Dream Theater - Where Are You??

[Cool Chris]

Take the other day when the band did a Twitter listening party for Scenes, and it wasn't even talked about here (unless it was a chat thread that I didn't see, as opposed to a dedicated thread).

I actually thought yesterday "Hey, wasn't there some FaceTwitt thing going on with Scenes this weekend? I saw a random post about it here, and then forgot about it 5 minutes later. I have seen so many artists, both active and retired, posting stuff on YT (the only social media site I visit - so I am sorry if I am missing anything, I am frequently lounging under my rock). But aside from Jordan doing that Prog at Home thing, and the interview with James and JM linked in another thread, I haven't seen anything from the guys either individually or as a band. Your ex-drummer is boring us talking about his vinyl collection*. What the heck are you guys up to? Interact with your fans, let us know what you've been doing or working on, tell us some funny stories... toss us a bone to chew on. Again, if they are all over other forms of media I don't frequent, I apologize, but I feel if it was worth checking out someone would have linked it here.


*I say this in jest I am sure it is interesting for those who would enjoy that sort of thing, to me it sounds boring.

[MustActFastToCoverUp]

I think the facebook chats on DT World are doing a good job showing what the band members are up to right now, JM/JLB and JR already contributed, JP and MM may follow. JP may have been busy with his solo album (probably still is) and there's the LTE rumours fed by Jordan every now and then. I think thats something to chew on.

[Setlist Scotty]

Chris, I can get you might not like MP's videos of paging thru his new vinyl collection, but you should watch at least episode 2, as a big part of that video is spent talking about DT albums.

[devieira73]

Maybe you are talking about some personal videos, but I thought this one with MM very cool: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E7IgFcUV5rg&feature=youtu.be
The drum sound from MM studio is really great!

[Puppies_On_Acid]

Maybe you are talking about some personal videos, but I thought this one with MM very cool: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E7IgFcUV5rg&feature=youtu.be
The drum sound from MM studio is really great!

I love that song, and that sounded awesome! However, every time I see Mike's drum kit it pisses me off. PUT THOSE CYMBALS IN THE CORRECT PLACE!

[gzarruk]

There's stuff happening, it's just that the members don't manage it personally anymore. In fact, none of them are really active in social media (except maybe Jordan).

Also, there's nothing too interesting to promote really. JP is clearly the one who will gather them for whatever band related stuff they'll do, including the next album writing/recording sessions, and he's currently busy with his new solo album campaign, so I guess that's why DT seems to be doing "nothing" right now.

[Dublagent66]

Well, let's see.  It's been nearly 6 years since their last live release (BTFW).  They were supposedly recording live material in London some time ago (can't remember when).  Seems like they'd have all kinds of time on their hands since touring has been put on hold.  I'd really like to know the status of their next live release.  Maybe they want to release one more album before they do that?  That could take a while.

[Cool Chris]

Also, there's nothing too interesting to promote really. JP is clearly the one who will gather them for whatever band related stuff they'll do, including the next album writing/recording sessions, and he's currently busy with his new solo album campaign, so I guess that's why DT seems to be doing "nothing" right now.

It doesn't need to be under the guise of promoting anything. Robby Krieger has posted some videos about his guitar work with The Doors. It isn't to promote anything, his work, or the Robby Krieger brand. He just thought it would be cool to make some videos for the fans. 

[gzarruk]

Well, let's see.  It's been nearly 6 years since their last live release (BTFW).  They were supposedly recording live material in London some time ago (can't remember when).  Seems like they'd have all kinds of time on their hands since touring has been put on hold.  I'd really like to know the status of their next live release.  Maybe they want to release one more album before they do that?  That could take a while.

IIRC James said they're aiming at a November release. There'll definitely be plenty of news about that soon.

[pg1067]

Well, let's see.  It's been nearly 6 years since their last live release (BTFW).  They were supposedly recording live material in London some time ago (can't remember when).  Seems like they'd have all kinds of time on their hands since touring has been put on hold.  I'd really like to know the status of their next live release.  Maybe they want to release one more album before they do that?  That could take a while.

IIRC James said they're aiming at a November release. There'll definitely be plenty of news about that soon.

Also, we can assume that JP is devoting most of his energy to the solo album that was announced.

[Progmetty]

Do DT world or DT USA have any official capacity? Don't get me wrong, I like both, they're super friendly on fb but I'm just curious.

[gzarruk]

Do DT world or DT USA have any official capacity? Don't get me wrong, I like both, they're super friendly on fb but I'm just curious.

