Ground-breaking deaf hip-hop artist Marko Vuoriheimo a.k.a Signmark is in China for the 2014 Strawberry Music Festival - Xi'an on May 17 and Shenzhen on May 18. That's PRD talked to the Finnish creative genius about his music, China and deaf culture.
1. You learned Chinese sign language especially for the China tour. How long did that take? Is it much different from International sign language?
It took about 8 months to learn Southern Chinese sign language for the four songs. It’s really different, maybe only 5 or 10 signs are like international sign language.
2. Do you expect Chinese audiences and European audiences to react differently?
I’ve played once in Hong Kong and it was a great experience. Chinese people are really open-minded and know that music really is for all. Even if you don’t use sign language, you still can enjoy the show with your eyes. Music, sign language, hearing my partners on stage, the visual show - everyone likes music and music is for all. I’m so excited to see how people react in Xi’an and Shenzhen.
3. If someone doesn't understand sign language, what can they expect from a show?
We have a very visual show. Sign language is such a powerful language that includes facial expressions. Also we have dancers, two rappers who'll be singing and rapping in English, plus a cool light show and expert sound technicians. So people can expect a new, different show with a high wow-factor!
4. What drew you to rap/hip hop over other genres?
When I was a teenager, I used to translate many different songs from the rap, soul, rock, pop, and heavy metal genres from spoken language to sign language. Hiphop just took root in my heart. I love the way hiphop has developed in the music world. Hiphop culture is beauty: art, dance, clothes and so on. Also the music is full of beats and vibrations – when I read other rappers lyrics, it makes me feel I can be proud about myself in the same way that it empowered black people at the dawn of rap.
5. You competed to represent Finland at Eurovision 2009, but lost out to Waldo's People, who ended up coming last in the final. Are you glad you didn't end up going in retrospect? Do you think that the European public would have responded better to your performance?
Good questions. My answer is yes and no. I’m happy that I came second, because people are still talking about this: ”What if Signmark had won? Would he have won in Moscow”? Also I’m sad to have lost, because many European people wrote to me saying that they’d do everything they could to support me and Finland. It was kind of a deaf movement in Europe. It’s sad that I'll never find out if I could have won in Moscow.
6. What kind of state support do deaf people get in Finland?
There are a few things: the interpreter service is free for us. They’re also putting on more subtitles on TV… Hmm what else…There’s still prejudice and attitude problems in Finland. Deaf people can’t find work because they say you need to answer the phone. That’s bullshit [laughs].
7. You’ve described your music as "hip hop that makes a stand." Do you feel you’re successfully changing perceptions about deaf people in Finland?
Yes. In Finland many people now know who Signmark is. And many are becoming interested in sign language. Also many deaf people use me as a tool when they try and explain about our culture, which is awesome. I believe that many Finnish people are starting to consider whether deaf people are actually ‘disabled’ or whether we’re simply a ‘language minority.’ Let’s see….
8. You're the first deaf person to sign a record deal with an international label. Are there any other firsts you hope to achieve?
This deal was one of my biggest dreams, but yeah I still have other dreams. But I can’t talk about those because if I talk about them they might never happen [laughs].
9. For people to understand what you're doing, they really have to see you perform. Does that make it difficult in terms of marketing?
Yes. Our show is really ‘must see’ because video, soundtracks, articles, TV appearances are nothing. A live show is the best way to get some taste of the deaf music world. Yep, people don’t have a lot of experience about sign language or deaf people, so some may feel uncomfortable to come to a ‘deaf’ show. Just be open minded and let the experience control you. If you like it, then you do. If not, then not. Just taste, see before judging.
10. Showmanship, creativity, technical ability – which comes first?
Creativity.
11. Any other comments or views you’d like to express?
Check out my music videos on youku and Youtube. See them and then come and see us! Have a great summer!
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