When you dream of a career in music, it’s easy to picture the stage lights, the cheering audience, and the thrill of performing. But behind every success story lies years of persistence, sacrifice, and strategy. Few know this better than Arctis, a modern metal band from Ostrobothnia, Finland, who have recently toured across Europe with Apocalyptica.
Their story is not only inspiring – it’s also full of insights for anyone starting out in the music industry.
Who are Arctis?
“We’re a modern metal band with influences from pop, rock, and even EDM” says Alva Sandström, vocalist and front figure of the band. Together with co-front and guitarist Björn Johansson and their bandmates Michael Mikander, Mats Ödahl and Mika Paananen, Arctis has created a unique sound that mirrors Nordic contrasts – light and darkness, ice and fire, fragility and strength.
But Arctis is more than just sound. “The visual side matters too,” Alva adds. “We want our music and our image to tell the same story – inspired by Nordic nature, but also shaped by modern influences.”
The journey so far
The band was officially formed in 2018, but like many bands, Arctis started in school – but they took full advantage of their studies. Both Alva and Björn highlight how their time at Novia’s music program gave them the chance to focus directly on their own project.
“It was crucial,” Björn says. “We could actually work on Arctis as part of our education. Without that, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Still, the road has been tough. “It’s been a lot of stress, little sleep, and definitely not much money,” Alva laughs. “But the passion is what drives us forward. If you’re not ready to go all in, you won’t make it.”
On tour: the highs and lows
In 2024, Arctis joined Apocalyptica for a four-week European tour across 16 countries. It was a dream come true – but also a wake-up call.
“The biggest challenge was sleep,” Alva admits. “We travelled in a small camper van, doing almost everything ourselves. Compared to established bands with a big crew, it was exhausting. But the moment you step on stage, everything is worth it.”
For Björn, the motivation was clear: “When someone invests in you, puts their trust in you, you can’t afford to fail. Every night matters.”
And the audience? Surprisingly welcoming. “Usually support acts play for half-empty venues,” Björn explains. “But we had full houses from the start, and people actually cared. That gave us a huge boost.”
Lessons learned – advice for new artists
Their journey has taught Arctis lessons that every young musician can use:
- Education helps: Use your studies to focus on your craft and build your band.
- Contacts matter: From managers to fellow musicians, relationships open doors.
- Timing is key: Don’t release music without a plan – combine it with, for example, live shows.
- Merch pays the bills: Selling shirts and albums is essential for financial survival.
- Go all in: Everyone in the band must share the same vision and commitment.
Dreams ahead
Arctis is now working on their second album, continuing to develop their sound and strengthen their artistic vision. Their goal is simple but ambitious: to live from music, to build a sustainable career, and to share something meaningful with the world. “We want this to be our lifelong work,” says Alva. “Something beautiful we can give to people.”
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