Interview: MATTY APEL of BEHOLD, THE TARANTELLA & PHI

On By NickIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

Matty Apel

Behold, the Tarantella is a project of 24 year old Matty Apel who released his debut EP “Resonance” last year, and have just put out two singles for his upcoming full length titled “The Particle Rendition.” Matty is also involved with a band Phi, and about this all he talks in an interview with Progarchy.

How would you describe the first two singles taken from the upcoming album “The Particle Rendition”?

I would have to describe them as experimental in many ways. Each song is part of a developmental process in my writing style. I’m experimenting with different techniques I’ve learned and taught myself over time while trying to allow them to fit the story line I have in place for this album.

What can be expected from the rest of the material that will take place on “The Particle Rendition”?

Quite a bit, actually. The plan is for it to be a concept album that not only has in depth description of what’s taking place, but has music guiding your emotions through each scenario in the album. I want people to really paint a picture of what’s happening.

The Particle Rendition

I suppose that you record your music in a home studio environment. What are the drawbacks and benefits of working in such surrounding?

Is it that easy to pick up on? Haha! Honestly, I don’t really find any drawbacks in recording my own music. I don’t have a time frame to record my music and I have the ability to mix and master it the way I want it. It’s not perfect, but I’d take it over something that’s been over-processed.

What are the themes you explore in your lyrics?

“Resonance” was all about the expansion of your mind and becoming comfortable in the body you inhabit. “The Particle Rendition” will still touch on that subject, but will go further by giving you a storyline and characters to follow. I’m basically writing this new album as a movie script or a play. At this point in time, I don’t want to reveal too much about the story and the ideas I’m playing around with, but I’m hoping to make it well worth the wait.

How much the music you make is the actual reflection of your personality?

I particularly enjoy this question, because art should be a reflection of who you are in some way. That’s why we all seem to have our own unique touch on the things we do. I’d like to say that the music is a pretty good reflection of who I am and the things that cross my mind on a daily basis.

Matty Apel

Are you satisfied with Behold, the Tarantella’s position, and what would you love to change and improve?

It may seem cheesy, but I’m extremely satisfied with my current position, because I’ve gathered a larger fan base than with any other previous project. 500 likes on Facebook may not seem like much, but I’m grateful for every single one of them. So THANK YOU to all of you fans out there. I really appreciate all of you.

Have you ever experienced those moments when a song, or an album can change your views on something?

All of the time! Painted in Exile’s “Revitalized” is the best example, because the chorus contains a metaphor that I live by every day. The Contortionist’s album “Language” is also another incredible album that really spoke to me on a personal level. The flow of the music was extremely beautiful as well.

What do you do in your every-day life?

My life consists of music, video games, hanging out with my girlfriend and other friends, enjoying nature and the outdoors, chilling with my cats. I take it all day by day and I’m just grateful for what I have, because I know it’s more than some other people have even though it may not seem like much.

Are you involved in any other bands or projects beside Behold, the Tarantella?

I actually am involved in another project. The project is called “Phi”. We are a 5-piece band with influences like Animals as Leaders, The Contortionist, The Helix Nebula, Plini, and many more. You can check us out on our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/PhiBandia

What do you think about djent?

If it’s music, I give it a chance. I’ve jammed Meshuggah, Volumes, and Aristeia to name a few. I really enjoy the way they throw some crazy time signatures and tempo changes at you.

What are your plans by the end of the year?

My plans by the end of the year are to hopefully get out and play, release some new material, and just enjoy life. I haven’t been on the stage for over 3 years and it’s calling my name, so hopefully I can find a way to make things work out for both Behold, the Tarantella and Phi. A lot of people tend to set goals without enjoying the journey to hitting their goals, and I personally don’t want to be the kind of person that forgets what it took to get there.

Listen to Behold, the Tarantella on Bandcamp, and like the project on Facebook. You can also follow Matty’s other band Phi on Facebook.

Traveling as the Ghost Rider: An Excerpt from NEIL PEART: CULTURAL REPERCUSSIONS

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music1 Comment
Available now in paperback and ebook at amazon.com.
Available now in paperback and ebook at amazon.com.

In his best-selling book, Ghost Rider, the Canadian drummer not only proves to be an excellent writer (imagine Willa Cather and Jack Kerouac as one person; a bizarre combination, I know, but an accurate one), but he also reveals himself, yet again, a serious and stoic social and cultural critic.  Here are two sample passages from Ghost Rider.

