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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: RodrigoAltaf on October 16, 2018, 03:09:21 PM

Title: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 16, 2018, 03:09:21 PM
I'll be interviewing Jordan Rudess this Friday. We'll talk primarily about his upcoming solo tour, but questions from the fans are welcome. Post your questions here, guys!
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Anguyen92 on October 16, 2018, 03:29:42 PM
Let's get this out of the way.  How many wacky instruments have you incorporated in the newest DT album?  I feel the more wackier, the better.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Madman Shepherd on October 16, 2018, 03:32:22 PM
Ask him about the writing dynamics on the latest album with lyrics contributed by all members (with the exception of him).  Sounds like this is the biggest "band" effort to date.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: bosk1 on October 16, 2018, 03:41:24 PM
Ask him about the writing dynamics on the latest album with lyrics contributed by all members (with the exception of him).  Sounds like this is the biggest "band" effort to date.

Based on what I know of their past writing, I am predicting that he will say that, aside from lyrics, it really isn't that different.  It's more that the band just made more of an effort to clarify to the fans everyone's level of involvement because the band is aware of our perception.

But still a great question, and I would love to hear his answer. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I would love to hear his thoughts on the ADTOE writing, both generally, and as to the following specifics:  (1) several of the songs appear to have VERY strong similarities in different ways to songs on Images and Words.  What was behind that decision, and how much of a conscious effort was made to incorporate things that would evoke connections with Images.  (2)  Is there a 1-to-1 correspondence between 8 of the songs on ADTOE to all of the songs on I&W, or only some?  Fans have made what seem like obvious connections for some of the songs, but struggle to come up with any connection on others.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Setlist Scotty on October 16, 2018, 04:07:02 PM
Ask him about the writing dynamics on the latest album with lyrics contributed by all members (with the exception of him).  Sounds like this is the biggest "band" effort to date.
Don't forget to include who was involved in writing the vocal melodies (was it the lyric writer, JP or a combination of both)?   :)
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Ninjabait on October 16, 2018, 07:11:18 PM
How has working with David Campbell on The Astonishing impacted the way you approach writing orchestral parts?

Speaking of The Astonishing, are there any plans to release a full orchestral "study score"?

What are some contemporary artists who you feel deserve more love (doesn't necessarily have to be prog or metal)?

When designing synth sounds, which producers/keyboardists do you tend to take the most inspiration from?

What sort of challenges have you faced switching between classical piano and rock piano in concert?

That should be good for now
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: ToT-147 on October 16, 2018, 08:06:50 PM
I actually went to a Q&A he and JP did last time they were in the Luna Park (2016) but never got a chance to ask my question..

It was something along these lines: What kind of art do you like more besides music?.. (What do you read, what movies do you like or what you binge-watching? could complement the question if necessary)


I personally love this kind of questions, and more since we knew so much about them, but not about these type of things, and it could make for a less structured passage in the interview..

Thanks for sharing this :tup
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: MirrorMask on October 17, 2018, 01:07:33 AM
I would love to hear his thoughts on the ADTOE writing, both generally, and as to the following specifics:  (1) several of the songs appear to have VERY strong similarities in different ways to songs on Images and Words.  What was behind that decision, and how much of a conscious effort was made to incorporate things that would evoke connections with Images.  (2)  Is there a 1-to-1 correspondence between 8 of the songs on ADTOE to all of the songs on I&W, or only some?  Fans have made what seem like obvious connections for some of the songs, but struggle to come up with any connection on others.

