Author Topic: New Mike Mangini Interview  (Read 61993 times)

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Offline volwrath

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New Mike Mangini Interview
« on: December 04, 2016, 03:27:44 PM »
This was posted earlier on reddit, and I havent seen it posted on here: https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/12/04/mike-mangini-october-31st-indianapolis-interview/

Very interesting!  It sounds like he may be a bit over being with DT.

Offline thosava

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #1 on: December 04, 2016, 03:41:40 PM »
Is it just me, or did someone else also get a sort of negative vibe from that interview?

Offline KevShmev

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2016, 03:51:49 PM »
I only read it, didn't watch, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if he wasn't in the band that much longer.  He clearly sounds frustrated with not being more involved in the songwriting.

Offline rumborak

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2016, 03:55:05 PM »
"10%", "not included", "replacement drummer"...

That's some pretty stark words.
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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2016, 04:02:10 PM »
Sounds like he went in thinking a team effort and man he's not liking it.
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Offline Ravenfoul

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2016, 04:05:48 PM »
Yeah maybe that's just his... sense of humor or something, but that definitely came across as 'meh, life sucks but I enjoy eating and I got a solo album comin' out.'

Edit: not that I want him to lie and be like 'HECK YES LIFE IS GREAT'

Offline emtee

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2016, 04:53:23 PM »
I'm not quite sure what to make of that. Maybe he was having a bad day like we all do and it spilled into the interview...although
his frame of mind and demeanor seemed normal.

He seems pretty bummed that he is not a bigger part of the creative process. Actually he seems pretty 'over' the whole thing which
is very odd.

Hmmm

Offline DoctorAction

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #7 on: December 04, 2016, 04:53:57 PM »
He sounds bored, bitter and unhappy. Shame. Seems like a cool guy and clearly has amazing talent. I very much doubt we'll ever get to hear his potential realised in DT, judging by that interview.
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Offline CB

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #8 on: December 04, 2016, 04:57:46 PM »
I like his honesty but this interview makes me feel sad. After MP left I hoped that all band members would be more equally involved in the songwriting process. But the opposite happened, creatively DT shrinked to a two person project. I hope they change that direction with the next album.

Offline TheAtliator

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2016, 05:13:29 PM »
Yes he said "not included" referring to the writing on this album, but he did not say he was unhappy about it. It's just a statement of fact. Don't jump to conclusions.

The only impression I got from this interview was that they went all in and took their two-writer conceptual writing and also their backing track / visual-heavy show to the fullest extent this go around, and if I had to guess and make a prediction, the next thing they do will probably go in another direction.

This is how DT has always worked. They constantly explore different avenues within their sound and production and let them run their course until it's time for something new.

Offline gzarruk

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #10 on: December 04, 2016, 05:16:16 PM »
Well, Mike's a very positive guy, so reading this is kind of surprising. I don't think he's going to quit DT anytime soon, but he's writing his own solo music and wants to offer more than just play the drums for the band. I definitely want him to get more songwriting opportunities on the next DT album, but, with the IAW 25th anniversary tour coming up, he's going to be playing lots of music from before he got in the band and the next album might be delayed to late 2018 or even 2019, depending on how much they tour next year.

Like I said, I don't think he's considering to leave the band anytime soon, remember this interview is from more than a month ago, and he's already talked about learning songs for the DT tour next, after this interview. It just wouldn't make sense to start working on all that if he's planning to leave the band at the end of this tour or else.

Also, I would hate to see him leave, while still lots of "fans" don't appreciate all he's brought to the band. And don't get me started on the big pile of "bring Pornoy back" comments waiting to get posted. It just wouldn't be right.
It sounds like, "ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk." Instead of the more pleasing kick drum sound of, "gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk."

Offline emtee

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #11 on: December 04, 2016, 05:25:34 PM »
Time will tell.

I will just say that people who are truly artistically driven, and I mean from deep down in their soul, have an insatiable need to create.
It's what defines their existence. Maybe he can have a very honest discussion with the band before the next album and let them know
how important it is for him to be a bigger part of the process. Then again he might not like the answer he gets from JP.

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #12 on: December 04, 2016, 05:25:49 PM »
Yes he said "not included" referring to the writing on this album, but he did not say he was unhappy about it. It's just a statement of fact. Don't jump to conclusions.

The only impression I got from this interview was that they went all in and took their two-writer conceptual writing and also their backing track / visual-heavy show to the fullest extent this go around, and if I had to guess and make a prediction, the next thing they do will probably go in another direction.

This is how DT has always worked. They constantly explore different avenues within their sound and production and let them run their course until it's time for something new.

