Fresh from the stage of Eesti Laul 2023 is The Millennials, lately performing under the moniker of one of their singers, OLLIE. The band is a group of friends above all, who have bonded over songwriting and performance in that charismatic way musicians seem to have a knack for.
Although they didn't make it through to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest this time around, they did win second place at Eesti Laul 2023 and OLLIE's song “Venom” had the highest score in an online poll run by the blog wiwibloggs, indicating their popularity and wide appeal as a band. Let's get to know the members and their personalities.
Daiga Helmeste: Has your band been together for a long time?
Karl Helmeste: Boy, where do I begin?… Together as friends and confidants, that’s a big yes! At least, it feels like it's been a long time. We’ve been there for each other over the years and throughout life events. From Monday to Sunday. Sharing problems as well as celebrating every little victory. I mean, we’re talking literally 24/7. As The Millennials (our band), well, it’s been years.
Oliver and I have known each other the longest, I think. We're the same age. We went to the same school—you know how it works. Together we grew from awkward teenagers into strong, smart men.
As for the rest of us, it was back in 2020 when Mariliis Jõgeva found her way to us and The Millennials was created. Within less than a year of working together, The Millennials was selected as one of the best wedding bands of the year in Estonia.
DH: How did the group get to know each other?
KH: Most of us met in Georg Ots Tallinn Music College. Like I said before, Mariliis just found her way to us. Was it fate? Probably.
Of course, all of us were doing our own thing long before working together. For example, OLLIE (Oliver Mazurtšak). He is one capable man. I mean, truly talented. Truth be told, he would probably say the same thing about me (hehe). He’s been an active music producer since 2015, when he released his first single in collaboration with singer-songwriter Uku Suviste [EE: Estonia's Eurovision representative in 2021].
Being one hell of a music producer as well as a guitar virtuoso, becoming the lead male vocalist in the band was the next obvious step. Why not, right? So, we had our lead singers, male and female. It was then time to check the vibe. From the first rehearsal it was clear that we had the right people. I mean, it just worked. And the rest is history.
DH: Are you all professionals in the music industry, or do you have other career interests also?
KH: Oh, we’re all in! While The Millennials is known as a cover band and has a really busy performing schedule, we still have our own projects, as well. I give private lessons to children who have realized what the best instrument in the world is (inarguably the drums). Mariliis writes her own songs. Oliver is producing, writing new music, and performing with his own solo project OLLIE.
OLLIE released his first ever single called “Someone Else” in 2019. He really got into the zone a little more than a year ago, and it all culminated when he was chosen for this year’s Eurovision pre-selection (Eesti Laul 2023) and achieved an honourable 2nd place.
DH: What advice would you give to people wanting to study music in Estonia?
KH: The best advice I'd give is to follow your passion and always go with your plan “A”. If you're seeking music education and connections in Tallinn, then my best recommendation would be to apply to study at the Tallinn School of Music and Ballet. For higher education, the best place would be The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Although this wasn't the place where I made my own key connections in life so far.
DH: Who are The Millennials?
KH: The best people! To start off, we have Mariliis Jõgeva.
She’s gorgeous. She’s talented. She has an amazing voice and she’s a sweetheart. Mariliis started her music career as a singer in a group called Släm. At this point, she is focused on her own music, as well as performing as a lead singer (together with OLLIE) in The Millennials.
She’s also a mother to her 10-year-old son Stefan and truly cares for animals. Mariliis attended Eesti Laul a few years ago (2020). Her song „Unistustes” was well-received in Estonia as a light and kind-hearted song, dedicated to love and a brighter tomorrow.
OLLIE, of course, is our other singer.
It all started when he was still a quiet and rather awkward teenager. When others were playing football and discovering the streets of Lasnamäe, little Oliver found his attraction to music and playing guitar. As his father was—and still is—a drummer for the greatest Estonian band of all time (2 Quick Start), it’s probably not that surprising that he became interested in music.