I believe the situation is like this:

On the Back of Angels is entirely based off Pull Me Under's structure
Lost Not Forgotten is mostly based on Under a Glass Moon's but it has a piano intro
Outcry is inspired by Metropolis' structure but there are differences such as a chorus
Far from Heaven is inspired by the general idea of a piano ballad like Wait for Sleep
Breaking All Illusions follows quite closely Learning to Live's structure

And... that's it. I'd be surprised if the remaining songs have some correspondence.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 17, 2018, 04:47:47 AM
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll see how many of those I can ask - we will talk about his upcoming solo dates primarily, but I'm sure he won't mind answering some DT related questions.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Indiscipline on October 17, 2018, 05:26:11 AM
If there's still room for requests, could you please consider asking for a quick comparison between Al Dimeola and John Petrucci from his point of view? Thank you.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 17, 2018, 07:13:09 AM
If there's still room for requests, could you please consider asking for a quick comparison between Al Dimeola and John Petrucci from his point of view? Thank you.

There's still room. I plan to sit down and write the questions this afternoon. And thank you for reminding me about that - I had completely forgotten that Jordan and Al played together! Watching this one right now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsQW-3Oy_z0
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Samsara on October 17, 2018, 01:57:57 PM
I'd like to know if Jordan, given how good on the guitar he is, has ever considered doing a side project where he writes the songs and performs guitar only, with another person on keys. If not, is that something he'd be interested in doing? Why or why not?

Thanks for asking us to contribute.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: goo-goo on October 17, 2018, 03:18:30 PM
You should ask him about the official bootlegs status  :corn :biggrin:

On a serious note: ask him about the work he has being doing at Stanford University.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: gzarruk on October 17, 2018, 03:40:04 PM
Jordan just got a signature 8 string guitar and we saw him playing it at the studio during the writing sessions for DT14. Did JP try it? I assume he did. Did he record anything with it dor DT14? Hmmm....
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: YtseJam on October 17, 2018, 03:49:38 PM
Ask him if they ever write tunes baked.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Peter Mc on October 17, 2018, 05:13:14 PM
I would love to hear his thoughts on the ADTOE writing, both generally, and as to the following specifics:  (1) several of the songs appear to have VERY strong similarities in different ways to songs on Images and Words.  What was behind that decision, and how much of a conscious effort was made to incorporate things that would evoke connections with Images.  (2)  Is there a 1-to-1 correspondence between 8 of the songs on ADTOE to all of the songs on I&W, or only some?  Fans have made what seem like obvious connections for some of the songs, but struggle to come up with any connection on others.

I believe the situation is like this:

On the Back of Angels is entirely based off Pull Me Under's structure
Lost Not Forgotten is mostly based on Under a Glass Moon's but it has a piano intro
Outcry is inspired by Metropolis' structure but there are differences such as a chorus
Far from Heaven is inspired by the general idea of a piano ballad like Wait for Sleep
Breaking All Illusions follows quite closely Learning to Live's structure

And... that's it. I'd be surprised if the remaining songs have some correspondence.

Seem to remember it being argued that This Is The Life shared structural elements of Another Day. Am surprised Bosk is asking someone to raise this question so many years on. Surely this something he could have asked JP himself over the years as he seems to have semi regular contact with him.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 17, 2018, 05:32:16 PM
I'd like to know if Jordan, given how good on the guitar he is, has ever considered doing a side project where he writes the songs and performs guitar only, with another person on keys. If not, is that something he'd be interested in doing? Why or why not?

Thanks for asking us to contribute.

Love this one!
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Cool Chris on October 17, 2018, 05:55:25 PM
Ask him if he is considering getting rid of his iPad-based, gadgety, Cheese Whiz keyboard sounds in light of the clearly superior, magnificent keyboard work on Psychotic Symphony?
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: gzarruk on October 17, 2018, 06:06:49 PM
Ask him if he is considering getting rid of his iPad-based, gadgety, Cheese Whiz keyboard sounds in light of the clearly superior, magnificent keyboard work on Psychotic Symphony?

 :rollin
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Anguyen92 on October 17, 2018, 06:07:59 PM
Ask him if he is considering getting rid of his iPad-based, gadgety, Cheese Whiz keyboard sounds in light of the clearly superior, magnificent keyboard work on Psychotic Symphony?

Wow.  I would be so bummed out if that happens based on the question I wanted to ask Jordan.

