TARJA TURUNEN Discusses Songwriting Process For Next Album

Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen recently answered a number of fan-submitted questions via her official blog. A couple of excerpts follow below.

Q: What do you usually think when you compose your songs?

Turunen: Every time I sit down in front of my piano, I like to improvise with the instrument. It depends on my mood of that day what kind of melodies and rhythms I am playing around. Sometimes, even before starting to play I already have a quite clear picture of a song I would like to compose, or at least the sound of it. Sometimes a song can be born in few minutes, if the feeling is right, some other times it can take days. I do always the music before the lyrics. The story or an idea for the lyrics appears during the composing process normally, but some other times I already have a strong idea of the story I would like to sing before any music comes to my mind. So as you can see, it really depends a lot of the circumstances. I just let myself flow free with the melodies and harmonies and then see if I can create something interesting. I am the most critical person in judging what sounds good or bad.

Q: What's going on with the "Enough" video clip?

Turunen: There was an unfortunate misfortune during the process of the video "Enough". The 3D animation designer had a bad car accident and he couldn't be easily replaced. He is still today recovering and not working full-time. Nobody is to blame, just fate. That caused a big delay for the original schedule. Just recently we gave up. The record company has no chances to use the video for promotion any longer, as it should have been accompanied by a song release. I do believe in signs, so why not to read this one? I am very sorry to let you know that there won't be a new video release of my song "Enough".

Q: How will your new album differ from "My Winter Storm"?

Turunen: At this moment, I can say that the process of composing the new album has been radically different than before. I have been growing as a songwriter, learning to express myself better. I got rid of the fear and shame to present my own ideas for people that have been in business a lot longer than me. Through the fact that I am involved in all the songs as a writer, the whole album becomes more personal to me. We will need to wait until everything is recorded and mixed to hear and see the biggest differences between my first and second album. I was happy with the songs in "My Winter Storm", but the outcome of the sound, mainly of guitars, didn't end up the way I had in mind. This time, I will be more radical: if a song feels to have distortion, then I will make it that way. On the other hand, if a song feels that should not include any, then it won't have it at all. It is not my intention to find compromises in the sound I have in my mind. I know what I want and how I like it. The key is to find the right people to help me achieve it. And as I had said not long ago, it will take the time that is need until I am happy with the songs and with the sound.

Q: Is there going to be a DVD of your tours?

Turunen: My record company doesn't have any concrete plans for a DVD yet. Myself, I would love to record and film every performance I make, as each concert is special and unique. In order to do a nice DVD, it really demands a lot of planning. Hopefully we can start those plans soon.

The entire question-and-answersession is available at this location.

Fan-filmed video footage of Tarja Turunen performing the new song "Enough" on October 19, 2008 in Luxembourg can be viewed below (clip uploaded by "S1lverW1ngs").