And MM sounds a little disillusioned.  I would guess he wants a team effort writing. Why people are jumping to conclusions is he never sounds negative like this in interviews.
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Offline rumborak

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #13 on: December 04, 2016, 06:07:41 PM »
If you look back to the audition documentary, he was mentioning how the type of music DT plays is what "naturally comes out of him anyway". I think he had high hopes he would provide significant input to DT, giving new impulses. That after 6 years he has to answer "humor" when asked what his biggest contribution to DT is, is probably not the scenario he envisioned.
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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #14 on: December 04, 2016, 06:08:36 PM »
Did MP take over MM's body?


"How am I supposed to offer stuff to a band like Dream Theater? I have, but it's just not on their level."

WUT?
would have thought the same thing but seeing the OP was TAC i immediately thought Maiden or DT related
Winger Theater Forums........or WTF.  ;D
TAC got a higher score than me in the electronic round? Honestly, can I just drop out now? :lol

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #15 on: December 04, 2016, 06:16:02 PM »
Wow, that was uncomfortable.

He looks, spent, tired, aggravated, and talking to that guy was obviously the last thing he wanted to be doing.
would have thought the same thing but seeing the OP was TAC i immediately thought Maiden or DT related
Winger Theater Forums........or WTF.  ;D
TAC got a higher score than me in the electronic round? Honestly, can I just drop out now? :lol

Offline rumborak

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #16 on: December 04, 2016, 06:21:28 PM »
Didn't get that impression at all. I thought Mike was pretty comfortable talking to the guy, and the guy was also very casual and non-pressing. It was totally Mike steering the conversation where it went.
"I liked when Myung looked like a women's figure skating champion."

Offline KevShmev

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #17 on: December 04, 2016, 06:26:14 PM »
After watching the interview, there were at least a dozen non-verbal cues in that interview that led me to believe that he is tired and frustrated of being in the band.  He is a classy guy, hence him saying he is doing his best to be a team player, but his aggravation is more than obvious. He didn't have to say, "I am unhappy"; his non-verbal behavior said it all. For example, look at his eyes and the way he dipped his head when he talked about how being on the road has affected his family life; that clearly bums him out a lot.

Offline TheAtliator

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #18 on: December 04, 2016, 06:31:36 PM »
They may all be perfectly happy to have had this one album written by Rudess and Petrucci, under the premise that they know the next one could very well be written as the biggest group effort yet, or perhaps feature songs primarily written by the other three guys. Each thing presents its own challenges and I think that's what he's saying.

They always have surprises in the works, and just because they might do some different next, doesn't mean they didn't like what they did before. Mangini is speaking his mind, stating facts, and describing what he focuses on. You can't all the sudden dive into him (of all people) being disappointed with DT. We don't know...

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #19 on: December 04, 2016, 06:33:08 PM »
They may all be perfectly happy to have had this one album written by Rudess and Petrucci, under the premise that they know the next one could very well be written as the biggest group effort yet, or perhaps feature songs primarily written by the other three guys. Each thing presents its own challenges and I think that's what he's saying.

They always have surprises in the works, and just because they might do some different next, doesn't mean they didn't like what they did before. Mangini is speaking his mind, stating facts, and describing what he focuses on. You can't all the sudden dive into him (of all people) being disappointed with DT. We don't know...

But aren't you assuming everything is perfectly good and he is quite happy? I mean, sure both are possible,  but this interview at least hints at one of the directions, not both.
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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #20 on: December 04, 2016, 06:35:43 PM »
In all his other interviews MM has been very positive.  This is a very telling interview.  It's out of his character so it's very telling.
I don't like country music, but I don't mean to denigrate those who do. And for the people who like country music, denigrate means 'put down'.” - Bob Newhart
So wait, we're spelling it wrong and king is spelling it right? What is going on here? :lol -- BlobVanDam
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Offline SystematicThought

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #21 on: December 04, 2016, 06:37:39 PM »
The chapter in my life comment was interesting to me.

Mike just seemed really tired and spent. The tour must be catching up to him. But I hope the guys in the band read/hear this and say: "Hey, we've got to involve this guy more, he's got a lot to add to us."
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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #22 on: December 04, 2016, 06:38:34 PM »
The tour must be catching up to him. 
Definitely looked that way.
would have thought the same thing but seeing the OP was TAC i immediately thought Maiden or DT related
Winger Theater Forums........or WTF.  ;D
TAC got a higher score than me in the electronic round? Honestly, can I just drop out now? :lol

Offline SystematicThought

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #23 on: December 04, 2016, 06:40:40 PM »
I mean, he truly is dialed in for this show with the video/lights. They have synced videos and lights in almost all of their shows, but this one seems really complex and it's true that if he makes a mistake, then the whole show is off, at least technically speaking. That's not stress that I'd enjoy every single night
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Offline rumborak

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #24 on: December 04, 2016, 07:12:00 PM »
In all his other interviews MM has been very positive.  This is a very telling interview.  It's out of his character so it's very telling.

