The idea of starting my PhD studies took form at the end of 2011, after a chat with a friend who had just received his acceptance to Oxford. Since the very beginning I wanted to combine my philosophic and musical backgrounds, and right at that time my interests began to rapidly encompass wider views than just classical music. Then I decided: heavy metal it had to be. I sent many tentative e-mails and study plans to universities all over the Nordic Countries and Great Britain. Dr. Esa Lilja from the University of Helsinki clearly showed the strongest enthusiasm for my research plan and my profile. I decided to meet him on a one-week trip here, where I also attended a doctoral seminar and met Professor Eero Tarasti. In May 2012 my research proposal was accepted and I moved to Helsinki at the beginning of the fall.

Curiously enough, I knew little or nothing about Finland except the obvious generalities of the country. Unlike many people whose primary aim was ‘moving to Finland’, I did it just as a side-effect of a different life project. But I’m really happy I did it. Living abroad and being a foreigner is always tough and I have had my share of hardships during the last three years, but I have also experienced some of the most amazing adventures in my life so far. I have met extraordinary people, made music with astounding musicians, discussed and interacted with some of the most brilliant scholars around. I’m aware difficulties never come to an end but I hope I’ll do fine here. My only regret so far is that I haven’t travelled much through Finland, but I suppose the time for that will come at some point as well.