Quick google translate for everyone:
- Hi John, thank first we've attended. How are you? How do you feel about this return to Chile?
- Well. We started the tour in South America a few weeks ago in Brazil, then Argentina and now Chile. Indeed we have had great shows, which makes us very happy.
- Do you like football?
- I was watching the game of Germany versus Italy yesterday. Germany won. I was also seeing some of the "America 's Cup"
- We won ...
- Yes, congratulations! It's a great prize!
- There were many Chileans held in New York, where you live.
- Yes, they were in Time Square. It's great! Congratulations.
- You have been here several times. Have you been out to see? What is your favorite place Chile?
- You know something? I have not been able to visit anywhere. I've only worked with my musicians. Actually I could not see anything. Some of the other guys have done some things.
- Yes . I saw Jordan Rudess walk by Providence.
- It's true. A Jordan loves to walk. (Laughter)
- This is the first time they play locally smaller, Caupolicán Theater. The first they played in a great place with about twenty thousand people. What is the difference for you?
- Well, the show "The Astonishing" has a better performance in a small theater, having well close to the audience. It is something like a Broadway musical, then we need smaller venues.
- What about the public reception has been how?
- Grandiose, very good. This show is very different from everything we've done in the past. This is a full night with new music. Nothing DreamTheater old songs, just play the new album, a grand opera. They will be very lucky fans who can sit and watch the show. We hope to finish up and enjoy the show.
- Is this show comparable with what has been done previously with "Metropolis Part. II "?
-" Metropolis "is shorter, a little over an hour. For this show are more than two and a half hour show. They will be more involved, with great characters, great story, different locations, orchestral arrangements ... not live, of course, but it will be like a movie. We have created a lot of media for the show. It is very different.
- The idea of "The Astonishing" was yours. What was your inspiration?
- Several things. I really like science fiction, fantasy, movies, books, TV shows ...
- What books, what movies?
- Anything that has to do with "Star Wars," "The Lord of the Rings," "Game of Thrones", "The Hunger Games" and Broadway shows as "Jesus Christ Superstar ". Actually all the stories that have a profound theme and good music. I combine all in just one.
- When did you get the idea how it took the rest of the members?
- When I presented the idea to the band, we reached a good agreement. I said, "this is my idea, I want to do a double album and present a complete show ..."
- And I said "What?!" ...
- (Laughter) No, actually they felt very interested! They said "it's great!". We have been working almost 30 years and we are always looking for new ways to enjoy the next process, make this a challenge. So everyone thought it was a great idea. We presented the Roadrunner and supported us immediately.
- How was work to do first and then made history music?
- Exactly.
- And how is working as sole producer, without Mike Portnoy? Do you have more freedoms?
- Actually I have more work now because I have to do everything myself. More time, more responsibilities.
- I remember some time ago I saw some Internet rumors running around, where showed a picture with Mike. They said they were discussing an alleged "Metropolis Part. III ". What is there in that?
- No. "Metropolis" ended with "Scenes From a Memory". No more.
- Mike Portnoy said end of the year, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, will perform the "twelve-step suite" with integrity on the cruise "Cruise to the Edge". What do you think?
- Yes It 's fine..
- With other musicians. All right?
- Yes, it sounds pretty good. I'm sure you will enjoy a lot.
- I understand that it is premature, but they are already thinking about a new album?
- Not yet. We are in the middle of the tour of "The Astonishing", which lasts a lot and do not have much time to compose, because we spend all our energies in turn promoting the new album. Maybe next year we can start with a new album.
- You tend to experiment with many sounds. Have you thought about exploring Latin American sounds?
- I find it amusing. Now we have a "tango" on the new album (laughs). Mike Mangini is good innovate with these things, which I think is fantastic. That to mix with other styles Progressive Metal is very interesting.
- "The Astonishing" sounds less "metal" than its closest ancestors ...
- There is a bit of metal. It depends on the part you hear the album, such as 'Moment Of Betrayal' and certain songs. Actually music is at the service of history, is rather like the music of a movie, with breaks and different parts. All music is dictated according to what happens in history. So if there is an intense, the music must reflect ... or if there is a mysterious, happy part ... Actually this is more than listening, is to see, music helps you to understand and feel what is happening in the story.
- Is there anything you into the characters of "The Astonishing"?
- You know? I think there is indeed something of me in the characters. It is something like a collection of experiences.
- John, is there any possibility of a new album Liquid Tension Experiment?
- No.
- And a new solo album?
- There is something. I am excited about my next project. It will be fun. In fact, some years ago I came to South America under the G3 and played some new songs.
- What musicians will work?
- I'm not sure. When I tour for the G3 it was with DaveLaRue and Mike Mangini, so probably with them.
- Is there any chance to record a show here in Chile? When they recorded in Argentina Chileans were very sad.
- Oh, maybe someday! But I think not. Just we recorded in South America at Luna Park, so we want to keep trying other places in the world.