New Interview with JP and JR

[j]

That was a brilliant interview. I think thats the first time in a while I've gone through six pages of any article/interview and read every word.

As has been said, the questions were great but I think the candidness of the responses was even greater-er.

This.

Excellent interview.  Also gave me some newfound sympathy for Portnoy.

-J

[ReaPsTA]

This interview basically sold it for me.  Dream Theater is basically the mafia now, with Don Petrucci as the godfather.  The man just seems to have a handle on everything.  If someone leaks a track from the next album like that radio guy in South America, I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility for the person responsible to turn up dead under mysterious circumstances.

[Sixtease]

I totally appreciate how the interviewer also asked difficult questions, in detail, and repeated it if they didn't give a concrete answer. I'm going to MusicRadar and click some ad banners. :-)

[jamhet]

One thing I don't like:

During the Iron Maiden tour you did last year, did you have any inkling that trouble was afoot?

Rudess: "No, not at all. Not a clue. If you would've asked me right before everything went down, 'How's everything in the band?' I would've said, "Everything's great. We're so solid, just smoothly riding along.' There was no sign of trouble. I think we were all shocked when we held this meeting and Mike dropped the news on us. We were all like, 'Whoa! That's a total surprise.'" [laughs]

We know that Mike Portnoy wasn't feeling "great", it's sad that Jordan didn't see anything at all, and it really undermines his statement. Because "everything's great" would imply that the members of the band knew how each of them was feeling (especially if such profound feelings were involved as those Mike had), and this obviously wasn't the case. Thus, it wasn't that great...
-

Another thing is that it seems to me that it is only John and Jordan who keep repeating the "Mike wanted a 5 year hiatus", as I don't recall Mike ever talking about any 5 years, but about an unspecified period of time that - as I understood it - would've/could've been much shorter. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

[RaiseTheKnife]

Best interview of the year so far.  Perplexed that JP/JR would not be eager to write with their new drummer, especially as it was a part of the tests. 

So there will be two new dynamics to look forward to: DT11, and then eventually DT12, which will introduce a new DT dynamic with MM's writing contributions.

Still need to find out how much Portnoy was willing to compromise on the hiatus when he asked to rejoin.  Would he have been on board to record in January?

[jamhet]

Perplexed that JP/JR would not be eager to write with their new drummer, especially as it was a part of the tests. 

That's the point right there. I don't understand it either - they had the intention of writing music with the new drummer and then they suddenly decided they don't want to have him around... weird.

[tri.ad]

I'm surprised that there are still people who don't seem to get it. MM wrote his own parts, why isn't that good enough for now? MM had, as far as his FB/Twitter posts go, some other obligations, including learning the band's back catalogue (well, he didn't explicitly say that, but it's perfectly logical). Perhaps MM himself didn't feel ready to be a full part of this task yet, who knows?

Regarding the "part of the tests" thing: It's exactly the same. MM was presented some riffs and was asked to come up with a drum part for it. During the writing process, MM was presented some songs and was basically asked to do THE VERY SAME THING. How on earth could this equal "they don't want to have him around during the writing" in any way?

[?]

VERY interesting interview, thanks for the link! I knew A7X had more to do with MP's departure than we thought! I think it's fair for Mangini that they didn't let him come back to the band.

[Dream Team]

I'm surprised that there are still people who don't seem to get it. MM wrote his own parts, why isn't that good enough for now? MM had, as far as his FB/Twitter posts go, some other obligations, including learning the band's back catalogue (well, he didn't explicitly say that, but it's perfectly logical). Perhaps MM himself didn't feel ready to be a full part of this task yet, who knows?

Regarding the "part of the tests" thing: It's exactly the same. MM was presented some riffs and was asked to come up with a drum part for it. During the writing process, MM was presented some songs and was basically asked to do THE VERY SAME THING. How on earth could this equal "they don't want to have him around during the writing" in any way?

Unfortunately this post will be largely ignored, and the next page of this thread will have posts saying "But how come they wrote all the drum parts for MM?"

