To our great progarchist, Gianna.
And to Alex Lifeson of Rush and Jason Hart of I and Thou!
Interview with 5R6
5R6 from Kharkiv in Ukraine are preparing to launch their debut full-length album “Islands” on September 25th. In an interview for Progarchy, singer and guitarist Igor Zubko talks about the upcoming release, influences, gear and more.
You are about to release a new studio album titled “Islands.” Describe the creative process that informed the album.
By the time we recorded the “+6.5 and Brighter” EP and went on tour supporting Stoned Jesus in 2012, we already had a couple of new songs in work, I had plenty of the song drafts and ideas to select from. We were very inspired after the tour. So we wanted to make an album in a year. But then, as they say, life happened. And all of the songs that eventually made it to the album were formed only by mid-2014. Which I think was for the best, because time made the selection process more effective, many ideas were dropped even before they made it to the rehearsal room. We also significantly changed some of the song structures and arrangements during that time.
At some point there were 8 songs that sounded like a good selection for an album. However, somewhere during the recording, we decided that one of the songs that was already recorded will not be on the album. The song was good, but it just didn’t belong there. We released it as a single/outtake through our Bandcamp, it is called “Vermin”.
This time we recorded everything at our friends’ studio where our drummer is working as sound engineer and technician. It’s the same studio where we rehears usually. So it felt almost like home and we had plenty of time and equipment to play with to find the right sound for each song. Which was great at first, but than became a little frustrating because it slowed down the whole process. Nevertheless, I think we reached our goal.
The album’s concept is inspired by Aldous Huxley’s famous essay “The Doors of Perception.” Can you tell me more about it?
I recommend to read the whole thing, it is short enough. Hey, a piece of writing after which The Doors named themselves worth reading. However, there is a particular part in the essay, where Huxley refers to every human group as a society of island universes. We experience both the joy and suffering on our own, we can communicate about our feelings, evoking sympathy or compassion, but we cannot communicate the feelings themselves. It struck me when I first read it, I had the similar feeling and thoughts for a long time, of course, I could not explain them as clear and exquisitely. The complete quote is beautiful and much more elaborate.
It is the normal way of things. But a though about being all alone even among your close ones appears very sad at a certain angle.
So. long story short, the lyrics on the album are about “islands”, about us – people; our connections, detachment, confusion, alienation, hopes and delusions, ignorance, aggression, apathy, will and all the fun stuff. It also touches on the so-called “meaning of life”, the most successful franchise over the last few millennia.
What were the biggest issues you experienced during the recording sessions of “Islands”?
It is about 300 km from Kharkiv to the war zone, and only 50 km to the common border with the aggressor state. So, at times it was hard not to ask ourselves what the point of this, or is this a good time for making records, for art. And the answer is – for art, it is never a good time, that’s why it is always the right time.
Regarding the process itself, It was hard to organize everyone schedule, and was frustrating when we could not continue for weeks, because of the schedule conflicts. Waiting for weeks and not making any progress, this was driving me mad. The last delay was my fault though. I just kept starting and rewriting lyrics to the title track until the day we finally recorded it.
5R6 sound is described as a mixture of metal, progressive rock, grunge and alternative music. How do you manage to channel that variety in your writing?
We do not manage it, it is just how it goes. We are influenced by very diverse bands and scenes, even with contradicting approaches towards the music. For example, Kirill and I both love Pink Floyd and Black Flag. In my playlist Beck’s album may be changed by Napalm Death, Steve Reich might be followed by Beastie Boys, John Scofield may meet Swans, etc. We’re just do not keep ourselves within a very strict limits of a sub-genre. We try to keep our own identity and this kind of “proggy/alternative” basis though. and not to wander into dream pop or IDM territory for example.
You say that the band’s purpose is staying open minded. What does it involve?
It is rather an attitude toward art, rather than a purpose. I guess I answered this question above.
Which bands or musicians influenced your works at the most?
