I've translated the interview of www.powermetal.org from german to english. Big sorry for many many mistakes.
18.06.09 - Tuomas interview
In september, the symphonic-metal guys NIGHTWISH got it finally: The first tour with the new singer Anette comes to an end.
Much has happened, since the swede entered two years ago the finns. Songwriter and band-head Tuomas Holopainen consents to have a nice chat about all or nothing in the tourbus in Allentown.
Ricarda:
As we waged our last interview you were just busy for the promotion for "Dark Passion Play". Can you give me a short summary about what happen in the meantime?
Tuomas:
Many altidude flights (?), some deep hits, a complete breakdown in the end of november last year. Now everything is fine again, everyone has fun. The biggest fault we did were to plan our tour schedule to tight, especially considering that we have a new singer. But the tour schedule didn't just bother her; in south-amerika we noticed, that all - not only the band, but the technician and the other crew members too - were at the end.
Ricarda:
Yes, the tour schedule contains still more concerts in a shorter time than your last tour with Tarja.
Tuomas:
Yes, a lot more. But to survive such things has something good too, you can slap yourself on the shoulders. (laughs)
Ricarda:
How many concerts did you played now with Anette?
Tuomas:
About 160 or 170, approximately.
Ricarda:
Which one was the best and which one was the worst gig on that tour? Except the breakdown-gig...
Tuomas:
Um Rock am Ring was definitely the worst. We've had bad technical problems and it was just awful. Yes, it was by far the worst gig. I think it was the only concert that we couldn't pull around somehow. Usually you can be a bit proud and you can say: "Ok, I did my best' but it was just a disaster 'cause the technique.
Ricarda:
But in the end it works?
Tuomas:
Yes, somehow, but for me the gig situated a new cold-sweat-world record.
Ricarda:
I think if you are involved in such a situation, it feels a thousand times worse than the audience perceive it.
Tuomas:
That may be. Let's hope it was so. But after all it sends me cold shivers up and down my spine, if I just think about it.
Ricarda:
And what's about the best concert?
Tuomas:
Oh dear, it is impossible to mention one, there were so many concerts, which were awesome. Um, but maybe last year in zurich, it was the biggest show of that tour, and it was super. If I have truly mention one, then I take Zurich, there are at least a dozen other concerts as well, which were awesome, too. All shows where Troy were be one of the party, were really good. Especially now, when we play "Finlandia" live; this moment produced everytime goose bumps on me.
Ricarda:
What gives you that idea to play "Finlandia" as your intro?
Tuomas:
We know, that Troy will tours with us, and he recorded "Finlandia" for his solo album. All rest was only a little step.
Ricarda:
Recently you released the live album "Made in Hong Kong". I think you didn't like it that much..
Tuomas:
Yes, it's no secret that I dislike this piece. It wouldn't be so bad for me, that the piece didn't come into the world. Especially the live-part makes no sense, because there are only new songs; it sounds, as you would listen to a bad recorded CD. However the documentary, the videos and the bonus tracks are good, so it is a nice package.
Ricarda:
And it was to much paperwork to pack older songs in the live part too?
Tuomas:
Yes exactly. This was the only reason. Would we have older songs on this disc, then it would make sense at least, but so it doesn't make any sense. I wasn't involved in the production at all.
Ricarda:
Do you know why there aren't live videos on the disc? There are indeed some live-cuttings in the documentary, but no complete songs, and I think, the fans would had like to see this.
Tuomas:
No, sorry. I don't know why they didn't made it.
Ricarda:
Do you have any plans to release again some live-videos of this tour? Maybe for bonus material.
Tuomas:
No, for the moment we haven't planned suchlike. I don't think so that it would happens.
Ricarda:
Anyway, the documentary was very interesting, even if you obtrudes the question, if there will be any lucky NIGHTWISH-documentary..
Tuomas:
The people don't want to see "lucky"! They want to see "crappy", "sad" and "funny" - but not "lucky". (laughs). I think, so are people.
