Jordan Rudess Interview with Lithium Magazine

[TheGreatPretender]

Update:

https://www.lithiummagazine.com/interview-jordan-rudess-dream-theater-%E2%80%93-march-20-2014




Old post:

Hey guys. A friend of mine will be interviewing DT on Thursday, and because I'm a fan, she's asking me what kinds of questions she should ask them. But to be honest, I suck at coming up with interview questions, so I thought I'd give you guys a chance to contribute. I don't want to make her wait too long though, so whatever we come up with within the next couple hours will have to do.

[GentlemanofDread]

What songs that aren't on the current set list were possibly considered?

[Shade]

How are they finding the extra performance time due to the "An evening with" format as opposed to having a support act, can we expect to see the same again in future tours?

[TheGreatPretender]

How are they finding the extra performance time due to the "An evening with" format as opposed to having a support act, can we expect to see the same again in future tours?

This is something I've considered making a question too. How long has it been since they've done Evening With?

[robwebster]

Questions about the live show seem good. How are they adjusting to the same set night after night? Will they be mixing the setlist up when they revisit cities on the next leg? Are there any songs from the latest album that they regret not putting on the setlist? Are there any songs from before that they're really hankering to play again?

More general stuff. Which was the hardest song to write? Are there any styles, genres, or anything they might've touched upon briefly in the past but would like to explore further in future? You could ask them what they'd like to call the Easter Egg, if they had to give it an official name?

Are there any songs the fans love that they never anticipated such a huge reaction to - and likewise, are there any songs they don't feel the fans quite "get" yet? How aware are they of fan response, and critical response - do they google themselves? Who's influencing them nowadays, is there any band out there who's got a really powerful magic they'd love to incorporate into the Dream Theater sound?

I feel like I've got this huge list of things that I'd love to ask Dream Theater if I had the opportunity, but it's like the moment someone asks you what your favourite book is and you go completely blank. I'll get there!

[TheGreatPretender]

I actually think you gave me enough great material there. 

[robwebster]

Haha - thanks! But, it's specific questions. I make mental notes, think, "If I ever get the opportunity!" Then... completely forget them. Arrrg!

But I do remember one!! It might be a bit nerdy for your mate, probably a question for another day, but I'm interested in how the Johns work together on Myung's lyrics. Because it was always the case that JM did the lyrics, and JP did the melodies - is that why he was credited as a co-writer on ADToE? I'm trying to think of a way of putting that question that's more general interest. "John Myung's increased his role lately, how is it writing lyrics again? Have your band mates been supportive?"

Along similar lines - would Mike and Jordan be interested in writing their own lyrics? Would John Petrucci enjoy the extra voices?

[TheGreatPretender]

So regarding the extra time on the Evening With format, how long HAS it been exactly, since they did an Evening With tour?

[robwebster]

Their last was the Octavarium world tour. So 2005/2006. I think Score was the last show of that tour, in fact, so that's April 1st 2006.

[rumborak]

My question would be, "What happened to those lava lamps? Did Derek take them with him, or are they stored in some DT paraphernalia vault?"

[TheGreatPretender]

Yeah, I don't think she'll be asking that.


I'm suggesting she asks them about Space-Dye Vest. What made them finally decide to play it live, and how are the fans responding to it?

[bosk1]

What's wrong with the lava lamp question? 

[TheGreatPretender]

Isn't it a little outdated? You gotta stay current!

[Marion Crane]

When will they be planning any Florida dates.  Seriously.

[TheGreatPretender]

Anyway, keep the questions coming guys. The interview isn't until Thursday, and I'm sure she'd appreciate any more.
Since she's not a huge fan, and might not have the proper context, try to keep the really inside questions to a minimum. Like the lava lamp thing. I know her and she wouldn't go for something like that. Or even stuff that would require a lot of background research, since the interview is only a couple of days away.

But I really don't want her to ask the same stuff that 50 other journalists have already asked, that's why I'm scrounging for more. Like the Space-Dye Vest thing. I don't believe it's been addressed.

[lithium112]

We've heard a lot about DT's writing process - how it tends to be a mix of individual writing/bringing ideas to the group as well as jamming. Would they ever consider releasing footage that showcases more of their writing/recording process? It would be super cool to see and with the recording setup they had on DT12 seems like they're only a few cameras away from being able to put out a mini "DT in the studio" documentary. I would buy the shit out of that.

[TheGreatPretender]

We've heard a lot about DT's writing process - how it tends to be a mix of individual writing/bringing ideas to the group as well as jamming. Would they ever consider releasing footage that showcases more of their writing/recording process? It would be super cool to see and with the recording setup they had on DT12 seems like they're only a few cameras away from being able to put out a mini "DT in the studio" documentary. I would buy the shit out of that.

The way I phrased it is, "A lot of fans are interested in Dream Theater's writing and recording process. Would they ever consider releasing another feature length documentary of their in-studio process the way they did with the Systematic Chaos album?"

[lithium112]

I phrased it is, "A lot of fans are interested in Dream Theater's writing and recording process. Would they ever consider releasing another feature length documentary of their in-studio process the way they did with the Systematic Chaos album?"

Thanks a lot! I hope the interviewer gets a chance to ask this!

[Volante99]

Booooring

I want the juicy details;

Has Mike Portnoy given you any feedback on D12?

What's your least favorite DT song?

Why have the drums sounded so bad on the last two records?

How do your wives feel about you being on tour constantly surrounded by beautiful groupies, who will stop at nothing to get in your pants?

JP, who is better? You, Steve Vai, or Paul Gilbert?

Why does John Myung never speak?

JP, remember that one time when you did that solo? That was awesome!!

