I must admit, I hate to wake up to this news. Here’s hoping that SONGS FROM THE VATICAN GIFT SHOP was playing in the original–not its MUZAK version–as Scott rode the escalator to heaven. Rest in Peace, crazy musician man. Many, many of us loved you.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-me-scott-weiland-dies-20151203-story.html
Greg Spawton supplies us with an interesting clipping:
Guillaume Cazenave is a musician from Bordeaux in France, and he recently put out his debut album titled “AM.” In an interview for Progarchy, Guillaume speaks about the album’s creative process, his view on the modern prog scene, and more.
Hey Guillaume. How are you doing?
Good, thank you. A bit tired tonight. The news in France have been quite terrible lately and it’s hard to stay focus on a daily routine, it’s a bit stressful. But I feel good enough to answer to your questions.
You released “AM” recently. How do you feel about the release?
I feel relieved and anxious. It’s a very peculiar feeling to share a project that took so long to create, and for which I have been the only “architect” most of the time. Relieved because it’s time to move on, but anxious because now I start telling myself that maybe I could have done better… But luckily, I am very satisfied by the way “AM” has been received so far. Most of the reviews notice its originality and it motivates me to produce as soon as possible “NZ”, the second half of the project. Moreover, having reviews enables me to cut the cord with this first part which was, as I said earlier, long and intense. But the relief is bigger than the anxiety. ☺
How much of a challenge was it to work on the album?
The production of this album has been a serial of challenges: the preparation, the writing, the recording, the mixing, the artwork…. It has been quite difficult to deal with all of that, because of a constraining concept. I’ve been quite ambitious when I started it, and it has been some hard work to follow through, especially because “NZ”, the second part of the project is going to be crazier than AM. At the end, I think the bigger challenge was to keep on going with the idea to write the lyrics of the song with the concept I chose. It took me 4 years and I have to confess I doubted many times. But now AM is finished, I can’t question it anymore. So the challenge with NZ will be to offer new things with the same concept.
How is the progressive rock/metal scene in Bordeaux these days?
I don’t think that Bordeaux is particularly a progressive rock city. I said “I think” because I don’t really know about the musical scene in Bordeaux, so I could be wrong. I went a few times to the festival “Crescendo” which has been taking place next to Bordeaux for quite some time, and which has welcomed some high profile bands. There is as well some good associations including one called Eclipse that makes a lot for the prog rock around here. Otherwise I discovered the band Seven Eyed Crow lately and I found them quite impressive. I haven’t listened to their album yet but I will because what I heard from them was very good.
What is your opinion about the new wave of progressive bands?
I have mixed feelings about it. Some bands are really interesting, but it seems to me that the big majority of bands nowadays try to sound like some other big bands we know.
The technical level is impressive, the production is usually very good, but I don’t know, I feel like not a lot of them take risks. Some of them do it though, like Leprous, which albums are exemplary. I remember liking two albums by Indukti but I don’t know what they’re doing at the moment. I’m interested by Shaolin Death Squad music, even if they stay close to their obvious influences, which put them at the edge of the so called progressive music.
I love Twelve Foot Ninja and Jolly. Both Audio guides to happiness are amazing. I thought that the album of Circle of Illusions was really well done. Haken is quite remarkable too. In France, the band 6:33 is terrific. I find the Djent movement quite boring even if the intentions seem good. Moreover the actual representatives of the strictly prog rock or progressive metal movements tend to get a bit tired. Steven Wilson keeps on doing Steven Wilson (his album hand.cannot.erase seems to have been made in autopilot), Riverside is getting more and more conventional (although Duda is doing some amazing music with Lunatic Soul), Dream Theater sounds used to the bone, Flowers Kings keep on looking backwards, Anathema seem like they found a good balance but give the impression that they’re satisfied about it, etc.… I think that some more interesting bands are not well mediatised. I’m more interested in bands like Screaming Headless Torsos. It is more related to fusion music but they take more risks.
Can you tell me something about your influences?
They are numerous and varied. But the main ones are Devin Townsend, Mike Patton, and Pink Floyd. I’ll add King Crimson and Magma as well. A journalist, (Luca Biela from Clair&Obscur) evoked Frank Zappa when he reviewed AM. I never thought of Zappa as one of my main influences but I actually think it’s quite accurate. Especially because I listened to Joe’s Garage again and again through the years. However I think I’m more influenced by the artistic approach they have to composing music than by their actual music.
What are you listening these days?
