Five years after leaving Stratovarius, the last of its founding members, Finnish guitar virtuoso Timo Tolkki, is still of course making music and preparing much to come in the near future. While putting the last touches on his recording studio and sharing his knowledge and experience through his latest book, "Golden Handbook of Recording Heavy Metal Music", Timo shares his warm feelings about Greece and reveals his collaboration with a native female singer, of whom he seems to be very fond of. Last but not least, looks like his emotions for former band mates have revived since our last talk on Rock Overdose. Enjoy the interview below.
Rockoverdose.gr: Hello Timo, we are very happy to welcome you once again to Rock Overdose! You are a big admirer of Greece and the Greeks are big admirers of you, too...!
Timo Tolkki: Thank you very much. Hellas had always had a very special place in my heart. It is sad that it's been some time that I had a chance to visit your country.
Rockoverdose.gr: What are you up to these days, building a new studio we saw?
Timo Tolkki: My life is very simple. It's home, music and photography, which has become a passion for me.
I have been building a new studio for mixing and mastering purposes and this has taken quite some time but it should be ready in December. It is a commercial studio, so it is possible to book me for mixes and masterings.
Rockoverdose.gr: We'll keep that in mind. What secrets of your technique and experience are you sharing on your latest book, the "Golden Handbook of Recording Heavy Metal Music"?
Timo Tolkki: Everything I have learned in the last 20 years. It comes with my drum samples that I used with Stratovarius albums I produced. It is very detailed book, everything about recording is covered there. You can get to from www.tolkki.org
Rockoverdose.gr: We heard about some releases of Greek guitar solo albums lately produced by you! Is it true?
Timo Tolkki: Sorry, but I have not produced any Greek albums apart from a band called Minuetum.
Rockoverdose.gr: New drummer along with a new album in February 2013 for Stratovarius. What are your thoughts about this?
Timo Tolkki: I know him. He actually played the initial demos of Symfonia so I know him well. I don't think about Strato that much anymore. I left the band 5 years ago. I wish them well. Hard working guys. I love them and I do miss them. I wish we could one day do one more album and tour with the "Visions" line up. In 5 years or something. That would be really cool.
Rockoverdose.gr: Are you making any new music yourself?
Timo Tolkki: Sure. I am always making music. I have been in touch with a great great female singer from your country actually called Marilena Animado. She is a fantastic singer. I hope something comes out of that because she is a world class singer.
Rockoverdose.gr: Hope too! What happened to the new "Credo" album? Will we ever get to listen to those songs?
Timo Tolkki: Well, the pledge thing turned out to be much more work than I anticipated but that was not the reason why I cancelled it. Initially I was dealing with a very low number of people, maybe 400. That also was not the reason why I cancelled it but it made me think that maybe the system still has flaws in it. "Credo" or whatever it will be called, is something I hope I can release some day or maybe even after I have died.
It is very special music and I almost feel that I should not charge any money from it. I feel it is music that should just be given to those who want to hear it.
Rockoverdose.gr: Fans responded well to your call after all?
Timo Tolkki: The fans were fantastic. I reached the goal in 2 weeks. I can't thank them enough for the support.
Rockoverdose.gr: So, before we finish with this lovely interview, is Timo Tolkki retired or we should expect more things to come in the future?
Timo Tolkki: I am very far from being retired and you will hear from me next year. That much I can tell.
Rockoverdose.gr: Great! Thank you very much for your time, wish you the best. Is there anything you would like to add?
Timo Tolkki: Yes there is. Although things are extremely difficult in your country in this moment, do not lose the hope for a better future. There are some extreme elements in EU using your country in this moment but be strong. You have been strong before. I send you my very best and pray for your well being and good future.
For Rockoverdose.gr: Stella Tsolakou
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