After hundreds and hundreds of hours of playing his first guitar in their living room and learning from videos and his idols, he soon became a prodigy. He’s taken part in different worldwide guitar contests, gaining a lot of recognition and rewards. It soon became clear that his future was in music.
Oliver got into Georg Ots Tallinn Music College to study guitar, where he met me (Karl) and soon The Millennials was born. At the same time, he continued his career as a music producer, working together with different artists (Uku Suviste, Mariliis Jõgeva, and others). Nowadays, he’s more focused on his own music and is probably at the studio doing his thing at this very moment.
You better get ready, 'cause some new stuff is dropping soon!
About me—I’m probably the one who spends the most time at the studio practising our songs. Not to say that the others aren’t that committed, but it's all thanks to the fact that I’m kind of a perfectionist. I enjoy being on stage the most when I’m absolutely sure that everything is “on point.” Of course, it’s different when it comes to solo parts that are mostly improvisational.
Now that I think about it, that's actually what brings a perfect balance to my stage experience. It’s practised and perfect where it needs to be, and at the same time, I can still surprise myself, the band, and the audience with some sick solo parts… Baah, I can’t wait to hit the stage again!
[EE: Karl also happens to be endorsed by TAMA Drums, which is a major accomplishment as a drummer.]
Just to set the scene, our gig days often start at 10:00-11:00 AM when it’s time to leave the house and drive to different parts of Estonia. By the time we get back home it's around 3:00-4:00 the next morning. That’s a long time! Keeping our energy up and our minds working, is pretty much up to our keyboardist Robert Loigom. He just keeps giving. He tells jokes. He pulls pranks. I mean, there’s never a dull moment with him. Actually, we’re all pretty funny and always up to something stupid. You'll see this if you follow us on Instagram ( @themillyband ). That being said, he’s a great artist on stage. While keyboards are his main instrument, you’d be surprised by his great guitar skills that you'll see and hear during some songs. Rock on!
Behind the curtains are our sound engineer Timo Ilves and our manager Mareli Arusalu.
We’re known to sound great live and that’s all thanks to Timo. He's very skilled and I think it’s safe to say he is one of the best in the business.
And then there's Mareli. Like I said, we’re always up to something, so she’s the one who has to keep it all under control. There aren’t many people I could think of who could keep up with us and make sure that things will stay under control. She’s strict when needed and still a hoot to be around with.
So to answer your question, The Millennials includes all the best people. True professionals and great friends. (#WIN)
DH: What motivates people to compete in Eesti Laul and what advice would you give to students interested in a music career?
KH: The motivation for OLLIE came from the song itself [EE: This song, “Venom”, is available for listening on Spotify and as a video on YouTube]. It just felt right. After sending the song to Eesti Laul, he actually didn’t know if Estonia was ready to have such a strong rock song competing. As it turned out, they really really were. I hope this fact itself motivates people to do their own thing, not to create something just to fit what is “mainstream.” Be true to yourself, and if it comes from your heart, it shows—trust me!
DH: What does the future hold for you?
KH: The summer is going to be filled with live performances, both for The Millennials and OLLIE. Our calendar is pretty much sold out already and that’s just amazing.
OLLIE and Bedwetters (3rd place at Eesti Laul 2023) are performing together at a giant concert on the 15th of April. Two of the biggest rock artists in the country right now, put together—it’s going to be HUGE!
Nothing has been set in stone but it’s possible that OLLIE is going to be in New York and/or LA soon (*shhh!*). There is a seminar about music production taking place in the fall that is interesting for him. So if it’s possible, OLLIE and co. will be travelling there to take part in it. It would be a pleasure to perform for all you in North America, as well!
Make some noise if you’d like to see that happening and let's do it!
Thank you for keeping up with us. Cheers from Estonia!
(For business enquiries please contact Mareli at info@kollanekompass.ee )
This interview has been edited and condensed.
