My Story As Metal Frontwoman #45: Tarja Turunen

[@chaoszine]

If you like the content please drop us a comment, like or subscribe to the channel. We have also opened the super thank you so if you want to support our channel feel free to send us a thank you through that. Which vocalist should we feature in the video series next?

[@Vaamp92]

Looking forward to it! Next ones: Floor Jansen and Simone Simons

[@chaoszine]

@@Vaamp92 Simone unfortunately doesnt visit Finland in the summer of 2023 but definitely we will cover her next time she does if she is up for it. Floor is a plan for 2023 for sure but lets see if we are able to do it with her. =)

[@kitiofthewilds7848]

Epica does actually have two gigs in Finland this summer, in Kuopiorock and Qstock so Simone will be there..

[@chaoszine]

@@kitiofthewilds7848 good observation. Lets see if we could do it there. 😊🤟

[@larryzigler6812]

GREAT INTERVIEW !!!!! I would love to see a TARJA part 2 . Concentrating on all aspects of her vast diverse solo career, her family and perhaps her exquisite presence on THE VOICE 💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘

[@ronenkolar4737]

Nightwish with Tarja Turunen is pure Magic (with no disrespect to the other singers )

[@juniormendoza657]

Agreed

[@leewayne1609]

Tarja is a pioneer in the symphonic metal genre.

[@rickrack4812]

Yes, but not only one that started in 1996. Aldo, at least one other, prior to 1996...

[@TheMonrose18]

This woman never ceases to impress me

[@zubinmetalfan]

I discovered Nightwish somewhere around the late 90s. I usually don't like female vocals, especially in metal, but I remember listening to Nightwish for the first time, and it was perfect. I have so much respect for Tarja. She's proven herself over and beyond. A legend. And my personal favorite female vocalist

[@kaleeyoung-vb1ds]

I'm the opposite. I draw towards female vocalist metal.

[@RobBCactive]

I think the best is when a band has both, I like the dynamics and contrasts. Nightwish simply have awesome shows. Seeing Tarja reunited for a number in a duet with another Nightwish original, it was just a very beautiful but great heavy rock number. Personally I don't regard Nightwish as a metal band, but I'm old school; also I'd call a lot of radio/TV rock pop.

[@RammmFan]

She is The Best, untouchable and unreachable by any one or anything. True Icon...

[@mysticamusic.official]

Can't wait for this! The Queen herself :)

[@LigeiaNoire]

Tarja is a legend herself. Having classical vocals in metal was not a new thing, rare yes, but not new. Off the top of my head I recall, of course, Therion, but even Lacrimas Profundere, way back in their first album, Cradle of Filth too. However, none of them were fronted by a classically trained singer as a full time member that toured and interpreted all songs. Tarja and Nightwish were a match made in heaven, even if it happened by pure luck. Tuomas was not aware how Tarja's vocals had matured, and Tarja was not even into metal back then, and now, here we are, with them both being the most influential figures in the genre. Tarja was and still is the role model followed by any singer starting in the genre. Simone, Elize, Clementine, many do acknowledge and credit her. In a time when there were no social media outlets, barely any phones with cameras, the touring conditions being appalling. A woman from a small village in the midst of metalheads travelling the world was definitely not a walk in the park… It was also not easy to adapt what she had learnt in art school or university to a metal composition and to very complicated paced lyrics, not to mention a very complex and wide vocal range. Even not writing any of the music, she gave life to the words, by creating the whole atmosphere of the music with her voice. The pacing, the way she worded it. It was brilliantly done, and she stands as a pioneer. She carved a path for all the ones that came after her. Today, she is much more than just a singer, she is a composer too. Still the most accomplished female solo metal artist out there, with an almost 30-year singing career! However, if you did not know, you would never guess, the way she always talks to you like if you were her neighbour.

[@RitaFMachado]

This, this is what I always say regarding her pioneering steps as a frontwoman singing classicalky in a metalband and adapting her singing education.

[@LigeiaNoire]

@@RitaFMachado Yes. It is very overlooked.

[@FutileGrief]

Well said! When she left Nightwish I was truly wondering how they could move on, because she didn't just sing leads on those tracks, she provided an entire atmosphere and mood, a big part of the identity of the band was just that. They found a way of course, and it's awesome but man, what she provided was definitely something special and unique

[@Pravdacz-tp8zu]

She's basically women's Ozzy Osbourne.

