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| MSJ: Can you catch the readers up on the history of your involvement in music – sort of a "highlight reel?" |
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Hello, everyone. I play music since 1994, guitars and keyboards, and I began recording albums since 1998. I played in many projects and bands. Highlights are with Misanthrope, French extreme metal band with I recorded two albums and toured in Europe with Septic Flesh. I recorded many solo albums and latest one Embryogenesis is my most successful album. |
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| MSJ: If you weren't involved in music what do you think you'd be doing? |
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I will be a boring man. |
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| MSJ: Who would you see as your musical influences? |
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A lot of artists and bands, Marty Friedman, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Cynic, Dream Theater, Death, Patrick Rondat, Jeff Beck, Neal Schon and all the great guitar players |
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| MSJ: What's the best thing that's ever been said about your music? |
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| All good reviews are for me the best things - not one in particularly. |
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| MSJ: What's ahead for you? |
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| New stuff to write and record. I have a lot of ideas and inspiration. |
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| MSJ: I know many artists hate to have their music pigeonholed or labeled, but how would you describe your music? |
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| Progressive rock in the larger definition. |
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| MSJ: Are there musicians with whom you would like to play in the future? |
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A lot, but I like to invite friends or local musicians to my projects |
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| MSJ: Do you think that illegal downloading or streaming of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? |
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I think it helped, but the lack of money is the problem for artist's development. |
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| MSJ: In a related question, how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them or posting them online? |
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It’s their own right to publish videos
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| MSJ: If you were a superhero, what music person would be your arch nemesis and why? |
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| I don't have enemies. |
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| MSJ: If you were to put together your ultimate band (a band you'd like to hear or catch live), who would be in it and why? |
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| Mike Portnoy on drums, Freddie Mercury on vocals, Marty Friedman on guitars, Alain Caron on bass but I think it will sound strange. |
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| MSJ: If you were in charge of assembling a music festival and wanted it to be the ultimate one from your point of view who would be playing? |
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| A super guitar festival with all my influences |
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| MSJ: What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately? |
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| I think it was Haken Affinity. It’s awesome progressive metal. And I listen now to the latest Kino Radio Voltaire - great album with incredible melodies. |
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| MSJ: Have you read any good books lately? |
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| The Power of Now from Eckhardt Tolle - a masterpiece |
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| MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment? |
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| It was Scott Henderson in Nice, and it was fantastic |
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| MSJ: Do you remember the first concert you attended? |
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| Yes it was Obituary in 1994. I was 14, and it was amazing |
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| MSJ: Have you come across any new gear recently that you love? |
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| Yes, I use BIAS Amp 2 and BIAS FX with my PMC guitars - great tones! |
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| MSJ: Do you have a musical “guilty pleasure?” |
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| Some Jpop like AKB48 |
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| MSJ: What has been your biggest Spinal Tap moment? |
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| I kissed a girl while I tuned my guitar on the floor during tour with Misanthrope in 1999. |
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| MSJ: If you could sit down to dinner with any three people, living or dead, for food and conversation, with whom would you be dining? |
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My wife and my two best friends |
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| MSJ: What would be on the menu? |
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| French, Italian or Lebanese foods |
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| MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there? |
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Thank you for all readers and listeners, and take care of you and your family |
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| MSJ: This interview is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2018 Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018. |
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