Ethereal Metal Webzine

Interviewed by Jessica Clingempeel & Joshua Becker
© Ethereal Metal Webzine
4/2/2014

What made you want to pursue music?

The Passion and urge to perform!

Do you think growing up in such a small town has shaped your
views on the type of music you perform?

I think it hasn’t had any meaning.

What kind of musical training have you had?

No musical training, only school of life.

Have you ever considered dabbling in the metal genres?

When younger, I was strongly at rock and heavy genre, but
when I got older I realized that the popular music is close to my heart.

Where do you get your inspiration when it comes to
composition (i.e. lyrics and music)?

Music I perform, is so far made by others.

Where do you see yourself and your music in five years?

I strongly believe that music is going to be my main job.

Do you ever think about expanding into different
countries/continents?

Seriously, not!

Many years ago Tarja first mentioned an album of yours that
she will be featured on, any details on that?

Long story and still so painful. The album was ready and
just before releasing Tarja got fired from NW. So, at that same point all my
dreams fell down. It was the same label behind NW that was going to release my
very own album. And the rest you can imagine.

How did you come up with Teo Turunen & Ote?

Together we came up to this name. My own name is Timo but my
performer name is Teo and it contains the first letters of my first names. And
afterwards when I needed a name for my new band we got idea to use the same
word but in a different way. Ote means a touch of something in finnish.

How did you and the band meet?

The social circle of musicians is very small, so the good
ones just get together at some point!

Are you currently signed and if not how close are you to
becoming signed?

No I’m not, but I’m willing to get it someday!

Would you mind
telling us more about your appearance on Seinäjoen Tangomarkkinat?

Seinäjoen Tangomarkkinat is the biggest TANGO-FESTIVAL in
the whole world. Every year they choose the Tango King and the Queen in the
tango-singing competition, which is basically the “main thing” at the festival.
The week included loads of practice, interviews, press, social communication
with the festival guests etc. And the top of the whole festival is the live TV
performance of the competition. Of course the whole situation puts you under a
loads of pressure but nevertheless I’m very satisfied with my performance.

Whose decision was it to use your vocals in Tarja’s cover of
“Still of the Night”?

Tarja’s of course! The high vocals of the song are sang by
our brother Tony and the low vocals are made by me. J

Do you have plans to work with Tarja on future
albums/projects?

Someday, if Tarja asks my help in any kind of situation, I’m
always available.

~Lets get to know Timo better~

What are your hobbies outside of music?

Sports and gardening at summer!

Do you have any regrets or moments in time that you wish you
could change?

The only thing I would like to change, is the project with
the album but because it didn’t happen, it made me realize how mean and hard
this industry really is. In another case I wouldn’t change anything because all
the misfortunes have raised me to this person who I am now.

Besides music, are there any other goals you would like to
achieve?

You always have to have goals and ambitions in your life. In
mine, I have several!

If we were to look at your music collection what would we
find?

Oh so many kind of music… From death metal to gospel. Mostly
pop and country music.

What advice can you give to beginning musicians?

You have to believe in yourself and what you’re doing! And
there will always be misadventures, you shouldn’t feel depressed about them.
You have to walk a long and rocky road to succeed in the music industry. Be
strong!

Besides vocals, are there any other instruments you play?

Drums!

What is your practicing faith and how has it impacted your
life/career?

Without practice, there’s no results. That is a fact. But
the practice is not only affecting to the career. There are so many other
things which are tied up with that.

As a child, how did you get along with your younger
siblings?

Very well, thank you, and I think that our age difference
has contribute to that. As a youngster, I took care of Tarja right after when
she was born. Tarja is 7 years younger and Tony is 12 years younger than me.

Has being a father affected your music career in any way?

No it hasn’t.

Do you have another career away from music?

Yes. At the moment I’m still working at the local factory.

What is the best advice you would give someone who has big
dreams for themselves, but don’t know how to make those dreams reality?

Believe in what you do. And yourself. Act like they’re
(dreams) already true.

Anything else you would like to say to everyone who will be
reading this?

All the best, love each other and be close to each other!