[@FutileGrief]

@@Pravdacz-tp8zu what do you mean?

[@jonastiger1000]

Tarja is my favorite female vocalist in metal. She was instrumental in the success of Nightwish, which I found out about on the radio in 2002, with the song Bless the Child. So I went to the store to buy the records they had released up until then. And she still kills it as solo artist. In the Raw, her latest record, is fantastic to me, and very excited for her next one. She has recently released the cover of Numb, by Linkin Park.

[@vostaserova3610]

She is so cool and funny. And gorgeous 😊

[@ValtteL]

That moment when she talked about Once... just wow. Great job Arto!

[@chaoszine]

Thanks! 🤟

[@stephensdygert7600]

Tarja is the Julie Andrews of Metal/Rock. It's really that simple. The End of a Era bluray in 5.1 surround is one of the greatest performances in contemporary music history. Tarja was the heart and soul of Nightwish. Words cannot define the chemistry between Tarja, Tom, Marko, Jukka, Emppu. Hopefully there will be reconciliation and a reunion!

[@notyoaveragesouthernmama5734]

That comparison is perfect!! Both lovely and talented people with incredible distinctive voices 🥰

[@stephensdygert7600]

@@notyoaveragesouthernmama5734 Nightwish started to disintegrate after Tarja. It continued after Jukka the drummer retired. When Marco left. It's all over for this band.

[@GaryMcCormick]

Always a pleasure to listen to Tarja.

[@NightwishArena]

My eyes got wet when she was talking about Once and I could see her getting so emotional. Tarja ❤

[@mysticamusic.official]

Tarja, you've been my idol since I was a kid. You're my favorite female voice and I'm so grateful to have had you as a role model - I also sing lyrical, that's where my voice shines as well. I discovered that I could sing because of you... Now, I own my own voice, but I have a lot to thank to you. It means the world listening to you, you're a beautiful human being.

[@robcreel4257]

Thanks for posting this! I really enjoyed this interview. Without Tarja, there would be no Nightwish.

[@vanessalore9942]

I only discovered Nightwish last year with Tarja. I was immediately captivated.

[@zoebaggins90]

Classically trained but the perfect frontwoman/vocalist for a metal band. Just the absolute best combo.

[@kungsverige1886]

Tarja💙💛❤

[@Negoya]

Such a talented and kind-hearted human being. Always a pleasure listening to her, no matter if she sings or gives interviews. ♥

[@tuuli4002]

Thank you!❤🙏 This was very interesting. Every interview I see from Tarja, it makes it seem like Tarja is very nice and humble person😊 I met her once and it really felt like this

[@tapanim6576]

Thank you for this interview. It's always a joy to watch Tarja interviews. Tarja's music is really great and all her albums are excellent.

[@chaoszine]

Thanks!

[@davfive]

So excited to see her on tour in a month 🎉

[@AmandaSaunders-ub7ct]

Very excited for this interview 😍 I love Tarja so much 💕 She’s my number 1 role model, and my inspiration. I can’t wait to see her in LA next month ☺️💕

[@jimmyboy131]

I saw her in Phoenix. It was a very small show but wow she was fantastic, and the whole band was excellent. So glad I got to see her. I was right up front at the corner of the stage.

[@klongyawseven9118]

Tarja.....💗💗💗

[@jnielsen90]

Goddess Tarja is just as beautiful a woman and vocalist today as she ever has been in the past......she is a musician like a fine wine, she only gets better and better with age. She still has those stunningly beautiful eyes, and that infectious smile and gorgeous accent. It has been an honor to have been you're fan for over 25 years now my Vocal Goddess, from "The Carpenter" with Nightwish to "Outlanders" as a solo artist I have loved everything Tarja has performed as she truely is unique and a one of a kind artist you can't place in any specific genre alone as she spans so many of them, and now the upcoming new Heavy Album she has confirmed is coming too. Tarja is a music machine and I appreciate sharing her talents with the rest of us :) A tour date in Vancouver CANADA is all this loyal fan asks of the Goddess lol

[@devoratodorova]

Thank you for that interview! Can't wait to see it! Tarja is my greatest inspiration and idol❤ I have seen her perform 3 times in Finland in 2011, 2016 and 2023 and each time was sublime😍🎶

[@chaoszine]

You are welcome. Hope you like it. 😊🤟

[@MKL_D]

The queen of metal

[@ikkeschopkont]

Great to hear her react like this to the memories. Love her 💚

[@tapanim6576]

Can't wait for this interview. Tarja is amazing.