I listen to my Shazam playlist on Spotify, with some weird things and some pop songs. I’m thinking in particular of the song “unstoppable” by Dianne LaHavas. So beautiful. My son listens to Cars soundtrack, so I do too! ☺
Your five favourite records of all time?
I can give you 3 without hesitating: Devin Townsend’s Infinity, Pink Floyd’s Dark side of the moon, and Mr Bungle by Mr Bungle. I think those albums gather innovation, emotion, technique, and are perfectly constructed. After that, well, I would probably say a Robert Wyatt’s, Rock Bottom maybe, and a King Crimson’s (Discipline or Red?!) I consider that Sunsets on Empire by Fish is close to be a masterpiece, if it wasn’t for the song “Change of heart”, which is a bit under the rest of the album I think.
Can you tell me a little bit more about the gear you used to record “AM”?
I recorded most of the album on Cubase. I’ve been using this software for the past 20 years… and all the different versions were very effective. I used the Korg Triton for the main keyboards, and I linked it with some plugins from Native Instruments, Komplete more specifically. I used my good old Gibson Les Paul and an Ibanez Sabre S2020X with Piezzo Microphones for the guitars. I played a Takamine for the acoustic parts. Then, for the guitars effects, I mixed hardware and software. Lexicon’s Mpxg2, or Guitar Rig and amplitube. But I’ll try to renew all that for “NZ”.
Besides the release of the album, are there any other plans for the future?
Yes. My priority is “NZ” which is the following of “AM”. I will produce as well another album that will be called “One Sweet Hand”, which should be easier and quieter. I would like to compose it with my brother Rémy who is very talented. But I think he’s doing his own projects at the moment so we’ll see. I might try to plan a unique concert that will gather AM and NZ, but only in a year or two, something very festive.
Any words for the potential new fans?
First of all, thank you for reading the whole interview. I am a bit talkative, but I hope you will feel like giving a try and listen to my album “AM”. The album as well is quite talkative, in a good way I hope. ☺
Visit The Odd Gallant’s official website, and buy “AM” from the webstore.
From Andy’s Facebook page:
It seems I have been quiet for years… but it’s not years.. it’s decades now. I have most of my Facebook friends because I am a musician, not a political commentator – something at which owing to my naivete I don’t really excel. It was for the MUSIC, not the politics that most of you reading this once clicked a button, and with people here from all political persuasions it seemed unfair to use the small popularity I had gained as a muso as some kind of battering ram for my political beliefs. Even the mild political posturing that can be found in songs like “Four Egos, One War” which I wrote during the Saddam era Iraq conflict brought a few accusations of being overtly politically pompous. I get a bit ( a LOT) frightened by Facebook etc, and I’ve always been aware that there are Right Wingers, devout Christians, Muslims, Loony Lefties (like me), Atheists, Bankers, Professors Of Conservative Thought, Anarchists, Ex Hippies and Vicars who enjoy the music of the band. We have one fan who regularly addresses the House Of Congress in Washington and a wonderful young woman who lives in the heart of Tehran. And yes. We have an MP. And no, I won’t tell you who, or how s/he’s voting. I just hope s/he is sneaking a look at FB during the boring bits. The only clue you can have is that, given the type of music I play, you’re not looking at a young one.
All of those people came to The Tangent because of the music. They didn’t come to wave a flag for left or right politics. And so I have always tried to be fair and let people enjoy the music without pestering them to follow my own personal ideologies. If GFDD or Po90 had been as succesful I wouldn’t have baulked. Just TODAY I want to say more than “we’ve got a new album coming” or “I’m excited about some tour” and actually use this terrifying whirl of the internet in 2015 to say something that matters to me.
Forget all the left/right economy stuff, – today it’s one political and spiritual ideology that matters. PEACE. For everyone in my generation who didn’t lunch with the Bullingdon set, the peace movement spawned some of the greatest artists of the past century. For somone like me, a lifetime of listening to Bob(s) Dylan and Marley, Joni, Yes, Roger Waters’ Pink Floyd, Gang Of Four, Gong, Joan, The Slits, Chumbawamba, The Pop Group, The Clash, Billy Bragg, John Lennon, and K-Tel Superstars “Many Many More” has made its mark. .. and even reading the Bible stories of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and the Sermon On The Mount where Peacemakers and “The Meek” come off pretty damn well. (Yes Atheists DO read the Bible AND take note!)