The list would be too long to not become boring. I’ll try to name the bands that come to my mind first in no particular order. Slint, Tool, Pink Floyd, Death, Motorpsycho, Black Sabbath, Sonic Youth, Swans, King Crimson, Deftones, Massive Attack, Fugazi, Alice in Chains and many-many others.
What kind of gear do you use in studio?
I cannot name every piece of equipment involved in the recording, but here are some of what we used: Orange Rockerverb 50 amplifier, some custom-build-no-name amplifiers, Pignose “Legendary 7-100”, Mesa Boogie 4×12 and Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 3 cabinets. Most guitar parts were recorded using my Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Satin, we also used Fender Jazzmaster, some Strat, Fender Acoustic-Electric Guitar and maybe a couple of other guitars. We also used plenty of different pedals mainly overdrives, fuzzes and delays from EHX, MXR and Boss.
And it was really cool that we were able to play around with the vintage electric organ Yamaha YC-45D, We used it here and there in the record, and we were just stoked with the result.
Can you see a clear progress in your music since the band’s early days until today?
Yes, I feel that there is more individuality and less limits in our music today. By individuality I mean that we sound like 5R6, not like 5R6 playing some other band covers, in spite of the songs being considerably diverse. And I would like to think that we improved as performers (laughing).
It’s always hard to make something different, and it’s hard to make people accept the things that are not frequent and that change. 5R6 has come long way since your debut release, so where do you see the band in the future?
Well, I feel emotional exhausted right now, because of all the pre-release activities and decision making. So, it’s a bit hard for me to think about the future. A plan for the rest of the year is too release this album present it in big cities of Ukraine, work on promotion, work on new material(?), tour Europe in 2016 in support of the “Islands”, and we’ll see where it takes us.
Is there anything you want to share with our readers about your upcoming album “Islands”?
Do not forget to check our Facebook page for updates from time to time (wink). And don’t miss the release on September 25th.
Pre-order “Islands” on Bandcamp, and follow the band on Facebook.
Review: The Under – S/T
The Under is a Boston based band that really know how to mix different styles in their music. This June, Bostonians released a five-track self-titled EP, which with it’s almost 30 minutes brings organic, tasty sound.
No matter if you are more into rock, or if you enjoy it harder with metal, there is absolutely something for everyone. The EP’s structure relies mostly on the metal, but it’s prog rock, punk and alternative that make it different for The Under. The juxtaposition of vocals and guitar rhythms are appropriately contrasted: while Daniel Costa takes highs, his guitar will often help balance sound so as to not make the songs too asymmetrical.
The Under is a moving journey through the catacombs of haunting vocals, heavy riffs, and hard-hitting drums. “The Strengthening” opens the EP in a deliberately delicate style, with Costa’s vocals leading the song affectionately along. “The Fear” is less upbeat than the previous number, but its moving groove and Costa’s smooth shifting through the verses will make you nod your head during the song’s 6-odd minutes.
Throughout the first listens of the EP, the delicate and compassionate vocals of Costa seem to need many of the songs, but getting deeper into this material and nature of the harsh drumbeats and heavy yet fascinating guitar combine perfectly to provide each and every track with a real fragility. These are songs songs which work because of the multiple layers on which they are formed upon, most notably on “Insidious” where the mix of clean and brutal death metal vocals sets a fitting scene for the rest of instruments. “Apotheosis” is a chilling ode to alternative and progressive rock, and is the only instrumental piece on the EP. “The Harvest” gets the speed back with its thrash arrangements in the way of early Metallica.
2015 brought many great new releases, and although they are not newcomers on the scene, The Under will be a very pleasant surprise for many who look for something new and different. Make sure to check out this release.
