Any questions on Amos Williams (Tesseract)?

Dear fellow fans of Tesseract. For Czech gear oriented magazine Muzikus, I'm currently preparing an e-mail interview (questions to send by the end of the week) with bass player Amos Williams. There are number of topics to discuss, but I'm open for your input. Cheers

We will talk about:
Live/studio gear set-up
Artistic approach
Writing process
Balance in the band
Inspirations
Lifestyle

...still, I'm open for your ideas. Cheers

Behind the scenes of an Interview with Mark Tremonti

As you may know, Mark is really two sentences expert. It was really hard for him to open up a bit. However, by a mix of friendly questions, finding surprisingly plenty of common ground, we could later cover some sensitive issues. I include few tips on this matter as well...

I first came into a contact with Mark's guitar playing with Creed, back in the day, I was about 14y old. My girlfriend back then loved the band and their catchy tunes as With Arms Wide Open, One Last Breath, My Sacrifice. Well, the whole bloody world did. Next to that, I remember till this day, how My Sacrifice supported this incredible video, with the best football moments ever. When I lived in Serbia, without YouTube, we were sharing this video by any means possible.

Get the guitar hero to talk

Before you may start asking sort of personal questions as: "How come you were always so shy to sing? Was it a bit frustrating to be always called "just" a top class guitarist, even though you are such a great writer of vocal melodies?" The best option is to start with a friendly stuff: I'm a big soccer and table tennis fan, so is he. We both love 80's Bay Area thrash metal band Forbidden and their hardly known masterpiece Forbidden Evil ("This is one of my most favorite albums dude!!"), old Sepultura, Jason Newsted's amazing solo project etc. Add honest compliments on his singing and the interview is suddenly a friendly talk!

Suddenly you see, answers are getting longer and more open, even though the topics of solo career or bravery to sing are sensitive issues. However with a support from a family and friends nothing is impossible, as he says. Afterwards we found some another similar interests at brilliant Australian band Karnivool. The reason was, both of their guitarists are participating in a project Fret12 which works as a platform to connect guitarists with their fans. Established by Mark's younger brother Dan btw.

Sensitive question alert

I have been dealing with a issue to include OR not to include sensitive questions in the past two weeks, more than ever. No matter, if it was Mark, Ritchie Blackmore or Stephen Carpenter of Deftones. It really depends on the mood, length and openness of the interview. There might be great opportunities, as when I spoke with Jason Newsted for an hour, but when some of these guys answer barely in two sentences, interview has given time of 20 minutes, there is simply no time for anything deeper. Plus, I would ruin the whole thing. You might say: "You will never talk again!" It might be true, might not, but I still value the talk and this would be disrespectful. Therefore the best option is to mention upfront, this would be the last question and solve the whole Creed/Scott Stapp going nuts by a simple and honest question (plus Mark felt, I'm sort of obliged to ask it): "At the end, I would like to kindly ask you for all loyal Creed fans, if there is a chance for any new music in the upcoming years?"

There was no tabloid effect in the question, no intention to cover Scott's troubles and the priority of this question, were really the fans. Therefore I received sort of press release answer, as he is used to say these two sentences regularly, but still in a friendly way: "I am not saying, it will never happen. However, currently I'm fully occupied by promoting Dust and writing of new Alter Bridge album to be released next years, therefore the fans of Creed, have to be patient."   

Sth for Alter Bridge fans - Blackbrid Live Amsterdam.
The Best Solo All Time according to Guitar Magazine

Any questions on Ritchie Blackmore?

On 31th of May I was honored to expect a call from Ritchie Blackmore for an interview for Czech magazine Rock&All. He was actually the first rock star to give me an autograph 15 years ago on Wenceslas Square in the heart of Prague. There are plenty of topics to discuss from Rainbow reunion, Blackmore’s Night Sued By Record Label Over Alleged Failure To Promote new album and many more.

If you would like to participate and add a question on Ritchie, do so in a comment. Thanx

Rainbow - Mistreated (Live in Munich 1977) HD

Deep Purple - Child In Time

Blackmore's Night - Under a Violet Moon

Most useful comments so far:

Jon Miller Why only 3 gigs at Festivals? Why not ask Joe and other former members? Why appese Just the Dio Fans?

In Ears - April 2016

Spring is in full force and so is the music industry. Hope you will enjoy the few tips on new albums not to miss and also tips of classics, which should be always alive. We will take a look at Iggy Pop, The Temperance Movement and this time big space is given to the rediscovered classics of Santana, Marillion or Rush.