[@florealore8404]

Tarja is beyond human ❤

[@FilPol-yu1es]

😆

[@ladyjane8023]

With all the respect for others female singers Tarja is the best❤❤❤. Her voice, stile....everything is magnificent. Love you Tarja. Wish you all the best. My queen always and forever❤❤❤❤

[@betamuniz000]

Would be amazing to see a vocal Master class with Tarja ❤️

[@anka2112]

No words could express how thankful I am for the inspiration that Tarja have given to me at many levels 🙏💛

[@tawharanui5011]

Love Tarja!

[@zachbrehany2253]

Oh, my beloved musical goddess. Always a pleasure to hear her speak and feel like she's personally talking to you during videos like this. I'm 28 and have loved her sense I became in love with her sense. I don't want to get too emotional explaining how her music coincided with my life to the extent I consider her as important as my family is in terms of influencing me, but what I can say is the culture surrounding her and even her fan base make up a good part of my life and I can't be anymore grateful for that. I'm attending her Baltimore concert on Friday (6/16/23) and know I am emotionally and spiritually going to be fulfilled. And it's all due to the art this beautiful soul blessed us with. God bless you Tarja. God bless you.

[@richpeterman9910]

This is a great interview, thank you!

[@evermoredragon892]

Thankyou for the amazing interview

[@chaoszine]

Thanks for the good feedback. 🤟

[@fahim113]

Glad to see her happy, smiling and performing in 2023. Also, gotta love the Finnish accent!

[@missdoom1]

Met her once and she was so nice :)

[@deamonkoreaeon]

you just have to love that person

[@PetraPola]

Great interview. Thanks for that. Tarja is such a laid back person and a great singer and musician.

[@chaoszine]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@lina_bend]

Great interview! Kiitos Arto for this interview!! 🤩🥰

[@larryzigler6812]

THANKS !!!! Always such a wonderful interview !!!!!! Her outer beauty easily matched by her inner beauty. So intelligent , radiant and funny. Just adore her- FOREVER MORE 💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘💘

[@iggytekula]

She is so iconic 😁🔥❤️

[@XH13]

I love how she became an iconic metal singer by joining a band that didn't even planed to be a metal band.

[@chaoszine]

Life is sometimes unpredictable. :D

[@Aurinkohirvi]

Hah, hah! Yeah, and how the band became a metal band because they joined with a classical vocalist. Not planned, but beautifully improvised.

[@ligeiasiren4290]

That's her power 💅.

[@kaleeyoung-vb1ds]

Yeah really

[@Max_Jacoby]

Come on! They are Scandinavians. Anything they do they get metal as an outcome.

[@Hermioneburra]

Tarja is such a sweetheart ❤ I could listen to her speaking about anything for hours and hours. Amazing human being

[@MiscRocketVideos]

What a great interview. Way better than the MTv type of interviews we see so often. Both the interviewer and subject did great work and I am going to go check out more from the channel and more about Tarja's solo work. Job well done!

[@lekalla]

Good interview ONCE again🤘

[@herr-jaeger]

Excellent interview ! I have always wondered if Tuomas and Tarja met again after the break up 18 years ago...

[@selinamüllerart]

Thank you for the upload. Tarja is such an inspiriation for any woman who tries to get into music and singing ♥️

[@CrazyAlice85]

She is a great singer 😊

[@blackdog6969]

Tarja, you're always a legend in my eyes. Thank you for the cool stuff you did. Your music did me wonders

[@RS-ox1bl]

She is crazy ❤ i love her so much ❤🎉.

[@rawedgeman01]

What an amazing lady. So humble and genuine as well. Brilliant singer.

[@dempsterdavies]

I’m not a huge fan of her style in Nightwish, but this was a great interview and she comes across as a really smart, funny and kind person. Makes me question the narrative from Nightwish that she was the problem.

