Interviuri cu Tarja

Tarja Turunen returns to Chile to perform on March 23, to promote her last album "What Lies Beneath" The singer talks with PowerMetal.cl about her new work, a review of her career and about the musicians who accompany her at the concert in Teletón Theatre.

Greetings, Tarja! Foremost, we would like to thank you for your time and tell you that it´s an honor to interview you. In March 23 we will have again the chance to see you live and direct in our country, this time to promote your second solo album. Could you tell us what make you most excited to come to Chile?

How adorable the fans are there, and the mood/atmosphere that occurs in my concerts. I'm really waiting to perform for you again! It has been a while.

There are many people anxious to know who are the musicians, who will accompany you on this tour, can you tell us?

Yes, of course, those who will play with me are Max Lilja on cello, Doug Wimbish on bass, Alex Scholpp on guitar, Christian Kretschmar on keyboards and Mike Terrana on drums.

You have said that What Lies Beneath is a very personal work, in fact, is the result of your efforts as a producer. Considering this, how do you see your possible development in production and recording process for the following records?

I think it will be again as a natural process. What I learned from What Lies Beneath production process, was the need to trust in my instincts and the people who I had chosen to work with. Produce my second album on my own was not too difficult because I never felt that I was left alone with the decisions I took. I always had people around me with whom to discuss things and fix them. I think my third album will be very strong again, from a woman who loves being free to tell her emotions and creativity.

Let's talk a little about your guests on What Lies Beneath. Under which criteria did you choose those who participate in it?

I wanted to work with those people who I knew pretty well and I knew, I could count with their talent and passion. I knew that they would give their best for my art and they did. Though some people may not seem us like a band, I feel that I have a band with me. All the boys put much effort into the arrangements of the songs, so many of the songs were changing in the Studio. I sent the demos of each of the tracks before and I told them to expect to meet us to discuss face to face. I wanted them to feel free and played freely. There is a good reason for each of the musicians who are playing with me in this album. Their personality, their playing way, etc. We enjoy making music together and that is easy to see in our performance.


In previous tours and performances here in South America you have shared the stage with some of the best musicians, how was to work with such Latin-American legends as Walter Giardino and Kiko Loureiro?


They are great guitarists; both are very different types of guitarists. I have been lucky to work with Walter and Kiko. Both share a love for music and have their dreams to working on it. I think, for them has been something like a challenge, to work with me, because I'm a different kind of singer, not the stereotypical heavy metal singer and so is my music, is a little different and requires a more open mind from the musicians side. But I guess it was a nice challenge. We're friends with Walter, today and always is good to talk about music and life with him. And in any case he has seen a lot more than me in his long career.


We know that since you were a teenager you heard Scorpions and I imagine that was a huge surprise when you got the call from Klaus to participate in Sting In The Tail. But what was your reaction when they told you that they going to use your tunes and your vocal harmonies?


It was a huge honor for me. When I was talking with Klaus on the phone, I had to pinch myself more than once to make sure I was not dreaming! It's so nice that they have seen my work and have wanted me to participate in their latest album. Although I didn't know that when I recorded the song and only heard about it later, and yes ... it was a SHOCK for me. My name is on the last Scorpions album! Wow! That just made me realize that if you stop dreaming, you never get to progress in life. I've never stopped dreaming, so this kind of things happen to me for this reason. It really was a good collaboration and I would to add that Scorpions guys are truly very nice.


Tell us, ¿how has your career been in the classical scene? ¿How do you manage to administrate your time in between heavy metal/rock and Opera?

I have a singing teacher in Buenos Aires and every time I go home, I visit her once or twice a week. I feel like I’m still making progress as a classical singer. And I wouldn’t want that to change. I feel like the learning process of singing will never be over and that there is always work to be done with your voice. I love singing and I love to sing classical music. Having a better understanding of my instrument helps me to sing better, regardless of the music being Opera or Rocl. If all goes well, I’ll be recording a classical album next year, so that will be a really big change for me. Having classical concerts in between my rock concerts is always complex vocally for me. But I love the fact that I can do both. Nobody will ever be able to make me choose between both styles, because both make me feel complete. I practice my classical singing every day even when I’m on tour with the rock concerts, so singing is a way of life for me.