Iggy Pop: Post Pop Depression

I never cared about Iggy Pop and I definitely never gave a shit about the whole Queens Of The Stone Age ultra mega fan-club of Josh Homme. However, both of these guys together sound simply incredible. Raw, real and sexy! Plus the heroin taste on top of it. Iggy's old buddy David Bowie is watching really proud. Even the vocals prove, how close they are/were and will be...

The Temperance Movement - White Bear

That moment, you start to hit the floor with your foot, in the middle of the office, as the beat gets u going! This music is so sexual, INXS are boring asses. We spoke together with a singer Phil Campbell after they released their greatly respected debut. They made a great second step however, I will include a comment from AOR, hard rock expert - Jaromír Merhaut, on a production: "Cut the overdrive and flat high-volume." Eventhough the contrasts are not so huge, the massive quality is there...

No "click" department: Antimatter, Mgła, Pomegranate Tiger, Shape of Despair, The Algorithm - not this time, The Contortionist, Jess and the Ancient Ones, Wishbone Ash, Pelican


Classics section: Do yourself a favor a really enjoy the old masters. Rush - 2112, Uriah Heep - Greatest Hits and Santana - Abraxas

I remember very well that day, I heard Santana's masterpiece Supernatural. I, well, we all enjoy till today Maria Maria or the radio classic - Smooth. However, if u wish to educate yourself in jazz rock, Santana's prehistoric post-Woodstock masterpiece Abraxas is one the best solutions. Big Lebowski fans know very well Oye Como Va, everybody else Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen. I personally love deepness of Mother's Daughter.

Marillion - Misplaced Childhood

It may sound unbelievable, but I have never listened to them with any sort of concentration. When this piece started, I said to myself right away: I know this!! It's good to know, moments like this still happen...

And the for the end, enjoy the masters...

Kosheen Bullshit Marathon

 It must seem, I don’t do anything else than getting into conflicts with artists or their managers. The true is, these cases are about 2 - 3 %, as the others are very professional and inspirational people. However, the purpose of this blog is next to sharing great music and experiences, is to also give you a behind the scenes a look. One of the rare weird and unpleasant experiences was with British electronic music legend Kosheen and especially their promo team.

Already in 2012, when Kosheen were coming to Prague, the press accreditation and interview request didn’t go smooth at all. Nobody answered from their then-available emails and it took endless back and forth emails with people from Sasazu club, where they were supposed to play. “Contact him, well actually another guy” until they wrote me they closed the accreditations. I had to call them and be little bit forcy, to remind them, we have been discussing this for days. Two press tickets were given in the end, so thanx guys. However, nobody did manage to organize an interview.

When Kosheen announced they will be coming again to Prague in June 2015, I was interested again. Well, not for being such a huge fan, but for the fact it might be a nice show again and I could also impress my lady. This time, my buddy from Serbia, Željko was coming, so it seemed like a great idea to take him for a show and also do sth cool, which can impress our friends in Belgrade, from the days I lived there.

Guestlist & Interview

After few tries over contacts on FB contact list and contact form on their website, I got to international booking agency and label services provider - MN2S and Edmund Singer-Kingsmith. Everything was moving well and I even agreed to unusual request to include link on Kosheen’s profile at MN2S website in the print magazine, which was needed, in order for him to proceed.

http://mn2s.com/booking-agency/live-roster/kosheen/

Through few other emails, we arranged with his colleague James Tones, a guestlist for me and Željko and also an interview with a drummer Mitch Glover, as I received his mobile number. We arranged a meeting, close to the venue in the area of Karlín, where guys were in Asian restaurant. While we were getting there, on a sunny street, I thought I saw a singer Sian Evans with other people, relaxing in front of the bar. When we finally met with Mitch, DJ/keyboard player Markee Ledge and one more mate, we gathered very nice interview. Great talk, few gentle jokes on Sian and photo in the end. We talked about their latest live show with an orchestra, new releases – The Prodigy, artistic approach, their new music and towards the end, Exit Festival in Serbia, where Kosheen are truly loved and missed.

Timing is everything

On the way back, I asked Sian for an autograph for a friend. One could feel, the atmosphere in the band was not so great, but after so many years together, it’s natural, they needed a separate drink/lunch. Afterwards we did some more sightseeing and went home to relax before the show. Had few beers and started watching The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbatch & Keira Knightley. You know how it goes: “We are pretty close to the venue, let’s not hurry as we are tired, they will play the best songs towards the end.” We finished the movie and rushed to the Forum Karlín venue. When we got there, security guards stopped us. It was just in the middle of the show and we were asking for guestlist organizers or ticket office. We were told that tickets office is closed and ladies, who were taking care of the guestlist, left five minutes ago. Therefore we couldn’t get in, no matter we were on a guestlist nor could we buy a ticket. We were screwed.  Security guard said: “I believe you guys, but I cannot let you in. It’s not up to me, as these cameras above me, are following our every step. If I let you in, I lose my job.” Hole-in-a-system situation, but what can you do. We went home, bought few more beers and fell asleep during another movie.

