Musical memoirs embrace many styles and formats, but it’s probably fair to say there has never been a story quite like that of King Crimson alumnus, Jakko M. Jakszyk.
For starters, that’s not his birth name, a fact he is keen to point out from the very beginning and provides a key to the essence of his story.
The book’s overriding theme is his personal quest to establish his true identity against the backdrop of an extraordinary musical career, crowned by fulfilling a personal dream of becoming a member of his teenage heroes, King Crimson.
That he has been able to carve out a successful career as a musician, vocalist, songwriter, composer, documentary maker, producer and sound engineer, as well as one time actor – and once, almost a promising soccer player – is testament to his extraordinary talent, superhuman determination and unwavering tenacity. To write this story is to try and make some sense of it all.
But what is clear is that his existential journey towards finding himself has been the driver for informing a greater part of his creative life.
There are so many facets to his story, but as his “public” name would otherwise suggest, Jakko, a nickname given to him instead of his birthname Michael, of Irish/America parentage, but was adopted by a Polish/French couple when he was a babe in arms whose surname he took.
Norbert, his adopted father, came to England after World War Two. He had been spared action on the Russian front due to an accident which damaged his hand, but ended up fighting with the Allies for the Polish Free Army in Italy. However, his wartime experiences left indelible internal scars. He met his wife Camille when she came to England and worked for an American family close to where he had settled.
Royal Albert Hall
Jakko’s childhood proved difficult and oppressive. His adoptive father was a strict disciplinarian who never really appreciated what Jakko did, even when given the VIP treatment at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London to see him perform many years later.
Discovering bands like Henry Cow, Matching Mole and ultimately King Crimson, drew him towards the flame of music and the creative arts when he was still at school. “There was a huge hole inside me; I was just desperately trying to fill it up,” Jakko recalls.
An overheard conversation finally paved the way to him finding his birth mother, an Irish woman, Peggy Curran, a singer in a 50s band, and the reality that his father was in probability a US airman stationed in the UK in the 50s.
As he served his musical apprenticeship in various bands, he finally found his mother, calling her at her then home in Arkansas but from the outset, she would not reveal his father’s identity.
What he did discover then was that she had married again, had three sons, also a daughter Debbie who was Jakko’s full sibling. He and Debbie finally met up in New York in an attempt to put together some more pieces of the very fractured family jigsaw.
His solo career was thwarted several times, promised album releases never materialising. However, when Geffen Records showed an interest in his work, Jakko had a chance to go to LA where he met soon to be lifelong friends, the songwriter, Jon Lind and Larry Williams, sax player with the influential Seawindhorn section, that was featuring on two of his latest solo album’s tracks.
Finally, he met his mother and extended family in Little Rock, Arkansas. It proved a difficult and uncomfortable meeting because of her never-ending manipulation of the truth and her continual self-denial.
Michael Jackson
Other Stateside meetings brought him into contact, accidental or otherwise, with David Bowie, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and Gene Simmons.
However, it was his encounter with Michael Jackson at Westlake Audio in LA which left, not surprisingly, something of a lasting bizarre impression. Laying down some of the tracks for Bad with Quincy Jones, Jackson told Jakko he liked his shoes, which led into a surreal conversation about shoe shops in London’s famous shopping area, Oxford Street.
Meanwhile, his family situation got even more complicated when he found he had another full brother, Darren, who was living in Florida but they eventually met in England.
On the musical front, Jakko’s star continued to rise when he joined the ranks of the 21st Century SchizoidBand comprised four alumni from King Crimson who made albums and toured This led to him making the highly acclaimed Scarcity of Miracles with Robert Fripp and Mel Collins release in 2011.
An invitation to sing Entangled with Amanda Lehman on Steve Hackett’s Genesis Revisited II thrust him even further in the Prog limelight. Then came the call he had been waiting for all his life – from Fripp, asking him if he would accept the challenge of being Crimson’s second guitarist and lead singer. As his friend Nick Beggs would quip: “Well that’s the longest audition in rock history!”
Joining King Crimson would be the pinnacle in Jakko’s remarkable career. However, his personal situations was far from resolution. His adopted parents both died (and provide the most heart-breaking of reasons for the naming of this book). More revelations from the USA emerged, his mother dying, taking even more secrets with her including the possibility of there being a further offspring
And finally, reaching the age of 64, Jakko learned the identity of his father, but having died in violent circumstances at a very young age, there’s no knowing if he was ever aware of Jakko’s existence after he returned to the States and married his childhood sweetheart.
Genesis
What is more, following the storming of the Capitol Building on 6th January 2021, Facebook posts showed that one of his Arkansas half-brothers is a white supremacist with views that are a total anathema to Jakko and the creative world which he has inhabited most of his life.
This summary only scratches the surface of this remarkable, heart-wrenching and utterly compelling story, which stuns, confounds, delights, astounds, amazes and horrifies in equal measures.
As well as the constant deeply affecting quest for identity, there are plenty of lighter moments too, one of them being a “lost” weekend he spent in Amsterdam with his son Django, which takes father/son bonding to a new “high”!
