TARJA TURUNEN Checks In

Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen has issued the following update:

"My friends, the tour is happily over. But very soon, we will start next shows in Europe.

"There is no time really to relax since I have to keep on rehearsing for them. I will go to make a visit at my vocal coach who is most probably going to 'kill' me again. Just kidding; she is just magnificent help and amazingly kind lady.

"Mexican show was great and it was nice to see the reaction of the audience when they heard the new songs in our set list. I spoke with many fans and they felt that the show was a lot better than my first visit in Mexico.

"As always, I learn new things about myself and from my music through my musical journey and it is very rewarding to hear good feedback from my supporters.

"Thank you Mexico! As I said during the show, I hope to see you next time with my new album.

"It was also wonderful to make for the first time a show in Venezuela and to see that I have an audience there! I got to meet many fans in the singing session I did in Caracas and the feeling was really overwhelming.

"The local promoter got very emotional to see how people were reacting towards me and told me that he had never seen anything like that before. The devotion of the fans was unexpected for him and for some local media. Not for me ;)

"The final challenge was to make four shows in Buenos Aires. Everything went fine and I was very happy to be able to finish the tour with these shows here. Especially the last two shows in La Trastienda were great, because the audience was seated and they could follow every little details of our show. For me it was nice to see their expressions closer and to feel their love.

"I would like to do similar kind of concerts in other countries, but promoters haven't realized yet that my fans would like it too.

"I am sure the band was happy with the tour. Every one of them already flew to different destinations and in couple of weeks we'll find each other in Budapest where we'll start rehearsing for the summer shows. Can't wait to get there!

"Next week I will face another challenge when I am performing with [Argentine] band RATA BLANCA in Luna Park stadium [in Buenos Aires]. I have to learn few of their songs, which means I am going to sing in Spanish again!!!!! Let's see how that goes. I am expecting to have a great time with RATA on stage. Was very nice to receive their invitation."

Tarja Turunen has set "What Lies Beneath" as the working title of her new solo CD, tentatively due before the end of the year. She says, "With [2007's] 'My Winter Storm', I chose the name of the album in the early stages and that helped me to create the concept for the album. With the new album, I decided to do it the same way, so I searched for an inspiring title and all the songs are one way or another related to it."

Regarding the songwriting process for the new CD, Turunen said, "In the last months I've been writing a lot of music for my new album. Songwriting is always an amazing learning experience, and it has been a pleasure to discuss music with different people.

"The album process is still going on and I have more songs that are in the working. It is sounding very promising. The songs are absolutely more mature, wild, and emotional and they sound more me, if I can say so.

"The biggest difference in preparing this new album is that I will be taking the time that I need until the songs are in a shape that I am happy with. No matter how long it takes. I want it to be perfect for me. No hurry; no pressure."

Tarja Turunen performing in Mexico – May 2009: