Stratovarius Community

This may sound stupid, but I want to train to sing like Timo Tolkki, any suggestions?

I think Timo was asked sometime, by a fan, if that fan could ever play like him. And Timo said something along the lines of, "You shouldn't try to sound like me, you should try to sound like yourself."

Or something like that The meaning is there. However, if you want to practice, just try to sing along his songs. I've tried, but I can more easily follow Hansi Kursch than any of the two Timos, since my voice is lower

Record on tape your impersonation of Tolkki, compare it with the original one, listen carefully what is it that you aren't doing right (too nasal, do deep, too growling etc), practice some more, record again, listen carefully again. I use this technique when I try to impersonate someone.

tanis573 wrote:This may sound stupid, but I want to train to sing like Timo Tolkki, any suggestions?

study

Even with study you will not be able to sing like him. You may come close to sounding like him, but singers all sound different. You cannot sing like Tolkki! So, TT is right---you will sing like yourself. Actually, that should be your goal, to sing like your best self possible!

Good advice twilight, you can try listening to the songs and singing along and try different techniques but as you know, everyone has different vocals, sing as yourself and harmonize, and BTW Hansi kicks major ass!!!

But if talking about the style of singing, not impression of the voice, I think it shouldn't be too hard to reach Timo's level quite fast because he's not really a singer. Just sing along and try not to hurt yourself, don't even do them screams before you know how

tanis573 wrote:This may sound stupid, but I want to train to sing like Timo Tolkki, any suggestions?

I'd just tell you: don't try to sing like Timo Tolkki but just sing like yourself. Everyone has different voice.

Tolkki seems to forcibly strain his throat on the high notes to create the unique sound, instead of letting go to lighter headvoice or falsetto. It's probably bad for your voice to follow this habit. But if you really want to do that, just try to use as much force/aggression as possible and prepare for pain

tanis573 wrote:This may sound stupid, but I want to train to sing like Timo Tolkki, any suggestions?

Hey man, trains don´t sing
My advice would be that if you want to sing like me, you will fuck up you voice. I know I did because I screamed like hell and didn´t have the technique.
You probably have some favourite singers, it is cool to try to copy them.
Along the years you´ll need to discover your own unique voice. It is there, but it is hard to find.
I always thought that technique should be learned to a maximum and then you should forget it! Don´t think about it.
They key to great vocalists lie in their talent to express their inner feelings translated into music. When you are singing straight from your heart, you cannot go wrong. How do you get there? You probably will have a bumpy road on, you must live first and foremost and you should learn to be humble and kind. Nature is far greater than we human beings can imagine and will teach us a lesson if we become too arrogant.
But the main point in singing and in life too, in my humble opinion, is to have fun and a good sense of humour
Good luck!

(1529+13)

TimoTolkki wrote:But the main point in singing and in life too, in my humble opinion, is to have fun and a good sense of humour
Good luck!

For example in concerts. I don't have a good voice, but I'm the loudest and craziest, when it's up to have fun and feel good. And of course, noone can hear it out, how horrible I am at singing.

TimoTolkki wrote:

tanis573 wrote:This may sound stupid, but I want to train to sing like Timo Tolkki, any suggestions?

They key to great vocalists lie in their talent to express their inner feelings translated into music. When you are singing straight from your heart, you cannot go wrong. How do you get there? You probably will have a bumpy road on, you must live first and foremost and you should learn to be humble and kind. Nature is far greater than we human beings can imagine and will teach us a lesson if we become too arrogant.
But the main point in singing and in life too, in my humble opinion, is to have fun and a good sense of humour
Good luck!

This has nothing to do with the conversation, but DAMN IT'S GREAT TO HAVE YOU "BACK" !

Patricia wrote:

tanis573 wrote:This may sound stupid, but I want to train to sing like Timo Tolkki, any suggestions?

I'd just tell you: don't try to sing like Timo Tolkki but just sing like yourself. Everyone has different voice.

I must agree. I sing in a little band and I must say that anyone must sing in his or her way...For example I've not Kotipelto's voice but I can sing some songs with my voice (even if there could be not competition...) that's not so high.

But if you believe in what you are doing, continue to sing...music is made for give and take emotions...
Good luck

Dark Angel wrote: I must agree. I sing in a little band and I must say that anyone must sing in his or her way...For example I've not Kotipelto's voice but I can sing some songs with my voice (even if there could be not competition...) that's not so high.

I've not Kotipelto's voice neither, but in this moment, i work with a lead guitar-singer who searchs a singer for his band someone who has similar Kotipelto's voice.
How weird it can be, he wants to give me a chance... He has suggested me some training for singing.
I can sing well some Strato songs, but i've said to him that i sing just with my voice..I just want to be myself.

But if you believe in what you are doing, continue to sing...music is made for give and take emotions...

Agree!!

Patricia wrote:

Dark Angel wrote: I must agree. I sing in a little band and I must say that anyone must sing in his or her way...For example I've not Kotipelto's voice but I can sing some songs with my voice (even if there could be not competition...) that's not so high.

