Notes From The Other Side

I make no bones about the fact that I’m a huge Travis Smith fan. His CD artwork is Art with a capital “A” and it graces the covers of many of my all-time favorite CDs. So I was thrilled when Travis said Yes to my interview inquiry e-mail. I called Travis this past week and was surprised to discover that he was gracious with his time, friendly, and somewhat self deprecating. What follows is our conversation, virtually word for word…

TS: How you doin’, Bill?

BM: Hey! How are you?

TS: Oh, not too bad, not too bad.

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This was just posted on the ProgPowerUSA web site:

Due to unforeseen visa complications, Wastefall will not be able to perform at the festival this year. I sincerely apologize to those that were looking forward to their performance. Everyone including the band, their management, the record label, and myself attempted to resolve the situation without success. This is a rare situation for the festival and I am still stunned by the sudden turn of events. The band will issue a formal statement soon. I wish Wastefall the best and hope to work with them in the future.

So it is with that bittersweet news that I can announce that Zero Hour have been tabbed as their replacement. I have been informed by Sensory Records that their new album (featuring Chris Salinas, ex-Power of Omens) will be available exclusively at the festival prior to it’s official release date of October 10th. I would like to thank Zero Hour for stepping up to the plate and helping me out on such short notice. I look forward to seeing them tear the stage apart in Atlanta.

You can hear a small sample of their new album at their My Space website: http://www.myspace.com/zerohourband

Glenn Harveston

I will secure an interview with Zero Hour’s guitarist Jasun Tipton and post it ASAP.

I just got off the phone with Zak Stevens, the multi-talented vocalist/songwriter from Circle II Circle. We talked (and laughed) for over an hourm, covering a huge range of topics from Savatage to Circle II Circle to life in general. What an amazing guy.

Thanks, Zak!

Watch for my interview with Zak to appear in the next few weeks.

Just so you know, whenever possible I ask the bands I interview to send me photos that have rarely been seen (or seen by no-one, anywhere) to post on the Notes web site. Visit the Photos section to see what’s been posted recently, including some from Wastefall, Circus Maximus and Shane Dubose’s bands.

Once I’m at ProgPowerUSA VII, I’ll be snapping photos like crazy of everything and everyone — on stage, back stage, in the audience…you name it. So, during PPUSA VII, if you have Internet access where you’re staying, visit the site often to see what I’m seeing. Or simply stop by once you get back home for a complete recap of the entire event (at least as much of it as I see through my camera lens).

June is off to a roaring start. I have no less than four interviews scheduled within a week’s time with ProgPowerUSA performers, and another one to schedule for as soon as possible after that.

Evergrey: Wednesday, June 14 @ 1 p.m. my time.

Epica: Saturday, June 17 @ noon my time (tentative)

Circle II Circle: Sunday, June 18 @ 6 p.m. my time

Freak Kitchen: Wednesday, June 21 @ 7 a.m. my time

Plus…

I just got off the phone with Chris Caffrey, guitarist, songwriter, singer, all ’round talented guy for the mighty Savatage, TSO, and his own solo career — which, most recently, consists of the intense state-of-the-world album W.A.R.P.E.D. It was an eye-opening interview that lasted an hour. Thank you, Chris!

As always, my interviews will be posted with a minimum of B.S. from me. I’ll let these people talk as long as they want, about virtually anything they want, so that readers get a glimpse into their hearts and minds.

Wow. I just hung up the phone with Alex, the 23-year-old guitarist from the Greek metal band Wastefall. He and I talked for about 50 minutes, covering the widest range of topics in any interview yet — from philosophy to Greek culture and history to social activism to the story behind each song on Wastefall’s soon-to-be-released album Self Exile. As our interview drew to a close, he said, “This has been the best interview ever…really great dialogue. I forgot it was an interview. Thank you.”

No, Alex. Thank you. I can’t wait for people to read what you had to say!

May was a whirlwind of interviews, preparing for interviews, and transcribing interviews. But June looks to be equally busy. Here’s my interview schedule for June:

Alex (Wastefall): June 3rd at 9 a.m. my time.

Jorn Lande: June 3rd at noon my time.

IA (Freak Kitchen): By second week of June.

Evergrey: As soon as In Flames tour winds down.

Epica: As soon as I hear back from Mark Jansen.

More specifics (and more interviews) will be posted soon.

I just got word…My interview with Jorn Lande has been scheduled for this Saturday (June 3rd) at noon my time (Eastern Standard Time). I can’t wait! Jorn is one of my all-time favorite vocalists and The Duke is one of my all-time favorite albums.

I’ll transcribe my interview with Jorn and post it ASAP in June.

Watch for it!

Theocracy’s Matt Smith is a fan of the action TV show 24. How do I know that? Our interview, originally scheduled for 3:00 today, has been postponed to Monday night at 8:00. I told him that time works for me because 24 ended last week. His reply: “Yeah, there would be no interview tomorrow night otherwise, lol. ”

I can’t wait to ask Matt about Theocracy’s steller debut album…and his opinion of the cliff-hanging season finale of 24.

Stay tuned.

I just got off the phone with Michael Eriksen from Circus Maximus. What a great guy! Brimming over with talent and energy.

During our one hour interview, Mike played a song he wrote exclusively for our interview called “Back to Atlanta” in honor of Circus Maximus’ return trip to ProgPowerUSA VII this fall.

He composed the song last Friday. And it sounds fantastic. What a voice!

I’ll transcribe my interview with Mike and post it in June.

Thanks for your time, Mike!