Who is Jakko Jakszyk? With the constant shifting sands that still underpin his life, he fears he will never ever know. Even at the end of his story, he remarks: “The answers themselves just manifest more questions. And then there are no answers anymore.”
It could be said that Asheville’s THE SNOZZBERRIES is one of the rare bands on today’s scene that bring such a fruitful mixture of progressive rock, psych rock and funk. They don’t limit themselves to any confines in their music. While they are very technical people who can play with precision this doesn’t mean that the band goes and tosses around excessively long instrumental sections just to keep reminding the listener of their skill. For being the sophomore release, The Snozzberries is the upcoming album from the band, and it is a record that needs time in order to be fully comprehended. There are styles and musical circumstance that get explored on this release only.
Backing somewhat dark themes Ethan Heller’s powerful vocal delivery which provides the ideal vehicle to deliver the words. Another one of THE SNOZZBERRIES’ strengths is their ability to have complex songs that still manage to be packed in relatively short pieces. This allows choruses to become hooks, and don’t rely on uber skilled technique to impress. Like stated earlier, the experimental aspects of the music are well above par.
The energetic drumming gives the album a tribal feeling that along with the twisted psych-y melodies creates a perfect atmosphere. The music on The Snozzberries is very upbeat and catchy which helps visualising it, almost making it seem as if the listener is a protagonist. All of the melodies are completely memorable and brilliantly written. The songs vary in length, but the music still manages to be very accessible.
The Snozzberries is out on November 1st. Follow THE SNOZZBERRIES on Facebook and Instagram.
With the amount of records being released in the present era, ranging from the bedroom to high-class studio productions, it is quite a challenge to satisfy my hunger for music lately. Most of this has to do with the fact that the music being released today lacks sincerity, especially considering the avalanche of the ongoing “AI artists.”
GLADIOLUS from Brisbane, Australia could be described as a true progressive rock/metal band with touches of death metal, offering well-thought melodies, interesting vocal arrangements, and passages that connect the dots that are quite enjoyable on there debut full-length release Inertia.
The album opens with “Myopic,” which after a short ambient intro shows that GLADIOLUS have a lot to offer. With often changes, the band distances themselves from delivering just a pure, lifeless showcase of technical proficiency, something that these guys definitely have, but rather present the work that is alive, dynamic and above all, interesting.
References to various stylistically different artists can be heard in GLADIOLUS’ music. Their explorations within OPETH’s or PORCUPINE TREE’s melancholia speak of that, but the band is not afraid to delve deeper and expand their horizons. As Inertia flows by, a listener is taken to a sound-trip that gets more metal-esque. Each of the songs on the album has its own personality, and labelling this record under a single genre would do this band a lot of injustice. As an example, “Disintegrator” is a hard-on prog number with sound that lies somewhere between HAKEN and BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME.
The craftsmanship and musicianship are top-notch that it ultimately makes me think how is it possible that these young guys deliver such a mature material? And that is a great thing. Starting from two center-pieces “Flicker” and the title track (both exceeding the 10-minute mark), as Inertia flows by, GLADIOLUS are even more prolific; they are like a gladiolus flower that opens up slowly.
To summarise, Inertia is a record largely based on the progressive rock/metal channelling many different elements. This is a true epic, both in length and amount of quality material, which requires quite a few listens to get into it. How far GLADIOLUS are ready to go? Time will tell. But for now they are on the right path.
Sun Raven, the brainchild of Australian musician Stephen Murray, is a one-man project that has quietly been making waves in the instrumental music scene. With the release of Morphology, Sun Raven’s sophomore album, Murray has crafted an experimentation that showcases excellent musicianship channeled through multilayered compositions.
Morphology spans ten tracks and is a fully instrumental endeavor, which can often be a challenge for artists aiming to maintain engagement without the anchor of vocals. Yet Murray, whose primary instrument is the guitar, effortlessly sidesteps this pitfall by creating a rich work of sounds that combines both virtual and real instruments. The result is an album that feels dynamic and full-bodied, where the guitar plays a central role but never overshadows the broader musical palette.
From the opening moments, it’s clear that Morphology is an album that requires and deserves full immersion. This is not background music or something to be played passively. Murray’s compositions are filled with intricate twists and turns, but they never feel convoluted or complex for the sake of complexity. There is a natural flow to the music, a melodic clarity that invites the listener to follow along as the album unfolds its story. Tracks transition seamlessly from one to the next, with each song offering new layers of discovery upon repeated listens.
One of the standout aspects of Morphology is how well Murray balances technical skill with emotional depth. It’s easy for instrumental music, particularly guitar-driven albums, to veer into territory where technical prowess takes precedence over musicality. Yet Murray shows a masterful sense of restraint. The focus is on crafting cohesive, thoughtful compositions that serve the music as a whole. The guitar is prominent, but it’s part of a larger, interconnected web of sounds that include subtle textures, carefully layered rhythms, and moments of atmospheric stillness.