DT World is run by Noxon and he's obviously friends/is in contact with the band. DT USA are partners of DT World, I think.

[Setlist Scotty]

Do DT world or DT USA have any official capacity? Don't get me wrong, I like both, they're super friendly on fb but I'm just curious.

DT World is run by Noxon and he's obviously friends/is in contact with the band. DT USA are partners of DT World, I think.

Noxon can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe DT World is the official fan club of DT at this point, and DT USA is one of the branches or chapters of the fan club.

[Kyo]

And I thought this was going to be a thread about the FII B-side Where Are You Now? 

[RoeDent]

DT can do whatever they like. Stop being so entitled. They have no obligation to interact with their fans.

[Lax]

As long as I am not spammed with premium VIP shiny tiktok autographs on social medias...I just hope they are doing fine $$$+health !
During our lockdown I saw the "custom video message" thing members tried...I want to bump into them and have a quick chat, not buy a smile

[noxon]

Do DT world or DT USA have any official capacity? Don't get me wrong, I like both, they're super friendly on fb but I'm just curious.

DT World is run by Noxon and he's obviously friends/is in contact with the band. DT USA are partners of DT World, I think.

Noxon can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe DT World is the official fan club of DT at this point, and DT USA is one of the branches or chapters of the fan club.

Yep, this is exactly how it is.


We work closely with the band in trying to be active on social media (you'll see a lot of coordinated efforts in creating engagement between the fan club and the official DT sites). We've held a couple of live chats, and have further planned. But, and I have to stress this; DT has always been very quiet in "between albums" periods. They need feedback and "pushing" by people like myself in order to be able to know what they should be doing. If there's anything you'd -want- DT to do in these downtime periods, let me know and I can get in touch with them to see if they'd be interested to participate.

[gzarruk]

Do DT world or DT USA have any official capacity? Don't get me wrong, I like both, they're super friendly on fb but I'm just curious.

DT World is run by Noxon and he's obviously friends/is in contact with the band. DT USA are partners of DT World, I think.

Noxon can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe DT World is the official fan club of DT at this point, and DT USA is one of the branches or chapters of the fan club.

Yep, this is exactly how it is.


We work closely with the band in trying to be active on social media (you'll see a lot of coordinated efforts in creating engagement between the fan club and the official DT sites). We've held a couple of live chats, and have further planned. But, and I have to stress this; DT has always been very quiet in "between albums" periods. They need feedback and "pushing" by people like myself in order to be able to know what they should be doing. If there's anything you'd -want- DT to do in these downtime periods, let me know and I can get in touch with them to see if they'd be interested to participate.

First of all, thank you for all of this!

I totally understand they like to be a bit quiet between album cycles and it's even worse when they had to cancel many dates because of the pandemic.

I think it wouldn't be too hard for them to record song playthroughs from home, as they all have a home studio or at least some sort of recording equipment, and put them out just for fun. Those could even be nice extra material for the new live release if they wanted to.

Taking things even further, and I do realize this isn't as easy, they could even take some unused ideas from previous writing sessions, soundchecks or maybe even full songs written by any of them and just release a short EP or a couple singles unrelated to any album. That would depend, of course on when they plan to start working on DT15.

[geeeemo]

Do DT world or DT USA have any official capacity? Don't get me wrong, I like both, they're super friendly on fb but I'm just curious.

DT World is run by Noxon and he's obviously friends/is in contact with the band. DT USA are partners of DT World, I think.

Noxon can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe DT World is the official fan club of DT at this point, and DT USA is one of the branches or chapters of the fan club.

Yep, this is exactly how it is.


We work closely with the band in trying to be active on social media (you'll see a lot of coordinated efforts in creating engagement between the fan club and the official DT sites). We've held a couple of live chats, and have further planned. But, and I have to stress this; DT has always been very quiet in "between albums" periods. They need feedback and "pushing" by people like myself in order to be able to know what they should be doing. If there's anything you'd -want- DT to do in these downtime periods, let me know and I can get in touch with them to see if they'd be interested to participate.

First of all, thank you for all of this!

I totally understand they like to be a bit quiet between album cycles and it's even worse when they had to cancel many dates because of the pandemic.

I think it wouldn't be too hard for them to record song playthroughs from home, as they all have a home studio or at least some sort of recording equipment, and put them out just for fun. Those could even be nice extra material for the new live release if they wanted to.

Taking things even further, and I do realize this isn't as easy, they could even take some unused ideas from previous writing sessions, soundchecks or maybe even full songs written by any of them and just release a short EP or a couple singles unrelated to any album. That would depend, of course on when they plan to start working on DT15.