Track listing:
1. The Strenghthening
2. The Fear
3. Insidious
4. Apotheosis
5. The Harvest
The Under are:
Dan Costa – vocals / guitars
Randy Odierno – drums
Ben Sternbaum – bass
The Under online:
Hasse Fröberg & Musical Companion – “HFMC”
Of the three Musical Companion releases to date, HFMC is undoubtedly the most mature as well as the most cohesive.
http://theprogmind.com/2015/08/25/hasse-froberg-musical-companion-hfmc/
Excerpt: Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew by George Grella Jr., Coming in October
We are super excited to announce the upcoming release of one of our two October titles, Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew by George Grella Jr.! Bitches Brew is still one of the most astonishing albums ever made in either jazz or rock. Seeming to fuse the two, it actually does something entirely more revolutionary and open-ended: […]
A Chat with Mariusz Duda of Riverside
I recently got to chat with my musical hero, Mariusz Duda.
http://theprogmind.com/2015/08/21/a-chat-with-mariusz-duda-of-riverside/
My Favorite Song of 2015?
Today (August 21, 2015) SPOCK’S BEARD’s brand new album, The Oblivion Particle, dropped. I went to my “brick and mortar” (Hastings) to see if they had it, as I was willing to pay full retail price rather than get it at Amazon.com. They did not have it…internet sales here we go again. A really nice review, […]
https://fatherwatson.wordpress.com/2015/08/22/my-favorite-song-of-2015/
Concert Review: Chris Isaak – Oregon Zoo
The joy of Chris Isaak. That joy is found under smoky skies with an orange hued half-moon hovering overhead as the modern day 50s man worked through a 24 song set on Saturday night at the Oregon Zoo in front of a sold out crowd. The smoke laden air from the forest fires raging miles […]
https://drewsreview.wordpress.com/2015/08/23/concert-review-chris-isaak-oregon-zoo/
An Interview with Robert McClung of TELERGY
Hampton, New Hampshire native, Robert McClung have been releasing studio albums under the name Telergy since 2011, and in the period of four years he put out three full-length records. His newest offering titled “Hypatia,” tells the story of ancient Greek astronomer, philosopher and mathematician. McClung has once again gathered a team of extraordinary musicians who contributed to the new album.
Robert was kind to give answers to our questions.
What can you tell me about the new Telergy album coming into life? What are your memories from the writing and recording sessions?
There were lots of fun moments. When flutist Mattan Klein came through the area on tour I only had a few hours on one day to grab him to record, but he was far away from my studio. I made a few frantic phone calls and found a synagogue near his gig that would let me use their place for a few hours. So I threw a laptop and some mics in a bag and away we went!
When Durga McBroom from Pink Floyd was in a studio in L.A. recording her parts she had to call me to clarify the pronunciation of some words in the script. I was going to a movie with a some friends at the time and they couldn’t believe who I was talking to on the phone, haha!!
I think my favorite moment during the recording was the cello duet “Martyr”. We recorded it live in a 100 year old cathedral at midnight. The acoustics were amazing and to watch such incredible musicians (Kristen Miller and Adam Nunes) performing something I wrote live was magic for me.
What inspired you in the first place to tell the story of the philosopher and mathematician Hypatia?
She is very much overlooked in history and doesn’t get the attention she rightly deserves. The people behind her murder went to great lengths to try and erase her from the historical record. I thought doing an album about her was a good way to bring her story to a wider audience.
“Hypatia” as well as the previous Telergy album features guest contributions from some of the most influential people on progressive rock and metal scene. It must be flattering knowing that these musicians are a huge part of the Telergy story?
It is a tremendous honor to work with the musicians I work with. The fact that they even know who I am and want to be part of what I do is incredibly humbling. None of them have “rock star” attitudes. They are all really down to earth people who are super supportive of the unique thing that I do. I am blessed.
For the purpose of releasing the album, you launched a crowdfunding Indiegogo campaign. Are you satisfied with how it turned out?
Absolutely!! I did crowd funding for the last album too. In both cases I more than surpassed my funding goal. All the profits from Telergy albums go to charity, so it’s a good thing for me and the people that benefit from the album’s sales.