[@turpasauna]

I always questioned that. Especially since both Anette AND Marco raised their voices + left because of the way certain things were handled!

[@Aurinkohirvi]

Tuohon "vaikea laulu"-kysymykseen Tarja vastasi mielenkiintoisia juttuja: siitä olis kuullut mielellään lisääkin tarinaa. Arvasin että "Once" (tai Century Child, samasta syystä) tulee esille kun kysyit albumista joka opetti Tarjaa, hyvä kysymys! Kiva että saitte Tarjan penkkiin!

[@chaoszine]

Thanks!

[@japekki666]

Chaoszine should interview Miljenko Matijevic from Steelheart. Amazing singer. Would loved to see Tarja's reaction about Miljenkon's singing. :)

[@shatten1990]

Tarja is a leyend ❤❤

[@kaleeyoung-vb1ds]

I love that she talks like her neighbor

[@Cryst4lSn0w]

Great to hear from all of theses amazing persons and musicians, thanks for arranging the interviews

[@TechSeller]

Your a gem, beautiful!

[@Carlos_Chilean]

Great interview with this great, talented, trailblazer woman. Constructive criticism: the camera should have been pointed a bit higher for the angle to be just perfect.

[@bighoaxor]

I love how Tarja says not many can sing her songs - I love them because they are the few metal songs I actually CAN sing as a soprano! 😂😂 Though saying that I can’t sing them even a quarter as well as she can but I’m forever grateful that I can at least try! (My range and hers notes wise are basically the same but I’m not a patch on her power or tone and don’t pretend to be! I’ve only had 1 year of lessons years ago)

[@aviadamar6436]

Icon

[@r.e.4640]

All hale the REAL TRUE QUEEN 👑 of NIGHTWISH and of ALL FEMALE SYMPHONIC METAL SINGERS!!!, the very beautiful looking and very unique voice of the enchanting TARJA!!!😀👍👍👍🤘

[@TomRaimondi-rg6pi]

So what was all that she has an outstanding voice. I'll say one thing for her I love her Christmas albums so dark and Gothic I played them for friends they did not like them. But I disagreed I loved them I hope she makes another one

[@paisa20]

Thanks

[@chloboshoka]

Nightwish were my first metal band and I didn't even realise they were metal.

[@egcozinon]

Nightwish died for me when she left the band ...

[@kalebschultz]

She didn't leave she was fired

[@gustavogomez3286]

♥

[@ligeiasiren4290]

Queen 😌

[@oceanwoe]

Anybody who know the name of the throatcoat tea she is recommending?

[@HelMut3103]

Traditional Medicinals Seasonal Teas, Organic Throat Coat Lemon Echinacea.. She mentioned it in ‚Singing In My Blood‘ her book. There is a photo of it. 🤘🏻

[@WrestlingKing2025]

I'm always wondering if tarja ever had watched the nightwish end of an era dvd really im curious to know

[@chaoszine]

Good question actually. 😊

[@WrestlingKing2025]

@@chaoszine plz can u ask her?! 🤩

[@chaoszine]

@@WrestlingKing2025yea next time I meet her I can. :)

[@WrestlingKing2025]

@@chaoszine wow thanks alot 🥰

[@jaberhassan7916]

End oft era concert 2005 One oft best concerts. I Dont Listen To Night wish after she left, but i Dont like her solo carrier, tristania, theatre of tragedy, night wish draconian are pioneers in this genre.

[@jerrymyers870]

End of an Era Still my all time favorite

[@wito6998]

The first NW demo was folk New Age music?

[@turpasauna]

"Angels fall first". That was the demo. :) It got published as-is.

[@danel9292]

What is the song in the begging?

[@PetraPola]

Diva

[@babyyoda24]

Can someone help me what's the title of the intro song? 🥺

[@PetraPola]

Diva

[@babyyoda24]

@@PetraPola Thank you very much 😊

[@andsoitwas3046]

This is actually sad... She confirms Once was her favorite album and only the beginning of her finally feeling 100% comfortable with her vocals. Imagine if we got 10 more years with them together. Shame.

[@mishamyaniy9860]

🙂🤟🙂🤟🏼🇺🇦🤘🤪

[@FilPol-yu1es]

FLOOR is a Stunning Singer & Stage Performer. Tarja's pretty good at classical singing.