The first day in Mexico was Selena’s birthday, and I had made careful plans on how to ‘memorialize’ that day. Early in the morning, I walked to the big cathedral in the Zocalo, went inside and bought two princess-sized votive candles (the biggest they had, of course) and lit them in front of the chapel for ‘Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe’ . . . . I sat there awhile, and cried some (well, a lot), amid the pious old ladies, tourists, and construction workers.[1]

Later in the book, in a less autobiographical nature, he explains his own vision of what art is.

I once defined the basic nature of art as ‘the telling of stories,’ and never had I felt that to be more true. I played the anger, the frustration, the sorrow, and even the travelling parts of my story, the rhythms of the highway, the majesty of the scenery, the dynamic rising and falling of my moods, and the narrative suite that emerged was as cleansing and energizing as the sweat and exertion of telling it.[2]

Each of these passages shows Peart at his deepest.  The side the craves beauty and the side that craves telling the world about the beauty he has seen.

His travels also opened Peart to a number of personal revelations.  Overall, he believed that “the elemental ‘faith’ in life I used to possess is completely gone,” and that with such an erasing of the past and its securities, “every little element of my former life, behavior, interests, and habits, was up for re-examination.”[3]  Two specifics also emerged in this rebirth.  First, he had to accept the help of others, recognizing it as the gift it is and was intended to be by the giver.  Pride had to give way to charity.  Second, he came to see a more mystical side of life, well beyond his previously steady devotion to late eighteenth-century European rationalism.  In one incident—that would greatly influence the next three albums—Peart encountered a man who read his fortune through Tarot cards.  The reading proved so accurate that Peart ‘s “jaw dropped, and it’s still dropping.”[4]

Though most orthodox religions forbid the reading of Tarot, artists as diverse as T.S. Eliot and Russell Kirk have employed its meaning—however tragic and deep or superficial and meaningless—effectively as a form of story telling, especially when regarding character and morals.  Peart does the same through his lyrics over the next several albums.

[Taken from Bradley J. Birzer, Neil Peart: Cultural (Re)Percussions (WordFire Press, 2015), pages 96-96.  Available today in paperback for $11.99 at amazon.com.  the price includes shipping.]

NOTES

[1] Peart, Ghost Rider, 310.

[2] Peart, Ghost Rider, 355

[3] Peart, Ghost Rider, 146-147.

[4] Peart, Ghost Rider, 338-339.

All Rise! The Feast of St. Dave Gregory

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music1 Comment
Mister Lazy he's not. Photo borrowed from guitargonauts.info.
Mister Lazy he’s not. Photo borrowed from guitargonauts.info.

I’m not sure if I could exactly articulate my reasons as to why, but I’m not the least surprised that Dave Gregory’s birthday is two days away from the Autumnal Equinox.  There’s a fullness and a force of the seasons not only in the calmness that radiates from Gregory’s humane qualities (he’s a true gentleman), but there’s also an intensity of life in all of his art.

Clearly, his music resides somewhere in that last joyous blast of summer love and freedom.

Regardless, happy birthday, Mr. Gregory.  I know I speak for many upon many when I thank you for all you’ve given to the music world over the past four decades.  Whether it’s pop, punk, new wave, rock, chamber, or prog, you give your absolute all.

The best way to celebrate such a feast?  Listen and watch away!

And best of all, a brilliant interview with Dave.  Well worth watching it all.

Metal Mondays: Unleash The Archers @UnleashArchers FULL SET at ProgPower 2015

On By Time LordIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

This is the entire set UTA played at ProgPower 2015 as shot by selfie-stick Guy. It’s on an iPhone so the sound isn’t perfect but the footage is pretty cool. Songs include:

1. Frozen Steel
2. Hail Of The Tide
3. Test Your Metal
4. Tonight We Ride
6. Daughters Of Winterstone
7. Realm Of Tomorrow
8. Dreamcrusher
9. Time Stands Still
10. General Of The Dark Army

Kevin Keller’s “La Strada” – Is This the Future of Instrumental Prog?

On By Thaddeus WertIn progressive rock music3 Comments

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I first became aware of Kevin Keller’s music through mere chance. Driving home from a family vacation at the beach, we were all tired (and sunburned!) and I turned to the “Chill” channel on the satellite radio. The miles went by as generic ambient music filled the car.

Then a track began playing that made me perk up my ears and listen closer. It wasn’t aimless synthesizer noodling; no, this was music with some depth, melody, and real beauty. Hitting the info button on the radio, I noted that the song was “Distanced”, by Kevin Keller. I made a mental note to investigate further when we got home.

