Wywiad z John Two-Hawks

Papilon

Q: First of all thank you for giving us the chance to ask you some questions . We really appreciate that!

A: You are very welcome. I am happy to share with you.

Q: Let’s start. You have just returned from a short tour with Nightwish, did you enjoy it?

A: Yes. We always have a great time together. Just for the record - Jukka sucks at Texas Hold’em Poker. lol

Q: Since your audience must be different, how do you feel when you play in front of a metal audience?

A: I love all the audiences I play in front of. Metal music audiences are great because they really love the music they came to hear, and they don’t hold back when they show you that love! My audiences care just as deeply, they just show it differently. When I am in concert at my own shows, I take the audience on a powerful, enchanting, spiritual journey. So my concert audiences are usually very silent while I perform, saving their applause for the end of each song. Metal audiences are, of course, much louder and cheer whenever they feel inspired! I love them both. Also, I want to say that whenever or wherever I perform, I am always the same man coming from the same place in my musical expression. That is where I find my center and my power, and I love sharing that power with all the audiences I play in concert for.

Q: What is the funniest memory you have about being on the road with Nightwish?

A: We have lots of laughs. One time, I think it was in St. Louis, we all played basketball. That was a riot. Then there are the comical ‘UNO’ card games we’ve had. And of course, rehearsing for the Hartwall Arena concert at a warehouse with enough pyro-technics to blow up a stadium…. funny stuff! Again, for the record - Jukka sucks at Texas Hold’em Poker. lol

Q: You’ve shared the stage with Nightwish in many occasions, what’s good about playing with them?

A:First off, they are all just very, very good people, and super fun to be with. And that includes the crew and management, by the way! I really enjoy the great conversations we have. We have talked extensively about everything from the environment to politics and spirituality and everything in between. It is always good to perform with people you really like! Secondly, they know what it takes to put on a great concert, and that is very important to me. I go to great lengths and take great pride in putting on top caliber concerts when I perform my own music. So it means a lot to me that Nightwish feels the same way! Lastly, the depth, breadth, complexity and meaning in the music makes performing it together deeply meaningful and incredibly powerful.

Q: And talking about Anette, what’s the first impression you had when you first met her?

A: I loved her immediately. And I mean that. She is a complex, intelligent and strong person. We hit it off right at the start. She is easy to talk with, and is very sweet and down to earth. Anette thinks for herself, and yet is very open minded and a great listener.

Q: Do you like Anette’s rendition of Creek Mary’s Blood?

A: I love it. She really “gets” the meaning of the song, and puts a lot of heart and soul into how she sings it. She really sincerely cares about the subject matter of ‘Creek Mary’s Blood’, and I am always moved by the reverence she shows as she performs it. I think her voice is absolutely perfect for ‘Creek Mary’s Blood.’ I also love her vocals on the ‘Dark Passion Play’ CD.

Q: What’s the thing you like the most about her, musically speaking?

A: She is musically mature. Meaning that she has explored lots of genres and therefore has a well rounded comprehension for music as a whole. I also love the quality and texture of her voice. Plus, Anette connects with the meaning of the music. It matters to her.
Q: As you know, she went through a lot of pressure caused by some people who can’t accept her as the new Nightwish singer. Since you know her personally and have had proof of her singing skills is there anything you would like to say to all the detractors?

A: First off, let me say that I understand how difficult this change has been for some. Change is rarely easy. It takes time to adjust to new things. Having said that, Anette is a very talented, energetic, likeable gal with great voice and a lot of spice! I can say this for sure - Anette is not trying to be anything but Anette. So, even though it may be hard, and may take some effort, I would humbly ask those who are having a hard time accepting her to please try and open your hearts and give her a chance. Try to look with new eyes and hear with new ears, and perhaps you will find a new connection with the poetry of Tuomas and the music of Nightwish. Trust me, once you get to know Anette Olzon, you simply have no choice but to love her!

Q: We all love the colour you brought into Creek Mary’s Blood, is there any chance for a new collaboration with the band?

A: Let me just say this: Tuomas and I both have a deep need to tell the stories of the soul through music. ‘Creek Mary’s Blood’ is just one example of how he and I both tell those stories together. Yet, ‘Creek Mary’s Blood’ is only one story. Suffice it to say, there are more stories to tell….
Q: Are you joining Nightwish on stage in Helsinki for the tour finale?

Those details have not been worked out as of yet. We will have to wait and see!
Q: Which are you career plans for the future?

A: To keep telling the stories of my heart and soul with music! I recently released my 17th CD, ‘Wing Songs’, and will be on tour with it throughout the U.S. this year and next. The world is a mixed up place with a lot of hurt. My music is dreamed into existence and each CD goes out into the world with the intent to mend and heal the wounds we have inflicted upon Mother Earth, each other, and all living beings. I will continue to walk this red road of my visions, sharing my music and the wisdom of my people as long as I am able to do so. This journey has taken me all over the world and I have been blessed with some wonderful experiences and have enjoyed some great personal accomplishments and achievements. And yet, there are many more stories to tell and I keep hearing the music with which to tell them. I hope that some day, when I complete the circle of my life, the stories of wisdom and spirit I told through my music will have mattered, and that the world will be just a little more healed, a little more in balance, and a little more at peace, because these musical stories were told….
Q: Thank you so much for your time, we all hope to hear from you very soon! We wish you all the best for your future.

A: Pilamaye yelo (thank you) for your very thoughtful questions. I enjoyed responding to them. May Wakantanka encircle you and yours with beauty, peace and love….

In Spirit, Power and friendship,

John Two-Hawks

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