This! (did you see the re-do of Battery by Metallica that they just released? - very cool)
Also, do they have any video of anything mentioned above?

And again Thank you!!  Also, I was able to host one of the DT USA pre shows and it was so awesome. Thank you for the helping keeping a fan club here in the US! (DT USA is awesome!)

[Volante99]

As much as I'd love to see some on the fly jams a la Metallica; DT has been writing, touring, repeat for a decade straight now (really even more than that). This is probably the first time they've had a few months "off" in a long long time and I fully support them taking a breather and spending time with their families.

[Setlist Scotty]

(did you see the re-do of Battery by Metallica that they just released? - very cool)

I must have missed this. Can you share a link, please?

As much as I'd love to see some on the fly jams a la Metallica; DT has been writing, touring, repeat for a decade straight now (really even more than that). This is probably the first time they've had a few months "off" in a long long time and I fully support them taking a breather and spending time with their families.

While I agree with the sentiment of them having a breather to spend time with their families, do you really think that they way they have been going is the same as say a band like Rush in the 70s, who barely got a breather between album cycles? Because I can guarantee that's not the case at all.

After completing the Dramatic tour on September 1st, the band enjoyed the rest of 2012 off before starting work on the s/t at the beginning of 2013. They also took the summer off from touring in 2017, IIRC because they wanted to spend time with their families and because some of them had kids that were graduating. And again in 2018 they were out of the public eye and only began work on d/t in June. So they had a good 5 months off then, too.

Nonetheless, I hope this unexpected extra time is both allowing them to recharge their batteries by spending quality time at home with their families and to flex their musical muscles, both within DT and outside of it. Certainly that has been the case with JP finally tackling his second solo album, and hopefully that he and JR will join up with MP and Tony Levin to work on a third LTE album as JR has alluded to.

[geeeemo]

(did you see the re-do of Battery by Metallica that they just released? - very cool)

I must have missed this. Can you share a link, please?


https://youtu.be/P_yeICLSDOQ

[ytserush]

(did you see the re-do of Battery by Metallica that they just released? - very cool)

I must have missed this. Can you share a link, please?


https://youtu.be/P_yeICLSDOQ

Thanks. That was a pretty sweet version of Blackened.

[hunnus2000]

So if the band has quarantined themselves properly and get tested regularly. Do you think they would be able to go back up to the studio they used last time and record another album? Logistically, it's certainly possible.

[Setlist Scotty]

So if the band has quarantined themselves properly and get tested regularly. Do you think they would be able to go back up to the studio they used last time and record another album? Logistically, it's certainly possible.

Unless I understood wrong, I thought the band just built their own studio, so I would imagine that they would probably use that for writing and perhaps recording future albums.

[geeeemo]

(did you see the re-do of Battery by Metallica that they just released? - very cool)

I must have missed this. Can you share a link, please?


https://youtu.be/P_yeICLSDOQ

Thanks. That was a pretty sweet version of Blackened.

Oops!

[hunnus2000]

So if the band has quarantined themselves properly and get tested regularly. Do you think they would be able to go back up to the studio they used last time and record another album? Logistically, it's certainly possible.

Unless I understood wrong, I thought the band just built their own studio, so I would imagine that they would probably use that for writing and perhaps recording future albums.

You are correct but I guess I would ask what kind of studio did they build? Is the studio for recording or is it for mastering the final product?  I guess in the end it doesn't matter but depending on the studio configuration, that studio where they recorded DOT also had sleeping quarters. I dunno, just something to muse about.

[geeeemo]

So I went on a long bike ride and of course, TA is perfect for that. I was contemplating things and thought about how many fans (myself included) were hoping for a DVD of the performance. Why not do something creative now with that? Maybe a zoom, with the video graphic in it's own pane. We could all watch together, maybe it could be a small pay thing so as to support the band. The DVD would be odd, but an interesting difference documenting a miserable time in music history where we have lost live music. (And who knows how this is all going to pan out)
One of the themes of TA is the loss of music (and dare I say a breaking down of society).
I dont know, maybe my rides shouldn't be so long...

[gzarruk]

So I went on a long bike ride and of course, TA is perfect for that. I was contemplating things and thought about how many fans (myself included) were hoping for a DVD of the performance. Why not do something creative now with that? Maybe a zoom, with the video graphic in it's own pane. We could all watch together, maybe it could be a small pay thing so as to support the band. The DVD would be odd, but an interesting difference documenting a miserable time in music history where we have lost live music. (And who knows how this is all going to pan out)
One of the themes of TA is the loss of music (and dare I say a breaking down of society).
I dont know, maybe my rides shouldn't be so long...