Ricarda:
Oh no, they aren't like this (laughs)
Tuomas:
Nevertheless, I think so. But yes, somehow there happens always something in the band, so, even if we made a lucky documenary, it wouldn't work. But anyway there were much drama in the documentary, and the people see that such a life is not always great and funny, it has it's shady sides too. But there are a few funny moments thanks to Marco and the Drunken-uno-game.
Ricarda:
Since the break of Tarja Nigthwish is not only because the music in the media, likewise 'cause miscellaneous band-internal dramas. How much jar it on your nerves, that poeple perceive you not anymore because the music, but due to such things? First it was the music, now it is.. ok, 50-50 is overdone, but maybe 80-20?
Tuomas:
I would say it is almost 50-50. (laughs) And yes, it bothers me a little bit, because I wonder of what people would remember in the end. Say, in 20 years, they will say "Oh, yeah, they made good music" or "Oh yeah, they've had this horrible split"? And I think it is truly 50-50 and with that we have to live until the end of our days. But yes, it bothers me.
Ricarda:
But after all it is only in the finnish media like this, in other countries it is actually ok .
Tuomas:
Yes, thats right indeed, it is truly only in Finland where we have such a soap opera rank (laughs)
Ricarda:
Good, you're at the moment again in the USA and there you have no pyro-show. Is it hard to adjust oneself?
Tuomas:
At the beginning you miss the pyros a bit, but on the other hand it is a journey back to the roots of the band too. It is a lot more Rock'n'Roll, much intimate and more with the feet on the floor. I like such gigs equally how I like such gigs with pyros. When we play in a small club, like we do it tonight, the atmosphere is great. It is really hot, you can feel the emotion and the sweat of the audience - I love it.
Ricarda:
It's probably not so hard to tune yourself into it if the whole tour is without pyros.
Tuomas:
Yes that's true. But it is a other affair if we have a tour with pyros, and in the middle of the tour is one concert where we can't use pyros.
Ricarda:
Like the concert in Italia in March. It was really funny to see you there especially Jukka and you.
Tuomas:
Yes, it was a dumb feeling. But it is always good to have a change, so it is never boring.
Ricarda:
That's right. Nevertheless, you don't change the setlist...
Tuomas:
But I would like it. And I think we will do it anytime but at the moment the setlist is perfect. Everyone is happy with that, so we decided to retain the setlist for some weeks. And in europe it was so we developed the whole setlist with the pyros and lights; so would we just change one song, it would have nixed everything. Here in the USA we can improvise much more, let's see if we do that. The setlist feels at the moment just so good, there is enough drama, good songs and a good stress-bow (?)..
Ricarda:
I personally miss for example "Ever Dream"...
Tuomas:
Yes, I know, same here. It is one of my favourite songs, but it's hard to sing.
Ricarda:
And I miss "Bye Bye Beautiful" too, but I've heard, that you would never play it live again...
Tuomas:
It feels so corny..
Ricarda:
But it's a great song. And you released it as a single too, you didn't found that corny. And it was the perfect opener for your concerts.
Tuomas:
Yes, it was. It is a good live song but especially Anette and Marco told me that it feels corny for them to sing this text.
Ricarda:
At least, you throw out "Wishmaster", I'm glad about that. No harm meant! (laughs)
Tuomas:
None taken. The song is ok, but it has been overacts. Instead we pack some songs to the programm, which we never played live for example "Romanticide" or "Escapist" - this song is really good live.
Ricarda:
Last year you got also an Echo...
Tuomas:
Yes, it's been an age since last spring. Best International Act. Wow! We were nominated besides Marilyn Manson, Foo Fighters, Within Temptation, I have no idea how we get that price. (laughs) But thank you, it was really cool.
Ricarda:
So, where is your award now?
Tuomas:
Um, I think I have it (laughs)
Ricarda:
You think? Is it a dust catcher on the toilet? (laughs)
Tuomas:
Maybe it is at our record label, but I'm not sure about that.
Ricarda:
But everyone of you got a trophy..(laughs)
Tuomas:
If so, so I have that thing somewhere. (laughs) The trophy itselfs means not so much to me, it is more about the idea behind it.
Ricarda:
In august you will play in Olavinlinna-castle in Savonlinna. How did that come about?