Quote
Let's get this out of the way.  How many wacky instruments have you incorporated in the newest DT album?  I feel the more wackier, the better.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Adami on October 17, 2018, 06:11:26 PM
Has he considered making history?
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 17, 2018, 09:41:00 PM
I would love to address Derek's comments with Jordan, but it has to be done well...and even Derek, when I interviewed him for the second time, backed up from his statements.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 17, 2018, 09:54:23 PM
Has he considered making history?

I'm making history!!!

(https://i.postimg.cc/HWBx2wzg/Whats-App-Image-2018-10-15-at-23-37-06.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: goo-goo on October 17, 2018, 09:59:07 PM
Awesome! Good luck!
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Sebastián Pratesi on October 17, 2018, 10:08:50 PM
Cool, dude! Good luck! :)

Are you from South America too? Maybe you'll have a chance to run into him in a couple of months!
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: ToT-147 on October 17, 2018, 10:15:29 PM
Seem to remember it being argued that This Is The Life shared structural elements of Another Day. Am surprised Bosk is asking someone to raise this question so many years on. Surely this something he could have asked JP himself over the years as he seems to have semi regular contact with him.

All of this..

And yeah, AD and TitL do share almost the exact same song structure..

I'm making history!!!

Wow, that's not something you see everyday I suppose.. :caffeine::clap:
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 17, 2018, 10:42:38 PM
Cool, dude! Good luck! :)

Are you from South America too? Maybe you'll have a chance to run into him in a couple of months!

I am, but live in Toronto now. The place he'll play in Rio is across the road from my parents' house, and it's a great venue. Such a shame that I'm not there anymore...
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: MirrorMask on October 18, 2018, 01:16:46 AM
Has he considered making history?

I'm making history!!!


That's awesome  :hat
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: shadystraz360 on October 18, 2018, 09:51:04 AM
Ask him if he is considering getting rid of his iPad-based, gadgety, Cheese Whiz keyboard sounds in light of the clearly superior, magnificent keyboard work on Psychotic Symphony?

I agree. I wanna hear more keyboards and raw energy rather than robotics....
I thought Jordan was a keyboard player, not a DJ...
Hopefully this album will be better, as the recent DT album was mostly pianos and sound effects
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: bosk1 on October 18, 2018, 10:17:19 AM
I thought Jordan was a keyboard player, not a DJ...

Yeah, well, some of us thought Derek was a class act.  Sometimes, you just learn that you are dead wrong about things.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: shadystraz360 on October 18, 2018, 10:31:48 AM
As long as there is more keyboard action and energy driven leads, i'll be happy....
Constant Motion, Lost Not Forgotton, This Dying Soul.....
Leads like this. And RAW POWER... Like what happens in GOTS & DA....
It works for Kieth Emerson & Jon Lord.... It works for me 😂
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 19, 2018, 11:58:56 AM
Interview done. A couple of things: he's aware of the criticism of The Astonishing and of the drum sound, and he believes both issues will be addressed in the next album: a KILLER drum sound, and a "classic Dream Theater album".

 And I asked if he will shave his beard!

Will post it here once it's published.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 19, 2018, 12:25:35 PM
 >:(
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: mikeyd23 on October 19, 2018, 12:55:22 PM
Interview done. A couple of things: he's aware of the criticism of The Astonishing and of the drum sound, and he believes both issues will be addressed in the next album: a KILLER drum sound, and a "classic Dream Theater album".

 And I asked if he will shave his beard!

Will post it here once it's published.

Wow, that's interesting, looking forward to your interview.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: evilasiojr on October 19, 2018, 01:09:26 PM
Interview done. A couple of things: he's aware of the criticism of The Astonishing and of the drum sound, and he believes both issues will be addressed in the next album: a KILLER drum sound, and a "classic Dream Theater album".

 And I asked if he will shave his beard!

Will post it here once it's published.