The album’s highlights are scattered throughout, but tracks like opening “Insurgence” and “Sanctuary” stand out for their ability to transport the listener. Murray has an intuitive grasp of how to build tension and release it at just the right moments, ensuring that the listener is constantly engaged.
In conclusion, fans of instrumental music, particularly those with an appreciation for progressive and experimental sounds, will find much to admire here.
Spanish post-rock one-man project Somos El Viento is gearing up for the release of their new album Mar Negro on October 25th. Filled to the brim with immersive instrumental landscapes, the album promises to deliver a deeply personal and introspective exploration. In this interview, Somos El Viento shares his thoughts on the making of Mar Negro, the challenges faced during the creative process, his influences, and his take on the ever-evolving post-rock scene.
You are scheduled to release an album with your project Somos El Viento entitled Mar Negro on October 25th. How do you feel about the release?
I’m excited but also calm. It’s been a long journey to get to this point, and it feels like a personal milestone. Mar Negrois an album that was created over time, through reflection, and sometimes challenging moments. Now that it’s ready, I feel at peace knowing that it’s out there for others to experience.
How much of a challenge was it to work on the album?
It was a significant challenge, not only from a musical standpoint but also emotionally. There were moments of doubt, but ultimately, those were the moments that shaped the album. One of the main sources of inspiration throughout the process was my two children. The birth of my second child was a key moment, adding a new layer of perspective and creativity, but balancing that with the demands of creating music was sometimes difficult. These personal experiences added depth to the music and gave me a new emotional lens through which to view the project.
Speaking of challenges, have you set any in the early phase of what has become the final result?
Yes, early on, I wanted to create an album that felt immersive and cinematic. I set the challenge for myself to express landscapes and emotions without relying on lyrics. This pushed me to explore different textures and moods within instrumental music. I wanted to create something that would resonate with the listener emotionally without being overtly narrative.
Tell me about the different instrumental aspects that you explore on these new songs.
The instrumental side of Mar Negro is very layered. I use guitars as the main driving force, but there are also synthesizers, ambient soundscapes, and subtle percussion elements. There’s a lot of experimentation with reverb, delay, and dynamics to create a feeling of space and depth. I was very conscious of creating tracks that evolve and breathe, mirroring the movements of the ocean, which was a key inspiration.
What is your opinion about the post-rock scene today?
The post-rock scene continues to evolve. There are bands pushing boundaries, but the genre is also welcoming a broader range of influences. What excites me most is seeing how the lines between post-rock and other genres are increasingly blurred. It feels like the community of listeners and musicians is more open to experimentation than ever before, which aligns perfectly with the kind of music I want to create.
Let me know about your influences — the artists that, in a way, shaped and continue to shape your music.
For Mar Negro, some of my main influences have been bands like Alcest, God Is An Astronaut, and Long Distance Calling. Their ability to create vast, atmospheric soundscapes with a balance of emotional intensity has deeply inspired me. These bands have a way of conveying powerful emotions through instrumental storytelling, something I strive for in my music. Their approach to blending genres and creating immersive experiences has left a lasting impact on me.
What are your top 5 records of all time?
This is always a tough question because it can change over time, but if I had to choose right now:
The Fragile – Nine Inch Nails
Ænima – Tool
Ghost Reveries – Opeth
Fear of a Blank Planet – Porcupine Tree
Lullabies to Paralyze – Queens of the Stone Age
Besides the release of Mar Negro, are there any other plans for the future?
Right now, I’m focusing on the release of Mar Negro. I’ve thought about bringing these songs to a live setting, but that’s still far off. It’s more of a consideration than a plan at this point. For now, I want to see how the album resonates with listeners before thinking about the next steps.
Pre-order Mar Negro from Bandcamp, and follow Somos El Viento on Instagram.
Stephen Murray, the creative force behind the Sun Raven project, has carved his own path in progressive metal by fusing a wide range of genres into immersive, complex instrumental works. Known for his ability to effortlessly weave together distinct musical influences, Murray continues to push boundaries with his interesting sound. With his second album Morphology, Murray takes listeners on a journey that stretches beyond progressive metal, weaving together elements of classic prog rock, ambient soundscapes, and modern heavy riffs. In this interview, Murray dives deep into the creative process behind Morphology, discussing everything from his musical influences and nature-inspired compositions to the evolution of his sound. He also shares insights on working as a one-man band, balancing technical proficiency with emotional depth, and how he stays true to his artistic vision.
Morphology takes listeners on a genre-spanning journey with elements from progressive metal and beyond. What was the driving force behind your vision for this album, and how did you go about blending such diverse musical styles?
I didn’t have a specific concept in mind when I began writing Morphology. I wanted it to follow a similar style to my first album Liberation, but with more classic prog rock elements. I also aimed for a grungier, less polished sound, while still maintaining a solid technical playing level. To achieve this, I used different guitars, amps, and effects, and kept takes that might not be perfect but have a certain vibe, playing slightly ahead or behind the beat, rather than always being perfectly in time.
You’ve mentioned you’re fascinated by the idea of one style of music morphing into another. How did you balance these transitions in Morphology without losing cohesiveness?
