Interview
(Progressive Newsletter Nr.41 09/02)
excerpts from an interview with Brett Kull (Guitar, Vocals)
We were looking for something different to tackle. We thought it would be a challenge to write a piece of music that was more than just a bunch of ideas strung together. It was by far the hardest thing we've done...but very rewarding.
Did you had any idea right from the start of how long this one track would be?
No not really. We wanted it to be a full length CD, so we hoped it would be longer than 30 min.
Was it a group effort concering the whole process of developing and composing this one-song-album and how long did it take to compose and finally record "Mei"?
We wrote the song as a band all playing together. The lyrics were written by Ray and myself and the Music score for the extra musicians by Chris. I think we started writing in October of 2000 and finished by April of 2001. The recording started in April and Finished in May. So I guess the whole thing took about 7 1/2 months.
What's the meaning of the word "Mei"?
Dark and Intangable.
What's the story behind "Mei" or do you like to keep it more or less open to the interpretation of the listener, because the lyrics are only available via your website?
I like to keep it open to interpretation. I'll say that's it's a spiritual journey...
Do you see this piece of music as a kind of modern rock symphony or is it more of a journey through different moods and vibes?
It's a journey but as far as form goes it Synphonic. Themes are used again and again to give the impression of lots of different parts but there are really not that many. Lots of theme and variation. That was something we conscienciously did.
Who came up with the idea of the guest musicians using all these differents instruments from timpani, marimba to clarinet, flute and cello?
Chris and I did. We had trumpet too but it didn't work out. Chris put a lot of time into the score. It was a major undertaking...over 100 pages of music.
There first live appearance of "Mei" took place at the Nearfest, where the people didn't know the track at all. So which kind of reactions did you expect, how did the show went at all and how was the reaction of the people?
The fans were great. So far all the feedback I've been hearing has been wonderful. I wish the sound could have been a bit better for us but all in all it turned out pretty good.
How difficult was it to play "Mei" live in its entirety? How much had to been changed concering the the parts of the guest musicians?
Nothing was changed for the guest musicians. I had a harder time playing the old tunes. Mei was pretty fresh for all of us so it rocked. It definitely required a lot of attention on our part but we put many hours in rehearsing.
"Mei" has very unique and wonderful layout, looking almost like the artwork of a Mini-LP. What can be seen on the pictures and how's idea was it?
It is, it's a mini album, just like I used to buy! Greg - my brother - and I found the pictures in our local library. We were looking for shots that conveyed certain aspects of the lyrics. They are pretty well known pictures if your part of photography circles. Glad you liked them.
Additionally all the band members are also involved in some other musical projects. Can you tell me a little bit more about them and what they are musical like?
Paul and I are in a band Called Grey Eye Glances. We just released a CD called "A Little Voodoo in June and are playing out quite a bit to promote it. That band is a mix of Pop/Rock/and progressive styles with a female lead singer. Also Paul Ray and I have a project on the side with an ever changing name. These bands are know as "Still", "Always Almost", and the third installment will be called "God Pounds His Nails". This is a Rock three piece band sort of like Led Zeppelin, Neil Young and The Beatles. I just released a solo album in February called "Orange-ish Blue" That's more of a singer songwritter kind of thing. I'm really happy with it and hope to do more in the near future. I also do a lot of session work in the Philadelpia area and have played on hundreds of people songs.
Kristian Selm © Progressive Newsletter 2002