Wow, that's nice to hear!! Thanks for the insights.

When are you planning to publish it?
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 19, 2018, 01:39:36 PM
Interview done. A couple of things: he's aware of the criticism of The Astonishing and of the drum sound, and he believes both issues will be addressed in the next album: a KILLER drum sound, and a "classic Dream Theater album".

 And I asked if he will shave his beard!

Will post it here once it's published.

Wow, that's nice to hear!! Thanks for the insights.

When are you planning to publish it?

Next week, when I have time to transcribe it.

And I'm willing to share the audio recording with whoever shares the interview on Facebook and likes Lotsofmuzik's page.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: evilasiojr on October 19, 2018, 01:50:43 PM


Next week, when I have time to transcribe it.

And I'm willing to share the audio recording with whoever shares the interview on Facebook and likes Lotsofmuzik's page.

Nice  :metal
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on October 20, 2018, 02:06:12 PM
I think that a public apology is in order. I was supposed to call in MinistroRaven to ask a few questions to Jordan - he and I share all things Lotsofmuzik - but I had so many things in my head at the time that I completely forgot. Sorry once again, man...I feel embarassed to have forgotten it, and when the new album comes out, I'm sure there will be another chance to talk to one of the guys in the band again. Hopefully then I can redeem myself.

Here's a still of the interview yesterday:

(https://i.postimg.cc/8cNYQ6vy/Jordan.png)
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: MirrorMask on October 20, 2018, 03:32:44 PM
His expression makes me think that...

(https://i.imgflip.com/2kkkbe.jpg) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/i/2kkkbe)
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 20, 2018, 04:57:55 PM
I think that a public apology is in order. I was supposed to call in MinistroRaven to ask a few questions to Jordan - he and I share all things Lotsofmuzik - but I had so many things in my head at the time that I completely forgot. Sorry once again, man...I feel embarassed to have forgotten it, and when the new album comes out, I'm sure there will be another chance to talk to one of the guys in the band again. Hopefully then I can redeem myself.

Here's a still of the interview yesterday:

(https://i.postimg.cc/8cNYQ6vy/Jordan.png)

It’s all good man. Don’t feel bad. Probably I would have messed the interview LOL.
The things happens for a reason.
Now move your ass and transcribe that thing as fast as you can so we can share it with everyone.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: YtseJam on November 01, 2018, 06:03:23 PM
I would love to address Derek's comments with Jordan, but it has to be done well...and even Derek, when I interviewed him for the second time, backed up from his statements.

Whatchoo talkin bout Willis?
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: Sebastián Pratesi on November 01, 2018, 06:41:38 PM
I would love to address Derek's comments with Jordan, but it has to be done well...and even Derek, when I interviewed him for the second time, backed up from his statements.

Whatchoo talkin bout Willis?
Not sure if it's the same thing, but: last year (or was it this one?), Derek tweeted some comments making subtle jokes about Jordan's style or the band in general. Maybe that's what Rodrigo (or Willis :P) was talkin bout.
Title: Re: I'm interviewing Jordan Rudess!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on November 01, 2018, 06:47:52 PM
I would love to address Derek's comments with Jordan, but it has to be done well...and even Derek, when I interviewed him for the second time, backed up from his statements.

Whatchoo talkin bout Willis?
Not sure if it's the same thing, but: last year (or was it this one?), Derek tweeted some comments making subtle jokes about Jordan's style or the band in general. Maybe that's what Rodrigo (or Willis :P) was talking bout.

Exactly this. Derek made a lot of comments about not using cheesy apps on the Sons of Apollo album, and that was a direct jab at Jordan.

By the way, for those that haven't seen it, here's the interview: https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/dream-theaters-jordan-rudess-in-our-new-album-well-go-back-to-the-roots-and-the-core-sound-of-the-band?fbclid=IwAR16vVesZWUO3MphXx05cHe-RRHSnq60hdTsHRLaYOJsBvXbtYrkuL211O8