Those two Bible references are pretty close to the the HARD CORE of Biblical teaching. They are not peripheral stuff. The first of them has “THOU SHALT NOT KILL” (with no caveats or conditions, exemption clauses etc) at number 6 in possibly the FIRST ever Top Ten in history. Me, if I’d written it, I’d have had it at number one above all the stuff about observing the Sabbath – but number 6 is pretty good. I wish it was as high in governments’ technical manuals.
Yes, I’m a lefty. Always was, always will be. Had just two posters on my bedroom wall when I was a student. David Jackson and Tony Benn. I’ve never hated people who disagree with me, have best friends who are so much further to the right of what I believe, and further to the left too. But SO MANY of my friends, no matter from what political persuasion are INTO the music by the musicians I have mentioned above.
Today, a rather humble meek peacemaker, a white haired 60 odd year old bloke with an “unfashionable jacket” and definitely non-hipster beard will take the message of the great artists we have grown up with into the hugely traditionalist institution of the British House Of Commons. The philosophies of those great writers will be in his mind as he speaks.. with the powerful hostility of the UK press and media against him along with so many people who over the past 20 years were able to have a Tory career in Government and send people to fight for us in highly questionable campaigns without actually having to name themselves Tories. It’s quite likely that he will lose although miracles DO happen. Equally likely that the summation of Joni’s songs along with the whole Woodstock dream, The Anarcho Punk Dream, The Summer of Love Dream in his head will end up being referred to as “Terrorist Apologism” by the leaders of the country’s government and media. The damnation this man receives in the media reminds me of the reaction when Dylan went Electric. A key moment, not properly appreciated at the moment of its birth.
All I can say, if you have ever loved the songs of Mitchell, Crass, The Chumbas, Yes (Think about the lyrics to “The Gates Of Delirium”), Daevid Allen, and Gong (listen to OILY WAY TODAY) Pink Floyd (surely one of the most consistently popular media products of all time) – if these songs were to you MORE than just a nice tune for getting stoned to, then TODAY is the day when another bloke who was listening too, is gonna take that message and get it heard in the main chamber of Government.
One can never predict history – but I’d like to think that in half a century, nearly everyone old enough to remember today will say that “they were with Jeremy Corbyn that day”. I won’t even mind if they are lying. It doesn’t matter. FORGIVENESS is 100 percent absolutely EVERYTHING. Peace, Love to everyone – including everyone who flames me, unfriends me or rips me to pieces. Andy DisKdrive. Again.
The Georgia Straight has a great article on Unleash the Archers. In it, we discover that Time Stands Still is indeed a concept album:
… Brittney Hayes—aka Brittney Slayes, the vocalist and lyricist for the band—joins us at a Granville Street coffee shop to explain it to us.
“It’s about, basically, the struggles of being an independent band in Canada,” she says. Hayes is pleasantly nerdy and bespectacled off-stage, seeming more like a history geek—which she is—than a charismatic metal frontwoman. “It was all written before we were signed [by Austrian label Napalm Records]. Each song is about a different obstacle you have to overcome as an independent band.
“‘Frozen Steel’ is about metalheads in Canada, and how passionate they are, and how they would brave a winter storm to go to a show because they love metal so much.”
It’s a good bet, now that we’ve been given the magic decoder ring, that “Tonight We Ride”—which spawned a Mad Max–themed video, filmed in the Nevada desert using props from the Death Guild Thunderdome camp at Burning Man—is about facing up to the challenges of touring.
And the anthemic high point, “Test Your Metal”? “It’s about hometown heroes, really—about these bands that are so good but they just won’t tour or do anything. It’s like, ‘Get out there! Show them what you can do! You’re frickin’ talented, you’re incredible, why are you sitting at home playing to the same people every night?’ ” …
Orymus from Bern in Switzerland released their sophomore studio album in March this year. Bassist Simon Binggeli answered our questions about the band, the new album, and more.
What is the meaning of the band’s name?
The bandname „Orymus“ doesn’t refer to anything. We thought that Orymus sounds quite unique, goes directly in the ears and stays there, just like the sound of the band. 😉 Another benefit is for sure, that the name / the band is easy to find on google and on the internet in general.
How did Orymus take its shape?
Five schoolfriends were jammin‘ out in a muffy basement ten years ago. Sounds like a soap opera, but it’s the true story of the beginning of Orymus. The band lineup actually did not have any change since that day.
How would you describe the sound of your new album “Miracles”?