I think the main difference here to previous interviews was that he wasn't trying to deflect the question anymore. He has been asked before about the amount of his contributions, and he always gave a "I'm a team player" answer. This was the first time (to my knowledge) that he said flat out "I wasn't included in two of the three albums, and even on the third it was little more than a sentence". And the "how could I even contribute ... whatever, whatever, whatever" had a previously unheard-of defeatism to it.
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Offline gzarruk

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #25 on: December 04, 2016, 07:21:11 PM »
I can understand that some fans don't appreciate Mangini's work for the band or all the effort he puts into it, but not being able to use your true potential becuase your bandmates don't see the need for it yet is just heartbreaking  :'(
It sounds like, "ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk." Instead of the more pleasing kick drum sound of, "gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk."

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #26 on: December 04, 2016, 07:22:25 PM »
In all his other interviews MM has been very positive.  This is a very telling interview.  It's out of his character so it's very telling.

I think the main difference here to previous interviews was that he wasn't trying to deflect the question anymore. He has been asked before about the amount of his contributions, and he always gave a "I'm a team player" answer. This was the first time (to my knowledge) that he said flat out "I wasn't included in two of the three albums, and even on the third it was little more than a sentence". And the "how could I even contribute ... whatever, whatever, whatever" had a previously unheard-of defeatism to it.

Dead on Rumbo.
I don't like country music, but I don't mean to denigrate those who do. And for the people who like country music, denigrate means 'put down'.” - Bob Newhart
So wait, we're spelling it wrong and king is spelling it right? What is going on here? :lol -- BlobVanDam
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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #27 on: December 04, 2016, 07:33:29 PM »
In all his other interviews MM has been very positive.  This is a very telling interview.  It's out of his character so it's very telling.

I think the main difference here to previous interviews was that he wasn't trying to deflect the question anymore. He has been asked before about the amount of his contributions, and he always gave a "I'm a team player" answer. This was the first time (to my knowledge) that he said flat out "I wasn't included in two of the three albums, and even on the third it was little more than a sentence". And the "how could I even contribute ... whatever, whatever, whatever" had a previously unheard-of defeatism to it.

OK. So why the different approach?
would have thought the same thing but seeing the OP was TAC i immediately thought Maiden or DT related
Winger Theater Forums........or WTF.  ;D
TAC got a higher score than me in the electronic round? Honestly, can I just drop out now? :lol

Offline rumborak

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #28 on: December 04, 2016, 07:36:03 PM »
Not sure I understand your question, TAC. Do you mean why did MM change his approach now?
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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #29 on: December 04, 2016, 07:37:56 PM »
Well, why do you think he sounded so (your word) defeated (ism)?
would have thought the same thing but seeing the OP was TAC i immediately thought Maiden or DT related
Winger Theater Forums........or WTF.  ;D
TAC got a higher score than me in the electronic round? Honestly, can I just drop out now? :lol

Offline rumborak

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #30 on: December 04, 2016, 07:40:24 PM »
Well, for the same reason that a lot of people eventually speak about a situation they are unhappy with. At some point they get too frustrated to gloss it over.
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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #31 on: December 04, 2016, 07:42:56 PM »
Well, for the same reason that a lot of people eventually speak about a situation they are unhappy with. At some point they get too frustrated to gloss it over.

OK, well that's what I was asking you. He comes off as really frustrated.
would have thought the same thing but seeing the OP was TAC i immediately thought Maiden or DT related
Winger Theater Forums........or WTF.  ;D
TAC got a higher score than me in the electronic round? Honestly, can I just drop out now? :lol

Offline gzarruk

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #32 on: December 04, 2016, 07:56:00 PM »
Let's remember that every single thing Mike does is under the microscope from the, surprisingly lots of, "fans" who just can't let go of the fact that Portnoy left. If he plays something too similar like MP, "the guy has no creativity, he just copies Portnoy", if he changes something too much, "he's disrespectful to the song". If he plays too simple on a new album (like some parts of TA, for example), "the guy can't write any good drum parts", if he plays very complex parts, "the guy is just showing off, pure skill and no groove". It's like he just can' win with everything he does.

Now, I don't think he, or anyone, should be concerned too much about what some people say, becauses, not matter what you do, you'll always have people supporting you and people hating on you, it's just part of life. Having said that, all that criticism can be a very hard burden to carry.

Combine that with his wish of being able to contribute much more to the writing and the band in general, and you have a bad result  :sad:
It sounds like, "ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk." Instead of the more pleasing kick drum sound of, "gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk."

Offline Mosh

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #33 on: December 04, 2016, 08:14:56 PM »
This isn't the first report of him seeming unhappy in the band. I expect one more album with him, tops.
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Offline SystematicThought

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Re: New Mike Mangini Interview
« Reply #34 on: December 04, 2016, 08:15:45 PM »
The thing is, allowing MM to write more and contribute shouldn't be that much of an issue. He is capable of doing so
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