I’ve always listened to a wide variety of music. I used to make playlists where one track would be metal, followed by classical or jazz. Similarly, when I’m jamming on guitar or drums, I might go from a metal riff to something ambient, and then to something funky. When I write, I experiment with different styles and see what works. The real challenge is to ensure the transitions between genres are smooth and cohesive—unless the song calls for something intentionally jarring.
On Morphology, you’ve integrated classic prog rock elements with a modern sound. What challenges did you face in modernizing these traditional influences while staying true to your heavier, groove-driven metal roots?
I used Drop C and D standard tuning across the entire album. It’s low enough to sound heavy and modern, yet versatile enough to evoke that classic prog rock vibe. This tuning naturally guided the riffs and ideas, allowing them to develop in a way that lent itself to both classic and modern styles.
As an instrumental project, Sun Raven relies heavily on intricate guitar work and composition. How do you balance showcasing lead guitar parts while ensuring the overall composition remains the focal point of each track?
Though I consider myself a lead guitarist, I’ve reached a point where I don’t feel the need to constantly play fast, technical solos just for the sake of it. The riff, chord progression, harmony, melody, and groove always come first. If the song benefits from a technical solo, I’ll go for it, but more often than not, I opt for melodic leads and solos.
You’ve spoken about how your understanding of music theory has evolved over the years. How did this influence the writing and arrangement process for Morphology?
A deeper understanding of music theory definitely made the recording process faster and more efficient. I know the time signature of a riff and which scales fit over certain chord progressions. While you can rely entirely on your ear, knowing theory helps me get the sound I’m looking for much quicker.
A common theme in your music is avoiding predictability. How did you challenge yourself to create fresh and original riffs, melodies, and solos in a genre with so many established conventions?
For Morphology, I recorded most of the lead guitar parts on a Fender Strat with a fuzz pedal and various delay and modulation effects. This setup inspired a psychedelic rock tone for the leads, which I combined with heavier modern riffs. It helped me come up with different sounding melodies and solos that didn’t follow the typical formula.
Nature plays a key role in your creative process. Can you share how specific environments or moments in nature influenced particular tracks on Morphology?
I live near the Australian bush, and I often jam outside with acoustic guitar. There’s a bird here that makes a sixteenth-note triplet sound, and I jammed along to that rhythm. This led to the creation of the heavy riff in “Wolf.” It’s funny to think that such an intense riff came from a small bird!
Although Morphology is instrumental, it carries a deep emotional resonance. How do your life experiences and relationships influence the mood and energy of the music, even without lyrics?
Most of the music I listen to has lyrics, especially rock and metal. So, even when I write instrumental songs, I often have a lyrical melody in mind. Some tracks are inspired by fantasy stories I create, while others, like “Starr,” are about real people in my life who evoke certain moods or vibes in the music.
The progressive metal genre often embraces technical complexity. How do you strike a balance between technical proficiency and emotional resonance in Morphology?
When writing, I’m not focused on creating “progressive metal” per se. I’m more interested in writing a heavy, melodic song with cool riffs. If a time signature or tempo change feels right, I’ll include it to keep things interesting, but I don’t aim to impress anyone with speed or technique. I see myself more as a rock/metal artist with prog influences, rather than a pure prog metal artist.
For aspiring musicians, you’ve emphasized creating music for yourself rather than seeking external approval. How do you maintain that mindset in an industry where success often hinges on public reception?
In my early 20s, I studied jazz and tried hard to fit into that world, but it drained my passion for music. I took a break, and when I returned, I decided to focus on creating music for myself. Now, I only care about whether I’m happy with what I’ve created. The joy of making something new is the ultimate reward for me.
What was your creative process like when developing the album’s overall theme and structure? Did you have a specific narrative in mind, or did the songs come together organically through experimentation?
The songs came together organically. I wrote them in the order they appear on the album, which is something I hadn’t done before. Only the first two songs had names initially; the rest came after I finished writing and recording.
You’ve now released two albums under Sun Raven. How do you feel your sound has evolved between your debut and Morphology, and what key lessons did you carry from the first album into this one?
The first album had more progressive death metal influences. Morphology is more accessible to a broader audience, but still maintains those heavier elements. I’ve also learned more about the engineering side, and I think I did a better job with the production on the second album.
As a one-man band, you’re responsible for every aspect of the creative process. How do you stay motivated and focused when working solo, and what do you find most rewarding about having complete creative control?
When I started working on my first album, I was collaborating with a singer and bassist, but I ultimately felt the music worked better without vocals. Struggling to find like-minded musicians led me to take on everything myself, which I didn’t think I could do. Learning to program and play drums was the biggest challenge, but the freedom to explore any musical direction is the most rewarding part.
Are there any non-musical influences—books, films, or personal experiences—that played a significant role in shaping the themes or atmosphere of Morphology?
I’m a fan of thriller movies, and that suspenseful atmosphere likely influenced some tracks. Nature, both its beauty and danger, as well as societal and political issues, also inspire me. Standing up for what you believe in and challenging things that aren’t right are themes that resonate throughout my music.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Sun Raven? Are there any new musical directions or projects you’re excited to explore in the future?