Through some stories about your life we have noticed that, as a woman, you have managed to stand out in a scene with a majority of masculine figures and we admire the fact that you’re not one of those artists who attach themselves to a certain stereotype. ¿What do you think about artists whose music is not written by themselves, but for them to follow a certain trend?

In general, it’s not easy being a musician nowadays. The competition becomes bigger and tougher and record companies don’t sell anymore, so it’s really hard to overcome the hardships of the music industry as an artist. And as they say, everything has already been written once or twice before. I mean, it’s really difficult to create something new. However, I have always followed my own instincts and the signals which have been appearing to me along the way. Music is art, and art is to bring emotions to the audience. It is a privilege to have the possibility to be a musician and to enjoy your work. Not many people can really do that. I think that us, musicians, we are all in a way dreamers, because that awareness of the emotions that are involved in music is what connects us. We are very sensitive beings in general and I don’t think that anyone can make music just because someone tells them what to do o because they want to follow a certain trend or fashion. At least I couldn’t do it. I have also sung music that I have not written for almost 9 years, in Nightwish. But I never felt like I was not a part in its creation or its passion. I think that a lot of singers have found their own style. It’s definitely not easy to find out and it takes time. Besides, not every artist has the courage to do it. Other thatn that, it’s a decition that we should respect.

A lot of people follow your career since the release of albums like “Angels fall first” and “Oceanborn”. Well, it’s been quite a long time since then and nowadays you’re almost a worldwide phenomenon. ¿Could you tell us how and in what measure has all of this affected your life?

If you think about the fact that I was born in the small village of Puhos in Finland, and that now I live in a huge city like Buenos Aires, you realize that in fact there has been a huge trip in between. My life hasn’t been anything other than normal this past 10 years. Although it has been a great journey, through different cultures and experiences. I wouldn’t change any of them, because all of those experiences have made me who I am today. I am the kind of person that works hard, I want things to be perfect and well done. Sometimes even, I work too hard for the things that I want to accomplish but life has shown me that I have to live my dreams now. You can never really know when the time will come to say goodbye to all that you love, so I want to enjoy what I do. Living in a more open culture, as is the argentinean culture, has also taught me a lot. Today I can talk about things that I couldn’t talk about before. Success has its ups and downs. Now I am more careful with people, because I have had some experiences where I have been used without even noticing it. I choose more carefully my friends and the people with whom I share my private life.

Finally, ¿are you still in touch with Nightwish’s fan club and with Nightwish fans in general?

I have my own fans, the band has theirs, and we also share a lot of fans. So yes, I keep in touch with my fans.

Thank you so much for your time, Tarja. We wish you all the best and we are glad that you are happy and free with your project. Please, could you send some message to your fans who visit Powermetal.cl? And by the way, if you want to you can invite them to your show at Teleton theatre.

I would like to thank you all for being there for me through all these years. Without you there wouldn’t be a me! I am very excited about the fact that I have the chance to sing for you next March. I hope to see you all at the concert. Thank you for everything. See you soon! Love, Tarja.

The Finn isn't oblivious to the fact that her relationship with her Chilean followers is very special. All the contrary, she embraces that love and it strengthens her, returning the demonstrations of an audience who adores her beyond only music. That is the ambiance that awaits for Tarja this March 23 in the Teatro Teletón, in what will be her second visit as a solo artist and the sixth one including her performances with Nightwish (2000 and 2002) and the two versions of the event “Noche Escandinava”. Those who admire her as a person will be able to see her in these pages as the woman she is, in an interview where she speaks about challenges, emotions and lessons. As the title of her new album “What Lies Beneath” prays, the singer uncovers herself through the changes in her life, she ventures inside her and shares her feelings with those who listen to her. “I'm one of you!”

Tarja, it's been more than two years since you came promoting “My Winter Storm” (2007) to Chile. Which are the most permanent memories of that time in Santiago?