Tuomas:
I don't know exactly. They asked us, and our manager Ewo and Toni made it real. It's so cool, I just wish we could make something special there but I don't know what. We wanted that Troy comes but he has already a other concert, so he can't come, what sucks. It would be perfect to play "Finlandia" there. This place is just perfect for that: a middle ages castel, half outside, seats - it is really something special. But our technicians announce already, that it is for them absolute nightmare, as for the acoustic. No idea how would it sounds at the end, but I hope good.
Ricarda:
Your big final concert takes place in Hartwall-Areena in Helsinki, like on the last tour. Is the tour called Déjà-Vu-Tour because of that? But I hope, the whole drama don't repeat..(laughs)
Tuomas:
Yes, I hope it too! (laughs) But don't worry, that won't happen. But for the rest it is a little DéJà-Vu - everything except the part with that letter...
Ricarda:
Apocalyptica will be your opening act..
Tuomas:
Yes, fun for the whole family.. (laughs)
Ricarda:
Right, but if you want to do some special you could for example play some songs with Apocalyptica?
Tuomas:
Stuff like that needs unfortunately much time to practice, and I think we haven't that much time. But they are a great live-band, simply awesome.
Ricarda:
Good, let's talk about the future album. You already have some ideas, and I read somewhere you plan a concept album and it will be more about secular problems instead of personal problems?
Tuomas:
No, not about secular problems. I can say that I have the idea how the next album should be really clearly in my head. I have some songs ready, I have every songtitle...
Ricarda:
How many songs will be on the album?
Tuomas:
About 10 - 15 - just as always. I can't wait for it to begin with the work, because it will be different. The style change not much, but it will be definitely a twist and I really look forward and I want to realize it finally.
Ricarda:
How about your scheduling? Have you already booked the studio?
Tuomas:
No, not the studio, but the rehearsal room. We booked it for the spring 2010.
Ricarda:
That's real soon now.
Tuomas:
Yes, and I think we will move it a little backwards. What we plan with the next album is a big deal, and it take up a lot of time. And I can feel it from the band that we are able to give us some time. The atmosphere is indeed good, but we are all very... I even don't know how I may name it. Something between depletion, home sickness and just the feeling to have enough from everything. In my case it is like that. I still love it to play a concert, this 90 minutes on stage are great, but it becomes every time harder to go away from home. That tell you something. Maybe we grow old, I don't know.
Ricarda:
Maybe you should write a song about that?
Tuomas:
Yes, maybe. But "Dark Passion Play" was really dark - at least for my peronally standard - so at the moment I have the idea to write songs, which are still about big emotions, but just about feelings, which lie on the other side of the spectrum.
Ricarda:
Oh, so a happy album? Or at least more pleased?
Tuomas:
Pleased? Yes, that's a good word. It should be just about other big strengths of the life as melancholy, sadness and other bittersweet feelings. At least I think that at the moment, but the things can change every moment.
Ricarda:
Yes, it depends on what happen just in your life and usually in the world...
Tuomas:
Yes, but I definitely don't turn into Bob Geldof, I don't want to improve the world or something to preach.. (laughs)
Ricarda:
Do you have the idea if you record the album again in the Abbey Road Studios?
Tuomas:
Yes, I think so. The orchestra will be involved, the choir will be involved and I guess Troy will be involved - and then something quite new too. But I think we will work with that guys till our dead, they are just such a big element of us.
Ricarda:
You also produced the finnish girl-Band Indica. How did it happen?
Tuomas:
They asked me. They heard that I'm a fan of their music and then as we toured together through scandinavia they got the idea that they do a new album and I should produced it. And I said yes. "You don't do it to heavy or?" - "No, no, no I will try..." (laughs). And now we just finnished their english album. The work was much fun now the girls are like five sisters for me but it was also a big stress - especially the english album. It was a big effort, lots of money, much risk but we will see.
Ricarda:
Did you worked on the song translation too?
Tuomas:
No, I had nothing to do with that, I only produced it.
Ricarda:
Is it something you can imagine, if Nightwish - god forbid - isn't there anymore?