The album Miracles is like an adventure. It takes you through good old rock music, mixed with progressive, heavy and calm elements. A good adventure contains surprising moments which you won’t believe at first sight. This is what Miracles is all about. We’re playing with contrasts, feelings and transmit many different atmospheres to the listener.
Comparing the two albums you released so far, are there any big changes between the two periods in which these records were created?
To be honest, we didn’t had much time to think about big changes. The first album received very good critics, so all the bandmates immediately pushed on continuing, producing another great album and going back on stage. Worth mentioning definitely is that we changed the studio and the producer for the second album. This time, we worked with the great Yann Rouiller (NAZARETH, CORE 22). This guy was able to put a lot of his personal experience into the record. He did an awesome job!
What are you talking about in your lyrics?
The lyrics often care about possession and loss in life. We try to bring to the listener what he is also affected by. MIRACLES follows a detailed concept and tells stories about the end of the world and it’s new beginnings.
Orymus pays tribute to the ‘70s hard rock rather than being a contemporary rock act. Does it have to do something with your personal tastes?
For sure. Favourite bands of mine such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep also inspired the other ORYMUS members to play the „real, old rock music“. Also our parents influenced us in childhood by listening to old vinyl stuff.
But let us clarify one thing: Not all the modern rock bands are bad.
In your opinion what are the drawbacks and benefits of modern-day technology and Internet when it comes to bands?
Unquestioning, the biggest benefit is that you can reach the whole music world with only one click. No matter where your band is based in, people all around the world can listen to your songs, download or order them on CD/Vinyl. The possibility, how you can advertise new songs and albums on the internet is brilliant.
Unfortunately, a lot of people forget how hard the bands work for these outputs, so they download or stream the songs for free. Among other few reasons, the rock music business is in constant danger.
What is the last concert you attended?
The glamorous hitmachine „the Sweet“!!! Awesome party.
What do you think future holds for Orymus?
World domination! We receive great feedback on our current MIRACLES-tour (through Switzerland) and this stimulates us to soon go back to the band’s room and write up some completely new stuff. I think especially in these times of low-quality music the people are hungry for some fresh sound!
Any words for people who are new to Orymus and your music?
Open up your mind and take the adventure! I don’t want to say that it’s completely new what you will hear – because simply everything has been done already – but it will be refreshing for your ears and give you a good 1h20m of fun (you’ll replay the CD, trust me!).
“Miracles” is available from Bandcamp as a name-your-price download. You can follow the band on Facebook here.
Music is like the biggest ocean of the Earth. With billions of colours, billions of lives, and water drops. So complicated, sometimes dark, sometimes wavy. Sometimes warn and in a moment cold enough. There are treasures hidden in these waters. Sound Struggle is one of those. As the band’s name suggest, they have struggled with their sound to bring it to the level where it is now. And now is their second studio release titled “Rise.”
Sound of funk stuck inside djent, progressive metal; brutal vocals matched perfectly with cleans; sometimes calm as a jazz song, sometimes more aggressive — there is a lot of struggle in here. That is the only logic explanation of this Boston based band.
From the first moment of the album until its last breathe, there is absolutely something that will keep you excited. From progressive rock to djent to jazz to metal, “Rise” has plenty of diverse elements signed by the band. One of the most interesting things about the music of Sound Struggle is that the saxophone is featured full-time. They continuously throw in plenty of different elements such as swinging jazz walks, funk grooves, and progressive metal intricacy. Although this sounds incompatible ‘Rise’ is a very accessible release with a steady pulse. There is plenty of inventive and ambitious material displayed here. Starting from the opening “Strongth” to the heavy jazz metal of “Rotating Door” and “Tempest.” My favourite tracks, though, are the classic jazz inspired title song and the insanely dense “Close Your Eyes.”
All in all, “Rise” is another mind-blowing experimentation from one of the funniest, innovative, and most technically accomplished bands out there.
“Rise” is available now from Bandcamp. Sound Struggle is a band you want to follow on Facebook.
Will Hack recently released a video single for “The Change in Me,” which features guitarist and producer Tony Lowe (Robert Fripp, David Cross, Flying Colors, etc.). About the single and his plans for the future, Will was kind to talk with us in the interview below.
Alright, first things first. Before we dive into all the music stuff, how’s life?