While I was rewriting the interview, I realized, there is enough material for two interviews: One for mainstream Rock&All magazine and another one, for gear magazine Muzikus. However I realized, I need some more material to get it released. Therefore I came with 4 extra questions, which Edmund forwarded to Mitch. As I didn’t get answer for few days and I was just listening to Nine Inch Nails and few other bands Mitch mentioned, I sent one more.

5. In what way does music of Nine Inch Nails speak to you? I never managed to find a way towards them, on multiple tries and in general, I find whole industrial scene sick and somehow sexually twisted. Well, someone might consider my genres sick ;D In general we can say, we are all sick in some way and we just find music, which speaks towards our disorder...

However I received an answer: “Please can you remove this question from the interview.“

After asking for a clarification, I was told: "Unfortunately Mitch doesn’t want to answer this question and can’t spend any more time on this piece. I hope you have enough material to work with."

In this case, it doesn’t mean, there will be no answers for question #5, but no answers for any of them. Therefore I warned him that because of this behavior, I will not include any link in the magazine. Extra comment: I’m sorry but we’re only relaying what the artist has said to us. If you don’t want to include the link that’s fine.

Therefore I decided to contact Markee, who was really friendly during an interview and I he is also spending a lot of time in Czech Republic. I found his email, thanked for great interview and kindly asked for Mitch’s email. When I wrote to Mitch, I received a reply very quickly including answers on all 5 questions and plenty of the pics.

Here is the additional part of our interview 

1. How did you enjoy the show with an orchestra. Did it fullfil your expectations? 

the show with the orchestra did fill my expectations i just wish we could have done some more songs with them. 

2. Is there any new part of your gear, which you would like to mention? Possibly also something, which you are planning to purchase... 

i dont really have a new part to my set up but i do have a couple of stacked cymbals which give off the effect of some electronic snares and hi hats that emphasise what is all ready on the track. i am looking to purchase a virgil donati 14 inch snare drum. if its tuned properly it is versatile snare drum. 

3. I forget to ask you about your Hip Hop side project. Could you give our readers idea about it, or even some other side projects you are involved in at the moment?

 a possible side project i have been asked to get involved in is roni size and represent. but im more on the substitute bench with that that due to other commitments with kosheen and my teaching business. 

4. Sth philosophical it came up, when I was listening to NiN. In what way does music of Nine Inch Nails speak to you? I never managed to find a way towards them, on multiple tries and in general, I find whole industrial scene sick and somehow sexually twisted. Well, someone might consider my genres sick ;D In general we can say, we are all sick in some way and we just find music, which speaks towards our disorder. Can you agree with this philosophical thought? ;D

the reason why i like nin is because it is a very alternative / dark genre of music and ive always been drawn to that. when i was a young boy growing up i went though some very dark times physiologically and so since that day ive always been drawn to dark and twisted music. nin is just one of them, gravdiggaz (1st album 6ft deep) is another, korn etc ... to name a few. so i agree with you because since the day i went though my bad days as a child i started listening to very dark music compared to all the other kids were listening to. 

5. During our interview, we talked about new inventions in Kosheen. One of them was the show with orchestra. Give us an idea of upcomming exciting plans of the band.

we have a new album coming out next year and and series of singles before that and then touring to follow as we really want to push this 6th album as much as possible. its a very current album and the best work we have done to date. 

mitch

Would you personally act in a different way?

Best of 2015 Part 1

Welcome to the list of Top 20 albums of 2015 - Part 1. Compared to the Part 1 and Part 2 of the previous year, I can only say it was another hell of a year. In the list you will find a spectrum of genres ranging from progressive rock, through dark ambient, till atmospheric rock. Enjoy the stable masters, but also new talents. I know it's a middle of April, but there were still plenty of albums to be digested. ;D

1. Leprous - The Congregation
Since the moment I heard the piece The Valleyfrom their 2013’s Coal album, it was one of those moments, when you listen to the song five days non-f*cking-stop. You then start checking the earlier works and when such a band releases a new album, you can say “They are getting with every album!” Latest The Congregation album proves it fully. Amazing band, breathtaking music and what a live show! I also invite you to join us in Indiegogo campaign for their Live Recording at Rockefeller, Oslo. Deluxe Edition CD+DVD – Signed, is on its way later this year. ;D

2. Royal Thunder - Crooked Doors
Absolutely incredible! I follow these guys since their first album, but with this release, true love has been established. Great musicianship, incredible singing of Mlny Parsons and heart reaching melodies, especially towards the end of the album. When I had to choose an album that makes me “air sing” like a little girl on the night walks, this is the one. I must say, I was seriously thinking to place them as number one, but no replies to interview requests, gave plenty more positive points to more personal and musically fantastic Leprous.