Since I don’t tour, I have plenty of time to create, and I’ve already started writing Sun Raven’s third album. I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries and exploring new musical directions.
Somos el Viento is a relatively new project coming Spain, set to release its debut album titled Mar Negro on October 25th, 2024.
As is the case with most instrumental albums, Mar Negro requires careful listening in order to be fully appreciated. It is definitely not the kind of stuff you can put on as a soundtrack for other activities – complex music, full of twists and turns, yet not unnecessarily complicated, or weird for weirdness’ sake. In fact, the music has a beautiful, natural flow, a clarity and melodic quality. Even though guitars make up a prominent part of the sound, they never get to the point of overwhelming the other instruments. As in most experimental music, however, the foundation of Somos el Viento’s sound lies in the rhythm section.
Head-spinningly complex without being cold and sterile as other efforts in a similar vein, Mar Negro can easily be listed as one of the top releases of the year. In fact, the sterling musicianship, coupled with an admirable sense of restraint, focuses on creating cohesive, highly listenable tracks rather than pointless displays of technical skill. However, it is also an album that will definitely not be everyone’s cup of tea. It may come across as daunting to those fans who prefer a higher measure of melody and accessibility, as well as a more conservative approach to post/progressive rock.
Brazilian guitarist and songwriter Rod Rodrigues returns with Tales of a Changing Life Part 2, the follow-up to his 2022 EP. Now based in Canada, Rodrigues explores the experimental realms of jazz fusion and progressive rock/metal, delivering a collection of seven tracks that showcase his musical evolution.
Rodrigues is a master of his craft, and this album is a testament to his exceptional musicianship. His guitar work is intricate and precise, while the drums, played with precision, often take the lead in guiding the songs through complex instrumental passages. One of the standout qualities of Tales of a Changing Life Part 2 is Rodrigues’ ability to maintain a strong melodic core amidst the experimental nature of the music, a challenge that he meets with ease.
A notable highlight of the album is the single “Inukshuk,” which features an all-star lineup including guitar virtuoso Angel Vivaldi, bassist Heitor Tenorio, keyboardist Orlan Charles, and renowned drummer John Macaluso, who has worked with ARK, Symphony X, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Speaking about this collaboration, Rodrigues shared his excitement: “It’s an immense pleasure and honor to work with such extraordinary talents. Collaborating with John Macaluso, one of my all-time favorite drummers, and Angel Vivaldi, an exceptional guitarist and individual, has been an incredible experience.”
The track “Inukshuk” stands out for its deep sense of dynamics and sonic depth. Macaluso’s snare hits with metallic precision, while Rodrigues’ guitar stretches across the stereo field, each note defined and clear. The keyboards, layered beneath the stratospheric guitar solos, add further dimension to the sound, while the bass grinds into the mix, grounding the composition. This track exemplifies the tight interplay between the musicians, all brought together under Rodrigues’ unique compositional vision.
The third track, “East Coast Memories,” exemplifies the album’s richness in high-resolution sound, offering an openness and lifelike transparency. The balance in this recording is striking, and while the album could be classified as fusion, its progressive elements extend far beyond that genre label. Rodrigues’ compositions tell stories, with each track taking the listener on a journey beyond the confines of typical instrumental music. His guitar voice is modern, melodic, and emotionally charged, making for a captivating listening experience.
Rodrigues reflects on Tales of a Changing Life Part 2, saying, “With this album, I feel I’ve reached a new pinnacle as a musician and composer. This album allows me to convey the profound personal transformation I’ve experienced over the last decade through my music. Additionally, I had the privilege of working with a stellar group of musicians who each brought their unique flair to the project.”
The album was produced by Rodrigues, mixed by Renato Osório, and mastered by Kris Crummett, known for his work with artists like Nick Johnston and Sleeping With Sirens. This high-caliber production enhances the listening experience, giving the album a polished yet dynamic feel.
Another standout track, “On the Road,” holds a special place in Rodrigues’ heart. Written in honor of his father, a taxi driver, the song exudes positive energy and is designed to accompany a high-speed journey. Featuring Heitor Tenorio on bass, Rodrigo Abelha on drums, and Orlan Charles on keys and piano, the track incorporates a Brazilian cultural element through the country guitar stylings of Rodrigo Sperandio. “In addition to the strong influences of Rush and Van Halen, I wanted to add something special from our culture with the Brazilian country guitar,” Rodrigues shares.
Rod Rodrigues’ career has been marked by collaborations with notable musicians, including Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth), Edu Ardanuy (Sinistra), and Rafael Bittencourt (Angra). A graduate of IG&T and Claretiano University, he has also been a prominent figure in music education since 1997, launching his successful online training program, Extreme Guitar Workout, in 2018. His discography includes his debut solo EP The First Step: Introduction (2010), which received acclaim from major guitar publications, and Tales of a Changing Life Part 1 (2022), the beginning of this conceptual series exploring stages of personal transformation.