I've not Kotipelto's voice neither, but in this moment, i work with a lead guitar-singer who searchs a singer for his band someone who has similar Kotipelto's voice.
How weird it can be, he wants to give me a chance... He has suggested me some training for singing.
I can sing well some Strato songs, but i've said to him that i sing just with my voice..I just want to be myself.

But if you believe in what you are doing, continue to sing...music is made for give and take emotions...

Agree!!

Training is very important (expecially for a smoker as I am)...

I think that Tolkki had a wonderful voice.. really unique and all!
That was the good ol' times, but Kotipelto made quite a change too!
His voice is different, unique also..

But I still like to hear the old StratovariuS with Tolkki on vocals...
It's classicals to me!

Darkness
Night Screamer
Madness Strikes At Midnight..

I like them! ^^
And Tolkki was damn right, you have to find your own voice..

Dark Angel wrote: Training is very important (expecially for a smoker as I am)...

Yep, training is very important! (i don't smoke, i hate that).
Good luck to you!

to make your voice sound like his, u just have to train and study






but my advice is that you "make your own voice", like the song

ciruelo wrote:to make your voice sound like his, u just have to train and study






but my advice is that you "make your own voice", like the song

Right man!
To practise the voice, train hard is the key...
And also some singing lessons could help like Kotipelto once said to me (I asked him advice in his guestbook). But probably only to gain skills, tricks... somehow!
But to do Metal, the best is to learn on his own and train everyday if possible. Drinking water can be good too.

Patricia wrote:

Dark Angel wrote: Training is very important (expecially for a smoker as I am)...

Yep, training is very important! (i don't smoke, i hate that).
Good luck to you!

You are right it's a very bad thing...
Do you know Carrie (Europe)? Since last year I Was able to sing all this song...now the highest part (after guitar solo) has became too high... This even because my voice sounded forced singing it and so I've decided to stop to force my voice and sing one-two tones less high...to prevent neckhache...

I was forgetting...
GOOD LUCK to you too...

Dark Angel wrote:
You are right it's a very bad thing...
Do you know Carrie (Europe)? Since last year I Was able to sing all this song...now the highest part (after guitar solo) has became too high... This even because my voice sounded forced singing it and so I've decided to stop to force my voice and sing one-two tones less high...to prevent neckhache...

Yes i know this song. If you've started to take some singing lessons it's great! Don't worry if at the beginning you can't sing so high the song in "high tune", that's normal. You've to train your voice regularly and then you'll find again the way to sing these "high tunes" without forcing your voice at all.
The technic vocal helps you do not forcing your voice at all. You can sing without your throat actually.

I was forgetting...
GOOD LUCK to you too...

Thanks

Today we have start to play with a new band...a male voice(me),a female one, two guitars, bass, keyboard and drums...I am the elder(21) and Maria, the female singer, the younger(16)...
To begin, we have try to play Fear of the dark (Iron Maiden), and with my big surprise I've discovered that I can sing it all without many problems...whay does it happen??? I say that because I was SURE that I was not able to sing it without coughing...VERY GOOD!!!!

Returning to the topic... I still think that the old-Strato era with Tolkki on vocals rulz!!! \m/

more than the koti era?

I think Timo Tolkki had a nice voice in the first albums, but i guess that if he has taken another singer in the band,Timo Kotipelto, that was not for nothing.
Timo tolkki can play his guitar parts certainly more comfortable now, than if he sang in the same time to play guitar. And Timo Kotipelto has always his amazing voice which progresses constantly so..

Patricia wrote:I think Timo Tolkki had a nice voice in the first albums, but i guess that if he has taken another singer in the band,Timo Kotipelto, that was not for nothing.
Timo tolkki can play his guitar parts certainly more comfortable now, than if he sang in the same time to play guitar. And Timo Kotipelto has always his amazing voice which progresses constantly so..

I agree...it's not simple to play some guitar parts while singing...
However I think that Koti's voice is better for Stratovarius lyrics..

Dark Angel wrote: However I think that Koti's voice is better for Stratovarius lyrics..

Yes, and Timo Tolkki said it himself that Timo Kotipelto was "the voice" for Stratovarius.

Patricia wrote:

Dark Angel wrote: However I think that Koti's voice is better for Stratovarius lyrics..

Yes, and Timo Tolkki said it himself that Timo Kotipelto was "the voice" for Stratovarius.

...Kotipelto jointed Stratovarius cause of Tolkki's will...

Dark Angel wrote:

Patricia wrote:

Dark Angel wrote: However I think that Koti's voice is better for Stratovarius lyrics..

Yes, and Timo Tolkki said it himself that Timo Kotipelto was "the voice" for Stratovarius.

...Kotipelto jointed Stratovarius cause of Tolkki's will...

Right!

Well I think the band is nearly to perfectio as it is...Koti, Tolkki, Jens, Jorg & Jari are through the best player in metal and after all these years can play together as none...