Project RnL [Interview]

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Music bloggers have Spinal Tap moments too.

While attempting to locate Project RnL for this interview, I spent so much time exploring the 800-capacity O2 Academy Islington that I felt like I was living this scene from This Is Spinal Tap. Eventually, thanks to the shining example of advanced technological wizardry that is Gmail, the plan came together. So began one of the most fun interviews I’ve ever done…

You’re nearing the end of a long European tour. How’re you feeling right now?

Or Lubianiker (Bass): We’re feeling pretty good, because we got this massive opportunity to take our music and perform it live for audiences, and get a lot of really positive feedback about what we’ve been working on back home in Israel, where our audience is very devoted, but not as diverse as you get when you go on the road.

You get to field-test both the band and the music – and to be honest, I feel like Read more…

Posted on 21 March 2016

Intervals [Interview]

Welcome to 2016! With a new year stretching off into the distance, I talked to Intervals mastermind Aaron Marshall about the story behind The Shape Of Colour – a release crammed with instrumental guitar-driven excellence that ranks as one of my favourite albums of 2015…

You’ve really had to fight to make The Shape Of Colour a reality. Could you please explain the story behind Intervals’ latest evolutionary shift?

I’m not sure I would say it was a fight as much as it was a test of my will.

Essentially, Intervals began as sort of an accident. I had one song for whatever my next project would be (at the time) and a good friend of mine insisted to shoot a “play through” video of the tune. I had no real intention of releasing it, but he convinced me that I needed to put it on the Internet.

Without being too long-winded, everything sort of snowballed Read more…

Posted on 02 January 2016

The Aristocrats Talk Fistfights, Touring, And Robot Pigs [Interview]

UPDATE: TMMP has been reborn! This video has the full story:

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Right now, The Aristocrats are one of the most infamous fusion-oriented bands on the planet. If you’re a regular TMMP reader, you’re probably well aware of them by now – but if you’re new and curious, or your memory needs refreshing, click here for many a reason to become a fan.

Besides being generous with their notes, these noble gentlemen are also generous with their time. With a four-month European tour kicking off in Cologne on November 16th before winding its way across the continent, TMMP talked to The Aristocrats about fistfights, touring, coffee, and robot pigs…

You’re three of the hardest-working musicians on the planet, and you have a hectic European tour running from November until February! How do you keep yourselves gig-ready amidst such a chaotic schedule?

Bryan Beller (Bass): Lots and lots of coffee. And naps. And then more coffee.

Guthrie Govan (Guitar): I always thought that being gig-ready should actually be easier if you’re gigging constantly, and that “rust” would be more likely to kick in after taking a long break from playing.

Marco Minnemann (Drums): Comfortable travel schedule, good sleep and good food. That helps. After the show…whatever happens.

What are your pre-show rituals?

Bryan: A nap. And then coffee.

Guthrie: Finding a secret smoking area.

Marco: Reclusiveness.

What’s the most awkward onstage situation you’ve ever had to deal with?

Bryan: I once got in a fistfight with the drummer from the band going on after us. 10 people jumped in. It happened onstage and Read more…

Posted on 29 October 2015