Life is very good, thank you. I am very excited with what music has to offer and in return for what I can offer to the lives of people in the world through my music. I have the joy of supporting children through my support work and teaching career but also in my music career, I aim to help others. I would like to help people to enjoy life; to feel empathy, even if just for a little over five minutes! Music is there with us on the journey of life; it can be a very good friend, and will allow us to feel alive. I hold this mission when creating music. Each song I create aims to tell a story, but also lets the audience create their very own emotional response, so two people may experience the music in different ways. So, thank you for asking; life is good and music is definitely a big part of it. I am enjoying writing songs, rehearsing on my drum kit, piano and working on vocals. I have also enjoyed the challenge of being involved with the video production for my new single too. I enjoy learning new skills!
Speaking of new music, you recently released a new single. Are you satisfied with the reception you received for “The Change in Me” so far?
I have been overwhelmed with the reception from ‘The Change in Me’. Thousands of views of the music video in a couple of weeks and so many people across the world have shared it via social media and expressed kind, supportive comments in different languages. I have made new fans across the world from Brazil to Spain and a number of other countries, and these great people are actively showing support, which is so valuable to me. It is with the support from family, friends and fans across the world that makes it all possible. And it doesn’t look as though the warm reception for ‘The Change in Me’ is slowing down- each day my inbox is flooded with lovely comments from my followers. I want to thank everyone so much for this support. And, I want to express my gratitude towards the producer and featured artist, Tony Lowe, for their involvement in the music, and to Sunn Creative for their involvement with the video.
What is “The Change in Me” about?
‘The Change in Me’ is a story of emotion; one of personal experience of change in my own life, and a way of expressing the journey that I felt I was on at the time of writing it, and that I expected to always be on. It is all about the importance of immersing oneself into the darker and sadder tones in ones thoughts, because unless you do this you cannot truly find happiness and the correct path you are meant to be on. A bit like a way of dealing with experiences in life; letting the mind unwind and process what has happened (not dissimilar to how we dream and re-programme ourselves ready for the challenges of the next new day). ‘The Change in Me’ therefore is really a very positive song. Although it has some rather dark lyrical themes the overarching message and integral mission of the track is that we should somehow come to terms with what has happened, to try and move on and to enjoy learning in life. Hopefully this ties in with my comment about wanting my music to help others as the track aims to act as a form of support and example of empathy.
Are there any touring plans?
At the moment I am promoting my single and continuing to work on various areas of my music career. I would welcome the opportunity for a tour and concert dates in the future but at the moment I have been taking some time to focus on giving this single the attention I would like to offer it. I would be very interested to work towards live shows in the near future as a solo artist but also as a musician working with other artists too.
While we’re on the subject of touring, what countries would you love to tour?
I would love the opportunity to tour countries I have yet to visit before. It would be amazing to tour in the countries that have supported my music. For now though, I am happy to have my feet on the ground and to be promoting my music in other ways. Although, playing concerts are simply amazing experiences.
Who and what inspires you the most?
My inspiration comes from my passion for music. I love the positive feeling that I get while drumming to my heart’s content, or while playing a passionate melody on the piano, or while belting out a powerful vocal effort in my singing. The great feelings that I get from such musical activities give me my drive to create pieces of musical works to share with others. Also, it is the support from family, friends and followers/ audience members who make it all possible. The warm support from everyone since the start of my musical life as a young child has inspired me to learn, practise for hours most days for 25 years, yearn to mature musically, and to develop as a musician. This is always with the central idea that I want to help others; that others may enjoy the experience I can offer either in a live show, sonically and or through video.
What other genres of music do you listen to? Have any of the other genres you listen to had any impact on your playing?
I think that the genres of music that have inspired me have depended on what I have been doing at the time. As a drummer I have been inspired by certain heavier rock bands and progressive rock artists, as a pianist and composer I have been inspired by genres from pop to classical to film scores to rock, and as a vocalist and music listener I have been inspired by more genres than I can think of! I am one of those sorts of musicians whom cannot easily answer that question, because such a wide variety of genres, bands and musical works have inspired me towards my own ‘style’. In short, if the music stimulates a sense of power, energy and emotion then I probably would love to hear it, and may then want to learn from it too. I enjoy the challenge to creatively entwine various genres, so that I may build a colourful mix and a rich sound scape for my own music.
I really appreciate you giving us your time today. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us and the fans before we wrap things up?
Just that I am grateful for the opportunity for this interview and I hope my followers will like learning more about the journey of my music. Together, let’s inspire the music and hearts of tomorrow!
“The Change in Me” is available from Will Hack’s Bandcamp. You can follow Will on Facebook here.
Progarchy 