[reo73]

We know that Mike Portnoy wasn't feeling "great", it's sad that Jordan didn't see anything at all, and it really undermines his statement. Because "everything's great" would imply that the members of the band knew how each of them was feeling (especially if such profound feelings were involved as those Mike had), and this obviously wasn't the case. Thus, it wasn't that great...
-

Another thing is that it seems to me that it is only John and Jordan who keep repeating the "Mike wanted a 5 year hiatus", as I don't recall Mike ever talking about any 5 years, but about an unspecified period of time that - as I understood it - would've/could've been much shorter. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

Why should it be sad that Jordan didn't recognize that;  Mike was on tour with A7X so how was Jordan supposed to have a deep understanding of Mike's feelings?  These guys don't live day in and day out with each other while off tour.  There is no logical reason to think Jordan should have know what was brewing with Mike.

My guess with the 5 year thing is that it was all a part of the flow of that initial conversation.  Mike probably started off with asking for an unspecified amount of time and then when pressed on what that meant it he threw out 5 years...or perhaps vice versa.  It was probably a confusing and awkward discussion to say the least and a lot of things might of been said, half of which i am sure we will never be privy to.

[Aniland]

The fact that MM didn't write anything (not even his own drum parts?) is a bit worrying to me. I really hope the drums are interesting and not just a support instrument on this album.

They were very clear that he wrote his own drum parts   

[ZirconBlue]

Another thing is that it seems to me that it is only John and Jordan who keep repeating the "Mike wanted a 5 year hiatus", as I don't recall Mike ever talking about any 5 years, but about an unspecified period of time that - as I understood it - would've/could've been much shorter. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

MP said his initial proposal was for an "indefinite" hiatus.  Then his compromise position was 1-2 years.  So, clearly the "indefinite" time frame was for a significant period.  I suspect "5 years" was thrown out as an example, rather than a firm time period, but it just stuck in the guys' minds.

[Aniland]

That interview was well-written, informative, and most importantly, concise!  x2

Did anyone notice that JP reacted positively to Music Radar's album title ideas? Does that mean the album title/cover art isn't finalized yet?

Hmm?

[Orbert]

"What exactly was the reason or rationale behind waiting so long to make the announcement? Why the long wait after the decision had been made?"

Multiple television stations showed interest in airing the documentary, they did not post any info until negotiations took place and (apparently) fell through.

Yeah, that stuff's starting to come out now, but it still seemed like something that should have been asked.  It's still not widely known, and JP and JR obviously don't have a problem going there now.  There were a couple of times when it really seemed like the next logical question, then they went to something else.

[JPX]

I'm surprised that there are still people who don't seem to get it. MM wrote his own parts, why isn't that good enough for now? MM had, as far as his FB/Twitter posts go, some other obligations, including learning the band's back catalogue (well, he didn't explicitly say that, but it's perfectly logical). Perhaps MM himself didn't feel ready to be a full part of this task yet, who knows?

Regarding the "part of the tests" thing: It's exactly the same. MM was presented some riffs and was asked to come up with a drum part for it. During the writing process, MM was presented some songs and was basically asked to do THE VERY SAME THING. How on earth could this equal "they don't want to have him around during the writing" in any way?

Finally...someone else who understands. Well stated.

[WildeSilas]

It's occurred to me that MM may never be a part of the initial writing process in the same way MP was. Think about it - from what we know of MM's past projects (primarily one Extreme album, and the Vai stuff), he was not involved in the initial songwriting process, but came in and tracked drum parts after the songs were written, just like he's done on DT11. There's no reason to think DT12 will be any different. The case may simply be that MM is not a songwriter, as is true for many drummers who see themselves in more of a support role. MM's entire career has cast him in a support role with very little input in the first stages of writing. It's entirely possible that he doesn't like/want to contribute in that way, and has no intention of collaborating from the outset, as with prior projects. Hell, JM and JLB seem to have contributed very very little in the initial stages of the last 3-4 albums. Why would we think that MM's situation would be any different?

Not to stir the shit, but I find it fascinating that so many are disappointed by MM's lack of writing involvement, yet valiantly defend the the writing on the last few albums. I can't read anyone else's thought process, but for me, I was hoping he'd be involved because I want something different and better than 8VM, SC, and BCSL and thought he might bring that to the table. I realize others may simply be hoping for this inclusion because change is good, it would integrate MM into the band more deeply, etc. But deep down, I wanted him to be involved for the same reason I want them to use an outside producer - I feel that some big changes are needed to improve the creative output, and a new writer in the mix would certainly shake things up, hopefully for the better.