In Tales of a Changing Life Part 2, Rodrigues not only showcases his technical virtuosity but also his ability to convey deep emotion and narrative through his compositions. His work stands as a shining example of how diverse musical influences can be melded into something both experimental and accessible. This is an album that takes listeners on a transformative journey, and in doing so, solidifies Rod Rodrigues as a unique voice in contemporary progressive music.
Stream, download and purchase Tales of a Changing Life Part 2 from Bandcamp here. Follow Rod on Instagram or Facebook.
Justifiably one of our Artists of the Decade, Neal Morse has been prolific as ever in the past few years: a two-album rock opera on the Biblical tale of Joseph, made with an all-star cast [The Dreamer and The Restoration]; solo albums like 2020’s Sola Gratia and the new Late Bloomer; album/tour cycles with Transatlantic [The Absolute Universe] and the NMB [Innocence and Danger]; plus the new semi-acoustic trio with Nick D’Virgilio and Ross Jennings, as heard on the albums Troika and Sophomore. When I connected with him recently, the focus was on his new band The Resonance, their new album No Hill for a Climber (out November 8th) and his upcoming cycle of Morsefest weekends in the US, EU and UK. Due to audio glitches beyond our control, we can’t post the whole conversation, but the excerpts below capture Neal’s excitement about the new release and his upcoming shows, his candor about the challenges of putting an album together, and his enthusiasm for delving deep into the creative process.
How the new album project came together:
‘I was looking out at 2024, and I didn’t know what I would be doing aside from the Late Bloomer album; I’d already written all the songs. And then I had Morsefest London and we had Cruise to the Edge with Flying Colors. But aside from that, I didn’t have anything else booked for the whole year.
And I was talking about it with my wife. And she said, there are all these really great local guys that I’ve played with at different events – Christmas concerts, church gigs, things like that. It was her idea that I’d try to make a prog album with those guys. At first, I was like, “well, maybe we could do a few writing sessions and see how it feels.”
But the thing that really attracted me to it was the fact that everybody’s local. I read about The Beatles in the old days; they were all living around London, some of them only ten minutes from the studio. So, if somebody was inspired with a song, they could just get on the phone and meet at the studio very often, while the fire is hot, so to speak. There’s something really inspiring about that for somebody that’s creative. If you get inspired by an idea, it can be a bummer if it takes a really long time to work on it or come to fruition.
I really enjoyed this; there was a lot more freshness happening on No Hill for a Climber for me. Some of those things I just had the idea right before we got together to work on it. And I actually wrote quite a bit of the stuff in the room, and I also wrote some of the stuff by myself.
There’s great players of all shapes and sizes [in Nashville]. And really, those musicians: they might be playing country cause that’s what pays, but secretly they love Mahavishnu Orchestra or something! I’ve found that to be very common. Same in Christian music. These guys really love prog, actually! And it was great to get together with some young people with different ideas. There were ideas they had that would never occur to me!’
About the members of The Resonance
‘Chris Riley I’ve known for about ten years. I first met him at Morsefest, actually. I can’t remember when I met him next, but over time we became friends; he began to play bass at City On A Hill Church in downtown Nashville, the church where I was pastoring at the time. And he’s come to all the Radiant Schools, these week-long schools that I have here. And so I started to hear his progressive rock music, which was really amazing! At the Radiant School, when we’d listen to each other’s music that the students were all writing during the week and also had brought in stuff they’d written. When Chris’ music would be playing, everybody would come running like, “What is that?” And he’s a multi-instrumentalist, a really interesting artist, I think. Kind of a left-field guy. He’s the guy that helped me do the soundscapes on the Joseph albums, some of the really weird ones. He’s really out there. Expect the unexpected with Chris Riley!
Philip Martin is a young guy that I’ve known most of his life, because we’re friends with his parents. And I got to watch him develop as a musician, as a person. He was getting better and better at the drums, and so I asked him to start playing percussion; he’s been the percussionist at Morsefest for many years now. So, Philip’s been percussionist at Morsefest and also playing with me – you might recognize him in some of the videos I’ve done; he’s been in other things. He’s really blossomed as you can hear on the album. The drumming’s pretty great, I think!
Andre Madatian is a music teacher and a guitar player that I’ve known for about 10 years also. And he played a guitar solo on the Joseph album that I really, really liked. Anyway, he’s a really pleasant guy to be around, and when I was talking about who might I make a record with – whenever he comes to play, he just brings so much to the table. And so I thought, “Well, let’s have preparatory writing sessions,” and the rest is history, you might say.
[The vocalist] was the wild card. When we were writing this music, we were hearing, I was hearing particularly these high vocals in certain sections. In fact [ballad] “Ever Interceding”, when I wrote it, I wrote it in D, knowing that I can’t sing it! The bridge starts on an A and I can’t get anywhere near that, really. But I didn’t want to change the key and lower it for me; it didn’t feel right.