3. Steven Wilson - Hand. Cannot. Erase
Progressive genius, musical prophet, amazing guest for an interview. Regarding his music, I can honestly say, I found a perfect music for train rides. Night or day, looks in a distance at your home land, with thoughts about your life. Sometimes even Way Out Of Here helps...

4. Clutch - Psychic Warfare
Dirty ZZ Top, black country and energy to the roof! Amazing successor of 2013 Earth Rocker. If they only sounded so great live...

5. Plini - The End Of Everything
One of the greatest discoveries I made in the past months. Plini is hell of a talented guitar player from Australia, who's purely instrumental songs speak to my soul. Also incredible for background music - IT experts prove it as well.

6. The Gathering - TG25 Live At Doornroosje
I will never forget the moment I heard On Most Surfaces from The Gathering for the first time. My dad just picked me up from a table tennis training and placed live album Superheat in, which he got from a friend. Since then, their music became absolute part of my life. I had a chance to see them live, especially Anneke solo shows multiple times (Barcelona, Rotterdam) and conduct few great interviews. This reunion show must have been a dream. Also check breathtaking live version of Travel.

7. Kylesa - Exhausting Fire
It's hard to believe, but these sludge masters are getting better with every album. No one works better with psychedelic metal...

8. Chelsea Wolfe - Abyss
I assume Chelsea would not not mind a tour with Kylesa. There are so many nice similarities, but she goes with electronics even deeper into dark atmosphere. I can finally call myself a fan.

9. Myrkur - M
We have very special relationship with Myrkur, based on the interview we did. Still, if I skip personal relationship, I have to say, her music is still quite impressive.

10. Klone - Here Come The Sun
Atmospherical is a new sense of direction for rare French masterpiece. I don't want to repeat myself, but another band, which is getting better with every album. I am just sorry we didn't manage to do an interview together. Last piece of communication between PR agency and the band, with me in the copy: "Guillaume, please take care of this finally!!" Hopefully, next time...

In Ears - February & March 2016

In Ears will be a regular series of music filter, which is my daily bread. Every month I have/want to cover dozens of CD's including new albums, but also numerous albums from recent and distant past. Hope you will enjoy.

Oceans of Slumber - Winter
Do you have a feeling for a female voice, but you demand variety? Oceans Of Slumber will give you both Alanis Morissette sensitive rock moments, but also double bass drums death massive impact. Give it few listens, until it "clicks". Obligatory for fans of System Divide or Distorted from Israel.

La-Ventura - White Crow
During my gothic teenage era, I was acquiring absolutely everything, which had a female singer in it. There were tons of bands which were not worth it and plenty which broaden my horizons and found the term "gothic" absolutely vague. One of the greatest discoveries from those days was a debut album from dutch La-Ventura. I don't know why I though those guys were from South America. Nevermind, the crucial message is, their second album White Crow from 2013 is honest follow-up to their incredible 2007 debut A New Beginning.

Greenleaf - Rise Above the Meadow

Do you often sound like those old bastards saying: "True hard rock is gone and only the good stuff was created five centuries ago in the days of Led Zeppelin!" Well, if you are aware about the latest retro psychedelic (hard) rock wave including Blues Pills, Orchid, Scorpion Child and plenty more you know the music business is not so dead, as you might have thought. Well, quite the opposite and Sweden-based Greenleaf belong the absolute top league. Album by album they convince me about their qualities and bring me to my teenage days, where I could just place audio cassette and enjoy every note...

Surprise note: On my flight from Paris, after an intensive weekend in Amsterdam, I listened to the Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon for the first time in my life. I was saving to listen to this legendary masterpiece for years, however .............................................kill me............. ....................absolutely no "click". However, it's just a matter of time...

What else: Once in a while return to old time hits of Elvis and Karel Gott ;D. Electric Wizard, new Diamond Head, Hypno5e, Intronaut, Messenger, Witchcraft, The Contortionist - no "click", Anvil get my respect just because I spoke to inspirational uncle Lips, Cattle Decapitation - might check for two songs at Brutal Assault, Trioscapes - Great deal of respect but still too much on me, same Haken or Neurosis, Killswitch Engage, Obscura - yeah, but..., Magnum - c'mon, Sabaton ;D,  

Check Perturbator and Steven Wilson is a must.

Read magazines!!! and while you read, check albums, which you haven't listened yet/much of legends as AC/DC, Anthrax, Dream Theater, Jefferson Airplane and especially Phil Collins...