TARJA TURUNEN: In Writing Mode

Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen has issued the following update:

"I have been spending a couple of weeks writing new songs with my friends here in Antigua, in the beautiful island surroundings. The result is telling of the great and inspiring atmosphere we have had. I mean, the songs are REALLY amazing. I feel that the process of writing songs this time is much easier than it was for 'My Winter Storm'. Might be that the songwriters already know me and there is not such a pressure on us than we had with a debut album. Luckily the time is also on our side since we have still quite some time to come up with more killer songs. I also found the courage to come up with my own songs and ideas, which is making me very, very happy. Last time, during 'My Winter Storm' process, I was telling you the name of the songs and some parts of their lyrics. It was very nice and motivating to read your comments and wild guesses about the meaning of the songs. So, this time I will do it again. Here goes the first title: 'The Crying Moon'. This new song we did with Michelle and Kiko and we borrowed a wonderful riff from Mr. Doug Wimbish that I heard during the last tour and that I loved deeply. I am still searching for a title for the album, but little by little, all the pieces are falling into the right place and the idea is already turning in my head."

Tarja's most recent solo album, "My Winter Storm", was released in the U.S. at the end of February. The CD was made available in two exclusive U.S. versions via Fontana: the standard and deluxe editions (the latter featuring extra tracks not released elsewhere, as well visually stimulating bonus DVD content).

"My Winter Storm" was produced by Daniel Presley (FAITH NO MORE, JEWEL, THE BREEDERS), who has been joined in the studio by a truly stellar line-up of musicians: Doug Wimbish on bass (LIVING COLOUR, ANNIE LENNOX, JOE SATRIANI, JEFF BECK, MADONNA, ROLLING STONES), Alex Scholpp on electric guitars (FARMER BOYS) and Earl Harvin on drums (SEAL, PET SHOP BOYS, AIR), a player personally selected by Tarja after she saw him stealing the show at a SEAL concert. Keyboards and programming, meanwhile, are being provided by Torsten Stenzel, whose previous credits include NELLY FURTADO, MOBY, TINA TURNER, VANESSA MAE and more.