[Sacul]

- Would you consider making an a capela section? Like Haken's Because it's There.
- Would Jordan consider making an electronic album? Because he has composed songs in too many styles but not that. And he seems to like that vibe.
- Would you hire a producer for the next album? Like Alan Parsons or another experienced guy to give you a bigger picture.
- MAKE A CONCEPT ALBUM.
- It would be cool to hear a choir with all the band members singing.
- Would you consider making an epic concert with all the ex members, the Octavarium Orchestra, Theresa Thomason and Jay Beckenstein?
- Will you ever make a 30+ minute song like SDOIT? Or another double album?

[Daso]

- Perhaps it's too early too ask, but is there a chance DT13 will be a concept album?
- Do you think the next album could be produced by someone else (other than JP)?

What about individual questions? As in, specifically to any of the members?

[TheGreatPretender]

- Perhaps it's too early too ask, but is there a chance DT13 will be a concept album?
- Do you think the next album could be produced by someone else (other than JP)?

What about individual questions? As in, specifically to any of the members?

I'm really not sure whether she'll be talking to the whole band or one or two members specifically.

[theseoafs]

I'm not sure whether this question is worth asking, but it comes up on the board often enough, and I can't really help but wonder this, so:

- What songs does the band currently consider to be "off limits" when writing setlists?  Which songs can we expect never to hear at a Dream Theater concert, in light of the various lineup changes, and particularly in light of MP's departure?

[Laughingplace56]

Will they be mixing the setlist up when they revisit cities on the next leg?

Are there any songs from before that they're really hankering to play again?

PLEASE ask these as I never see any journalists ask these. I'm pretty confident on the different set for the second European/US legs, but i need to know for sure.

Also, WHEN are they planning to do a second US leg? Those are my biggest concerns.

Other questions I have:
-What songs are they really looking forward to playing live, whether it be the other 3 DT12 songs or older ones they haven't played in awhile/haven't played with Mangini?

-Have they ever thought about bringing out Octavarium, ITPOE or A Change of Seasons into the set for a whole leg again, not just a couple special shows? Obviously, it takes up a huge chunk of set, so that's why they don't normally. But have they or will they ever consider doing it one leg? (If there was a time to do it, I think it was last tour cycle since BAI isn't a long song to close the concert. they could've had it in the encore, if they decided to do "Evening With..." shows that touring cycle.)

-THE GLASS PRISON. WHERE IS IT. Tell your friend to threaten them into playing TGP when they decide to come to Florida on this touring cycle 

[Invisible]

Here are my 2 cents

Next albums questions:

- Do you consider bringing different influences that aren't metal or progresive rock to the next albums, like jazz fusion or blues or electronic, to name a few? Are some styles or ideas off the table in the writing sessions?

- Do you consider going back to writing songs where the guitar plays a more supporting role instead of taking the lead, like Trial of Tears or Lifting Shadows Off A Dream?

- Is there a leader in the band when it comes to the writing process? How do you decide which idea to follow and which one not to?

- Do you have the fans reactions in mind when it comes to going for or developing an idea? Is that a concern for you?

- Is the idea of having an outside producer off the table?

Last album:

- Are you aware of a certain amount of concern regarding the mixing and mastering of the last album among the fans?

- Favourite moments of the last album, things you say to yourself "here we've done something exceptionally great"?

- How does the band deal with the inevitable mixed receptions that follow each of the band releases? Did you ever felt like punching a YouTube commenter or something along that line?

Live:

- Would you consider incorporating some rotation on the forthcoming setlists? Like switching a couple of songs each night or having two setlists instead of one?

- Were there surprises regarding the reactions of the fans to certain songs, like you wouldn't expect the great reception of some or the opposite?

- Any thoughts of playing any of the B Sides on the upcoming tours?

- Should the fans expect similar tributes/homages to Falling Into Infinity/Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence on the next tour? (pleaaaaase )

- Are there any songs that are off the table? If so, which ones and why

General:

- Are there any albums/songs that you feel different nowdays? Like a song you used to love but now not so much or a song that grew on you over time?

------------------------

Here are my contributions, if they sound a little negative because of poor phrasing feel free to change them . If any of those questions are asked I'd be extremely happy .

[mirko_metal_88]

Maybe something about the next tour, if they're gonna celebrate the 30th anniversary with some "special" setlist (as they did in Score), or some other unrealeased live songs (as they did for Another Won)

and what they'll play in the next part of the tour (this summer), if they're gonna change something in the setlist or not

[TheGreatPretender]

I'll see how she's doing later today. Maybe she's already satisfied with what she has. If not, I'll be sure to suggest some of those.

[adastra]

Tell her to ask politely if Mr. Petrucci could shave his face :3

[Invisible]

Tell her to ask politely if Mr. Petrucci could shave his face :3

And if she dares to, tell Mr. Petrucci to lose that hair before he loses that hair.

[adastra]

Tell her to ask politely if Mr. Petrucci could shave his face :3

And if she dares to, tell Mr. Petrucci to lose that hair before he loses that hair.

haha    The line has been crossed..

[King Postwhore]

Or the crooked step has been crossed.

[phentalmyst]

on the SDV front, i'd love to know if they had talked to KM about it. i'm guessing not, but still...

[7deg_inner_happiness]

JP, remember that one time when you did that solo? That was awesome!!

   I got the Chris Farley SNL (interview w/Sir Paul) skit reference.

[rumborak]

What's wrong with the lava lamp question? 

People never ask fun questions during interviews. Which is the reason I rarely ever read any of them.

[bosk1]

What's wrong with the lava lamp question? 

People never ask fun questions during interviews. Which is the reason I rarely ever read any of them.

Tell you what.  When I see them next month, unless it just slips my mind or something falls through the cracks and I don't get to talk to the guys, I will ask John about the lava lamps and post the answer here.