's physical form and his musical instrument. (Read: he wanted to point out that RB is fat as hell!).