[@LigeiaNoire]

Holy shit! Is Floor paying your rent?

[@PetraPola]

​@@LigeiaNoire This person writes the same comment under every Tarja video.

[@kimberlyh.5023]

You mean that singer who needed Tarja to give her her current career? ;)

[@midgardland7821]

So a POSER ! Then changed, fascinating

[@JanKozak-ww6zz]

Self no tiler petr jony

[@JanKozak-ww6zz]

Tier petr jony lajf no sory

[@Mischnikvideos]

Even though there were few female singers around 2000, there were. Within Tempotation, Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, The Gathering and others were created at the same time. Tarja was part of a whole wave of female singers. But she didn't copy anything from them and concentrated on her classic teachers. Unfortunately, that's what we heard. It lacked a good pop voice and wasn't as harmonious as she thought.

[@Marcusrafaelfet]

What are you talking about? It's quite the opposite, her classic vocals combined with metal and symphonic elements was what made NW stand out back then, it was something completely different for its time, otherwise they would be like any other metal band. It wouldn't even exist as it is at all.

[@Mischnikvideos]

@@Marcusrafaelfet Yes, Tarja's operatic singing is what made Nightwish unique. Yes, Tarja has established opera singing in metal. But: Nightwish's songs need more than just opera singing. So the next singer was a pop singer, which was just as incomplete. Today's Tarja also tried to improve there. She never got the mix needed for Nightwish.

[@Marcusrafaelfet]

@@Mischnikvideos NW was perfect as it was, the only reason to think they needed a pop singer is if you are thinking about a commercial achievement and not musically, cause the albums they did with Tarja still remains their most acclaimed ones. Also, she wasn't singing opera, she sounds very different when she's singing actual opera. Of course she also didn't have 'pop' technique, but if anything, in the album Once her vocals were closer to music theater singing with nuances of a more classical technique here and there, but never fully operatic. And by the way, tho she never had contemporary singing classes, it would be completely possible for her to develop a proper contemporary technique if she wanted to, she have the resources to hire any coach she need, as she said in the interview she still have a coach to this day, but she have chosen to focus on classical technique with her own adjustments.

[@Mischnikvideos]

@@Marcusrafaelfet NW wasn't perfect with Tarja! I met NW with Once and I was disappointed in how badly she sings the pop parts. In 2002/03 she studied art song in Germany and used that in Once. It's not opera, but it's also classical music. She still does that today. Tuomas didn't include more pop for commercial reasons, he always did. His role model is not Tarja's art singing, but film music by Hans Zimmer. Among other things, the cooperation broke up because Tarja refused to follow Tuomas' ideas and to educate herself accordingly. Then there were the same problems with Anette. Only with Floor does he have someone with the skills his songs need. This also applies to the old Tarja songs, which she can sing better because she sings them the way they are meant to be.

[@666X-k9n]

@@Mischnikvideos I absolutely disagree with you. Tarja at the beginning was not organic enough. But then she found the optimal manner of singing between academic and pop singing. And she created a certain effect with such singing. She came across as a goddess. With Floor, the band sounds primitive. But she has a very strong voice, I don't argue with that.

[@fybromon1409]

She has a certain off puttingness about her due to the arogance she has when referring to her talent. Yes she is good, but she needs to realise there are others just as good Just my take from watching it. And hit me with hate starting ................ now

[@Alegria243]

