That Drummer Guy Interviews Mike Mangini

[JRundquist]

Thanks again guys for digging the interview. Looking back and listening to the interview again in the 3rd persn this time. It is a great honor that Mangini felt comfortable enough with me to be completely honest and not just give the fast pleasing answers, but rather be real and honest.

...and the fact that this interview hit 4,401 views in a little over 24 hours is mesmerizing. I'm in total shock!

[Sycsa]

If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it."

Just like with being drunk all the time.

[Tis BOOLsheet]

Also sounds like he's really taking a back seat in the writing process.

Thats a really interesting way to interpret that... It seemed to me like his approach to writing with DT was incredibly wise.  He inputs his ideas when he can, but he makes sure that he doesn't interrupt the flow of the other members if they are on a roll.  What else would you want him to do? Seems pretty sensible to me.

Exactly. He's still the new guy. He's not going to come into something long established and act as though he were there the life of the band. People seem to think he was supposed to come in and be an equal-- in other words, perform a role that was never offered to him.

[Invisible]

I think he's doing the right thing, and I don't see how it could be any different, he's not Jordan walking in a relatively young four albums band in such an important role as the keyboards, he's entering a 11 records, 20+ years band with a whole career on their backs, you sure wouldn't expect to jump right away. And even the smallest idea like a key change or changing some bits here and there has a HUGE impact on the end product, just look at the differences between FII demos and the end product, even the smallest thing can change a song big time, even if it's 90% the same.

He'll probably increase his influence gradually over each album, or not, depends on a lot of factors, but I sure wouldn't expect him go from zero to being another JP. In another interview(good too, but with crappy sound) he said there are more DT haven't said and done than what they've done, giving an example of doing blues with a DT style, so I'm very much looking forward to hearing his input. It would be a shame to waste a fresh perspective.

As for the touring, in that same other interview the guy(who didn't seem a hardcore fan) asked him if he made mistakes and if they are noticed and MM said in a half frustrated/half funny way "Yes, I make mistakes, and everyone knows it because it's all filmed" and he hilariously took his cellphone and mimic the audience filming. But on this interview he explained it pretty well with the sports analogy. Professional sport players are very stressed while they are in the game, but as soon as the game is over and they've done good, it's a great satisfaction. He seems to like challenges and pushing himself forward, and as long as he doesn't push too hard  for his own sake I have nothing but admiration for him.

And I'm pretty sure it's the same for the other guys as well, the Riding the Train of Thought documentary showed it pretty well. DT music, no matter how skilled you are, is demanding especially for the brain. Hell, I as a listener forget tiny details of the songs now and then, you can't afford that to happen on stage. There aren't many songs you just can roll with it in autopilot mode.

[rumborak]

I also wonder, how much has he previously written in bands? Pretty sure he didn't write all too much in Extreme back in the day, and I can't imagine that happening under Steve Vai either. He's also never done a solo album to my knowledge.

[Kotowboy]

I could never be in a band where every single note is planned out in advance with barely any room for improv.

That would just feel too much like an exam - rather than a gig.

And it would just be as stressful as an exam and not fun at all.

[Tis BOOLsheet]

He probably didn't write anything in Steve's band. I think SV gives his musicians a lot more freedom than other solo acts, but if I open the liner notes, I too doubt I'll see a song writing credit given to MM.

I wish someone would ask him what's it like playing with JP compared to playing with Steve Vai, and how are they similar/different as players.

If I ever get the chance to meet him again I'll ask that.

[mikeyd23]

I wish someone would ask him what's it like playing with JP compared to playing with Steve Vai, and how are they similar/different as players.

If I ever get the chance to meet him again I'll ask that.

Great question, I'd be interested to hear the answer.

[bosk1]

That IS interesting.  I may just ask him that myself.  And I would also throw Nuno into the mix as well.

*adds to the list, along with the lava lamp question*

[Invisible]

I wish someone would ask him what's it like playing with JP compared to playing with Steve Vai, and how are they similar/different as players.

If I ever get the chance to meet him again I'll ask that.

Great question, I'd be interested to hear the answer.

Indeed. And considering it's MM, you'll probably get a great answer as well, I'd love to hear it.

[JRundquist]

I was hoping by making my Steve Vai, Annihilator, Dream Theater comparison that Mike would have started talking about comparisons like that. But considering the time crunch I had, I didn't want to interrupt him, especially since he has so much great insightful things to say.

[erwinrafael]

JR has acknowledged in other interviews that MM had input on the songwriting especially in suggesting ideas on how to tie things up rhythmically in ways that they have not imagined before. Listening to the album, I think what JR was talking about were sections like the Surrender To Reason instrumental (where the instruments were all going in very different directions but ended up being tied together) and the Putsuit of Truth section of IT (which has one of the most maddening time signatures that I have ever heard).

[JRundquist]

Mike is getting more and more involved as time goes on, by the time of the next album his presence will be felt even more.

[TAC]

Right. This being technically his first time being with the band while writing, Mike seemed to ease his way into it, trying not to rock the boat. Next time, he'll definitely be more active.