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MSJ:
Can you catch the readers up on the history of your involvement in music –leading up to and including the Soniq Theater project? |
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From 1974 to 1979 I took organ lessons. From 1980 to 1997 I played keyboards in several bands of which Rachel’s Birthday signed to a label and released an album in 1996, and from 1997 I’m an independent solo artist. |
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MSJ: If you weren't involved in music what do you think you'd be doing? |
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Nothing else, I’m happy that I can do my music. I had an office job that made me sick. |
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MSJ: How did the name "Soniq Theater" originate? |
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Two explanations, the first: I play keyboards of ENSONIQ and 25 years ago I played in a local theater group as an amateur actor which was a great experience for me, and also very inspiring for my later music. The second explanation is: my Soniq Theater music is often very filmic, cinematic and also theatrical. |
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MSJ: Who would you see as your musical influences? |
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Really a lot - on the Soniq Theater website they are listed. Well, symphonic progressive rock, electronic music, fusion, classical music, and also world music |
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MSJ: What's ahead for you? |
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The next Soniq theater album, which will hopefully be released in 2013 |
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MSJ: I know artists hate to have their music pigeonholed or labeled, but how would you describe your music? |
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A mix of keyboard based progressive rock, electronica, fusion, classical music and some traces of world music and other ingredients |
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MSJ: How do you keep it fresh and change things from disc to disc? |
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Well maybe due to the many influences I have and due to my big fantasy. |
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MSJ: Are there musicians with whom you would like to play with in the future? |
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Not really, but in my archive I have some recordings that I made with some guitarists and one vocalist…maybe I release them on future albums. |
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MSJ: Do you think that illegal downloading of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? |
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Illegal downloading is, of course, not good for the music industry…for signed artists that want to earn money with their music. For me as an independent artist, I have to say, I’m an idealist. I know that I cannot make much money with my music, but my intention is to spread my music as far as possible, so I give my music away for free download at the Soniq Theater website. |
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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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Lots of more or less not very known newer progressive rock bands, especially from Sweden and from the USA. I think Brother Ape was the last of these bands. Also lately a very interesting Australian band/project called “Unitopia.” |
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MSJ: Have you read any good books lately? |
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No not really, I read much in the web, that’s sufficient for me. I had a time when I interested in esoteric spiritual books, the latest I read had the title “The Power of Karma.” |
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MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment? |
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Since eleven years I saw no concerts, due to health problems, but before that, I have seen many of the known prog bands live |
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MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there? |
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Stay progressive, not only in what you listen but also in what you think! |
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MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound. |
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