Oh! I remember it was really cold, we were freezing in Chile! (laughs) You know? It was still winter, a cold season, and on top of it I was very sick (laughs), I remember that! I had a very high fever during the concert! (stronger laughter) Although I had to fight to pull it through. And the concert was beautiful, the people from Santiago de Chile were so, so nice, a very agreeable experience. Of course (laughs) despite the cold and that I felt sick! I'm so glad to go back and I hope everyone will go in this time! (laughs)

Many remember that visit because you have a very close relation with your followers, a very special one. They don't only appreciate you as a singer, but also as a woman, as a human being. It's something beyond the music: they love you. How lucky do you feel with that love between you and your fans?

That communication between me and my fans is VERY IMPORTANT, you now? Absolutely vital for me as an artist, just as a human being. I really consider myself a normal person in the sense of having a close relation with my fans, and that's very important because this is the reality: I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them, it's very important not to forget it. I think that as long as you make music in a humble way, that you present your music in a humble way, people will manage to feel that passion and love [that you have] for what you do... I HAVE WONDERFUL FOLLOWERS, they are AMAZING persons.

Now recently for Christmas, for new year, I had the internet full of messages, full of beautiful videos from them! And they put so much effort and time to try to make me feel special. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! I had never received so much love, from anyone else, my fans are very special people, they have given me so much love, and I return it with my music (laughs). And so many demonstrations, so many. For example, some people in Europe dedicated a song to me, they made a whole song for me! With lyrics and everything about Tarja Turunen! (laughs) And they sing it in front of me! Before and after the concerts! (laughs). You know? It's incredible! There are many like that, many people who put a lot of dedication [to the demonstrations] trying to get a smile from me (laughs), trying to make me happy. That is wonderful.

Speaking of your last performance in Santiago, I remember that the day before your concert you filmed a video for “Enough” with some Chilean directors (Abysmo Producciones, who have already worked with Kreator, Lacrimosa, Vader, Therion, Mercenary, Criminal, etc.). For some reason, sadly, that video never appeared in the media. What happened with that?

We had difficulties, technical difficulties with the “Enough” video. You know? What's his name... the producer of the video “Enough” suffered a car accident, or something like that. We got so behind schedule that we ran out of time, the material for the video would have arrived too late and we wouldn't have been able to deliver it in time, according to the schedule. After that there were some problems because Universal music, my record company, started putting pressure on us and sadly, it couldn't be done.

For the promotion of “What Lies Beneath” You launched the video for “I Feel Immortal” and only days (or weeks) later, “Until My Last Breath” was launched with the same set, same location, same filming and of course, some fans wondered why they were so “alike”. Why didn't Tarja get herself the time to make another video for one of those songs? And the curiouser thing is that after the “complains”, a second version of UMLB was launched, different from the first one. What do you think of the reactions when the original video for this single was broadcast?

Well, of course I read a lot of comments from disappointed people about the fact that they weren't different, for the fact that IFI and UMLB had the same location. The main reason was that... I mean, the truth is that I was already working on the UMLB video that you know as the “second version”, which was supposed to be the first one! I was working on it with a dear friend in Finland and I was part of the production you know, defining plans, putting the schedules together, the scripts, everything, and we got behing on schedule again and... the same! (laughs). Universal music, my record company told us, “We need the video for the first international single of UMLB!”

Since we didn't have it ready, my friends and I found ourselves in the need of filming another video in Iceland while we recorded IFI, since the international market as ASKING for it (laughs). Since the other one was already in process, we had to find another alternative to film a video on time.

In the end I like a lot the first UMLB video, I really like the story. I dive and I'm fascinated by the world under the water, which works perfectly well with the scenario. The beautiful landscapes of Iceland can't be found anywhere else in the planet.

Talking about the “second” UMLB video in which you recreate your death and the coverage of the media regarding the news, it shows photos and images not only of your career but also of your private life. And well, you mentioned that WLB is a very personal album. What is the connection between that particular video and the lyrics on this new work?

