Lauri Johannes Ynonen of the alternative rock band movement fame is the frontman of the Finnish band, The Rasmus. Born and brought up in Helsinki, Ynonen started learning music right from an early age of 5, mastering the piano and later the guitar and drums.

The Rasmus band mate Eero Heinonen is Ylonen’s childhood friend. They met each other at the age of 8 and became close friends from school.
Ylonen decided taking up music as his career on the advice of his older sister Hanna. Lauri continues to be the lead vocalist in the band today.

His first memories of music are those when his parents listened to ABBA and the Beatles. He was also fond of Motley Crue and Extreme as a child although he hates to listen to them now.

His magical moments include experiences of rainy nights when he was on his tour bus and also when he happened to be tired and sad at the same time.

Other band mates of The Rasmus include guitarist Pauli Rantasalmi and drummer Jarno Lahti who was later replaced by Heiskanan. The band was initiated by Ylonen himself in 1994.

The Rasmus’s earlier names were Trashmosh and Antilla. Their first show took place in the year the band was formed in 1994 before the winter break in school. The mixed rock and funky style of music was loved by people.

As the band started performing at more and more shows, Ylonen found himself busy with music, having to compose as well as be the lead vocalist. He decided to quit school for his career in music.

By the year 1998, The Rasmus had successfully launched 3 music albums. Heiskanan the drummer was once again replaced by new drummer Aki Hakala. The former manager too left the current record label which was Warner Music Finland.

In 1998 The Rasmus signed up for playing Playground Music Scandinavia.

Apart from Lauri’s involvement with The Rasmus, he has also sung co-vocals with singer Siiri Nordon of the Killer fame. The song was All I want.
Ylonen’s favourite season is winter.

Ynonen is a vegetarian but he loves to have pizza and ketchup.

On his right arm he has a tattoo that says Dynasty and a representative Bjork that is shown transforming into a swan on his left shoulder.

He also happens to be fond of skateboarding and snowboarding and admires sportsman Tony Hawk. Some of his other hobbies include BMX riding and also partying. He owns 2 BMX bikes and has named them Rauha (meaning peace) and Sota (meaning war).

Lauri’s musical hero is Muse band’s lead singer Matt Bellamy.

He admitted to hating public transport and importunate fans who only love him for his outward appearance. He also hates being disturbed while tuning his guitar just before a gig.

Ynonen’s favourite movie is Dancer in the Dark and The Crow and his favourite music groups include Muse, Metallica, Bjork, Red Hot Chilli Pepper, and Weezer.

Lauri Ynonen had most recently released a soundtrack for Finnish movie Blackout in December 2008 and in March 2011 he launched his first single Heavy.