A part of raised funds in the crowdfunding campaign was given as a charity to the Cross Roads House. What is your connection with them?
I have volunteered for them for many years. Every year I play Santa for their annual Christmas party and buy gifts for all the children at the shelter. I know what it’s like to be homeless, and I’m glad I can help people going through such a tough experience.
What do you think is important for a successful crowdfunding campaign? Also, do you think that crowdfunding is a good tool to strengthen the connection between an artist and audience?
I think my crowd funding success is largely attributed to the notoriety of the artists involved with Telergy. Some have large fan bases that directs allot of traffic to the site. I also made the best use of social media and friends to promote and spread the word. I do think it helps create a bond with the artist. The fans get to be directly involved with the band’s success.
Which of the three released albums was most challenging to compose and perform?
Definitely Hypatia! The scores were very in depth. Some of the orchestral players had to be in the studio for several days each to layer all the parts. As for myself, I played more solos on the first album “The Exodus”, so I got to do more challenging stuff there. But with the last two albums most of the solos went to more well known people. I’m more than happy to step back and let others shine. As the composer, producer and engineer, I have plenty on my plate to deal with already.
With whom of guest contributors was funniest to work over the past three records?
Hard to say. There have been plenty of silly moments in the studio over the years. Horn player Jennifer Larson always has me laughing in between takes. She’s got a great sense of humor. Which really helps make long and tedious recording sessions allot more enjoyable.
Perhaps one of the most interesting facts about Telergy’s music is absence of singers. Have you ever thought about adding them? Wouldn’t it in any way make your work easier when attempting to tell a certain story?
The entire objective going into Telergy was to tell stories using music, just the notes themselves. Which is where the name Telergy actually comes from (Definition: the hypothetical action of one person’s thought and desire upon the brain of another person by the transmission of some unknown form of energy. i.e, to communicate without words).
This concept used to be common in music. Good examples would be Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”, Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf”. Somewhere along the line this form of great art died out and gave way to more lyrical oriented things with Broadway and the like. I guess what I’m trying to do with Telergy is bring this great art form back to life. No offense to great lyrics, but working instrumentally is what gives me the most joy these days. But who knows, maybe some day I’ll get the urge?
How do you see progressive music in 2015?
There are a plethora of great bands and artists out there doing amazing things. Spock’s Beard, Nightwish, Kamelot, Within Temptation, Haken. Even some of the classic acts like Kansas, Yes and King’s X are still touring and making significant contributions to the genre.
The internet has allowed for much wider distribution and connection to the fan base than ever before. An artist like me, with no label support or promotion, would have had a pretty rough time twenty years ago. But now it’s much different. Which is all very good.
I guess the drawback is that rampant piracy and streaming services that pay pennies a play to artist mean there really is no money to be made in the business anymore. Which is sad, because it means artists need to do other things than just music to earn a living most of the time and can’t be devoted full time to their art. Which is bad. But if you got into music to make money in the first place, you’re in it for all the wrong reasons.
Are there any plans in the future to bring Telergy on stage and present music from the albums as a spectacle in the way of Ayreon and similar artists?
I would love to do so, but the cost involved would be pretty astronomical. It would involve dozens of top notch musicians, weeks of rehearsals, a very large hall and tons of production. None of which is anything I could ever afford to do on my own. For it to become a reality a financial backer would have to get involved and pump some serious cash into the endevour. So the basic answer is, highly unlikely.
But for now I am quite content just working on writing and recording great music. Who knows what the future may hold?
Metal Mondays: GK Chesterson Wrote Heavy Metal Lyrics Edition
O God of earth and altar,
bow down and hear our cry,
our earthly rulers falter,
our people drift and die;
the walls of gold entomb us,
the swords of scorn divide,
take not thy thunder from us,
but take away our pride.
Such are the opening words to Chesterson’s Hymn … and Iron Maiden’s Revelation.
Progarchy 