Many times when we make videos, many times they have nothing to do with the lyrics of the song. You can imagine some kind of nice story and build something from there, it doesn't necessary have to do with the lyrics. Now, I wrote this song inspired by the death of Michael Jackson. Before the king of pop passed away, many believed that his shows in London wouldn't be successful, that he'd never make it, that they'd be a disaster, and after the news [of his death] everyone was saying that he was the King of Pop, that he was the best pop artist of all times... of the whole world.

For me, writing a song like UMLB... of course it doesn't have to do with my death, it's just something symbolic to show that you must not change your opinion or, better said, THAT YOU MUST BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO SAY WHAT YOU REALLY THINK, no matter what happens! After such drastic changes we also tend to change. oh! You know, I used to think this and now I think that as if you were ashamed of that. For me he was always the King of Pop no matter his personal life or what the media published about him and blah blah, for me he was always the King of Pop! That's what inspired UMLB, happenings, everything that happens to us in life.

Yes, in this album you speak about life, you speak of the things you wanted to say, and you have used a very good metaphor to explain what you did on this CD, that you opened “Pandora's Box” as you were composing it. I understand that WLB is a personal album. What did you discover when you opened that Pandora's Box? What was inside it? What did you learn about yourself and others?

Well, the composition took about two years and it was very... it was a great adventure inside me, when I look at how my life has changed, how I have... I mean, not changed, but how I have lived through these changes. If you can open to all the cultural changes, if you can open to all the sudden changes in life, then you change, and not necessarily in a wrong path... and I have learned to live my life in a very positive way.

I have gone through great changes in my life, but I have a reason to believe that they have been good for me. Somehow they have taught me something, a lesson, I have learned my lesson and now I can enjoy my life, being someone able to transmit that joy. It's very important as an artist to write songs about what you really feel, to write songs about what you really want to say, or want to tell. Nowadays I have that wonderful freedom and I learned so much during ALL the composition process of WLB, a lot. I learned about me, about life itself and about everyone's. I'm a woman, I'm a grown up and I adore the way in which my life... (silence) with the good and the bad, and I enjoy the moment I live right now.

And you look really happy, considering that in the past you sang very personal lyrics, only that written by another musician...

Happily, now I have my own songs! (laughs)

(Laughter)

Yes, in a way... well, it's very liberating! I feel very free singing my own lyrics and the feeling is different. You know? When I sing my own material to the audience, when I sing my own stories to the public, it's wonderful!

When you speak about personal things in an album like WLB, many fans will tend to elaborate theories about the real background of the lyrics, to relate them to what you have lived, Oh! What is she saying here? Who is she talking about? What interpretations have you heard?

Many, and very different. You know how music is in general, it's about emotions, and if you listen to music, no matter the song, you can think something about it in your own way... find something that will reach you, something that touches you... AND IT ALWAYS WILL BE CORRECT. There isn't only one interpretation in my compositions and that's what I've always said, that I want to deliver lyrics with different meanings for each person. They'll always have a special meaning for me, nonetheless I wouldn't like to be so direct so everyone will go oh, she's writing about this or that. Everyone should have the freedom to get the meaning they want, what they wish, what they see, because the emotion is what really guides us and music is able to help people with their problems even, that's why it's very, very important for many. You don't need to be a musician to believe that music is important.

I don't like to explain my lyrics. Perhaps some people would feel ashamed to hear it! I'll see if certain songs provoke a particular feeling in me. If a composer comes and tells me oh well, I think this, I think that, I was sitting on the beach while I was writing this song about my mother y go like oh! For me it feels completely... (laughs). My whole idea gets destroyed! Yes, that's the why, that's the reason of why I don't like to explain the lyrics to people, they should have the freedom to think whatever they want.

The thing that happens with your fans, as we were saying in the beginning, is that they feel a very special bond with you, of lots of love and communication. What would you say to all those who try to know you a bit better as a woman through the lyrics of WLB?