In 3...2...💣No, I know what you mean.😄 Of course she is good. Even after all, Tuomas always appreciated her talent and focussed on finding someone who is not sounding too much like her. Because, as he said, she was very good in what she was doing. But: there are still others, who are at least just as good. Even my vocal teacher back then thought about applying to Nightwish as they launched the call😳 - and I know how good she is, and that she would have had a real chance. But there are people who has too little self-confidence, unfortunately. And I think: it is thanks to Tuomas that Tarja is where she is now. Living in a Villa, doing a job she loves. Because he seemed to know exactly how to "use" her voice in the best way. And that is why I don't understand her always saying that in the beginning she didn't know how to use her instrument, her body, her voice. Maybe she learned some techniques while studying music. But in my opinion: She sounds best in the beginning of Nightwish. Maybe not despite, but BECAUSE she did not think too much about what she is doing exactly with her voice. She didn't overthink her techniques. And in my opinion, Tuomas knew exactly how to "dose" the drama in her voice. Because since she started her solo-stuff, I think she overdoes it a lot. Just because you can do certain things with your voice, it doens't mean you have to do it throughout a whole song. Most of her own songs loose their individuality and soul, and at one point, it started to sound very similar and with too much dramatic impact where it is not necessarily needed. It is a pity they didn't make it as a band, as a team. But I have to admit: I needed some time, but when I heard Floor sing at Wacken...I was mesmerized, I was convinced! And I became an even bigger fan, as they brought their first album together with Floor.😍 And I almost love the old songs more when sung by her - because she respects the original while putting her own flair and style. And no one can tell me, they don't get the shivers when Floor is "doing the tone" when singing Ghost Love Score. "Floorgasm" is real. And when Floor and tarja are on stage togehther...I can't help, but I always got a feeling of competition, some bad vibes - and they don't come from Floor. I think, this is it what you mean with a "certain arrogance", coming from her. However...I am so unpatiently waiting for the new album with her. Album no. 10 now. Waiting every day for at least an announcement. If it is only half as good as Human::Nature, it will be perfect! 🤩

[@turpasauna]

I wonder if her stroke plays a part here. She seems....old...here. Gaze being all over and lacking her typical warmth.

[@JanKozak-ww6zz]

Self no

[@-Vitalis-]

Great singer and interpreter in general, competent bel canto singer... terrible metal frontwoman.

[@zoebaggins90]

👎🏻

[@stasa-X]

You probably never seen her in live dude😂😂😂😂, she is amazing!!!

[@-Vitalis-]

@@stasa-X Because I actually saw her live, I wrote my humble opinion. If it's not shared among metalheads, that's fine.

[@LigeiaNoire]

@@-Vitalis- I am curious. What is your criteria to be a good frontwoman in metal?

[@-Vitalis-]

@@LigeiaNoire It's subjective. For me, Tarja was weak live and somehow "disjointed" from the rest of the band. Well, it's known that Tarja mostly didn't practice with his band mates, including studio records. She used to get the music sheets, practice by herself and then "add" her part, both in albums and live concerts. As far as I know, that form of work was tolerated during the first years but then it became a problem and the band slowly grew antipathetic against Tarja, especially Tuomas. Again, I consider Tarja to be an outstanding interpreter in general, since she has academic training in bel canto, which she sings with enough skill. I mean, she isn't Ana Netrebko, Jessy Norman or Montserrat Caballé... but she's a fine mezzosoprano. So, If I'd try to answer your question, I would say being _homogeneous_ is important on any band. The old lineup (Jukka, Emppu, Tuomas and Marco) sounded freaking good. There was musical communion between them... and then, Tarja's voice. That's why I prefer Floor. She has more experience as a metal frontwoman (she has been in 5 different bands, being After Forever his more solid performance) and she sounds like she's _in_ the band and not just _glued_ to it. But again: my personal opinion.

[@fredverkerk838]

sche is not metal

[@stefanstock953]

so full of herself, still that overconfidence, always mentioning that she alone is the greatest in the world. I wonder when she'll feel sorry again and shed crocodile tears. 😂😮😢😂

[@Kim_gs1206]

Don't see that all, just a normal friendly woman telling her story. Always weird when people are so negative and hear and see things that aren't there...😑

[@jeffersonleonardo2]

So? She's got more money and fame than you...😂

[@stefanstock953]

@@jeffersonleonardo2 hehe, Yeah, Jeff... of course she has..every hobo has more money than me...and fame.? Fame is for egofakkers..i hate humans, i love to be alone and glad to be not famous at all.. stay safe & take care, buddy...PEACE

[@jeffersonleonardo2]

@@stefanstock953 thanks, bro!🫂 I suggest you see a psychologist. Thinking this way isn't healthy.

[@stefanstock953]

@@jeffersonleonardo2 .awe, thank you, how thoughtful of you, butty. Ähm.. nope. I know that Therapists are just scam artists who rip off mentally ill people. I reject your shitty advise. But apart from that, i'm not the one who is telling others to get therapy, maybe you should take your own advice and get a life.