(lead vocals, guitars, piano)

The Latebirds lead singer and songsmith is also known for making great solo albums. Stay tuned for details about his new album 'Music From Red Hill' (due: early 2007). Meanwhile, check out his new myspace page www.myspace.com/markusnordenstreng

Markus is also a Radio Helsinki DJ (www.radiohelsinki.fi). His shows air every Wed morning 9-11am and Sun afternoons 2-4pm (Finnish time, that is).

Markus loves all good music, whether it’s country, rock, soul, funk, punk or even old heavy metal. However, most of his favourite records were made in the 50s, 60s or 70s. The same applies for his taste in movies, generally - the older the better.

Food-wise, Markus loves oriental (esp Thai red curry), sushi, good Indian veggie dishes, the Tex-Mex-food in Austin TX and good, meatless pasta, as long as there is no cheese (like Keith Richards, Markus doesn’t eat cheese of any kind). He’s a beerdrinker and a hellraiser (just kidding) and drinks a cup of green tea every morning. 

E-mail: markus@latebirds.com

(lead guitar)

Jussi’s role in the Latebirds has grown a lot since his arrival in early 2003. As well as playing power chords and Duane Allman –esque slide with his tried-and-true Fender Jazzmaster, Jussi has also recorded, mixed, arranged and helped produce many of the band’s songs. He’s a well-known producer and recording engineer, as well as a hotshot guitarist in the Latebirds’ homeland.

Jussi’s taste in music is very broad – from blues, country and soul to Jamaican dub and British 70s heavy metal. Jussi also owns a lot of beautiful vintage guitars and amps – you name it and he owns it. 

Jussi loves Tom Yam soup and Red Curry with fish balls but also has a love for good ol’ American burgers. He is also a tea-drinker, but prefers a cold beer and a Finnish drink called Jaloviina before going on stage.  

E-mail: jussi@grandpop.net



(bass, harmony vocals)

Mikko’s presence gives the band its solid low end, found at around 110 Hz. He’s also a great harmony singer and an all around great guy. Mikko has played in many great bands in Finland over the years, inc. the Finnish platinum-selling powerpop outfit Egotrippi. He first crossed paths with Markus in –94 when the two played together in a band called Boomer’s Story. He’s also graduated from Finnish Film School, and has worked on a lot of film sets over the years, recording sound for films. Mikko’s son Milo is his pride and joy.

Like all the members in the Latebirds, Mikko prefers the swinging sounds of the 60s and 70s. He’s a big Tony Joe White fan and finally got to see his hero live at SXSW 2005.   

Food- and drink-wise, Mikko seems to like the same stuff as the rest of the Latebirds.

E-mail: mmkela@yahoo.com



(drums & percussion)

A legend in his own right, Janne Haavisto is the madman behind the drum kit. In life, Janne is also a gentle, true spirit and the father of two lovely daughters. He has played in a million bands over the years, inc. possibly the greatest instrumental rock band in the world, Laika & The Cosmonauts. Janne has also made several albums with his very own “solo” band, The Farangs. ‘We Must Be Losing It’ is the name of the Farangs latest release, featuring such distinguished guests as Paul Auster, Wayne Kramer and Marc Ribot.  

Janne grew up listening to Keith Moon’s drumming in the Who, which may give you an idea why he sounds the way he does today. But he also loves Jamaican dub sounds, Stax soul, Slade, MC5 and Johnny Cash.

Janne is the band’s only vegetarian. His favourite dishes include Texicalli Grille’s (in Austin TX) Laik-a-burger and good Thai-cooking with tofu. Janne owns the greatest smoke sauna in the world, and he likes to have a beer or two after sauna.

E-mail: janne.haavisto@saunalahti.fi



(Farfisa organ, keyboards, guitar)

The latest addition to the Latebirds, Matti joined the band in January 2005. He played organ already on the band’s previous album ‘Fortune Cookies’, but became a full-time member after McGyver left the band’s live line-up in late 2004. This sex icon has played in Laika & The Cosmonauts for over 15 years with Janne, which is how the rest of the Latebirds got to know him originally. He’s got a very distinctive organ sound, and Matti is also a great guitarist, who – if/when needed - can play hot 70s guitar licks that’ll make your eardrums bleed.

Matti’s also got a very broad taste in music - he loves everything from Merle Haggard to Cheap Trick and Dead Kennedys. We’ve been told that the reason he started to play organ in the first place was after hearing Benmont Tench’s playing on Tom Petty’s Refugee. 

Matti loves sushi – especially wasabi – it’s a sight to see! Drink-wise, he likes red wine and an occasional gin and tonic.    

E-mail: laika@laikaandthecosmonauts.com