TURKU-based indie pop band Cats on Fire has enjoyed a growing following in Finland and overseas alike. The band was established in 2001 and has since released a bunch of EP’s and two records, The Province Complains and Our Temprance Movement. A few months back Cats on Fire released a compilation Dealing in Antiques with a mix of songs from way back and a few pleasantly surprising new tracks. This summer the four strong band spreads its wings and tours across the seas with, unfortunately for us, no gigs to their name in Finland. SixDegrees caught up with Mattias Björkas, the band’s lead singer, on the eve of the big tour.

How would you feel, knowing that while you’re deep asleep, someone could enter your mind and steal secrets from your subconscious? This is the peculiar idea that Christopher Nolan addresses in his new film Inception. Dom Cobb is a master in this field of theft and sought-after by many players in the sneaky world of corporate espionage. But being the best has its price. Cobb has lost everything important to him and is constantly on the run. However, a last ray of hope for redemption arises if he successfully completes his last job: instead of stealing an idea he has to insert one. But, as usual, the last task is the most dangerous one. NR

PREMIERE 16 JULY

This documentary transports the audience right back to the 1960s and into the world of the legendary band The Doors. This is the first feature documentary on the band and reveals some previously unseen and historic footage of Jim Morrison and the rock quartet’s life. When You’re Strange has been featured at the Sundance, Berlin, Deauville and San Sebastian Film Festivals and been touted as a crowd pleaser providing new insight into the revolutionary impact of the band’s music and legacy. With the narration by the charming Johnny Depp, this documentary is a must see – even if you’ve never been a big fan of the band, though how could you not? PN

PREMIERE 2 JULY

Oh gosh, not another teenage flick! My first thoughts exactly. But not to worry, Youth in Revolt is not just another High School Musical. Based on C.D. Payne’s series of books that have gained a cult status, this film gives a sympathetic and entertaining depiction of the disenchanted life of Nick Twisp – played by the ever-so-endearing Michael Cera (known from Juno). Nick is the antihero of his own life in which nothing exiting happens. But when he meets the girl of his dreams he decides to jump into action. The geeky youth creates himself an alter-ego, François Dillinger, to help him with his pursuit - and this is when things start to get interesting.

FINNISH singer-songwriter Maija Vilkkumaa is one of the most established Finnish artists around. She has been a constant favourite among Finns for more than ten years and has just confirmed her status with her sixth album Kunnes joet muuttaa suuntaa already enjoying gold sales after its first week on release.

What is the secret behind your success?

I don’t actually think about “success” – that would drive me insane! I make the kind of music that I like. Writing songs is not that hard, but surviving with my own thoughts sometimes is. I don’t like to let myself get away with things, but on the other hand, one can’t be too hard on herself. I move forward with intuition and passion!