I did, and I spent quite a bit of time enjoying the generous offerings on his Soundcloud site. Before I was done, I had purchased Pendulum (the album containing “Distanced”), Nocturnes, The Day I Met Myself, and In Absentia. Each one is unique, but they all feature Keller’s distinctive voice as a composer. His music has been labeled neoclassical, but it transcends categorization. In his official bio, he states that he was first a progressive rock guitarist before he moved to the piano, and you can hear that background in his music.

Keller is about to release a new album, La Strada, which has been crowdfunded, and it is an exceptionally fine work. It was recorded with the Salome Chamber Orchestra, with guest musician David Helpling lending his guitar talent to the title track, and vocalist Marta Karamuz contributing to the final song, “New Beginnings”.

La Strada is divided into two “sides” (are there plans for a vinyl release?), and the first one opens with “At the Start”, which is just that: a brief piano piece with understated string accompaniment that sets the mood for the rest of the album. It segues immediately into “Tunnel of Light”, which is a fascinating dialogue between Keller’s piano and the orchestra throughout, while some electronic rhythms percolate underneath. “Moments Lost In Time” begins with a delicate and somber theme on piano, but it soon morphs into an interesting mix of processed vocals, strings, and driving beats before closing with solo piano. “La Strada” features one of Keller’s most gorgeous melodies. If Rachmaninoff were alive and had access to today’s technology, he might come up with a tune as beautiful as “La Strada”. It features Keller’s piano with Eno-esque sonics that serve the melody perfectly. Side One closes with “Lightning Road”, which is another driving mix of electronic beats, piano, and strings. This song features some of Keller’s most playful and energetic keyboard work.

Side Two begins with what I consider the best track of the album, and one of Keller’s finest productions – the 9 minute, 18 second-long “Beyond The Infinite”. It begins with a rapid ostinato on piano. Layers and layers of sound are added (did Keller multitrack the piano?) as electronic percussion darts in and out from all sides. Deep, wordless vocals combine with ambient synths to provide a bed of sound that Keller uses to build controlled tension on the piano. A snatch of a spoken phrase floats by; I barely catch “The origin and purpose is to build a total…” before the disembodied voice breaks up. As piano, strings, and electronics repeat an ascending phrase, the sense of enormous energy building up is almost overwhelming. Gradually, though, the layers of sound are dropped until only piano and ghostly synths bring the track to an end.

After the sonic explosion of “Beyond The Infinite”, we definitely need some catharsis, and “All Of This Ends” provides exactly that. A stately and elegiac track featuring only strings and piano, this is the perfect response to the previous track, bringing things to a satisfying conclusion. But there is still one more song to enjoy, the beautiful “New Beginnings”. Featuring the lovely vocals of Marta Karamuz, it has hints of Philip Glass, Bach (via some pipe organ-sounding synths), and Roger Eno (not Brian). By the time it’s over, you feel as if you’ve been in a lovely dream, but it’s time to return to reality.

Since the early ‘80s, I have enjoyed the music of many gifted composers of contemporary instrumental music. While the majority of so-called “New Age” music is absolute dreck, some artists who were unjustly thrown into that genre have risen above it: Patrick O’Hearn, Harold Budd, Mark Isham, Brian Eno, Roger Eno, Robin Guthrie, and Steve Roach have all composed and produced music that will stand the test of time. Kevin Keller is also one of those special artists. He is not afraid to make music that is beautiful for beauty’s sake, and he has a deft sense of how modern electronics can enhance, not overwhelm, his compositions. He is one of the most talented composers working in music today, and he deserves the widest possible audience.

For readers of Progarchy, fans of Lunatic Soul will find a lot to love in Keller’s music. You can access it at bandcamp, itunes, and amazon. Details are at http://www.kevinkeller.com/.

R40 Live to be Released: News from Prog-Sphere

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music1 Comment

Our good friends at Prog-Sphere have the following news regarding the November release of a R40 Live dvd.

Canadian rock legends Rush had both of their hometown Toronto performances — on June 17 and June 19 at the Air Canada Centre — professionally filmed and recorded for a future live DVD release. It is the first time the band had filmed a hometown concert in almost 20 years — since the recording of Rush‘s 1997 show at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre on the ”Test For Echo“ tour. Prior to that, they recorded the legendary ”Exit… Stage Left“ at Massey Hall in 1980.

The new Rush set will be released on CD/DVD on November 20 via Zoe / Rounder Records / Concord Music Group.