Don't know if they have any video footage of the TA live tour, but they definitely have audio from every show they did, they could release at least the audio files like they did for the Happy Holidays release in 2013.

[geeeemo]

So I went on a long bike ride and of course, TA is perfect for that. I was contemplating things and thought about how many fans (myself included) were hoping for a DVD of the performance. Why not do something creative now with that? Maybe a zoom, with the video graphic in it's own pane. We could all watch together, maybe it could be a small pay thing so as to support the band. The DVD would be odd, but an interesting difference documenting a miserable time in music history where we have lost live music. (And who knows how this is all going to pan out)
One of the themes of TA is the loss of music (and dare I say a breaking down of society).
I dont know, maybe my rides shouldn't be so long...

Don't know if they have any video footage of the TA live tour, but they definitely have audio from every show they did, they could release at least the audio files like they did for the Happy Holidays release in 2013.

That would be nice!
i was thinking of them playing live on Zoom.

[the_silent_man]

Very quiet on the DT front lately...

Any news on anything?
Live album from D/T tour?
JPs solo album - no news of a single or release date yet?
What are the other guys up to?

[devieira73]

So... today was the ADTOE listening part on Twitter. Anybody participated? Anything interesting said by the band?

[TAC]

https://twitter.com/dreamtheaternet

[devieira73]

Thanks, TAC!
Well, interesting, at least a good resume about what we already knew about the album.

[Zydar]

I decided to "clean up" the tweets in a more reading-friendly format for you guys:

On The Backs Of Angels

"From day one it was always going to be the first track on the record. It's also the first song that Mike Mangini really brought to life, so right there it's special. I came up with the intro guitar riff while I was playing an acoustic at home by the fire. I was thinking, what should be the first thing that people hear? The idea that came to me was this moody, foreboding arpeggiated guitar pattern. We were very conscious when writing the song that it should reflect the signature sound of the band. We wanted it to have all of the elements of Dream Theater. It would be progressive, it would be metal, and it would be melodic. There would be some big shred moments mixed with very dramatic breakdowns. It's got everything that we love to do as a band." - JP

"The Taurus Pedals add a nice sonic dimension to 'On The Backs of Angels'." - JM


Build Me Up, Break Me Down

"This song and 'Bridges In The Sky' were written pretty far into the album. We felt as though the record needed some balance to it, some songs that were more driving and in your face. There were many progressive elements happening already, so we wrote a couple of songs that were direct and full of attitude. The hook at the end of the chorus is very interesting. I sang an idea to James, but I didn't know how he would finally go about it. Basically, I shouted the words into a microphone and sent the demo to him. What James wound up doing was a three-layer hook, which I totally love. The chords were already written, but he picked up on the keyboard line that was there. I should also point out the work of John Myung, who created a bass riff that he perfectly integrated into the song. John's a very quiet guy, but he always comes up with parts that knock you out." – JP


Lost Not Forgotten

"I really loved all the changes vocally throughout this song. The song both musically and lyrically makes for a great ride." – JLB

"At 1:59 starts the most crazy ridiculous passage JP and I ever assembled. We always look back at that and kind of laugh because it was a blazing stream of notes and that went on for longer than any other unison we have ever done!" – JR

"To me, 'Lost Not Forgotten' is one of the most technical songs on the album. It has a lot of twists and turns and some crazy ideas that were confusing to us as we were writing and recording. Guitar-wise, it's the one song where I tune down to D. I thought it would sound heavier that way. And it does – I think the song kicks some serious ass! One of the things that was a lot of fun to do is this diminished passage of unison playing. I wrote it out and built it piece by piece, programming drums. I showed it to Jordan, who said, 'That's crazy!' He learned it and put a harmony to it. We played it for some of the people from RoadRunner (our label at the time) who came by as we were recording, and they went crazy! The mood of the song always reminded me of an old-time epic film like Ben-Hur. So I wrote lyrics that are somewhat historical about this ancient Persian elite fighting force that kind of died out. Again, a good example of my love for storytelling and linking music to words." – JP

 
This Is The Life

"I spotted a license plate in front of us that read: 'esta es la vida' and I immediately connected it to the music for that song which ultimately prompted the lyrics...'This is the Life...' During the writing process, I remember driving in NYC with my Mom one afternoon to visit my sister in the hospital, as she had just given birth to my niece. I demoed 'This Is The Life' and brought it to the band. I had an idea for a ballad, but when I sent it to the guys I definitely said that I was open to anything, all thoughts and suggestions. I worked a lot with Jordan on bringing the middle bridge section to another place. He's such a master at coming up with the coolest chord and melodic movements. It cascades in ways that you don't expect, the way the chords are modulating and moving. From the demo process, we kept a Moog solo that Jordan did - I absolutely love it." – JP


