Tuomas Holopainen is working on two new albums – reflects on life in Kitee

Nightwish mastermind Tuomas Holopainen is currently working on two new albums, according to a recent interview published by the Finnish newspaper Karjalainen.
Speaking during the media outlet’s Karjalasta kajahtaa live broadcast tour, Holopainen reflected not only on his current creative work but also on the importance of his hometown, Kitee, where he has lived his entire life.
Holopainen described the small North Karelian town as a place that provides peace, inspiration and a sense of community that continues to influence his work.

“When my wife moved to Kitee from the north, the first thing she said was that people here are warm and open.”

After decades of intense touring with Nightwish, Holopainen says he has found a balance in life that allows him to focus on composing while still enjoying everyday routines at home.

“I’m currently composing two albums. Besides that, I travel, spend time outdoors and take care of our cat. Just normal, pleasant everyday life. Over the years I’ve learned to find my own limits.”

Holopainen also revealed that he and his wife have a yearly tradition of creating a map filled with what he calls “unconquered islands” – dreams and goals they hope to achieve in the coming years.
Among the current “islands” on the map are new music projects, travel and an upcoming summer tour with Auri.
The interview was filmed at the Kitee Exhibition Centre, where the upcoming Nightwish Story exhibition will showcase memorabilia from the band’s long career. The exhibition will include instruments, personal items and other artifacts documenting Nightwish’s journey from a small Finnish town to global success.
Holopainen noted that the band’s worldwide fame has not negatively affected his life in Kitee.

“People often say Finns are jealous, but I’ve never experienced that here, even with Nightwish’s success.”

Despite Nightwish being one of the biggest metal bands in the world, Holopainen says the town still allows him to live a relatively normal life.

“Most of the meaningful moments in my life have happened here in Kitee.”