We haven't gotten to chat with you since around 2012. What's been going on in the world of Markus Reuter for the last few years?
There was a lot of touring with the Crimson ProjeKCt and Stick Men, and I've established myself as a classical composer with the performance of my piece "Todmorden 513" and a couple other compositions.
MSJ:
What's ahead for you?
First of all the release of Stick Men's Prog Noir, the world premiere of a new orchestral piece called "Daimon Fu" and a few new group and solo releases - including Tuner (with Pat Mastelotto), solo band album Falling for Ascension, and a great project with guitarist Mark Wingfield.
MSJ:
Do you think that illegal downloading or streaming of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians?
Thinking about this is a waste of time for me.
MSJ: In a related question, how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them or posting them online?
I like it in a way, because it creates some sort of underground archive. On the other hand, most of these recordings are incredibly bad and give a wrong impression of the music. So overall I'm indifferent.
MSJ: What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately?
The last album I bought was Radiohead's A Moon Shaped Pool. I have recently been listening to Keith Jarrett's Köln Concert.
MSJ: Have you read any good books lately?
Probably old news for quite a few people, but I recommend anything written by Haruki Murakami
MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there?
I'm curious what people will think about the new Stick Men record Prog Noir. We've developed our sound quite a bit and it's become more accessible while still being very special musically.
MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2016 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.