That the only thing that I'd love to get from those who listen to my music is... (silence), what they should know about me is that I'm simply one more of them. You see? That I'm simply one of you! One of them! Nothing more than that, that I'm just a woman who enjoys making music. It's a present, a gift, a pleasure to me, and they are a gift too, a blessing for me.

That's the only thing I really want, I'd love that they understood that I'm simply one more of them.

Under the care of Mike Terrana and the other musicians: I can tell they love me

This time, unlike with MWS, in WLB you were in charge of the whole production, directing every stage of the process, from composition, going through recording the drums and the bass with Mike Terrana and Doug Wimbish, until the orchestration the mixing in different studios, everything. You already pointed out that it's been the biggest production you've done in your career. How ready did you feel for the challenge?

It was a gift to work with such talented persons. All those who are featured in WLB recording or producing with me, helping me, the mixing engineers, (Colin Richardson, Tim Palmer y Slamm Andrews), mastering and sound engineers, everyone, they are all very gifted people, and I already had the blessing of knowing (and sharing with) many of them for a long time already.

And for me it was clear. When I had four songs as demos (four raw demos saved in my computer) I sent them to all the musicians and I told them “don't pay attention to the drums, the guitars, please,” because they were raw, and I reiterated them “guys, I want you in the studio, I want us to work together, to practice a bit, try different options and move forwards. Let's not stay too long in the studio and I trust you can do it. I know already how you play, I know what you do.” I have worked with all the musicians that were there recording with me for several years, so I knew what they were capable of delivering. And it turned out fantastic! They put so much effort into it and gave so many contributions. It was really marvelous!

And about the pressure! This kind of challenge... yes, it's an immense challenge to produce an album for the first time, although the pressure evaporated when we did the first take! When we went to the studio and I saw that Mike Terrana, my drummer, was in a good mood, that he had rehearsed everything, that he was very relaxed. We just needed three takes for one song and I told myself “Wow! If things keep on going this way, fantastic (laughs)!” So that was the start day, and it went the same way the rest of the production. It was very nice when I finally had the CD in my hands and I could shout “I adore my album! It's just what I wanted, even more than I wanted! (laughs)” I felt very proud, of myself and of all the people around, proud of the aspect of the production, of my music! (laughs)

You spoke about Mike Terrana, and the truth is that a big difference between MWS and WLB is that in the last one you had a very similar line up to the one you wore in your previous world tour, including him, Doug Wimbish, Alex Scholpp, Max Lilja. Did you feel more comfortable?

It was very important to have them there. I've been playing live with them for almost four years and it's been a great, great experience. Sometimes Doug hasn't been able to be with me, neither has Alex, but Mike has been there from the beginning and it's a huge gift to have guys like them supporting me, playing music. I mean, it really works, the band is at its top, very coordinated, it sounds bombastic! It's very nice to rock with these little guys (laughs)!” [little guy = chiquillo, an affectionate name calling in Spanish]. There are matters involved beyond the music and that's they key. For example, Mike and I have become very good friends and we keep in touch when we're not touring, and I can tell he cares about me [cariño = a word for affection that has no translation to English]. That's an important point.

I believe then that the March 23 show in Santiago will be a family reunion, for the Chileans and for the musicians. The atmosphere will be very positive and joyous...

Yes, I mean, this southamerican tour is something that I have really been waiting with a lot of enthusiasm for more than a year really, waiting anxious for the day to play for you again. It's a huge joy to see that tremendous passion in the audience from your countries and from Chile. You deliver so much love to the artists, so much love to the musicians, and that's why it's a real pleasure to have the opportunity to sing for the Chilean people

Jorge Ciudad
Colaboration: Winter Storm Chile

About receiving that has had its latest CD, What lies beneath ...

Has been all very well, I have no complaints about it. We have done many concerts in Europe and have been wonderful. This tour had the opportunity to be with Alice Cooper for example, which is just wonderful..

About his solo career and how you feel ...

Oh, I feel happy and fulfilled, I feel I found my way and now I just focus on getting well. I really feel privileged to do my thing, mostly because they become difficult to do your thing, you have to work a little harder but well worth it. Also gives me time to work on the traditional aspect of my career, which makes me very happy. It is a freedom that enriches also because I do not think you can categorize a personal or musical level. When people ask me why I like it more if the metal or classic I answer that I like being a singer, and without barriers, because I love music more than 100%, whatever their origin.