So, there we had all these songs, but we didn’t have a singer. And we were delivering the album in May and it was mid-April! And I was talking to the singer that was a friend of Andre’s that he said was just awesome and came highly recommended. Well, I talked to him for a week; he said he was going to come over the next week. And around the end of April, he says “Hey, I’m busy; can we talk about June?” And I said, “No; I’ve already got a time line on this!” And Rich [Mouser] is set up to mix. We’ve gotta deliver this thing!
So I started making some more calls, and a mutual friend said, “Oh, I’ve got the guy, this Johnny Bisaha. He’s gonna be amazing!” What’s so incredible to me, I think we met right at the end of April; he came over the first week of May, I believe, and did all his vocals on the album in two days. In the eleventh hour he came and just hit it right out of the park. And he’s also just another pleasant, great guy to be around, and that’s important too.’
Where the album title came from:
‘Well, it’s not a concept album, so it’s not telling a story; it would be like Close to the Edge. “No hill for a climber” – I was reading a book called Demon Copperhead [by Barbara Kingsolver], and that was in February. We were flying to see my daughter and her husband in Colorado, and I was reading that. And I said, “What a phrase!” I don’t know if you ever do that, if you’re reading and a phrase will jump out at you. “That’s a cool saying! I’ve never heard that – no hill for a climber.”
So I was just sitting there on this airplane flight, and I started singing it to myself. I got up and I started walking up and down, cause I didn’t want to wake up the person sitting next to me! So, I’m walking up and down the aisle singing into my phone real close, hoping it’ll come out with all the noise. Quite a bit of the sketch of that chorus came right out on the airplane.
And then I sat down and started reading the book again. And a little while later, I started hearing the thing that comes afterward. So I get up and I’m walking around the airplane again! I got up a few times on that one flight. My wife finally said to me, cause she was sitting with the baby elsewhere, and she said “Man, what’s with you? What’s going on? Have you gone crazy?” I said, “I don’t know, man; God’s giving me a lot of stuff – I want to make sure I don’t lose it!” I knew it was good.’
About the opening suite, “Eternity in Your Eyes”:
‘Some of what I wrote, I would say that’s got some of the most Spock’s Beard-type stuff in it. Some of it’s quite reminiscent of Spock’s Beard – even the sounds. The bass sound – we actually ran four tracks of bass to achieve the sound that we got! I’m really happy with it.
There’s so much to say about it. It originally was not a particularly long piece. I had written the verse and the chorus for “Eternity in Your Eyes” on piano. Part of my job as producer was to listen to the other music that the other guys had written and figure out where to place it or how to use it. And so I had the idea to start off that piece – as it grew; after we added Chris Riley’s demos, the “Northern Lights” part and the “Hammer and Nails” section. Cause I listened to his demos, and he had this really long piece; I don’t remember how long it is, it’s like 40 minutes long. And I asked if we could take those parts out and put them in “Eternity in Your Eyes”. And he was just like, “Oh, yeah, sure, yeah.” And I was like, “Oh, great!” Cause I loved those sections.
So then the challenge was to figure out how to get into there from “Eternity in Your Eyes”, and then how to get out! And once we did that, I listened down to the whole thing and went, “You know, we need something between those two parts!” [Laughs} I was in the mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a few days, and I had the idea to put in a jam in the middle. I was like, “man, there isn’t enough stretching out and soloing!” One thing I really liked that Transatlantic did was that they would stretch out parts and really get into a long solo section that starts off small and builds up. I’ve always really liked that, but I don’t always remember to put those into the things I’m working on.
Anyway, I had the idea to put in the jam thing, but then going from the jam into “Hammer and Nails” didn’t really work. So then the idea to put in a little bit of the chorus. And now that it’s becoming this longer piece, it makes a lot of sense to put in a little bit of the chorus in there, to tie it all in. And then it was one of the other guys that had the idea to have Johnny sing it! Then once Johnny came in, it was, oh! We need him to sing on more than “Ever Interceding” and “No Hill”. So let’s have him sing a verse of “All the Rage”, and let’s put him in the bridge of “Eternity in Your Eyes” – you see what I’m saying? As it was developing, all of these things were changing. Right up until the last minute, actually.
Everything you put in changes the perspective of the whole piece. Cause when you listen down, you want to feel the flow. And that’s the greatest challenge of the long pieces is getting the flow right. It’s not easy! [Laughs] It doesn’t usually just happen perfectly out of the gate. There’s a lot of consideration and cutting and pasting and putting in. But as long as you step back from the canvass and go, “Yeah! Yeah! It’s working; I think we’ve got it, [British accent] by Jove!”’
About “Thief”, the second track and second single:
‘Yeah! I don’t know where these things come from. I was just taking a nap one afternoon; and I woke up with this strange “Thi-e-e-e-f” [Demonstrates words and bass line]. So I had this idea for the beginning. And this is one of these times where collaborations really kick in. I had the beginning, which was weird and kinda spooky, and it was like, “Where do I go from here?” I tried a bunch of things; I finally went into a 6/8 thing. [Demonstrates} “Everything you touch turns into lies”. I was very happy with that; it sounded kind of like Queen. And then I had the idea [demonstrates], “My Lord’s gonna fight” and I wanted to go into something big – but I everything I tried, I tried a lot of different things and nothing was working for me.