[JPX]

I can't speak for Mike Mangini but he seems really happy about finally finding a solid foundation with a band that he feels part of.
I think that, combined with the fact that most musicians desire to create and write original music means that he will be an equal 5th part of the writing equation when DT12 rolls around.
I could be wrong of course but that I how I percieve it.

[JasonScandopolous]

Not to stir the shit, but I find it fascinating that so many are disappointed by MM's lack of writing involvement, yet valiantly defend the the writing on the last few albums. I can't read anyone else's thought process, but for me, I was hoping he'd be involved because I want something different and better than 8VM, SC, and BCSL and thought he might bring that to the table. I realize others may simply be hoping for this inclusion because change is good, it would integrate MM into the band more deeply, etc. But deep down, I wanted him to be involved for the same reason I want them to use an outside producer - I feel that some big changes are needed to improve the creative output, and a new writer in the mix would certainly shake things up, hopefully for the better.

Isn't the lack of mike portnoy a much larger creative change than the addition of mike mangini?  Given that mike did, I don't know, 70% of everything?  Things will be different enough without mangini doing any writing.

[bosk1]

Not to stir the shit, but I find it fascinating that so many are disappointed by MM's lack of writing involvement, yet valiantly defend the the writing on the last few albums. I can't read anyone else's thought process, but for me, I was hoping he'd be involved because I want something different and better than 8VM, SC, and BCSL and thought he might bring that to the table. I realize others may simply be hoping for this inclusion because change is good, it would integrate MM into the band more deeply, etc. But deep down, I wanted him to be involved for the same reason I want them to use an outside producer - I feel that some big changes are needed to improve the creative output, and a new writer in the mix would certainly shake things up, hopefully for the better.

Isn't the lack of mike portnoy a much larger creative change than the addition of mike mangini?  Given that mike did, I don't know, 70% of everything?  Things will be different enough without mangini doing any writing.

A bit, but not much, IMO.  My understanding is that Mike did not do a lot of writing in that he didn't come up with a lot of riffs or melodies.  His writing contributions were more along the lines of making suggestions as the band were jamming things out and contributing to the song arrangements.  Not to minimize those roles, but I don't think the changes will actually seem that big to our ears.

[WildeSilas]

Me either.

I also think we're starting with a faulty presupposition: That the writing in DT was divided into 5 equal parts. It hasn't been, especially in recent years. The lion's share has been done by JP and JR with MP in more of an arranging role (as you say). JM and JLB may throw in a song or lyric here or there (proportionately speaking), but they had nowhere near an equal share of responsibility. With MP gone, I'm hoping that changes, but until there's evidence that it has, there's no reason to think MM will also contribute equally.

[ReaPsTA]

A bit, but not much, IMO.  My understanding is that Mike did not do a lot of writing in that he didn't come up with a lot of riffs or melodies.  His writing contributions were more along the lines of making suggestions as the band were jamming things out and contributing to the song arrangements.  Not to minimize those roles, but I don't think the changes will actually seem that big to our ears.

That stuff matters a lot though.  If JP writes a riff, and MP says "that should be a chorus," everything created afterwards follows from that.  If JP and JR are jamming on an idea for a pre-chorus and MP says they should go with it, all the other parts of the song follow from the foundation of those ideas.  JP and JR are writing the music, but their creativity and choices are being channeled through MP's vision.  I don't think JP/JR/JM/JLB will be fundamentally changing the style of the band on this album, but their choices in terms of what kind of chorus comes from X or Y type of verse will at least feel different.

Or, to give a less abstract example, when JP originally wrote the lyrics and vocal melodies to TDEN, he said he originally came up with something along the lines of Chevelle.  MP said he should throw those vocals out and do the distorted growls.  Not saying this is good or bad, but it's an example of how MP fundamentally changed a song.

The overall point I guess I want to make is that even though MP didn't write much music, he had just as much of an influence on the music as JP and JR because he was so involved in directing their creativity.