Bridges In The Sky

"I like the sense of mystery in the intro of 'Bridges In The Sky'." – JM

"That is not me singing - but it is an amazing Tuvan throat singer sound from the Omnisphere virtual instrument! The Agnus Dei is also played on the keys using a sound from the sound library! To this day I still go to that instrument a lot for amazing sounds!" – JLB

"'Bridges in the Sky' is a tone setter for energy and heaviness. The middle was a great environment for me to use some of my more advanced coordination & musicality." – MM

"'Bridges In The Sky' - a total riff factory. One of the challenges that I like to present myself with on a song like this is to try to make each riff original and unique and have them weave in and out of different syncopations. As they go by, no pass is ever the same; they're constantly changing. Doing this can be tricky, because it makes everything harder to play and difficult to remember. But I think that's ultimately what makes the song original and interesting - putting that kind of thought into it. The cool thing about Mike Mangini is he's very aware musically of whatever everybody's doing. He matches things so effortlessly. Actually, right at the end is one of the sickest drum parts I've ever heard. It's like a machine gun, the intensity. When he would play it, I would be watching and listening to him, and I was in awe." – JP


Outcry

"'Outcry' to me is classic DT, you have beautiful vocal melodies from beginning to end. A very dynamically driven song both vocally and instrumentally. The middle section shows absolute technical prowess, progressive and extremely exciting. I'll say it again, pure classic DT." – JLB

"'Outcry' simply has the best use of my ambidextrous playing. The middle section's music rhythms were playable by my feet only in that they could lead righty or lefty on the fly." – MM

"Another example of writing a song with a specific purpose. We wanted 'Outcry' to be the anthem for the album, so it has a very strong theme, and it's totally insane instrumentally. It's like Dream Theater defined, but way over the top! After the intro, the theme kicks in. The way it made me envision flying through the air in slow motion really influenced the lyrics, which are about the uprisings in the Middle East, people fighting against oppression."- JP


Far From Heaven

"I wrote the lyrics for 'Far From Heaven' based on the movie of the same name. I was completely enamored with both Dennis Quaid and Julianne Moore's performances throughout this movie. It was dealing with a man coming clean with his wife, revealing his homosexuality but instead of listening and accepting him, he is manipulated and coerced into therapy. This leads to their lives being completely flipped upside down and the struggle against prejudice, bigotry and becoming ostracized and oppressed."- JLB

"This is James' centerpiece, for sure. There is bass on the track, along with a string section, but for the most part it was written as a piano/vocal. Jordan and I intended it to be a ballad, but it would also be the Part 1 for the next song, 'Breaking All Illusions'. In fact, in 'Breaking All Illusions', we use the themes that are in 'Far From Heaven'. Doing that isn't new to Dream Theater. I was blown away when I heard the emotional quality that James put into it. He has such a beautifully unique voice. The way that Andy Wallace mixed it, putting James right up front, gives me shivers." – JP


Breaking All Illusions

"'Breaking All Illusions' is definitely one of my personal favorites on ADTOE! From the inception, the main theme just had such a cool vibe and feeling for me. I remember 'Breaking All Illusions' being the first song I would play for people when showing the new album off. As a guitar player, the middle solo section breakdown is one of my favorite moments, especially live! I just love having the chance to stretch out and build a solo. Reminds me of Alex Lifeson's solo breakdown in Rush's 'La Villa Strangiato'. Arrangement-wise, it's very non-traditional, so you hear a lot of breakdowns. There's a great John Myung moment where he does an ostinatto part in the first verse. He's going in a circle, and it has a real hypnotic effect, drawing everybody in." – JP

"Love the bass sound Paul Northfield got on 'Breaking All Illusions'!" – JM

"'Breaking All Illusions' was a great landscape for "Rush-like" percussion. I was able to utilize electronics to play perfectly tuned cowbells. It made the intro very fun!" – MM


Beneath The Surface

"I was looking for a bit of the ELP "Lucky Man" vibe but done in my own way... It seems people in the prog world love when one tips their hat to the classic sounds!"– JR

"It turned out to be a really great song to play live that broke from the larger production of a DT show and made for an awesome, intimate moment for us and our fans. I've seen many people weep while performing it live which is always an incredibly moving experience as an artist." - JP