Tuomas:
No. What I learned about producing a band except Nightwish is that I do it not anymore (laughs)
Ricarda:
Neither with Indica?
Tuomas:
Maybe with Indica and definitely with Nightwish, but otherwise not. I'm no producer, that's not my thing and I think I'm not really good in that.
Ricarda:
I can imagine it is hard for you to say other people what they should do with their songs and what they should change because you are a songwriter. You know the feeling if you think: "Stop it, to blemish, my child!"(?)
Tuomas:
Yes, that's exactly the point! I don't want to do it anymore.
Ricarda:
Too bad. I think many people were interested.
Tuomas:
Yes, maybe. But if someone read that: You're wasting your breath to ask me! (laughs)
Ricarda:
A other sub-project of you is Kotiteollisuus. Did you played on the last album too?
Tuomas:
Yes, and the guys recorded it at my home. I was only one week at home of this 9 weeks, but it was funny.
Ricarda:
How does it look as you arrived your home?
Tuomas:
It was never that tidy. (laughs) They brought all bottles away, everything vaccumed and dusted it was great.
Ricarda:
They can drop in by me too (laughs)
Tuomas:
Okay, I'll tell them. (laughs) This guys means a lot to me, everything is so much fun with them, it is like a finnish comedy about the normal life. And I love their music and their sense of humor. Kotiteollisuus and Indica mean a lot to me.
Ricarda:
Do you play in the future live with Kotiteollisuus too?
Tuomas:
Yes, as much as I can.
Ricarda:
How big is the difference to tour with Nightwish and Kotiteollisuus?
Tuomas:
It is a really big difference. With Kotiteollisuus it is more relaxed, nobody gives a shit about something but in a very pleasant way. It is finnish punk-rock with songs, they aren't the point (laughs)
Ricarda:
And it is always related with a wink...
Tuomas:
Yes, that's for sure.
Ricarda:
Speaking of the differences between bands: How did it go to work with Indica? You used to be around with men and suddenly there were five girls...
Tuomas:
First of all I feel of course privileged to spend so much time with five beautiful girls (laughs). They all are very laid-back and relaxed but they also have really strong opinions, which is of course good too. We've had some conflicts...
Ricarda:
Conflicts or rather discussions?
Tuomas:
Something between. But it was partially really heated (laughs). But such things are good too and otherwise they were really laid-back and we are good friends. It is definitely no producer-artist-relation, we are just a bunch of friends.
Ricarda:
But that can be harder to work together too...
Tuomas:
Yes, that might could be. But we had just fun.
Ricarda:
Ok, last question. Everyone knows you are a big Disney-fan. If you have to compare every Nightwish member with an Disney-character who were who? You can also choose characters they aren't a original-disney-character, from movies or so.
Tuomas:
Um.. so I'm Peter Pan. It is indeed no original disney-character, whatever. (laughs) Emppu is one of the seven dwarfs..(considered)
Ricarda:
Maybe Happy?
Tuomas:
Yes, Happy. Or Dopey. I think I choose Dopey. Who else does we have? Jukka..
Ricarda:
Jukka, I think this isn't easy..
Tuomas:
Yes, this is not easy. Damn. I may take him little later. Firstly Marco...
Ricarda:
It must be something hairy.. (laughs)
Tuomas:
Something hairy? The beast?
Ricarda:
Oh yes!
Tuomas:
Yes the beast fits perfect. Because of Marcos appearance suits not to his inside. Some people are afraid of him, especially little children because he looks like a viking. But he is completely different inside. Then there's Anette.. um, Daisy! (laughs) I think I haven't to say anything else about that, but she's totally Daisy! (laughs more) And then there's still Jukka. The sole character who fits to him a little bit is Scrooge McDuck...
Ricarda:
Really?
Tuomas:
Yes, because he loves it to care about money, and I didn't mean it harm. Because it is not greed or so of him. But he just likes it to take care of this thinks and he do it really well. He is also very economical and he counts every single euro. There are of course some attributes which fits to Jukka not at all but I choose Scrooge McDuck although...
Ricarda:
Ok that's all for now. I thank you very much
Tuomas:
No problem, always a pleasure.
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