Abouthis recent participation as a classical singer in a church ...

Oh, it was a different experience, people are much quieter than a rock concert. However, the experience was very emotional, you have them closer and saw that thrilled with the music, you could see in their eyes. It was all the more serious songs and had just stopped to applaud,was very beautiful, I hope you never lose that gift to sing and bring those feelings in people. And you realize that in the end no matter what genre interpret. The music is equal to emotion, and is a very important aspect. I do not care if it's classical or rock, I always try to put heart to what I sing because I've been as public in both worlds and
sometimes they lack emotion, and if I do not get that feeling from the artist sorry whole is impoverished. That is why I try to put feeling into my music.

About the future of CD ...

I believe that in time there will be not much more than CD, is fading and the artists now must seek other means, and more me than everything that happens in my life has to do with the music haha. It is a curious phenomenon because, for example the LP never left at all, still find them in record stores and bookshops, and although they are rather rare or collector's items, they are there, and I think the CD is not going to happen. If it were up desire, because mine would be that hopefully the compacts are available in stores forever, I do want to have the physical product in my hands, touch it, feel it, does not want the day when
everything is digital. For now I do sell physical disks can be purchased on my website.



About his band ...

Ah, but all are absolute professionals. They all have other bands and agendas must be solved, but well worth listening to them play live. For that reason (for his work in other bands) is that my performances are scheduled well in advance. For example Christian (Kretschner), keyboardist, has a few concerts in Europe, but returned in time for the tour. They will go to Mexico also Mike Terrana, Max Lilja, Doug Wimbish, take a new guitarist named Julian Barrett (Barilari), is Argentinian and has an impressive quality, and we know, I worked with him on some demos and songs.





About Mike Terrana ...

Well, my music is very different to what he has done often, but I know he enjoys. And is that mine has metal influences, but it is only the influence, I really do not think that metal is metal. I think that it makes for a challenge for him and for them (the other musicians in his band). I think diversity is good, and he is able to play anything, is a genius on the drums, I've known him since 1999 and since then I like the percussive roll, his understanding and interpreting the drums, not just battery . I know well what can I trust him completely and all is thanks to them that What lies beneath is what it is.

About the development of their career and without the media support Nightwish name ...

Going well. Since I made my debut solo went well, though at first in some countries do not even know existed (laughs). Now it is all much better, we have traveled and played in South America, Eastern Europe ...in those places was all very beautiful. Actually I am very grateful to the fans around the world who have kept this dream alive.

About his experience with record labels ...

Well, before I was with Universal Music, I know the people at the label in Germany. Is a global contract that has many advantages and also has its downside. Sometimes I have to fight harder for my rights, but has generally been positive.

About his personal views on Latin America, especially from the perspective of a Finnish ...

Well, I guess I should start by saying I am proud to be born in Finland. It is the best country in the world, it is clear to me. But now I have been living apart for several years, especially in Argentina, and I love it. I think what separates America from the rest of the world is that you are very passionate, do not shut up, speak what they feel. They are free in this sense: if they are happy they do know, if they are angry they do know, you know? That freedom gives me very envious of the good. In Finland people do not talk, does not translate and it's very frustrating. All are silent, until the alcohol comes into play and then
release the languages and problems arise, because, as nobody's feelings are kept informed and when they drink and the release often hurt people. This is perhaps the biggest difference I see between them.

About his career in 10 years ...

Go hard question. If I am to be totally honest to say that I think of motherhood. I've been with my husband 10 years and has been a wonderful journey, we have been very well, is a solid and the truth is that I think would be a good time. It's something I want to do, I want to be a mom and LSI that happened, I would devote himself to that. Maybe 10 years is projected to complicated just for this reason. For now I greatly enjoy what I do, I am very excited to return to Mexico and what comes in the future, yes I can guarantee is that will make you know at the time.