For all details, go to: http://www.prog-sphere.com/news/rush-release-new-live-dvd-november/

Metal Allegiance Album Released

On By Bryan MoreyIn progressive rock music1 Comment

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The highly anticipated thrash metal album from Metal Allegiance has finally been released! Featuring Mike Portnoy on drums, David Ellefson (Megadeth) on bass, Alex Skolnick (Testament) on guitars, and a host of guest musicians and singers, this album may be the best thrash metal album in a long time. Never before has Mike Portnoy played in such a heavy and powerful manner, and it is remarkable. However, do not think this album is simply Mike Portnoy and friends. This is truly a collaborative work of power metal.  

Check it out, and get your thrash on!

http://metalallegiance.com/index.php

RochaNews: Jane Getter Premonition, October 2

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment
JANE GETTER PREMONITION
ON
MADFISH
2 October 2015
Jane Getter Premonition new album ‘On’
due for release via Madfish, October 2 Label debut for Madfish feat supergroup line up including Adam Holzman, Chad Wackerman, Alex Skolnick, Bryan Beller & Corey Glover

“the fieriest frettboarding female ever to strap on a Stratocaster” GUITAR PLAYER
Madfish is set to release the brand new studio album, and first for the label from Jane Getter Premonition entitled “On”.
Recorded at Avatar Studios in New York, ON features a stellar line up of progressive and rock musicians – Keyboardist Adam Holzman (Miles Davis, Steven Wilson); bass player Bryan Beller (Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats); jazz/rock drummer Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth, Steven Wilson) and special guests including vocalist Corey Glover (Living Colour), jazz/metal guitarist Alex Skolnick (Testament, Savatage, Ozzy Osbourne Band) and British saxophonist, flautist and clarinetist Theo Travis (Steven Wilson, Robert Fripp). The album was co-produced by Jane Getter and Adam Holzman. Mixing duties were handled by Adam Holzman  and Anthony Ruotolo at Spin Studios in Long island City, NYC.

Guitarist and composer Jane Getter has played with many jazz and rock greats while garnering increasing recognition as a bandleader, gifted writer and instrumentalist. Early in her career she toured with legendary jazz/blues organist Brother Jack McDuff. Her composing talents received attention when she won the ASCAP Gershwin Award for Music for Dance or Theatre in the mid 90’s. Her debut CD Jane in 1998 received worldwide critical acclaim and the 2006 follow up See Jane Run was released on Alternity Records (home of Allan Holdsworth). In 2012 she released the progressive jazz/rock album Three. Getter also received widespread exposure playing in the Saturday Night Live Band.

Her band has played and toured internationally and live dates this fall will be announced shortly.
‘ON’

TRACKLIST:
Surprised
Where Somewhere
Pressure Point
Train Man
Diversion
Falling
Logan (would’ve sounded great on this)
Transparent

JANE GETTER ONLINE:
http://janegetter.com/
https://twitter.com/janegetter
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Getter/237319986301449

HI RES IMAGES AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD:
http://www.madfishmusic.com/media/jane-getter-premonition

Album review: Chris Cornell @chriscornell — Higher Truth ★★★★★

On By Time LordIn progressive rock music6 Comments

The new album from quondam frontman of Soundgarden and Audioslave, Chris Cornell, is released today.

And what an astonishing piece of work it is.

Cornell has always been one of the greatest voices in hard rock. But in recent years, with his solo work, and especially in live venues, Cornell has spread his wings and soared to every corner of the widest reaches of the capacious genre of classic rock.

On this new album, acoustic guitars and pianos dominate the soundscape, and Cornell shows himself to be an unsung songwriting hero, consistently able to spin rock and roll classics.

The songwriting here on his fifth solo album is consistently top-notch, and with this release Cornell has absolutely proven himself to inhabit the upper echelon of rock talent.

This is an album for the ages. With this definitive statement of ballad-writing skill and supremely classic rock vocals, Cornell delivers to us a moving collection of songs that cements his reputation as one of the very best artists ever.

Be sure to pick up the Deluxe Edition, so you can get four more songs (the final one is a killer remix of “Our Time in the Universe”) in addition to the twelve tracks of the regular edition of Higher Truth.

This album alone could gain Cornell entrance to the Rock Hall of Fame. The album has such a classic sound with the most accessible songs of his career that Cornell could have his own FM radio station and this album could play in heavy rotation and everybody would tune in both for the entire drive to work and for the entire drive home.

However that may be, here’s my never-fail recommendation. As the sun sets, light a candle and pour a glass, and put this album on the stereo. It will rightly carry you through into a higher truth of the most exquisite musical beauty.

A raised glass to you, Mr. Cornell. Congratulations on your finest album yet!

Album: Chris Cornell, Higher Truth

Progarchist rating: ★★★★★ (10/10)