June 27, 2005

Interview with Tor Talle of Northern Light

When I think of The Northern Lights I picture the sky filled with a shimmering light and Tor Talle’s special dream project Northern Light is appropriately named as it’s filled with some of the best and most brilliant vocalists in the melodic community. I touched based with Tor recently to find out how this project was born, what his thoughts were on the final product and how he selected the phenomenal list of singers. Enjoy the interview and please be sure to check out the review and samples in the jukebox and stop by http://www.tortalle.com for more information.

1. I would like to start out by taking a moment to thank you for doing this interview and give you a chance to introduce yourself, Tor Talle, the man behind the music and the driving force behind Northern Light.

First of all i want to say that it’s an honor doing this interview. I’m so thankful and glad that people like you Kathy and so many others like my music and care about AOR.
Well, I’m a 37 year-old songwriter and guitar player from Norway. For the moment I’m trying to make a living as a session guitarist and songwriter. I also have my own private music school where I teach children how to play the guitar.

I started playing the guitar at the age of 13 and after that music has been a very important part of my life. I have many influences and I really like all kinds of music; from Dream Theater to Peter Gabriel, but AOR has always been closest to my heart and my favorite band of all time is “Survivor”. I think Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik are the greatest songwriter team ever.

2. Now really getting into the questions would you please tell us all about Northern Light … What it means to you and what you would like the world to know about this project and the new album.

Northern light is my newborn musical baby. It was a dream come true for me when I signed a record deal with MTM music. In 2003 I got this crazy idea to record an AOR album with some of my favorite singers. So here we are… I have just released my new album with 7 of the finest singers in the world!

3. This album has been highly anticipated and has delivered on all the levels; each song is a masterpiece and the harmonization of all the artists is incredible. Could you tell us a bit about the recording of the album over all and how you feel about the final product?

Thanks! As a musician there are always some things i would have done differently with some songs and the production, but overall I think the album is really great with some very great melodic songs.

I started writing songs for the album in the end of 2003 and we started the recordings in September 2004. I recorded all the guitars and bass at my studio. The drums was recorded at NLC studios in Norway and the keyboards and the vocals was recorded all over the world – Norway, Sweden, USA, Canada and Finland.

4. As I said, each song is a masterpiece, and one of the most captivating aspects is the lead vocals which are done by seven different performers on the album. How did you decide which lead singer for each track and were the songs written for the singer or was it more the singers fit the song?

I think each song fits the singer perfectly. Most of the singers got a CD with some demo songs so they could pick the song they liked the best. I also got some ideas so with good teamwork with the singers I think we found the right combination.

5. The line up of vocalists on the album is great. How did you go about selecting the list and how was it working with so many talented vocalists?

It was a privilege and an honor to work with such fine singers. Each and every one is really talented and such nice people. The list of singers was long and not everyone could be part of the project because they were busy with their own things, but I’m really glad I ended up with these 7 great singers.

6. This project has caused quite a buzz in the music world, even before it’s release. What has the feedback from the fans and the artists been like?

The feedback so far has been really great. I got so many fans that really love this album and the singers are really happy with the songs. We have already started talking about doing a new album.

7. With the collaborative setting and so many artists on the album it may be difficult to tour with the whole line up but are there any shows planned? And what are your plans as far as live performances go?

We haven’t decided if there is going to be a NORTHERN LIGHT tour. I have been in contact with some of the singers and they told me they would love doing a tour with this project so only time will tell if it’s gonna happen.

8. I believe this album will be highly successful and talked about all year long, what do you think people will talk about the most when it comes to this release?

I think people will find this album very exciting with so many great singers and all these classic AOR songs.

9. While we are all enjoying the buzz of the new album we are also looking forward to finding out what is on the horizon for you and Northern Light. Can you let us know what your plans are?

I hope there will be a NORTHERN LIGHT tour in the near future because it would be really fun playing the songs for an audience. So if anybody wants us to come and play a show– Let me know ☺

I have already started writings songs for a new album and this summer I will be touring with the Norwegian artist “Eva Weel Skram” from the Norwegian idol contest 2005.

10. And finally is there a message that you would like to send out to all the fans and music lovers?

Go out and buy the NORTHERN LIGHT album. If you like melodic AOR music you won’t be disappointed. I hope to see you on tour soon – Rock on! TOR

Posted by Kathy at June 27, 2005 05:41 AM