[WildeSilas]

Great explanation. Another good reference would be the role that Trevor Rabin played in 80's era Yes. I would argue that the main thing he brought to the band was focus in the arrangements. Granted he also wrote way independently way more than MP, but he took some of the messier aspects of melodies and passages that belonged to the other members and re-arranged them to be more commercially accessible. I think everyone else in DT (particularly JLB) has the capacity to fill those shoes, but whether they will remains to be seen.

[Adami]

Me either.

I also think we're starting with a faulty presupposition: That the writing in DT was divided into 5 equal parts. It hasn't been, especially in recent years. The lion's share has been done by JP and JR with MP in more of an arranging role (as you say). JM and JLB may throw in a song or lyric here or there (proportionately speaking), but they had nowhere near an equal share of responsibility. With MP gone, I'm hoping that changes, but until there's evidence that it has, there's no reason to think MM will also contribute equally.

Well we do have evidence that JM is much more involved with the song writing with this album, as well as writing lyrics for it.

[skydivingninja]

Very very good interview. 

[Jamesman42]

Well we do have evidence that JM is much more involved with the song writing with this album, as well as writing lyrics for it.

I totally forgot about that. Cannot freaking wait.

[Ben_Jamin]

The joys of having no expectations.

I'm happy the others are now in charge.

[Blackfield]

A bit, but not much, IMO.  My understanding is that Mike did not do a lot of writing in that he didn't come up with a lot of riffs or melodies.  His writing contributions were more along the lines of making suggestions as the band were jamming things out and contributing to the song arrangements.  Not to minimize those roles, but I don't think the changes will actually seem that big to our ears.

Petrucci and Rudess are creative minds, you have to give them time to come up with stuff. Now, with Mike out of the picture they have taken that time, bringing demo process back and so on. I think because of this the quality of the music will be alot better. Less riffy I hope and more melodic.

[jamhet]

Less riffy I hope and more melodic.

I hope it gets more riffy and better melodically.

[fadetoblackdude7]

Good interivew. Also, who called it? lol I knew they'd put the disc out in Aug/Sep

[ricky]

Rudess: "I think that balance of fan support might have shifted recently, and I would say the videos had a lot to do with it.



hmm...maybe he got that info from this forum? idk, it's not that unlikely.

[ariich]

Me either.

I also think we're starting with a faulty presupposition: That the writing in DT was divided into 5 equal parts. It hasn't been, especially in recent years. The lion's share has been done by JP and JR with MP in more of an arranging role (as you say). JM and JLB may throw in a song or lyric here or there (proportionately speaking), but they had nowhere near an equal share of responsibility. With MP gone, I'm hoping that changes, but until there's evidence that it has, there's no reason to think MM will also contribute equally.

Well we do have evidence that JM is much more involved with the song writing with this album, as well as writing lyrics for it.

My thoughts exactly. I expect things to be somewhat different, but not hugely so.

Great interview anyway!

[Lowdz]

As far as I'm aware MM has no geat background in writing/arranging so why would anyone have great expectations in that regard? If that's what they wanted Lang or the other MM would have been the better choice (still think they would have been...). Just let the drummer hit things.
I don't think JP has any trouble knowing what should be a verse or chorus, and Reapsta, to use TDEN as a positive example of MP's contribution is not doing anything for your argument lol. The worst DT song ever for me, by a country mile.
I don't expect DT XI to sound much different to previous DT.
I'm just looking forward to hearing the new drum perspective.

[ReaPsTA]

As far as I'm aware MM has no geat background in writing/arranging so why would anyone have great expectations in that regard? If that's what they wanted Lang or the other MM would have been the better choice (still think they would have been...). Just let the drummer hit things.
I don't think JP has any trouble knowing what should be a verse or chorus, and Reapsta, to use TDEN as a positive example of MP's contribution is not doing anything for your argument lol. The worst DT song ever for me, by a country mile.
I don't expect DT XI to sound much different to previous DT.
I'm just looking forward to hearing the new drum perspective.

I think you misinterpreted my post a little bit.  Bosk was talking about how MP's influence on the writing might be exaggerated.  What I wanted to show was how MP was in fact a huge influence on the writing, not that his influence was good or bad.  And I didn't want to imply that JP can't arrange music.  The songs he's written for DT would actually say quite the opposite.

[unklejman]

I think the new album looks good for September,

September




























September

[Blackfield]

Did anyone say friday?