So I called up Chris Riley; that’s the great thing about having everybody local. Chris just came over that night and he listened to it. “Oh, yeah, cool! What about this thing?” That middle part of “Thief” is actually something that Chris Riley brought in to the Radiant School about 3 years ago [demonstrates] with the ascending bass and the organ. He actually laid that into the computer, when we were just sort of getting it out. Cause I didn’t really remember how that went.
And I knew I wanted to peak it out and have it stop, wait and go “Thief!” Cause that’s the way my mind works. My original idea was that we’d do some blistering fiddly bit and then stop. But I thought, “I don’t know; it seems like I’ve done that a lot.” Then I had the idea, “What if we all just freak out? We’re just going along and all of a sudden, everybody just starts going out, playing random, crazy stuff? And then stopping all together!” And of course, obviously, that’s what we wound up doing. That’s actually one of my favorite moments on the album. [Laughs] It’s so crazy! When we first tracked that, it was Philip Martin and me playing bass. It started out with just bass and drums and everything else was layered on on top of it.’
About “All the Rage”, the first single:
‘I was looking for a chorus; I wrote that one by myself, so I had the opening that I thought was good, proggy but yet a little rock riff. It’s in 4/4, you know? [Chuckles] I had the whole thing up to the chorus, and I kept trying different choruses.
And when I came up with that “all the rage” thing, that was what fed the whole lyric. “You’re all the rage, but you won’t turn the page.” The whole lyric sort of fell out of that. It’s a challenge to write stuff that’s progressive yet short yet accessible. And we tracked that together in the room, just rockin’. And I think you can feel that; that has a good fresh feel about it. And the tempo’s changing; if you notice, the last chorus is quite a bit faster than the other choruses. But I think that’s what gives it life. I think it has a lot of good feel to it.’
Phillip Mann, the mastermind behind the alternative metal project Diveradiant, hails from Belgrade, Serbia, and has been crafting a unique blend of heavy and atmospheric music for over a decade. Blurring the lines between post-metal, ambient, and experimental metal, Diveradiant’s sound is an intricate mix of atmospheric depth and crushing heaviness. Last month, Phillip released Ascension, an EP that showcases his genre-blending approach and unconventional songwriting. In this interview, we discuss the challenges of creating Ascension, the inspirations behind its sound, and Phillip’s thoughts on the state of the alternative music scene today.
You launched an EP with your project Diveradiant entitled “Ascension” last month. How do you feel about the release?
I feel a bit of excitment, I wonder how I will pass the test from the audience, with awareness that is not the convencional release in the metal world I think.
How much of a challenge was it to work on the release?
Quite reasonable, in the matter of struggle with everyday activities. I am satisfied with the deadline of production, It took me around a few months for this EP to record. The most challenging thing is primarily the unconventional approach to the settings and concept of the blending genres I did. Also it will be a challenge to make people try to hear maybe something new in this hyper trending world. I will give it a try.
Speaking of challenges, have you set any in the early phase of what has become the final result?
Main challenging focus was and still is focus on genre blend and the experience that will produce on the listener on first and multiple listens. As a final result I see that my ideas become clearer to me and to the others.
Tell me about the different instrumental and lyrical aspects that you explore on these new songs.
At first, always experimentation on guitar layers and atmosphere. At some point I explored my vocal potential to make an even deeper atmosphere through lyrics and manner of singing. I am far from some professional singer, but the main goal is the atmosphere that voice creates. And then again, new instrumental soundscapes through different guitar tunings to synth volumes that massively rises upon heavy and low guitar riffs and drums. Main lyrical themes are psychological behaviors compared to modern society as the things we need to take more care of.
What is your opinion about the alternative scene today?
Alternative scene definitely went deep underground. Today it is harder to catch a wider audience, because of the super fast and hyper production lifestyle we live. And also I need to mention differences between mainstream now and in the past, how it was. I think that in the past mainstream was way better and that took influence in the alternatives also. It was way better back then.
Let me know about your influences — the artists that in a way shaped and continue to shape your music.
There are many artists and bands like Justin K.Broadrick ( various of his projects like JESU and GODFLESH), Roger Waters (early Pink Floyd), Thierry Arnal ( Fragment.), Misha Mansoor (BULB, PERIPHERY), Vildhjarta, Cult Of Luna, Meshuggah and many more. All of these bands and artists have similarities, like heavy guitar riffs and atmospheres. I think that I seek roots from these bands in some manner.
What are your top 5 records of all time?
Oh, difficult one. It will be at first:
JESU – Jesu PINK FLOYD – Ummagumma FRAGMENT – Is Your Truth Carved in Sand? PERIPHERY – Periphery (instrumental) VILDHJARTA – Måsstaden under vatten
Besides the release of “Ascension” are there any other plans for the future?
I will continue to explore soundscapes of metal and ambient music through new songs and collaborations I am planning, probably I will consider maybe live appearance in future.
Progarchy 