Odd Logic from USA may be an odd band (sorry, but I could not resist). But this band is in the Ayreon mould and a pretty innovative band too. They are also pretty unheralded here in PA, but I think they deserve our attention. I got in touch with Sean and he kindly answered my questions. =================================================
When was Odd Logic formed and do you
have any background from other bands ?
Odd Logic was
formed in 2003 after my local Seattle touring band MINE! disbanded in
2002. MINE! had one independent album “Powerlines” which we
toured WA on including some opening stage gigs for Sting, Journey,
and John Waite. Odd Logic was formed as an outlet for my true passion
of more progressive, hard-edged rock. The first album “Parallax
Panorama” featured a guest percussionist and bassist who are in
reality my alter egos. Starting with “Legends Of Monta: Part I” I
am playing all of the instruments and recording all vocals. A few
guests including my wife and family have helped with voice-overs.
Whose bands were you influenced by ?
Wow, so many
bands and musicians to list. I’ve listened to everything from
classical to Latin to art rock to death metal, etc… and have taken
from all of them. If I had to narrow down some influences, I would
have to at least mention the music of; King’s X, Yes, Kansas, Rush,
Queensryche, Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Styx, Rainbow, Enchant,
The Police, Symphony X, Megadeth, Joe Satriani, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Al
DiMeola, and many, many, many more.
To start with; please
give me your (long or brief) thoughts and lowdowns on.......
Parallax Panorama from 2003
This album was a
compilation of tunes that either didn’t fit the MINE! format or
were slated to record for the new MINE! album. Distance issues were a
large reason for MINE!’s end plus I felt a real need to get out a
different sound. This album is a themed collection of songs about the
different emotions we experience through life. The whole album was
recorded on a digital 16 track machine and mastered in house.
Legends of Monta: Part I from 2006
This release is
the first of a 2 part story that began with a round robin fantasy
story that my father and a friend got me into for some fun on the
side of life’s everyday hum. We wrote a few pages and passed it to
the next guy. My father and I adopted the story, effectively
transforming it into a musical screenplay if you will, ready for an
album format. It is a typical fantasy hero/villain epic with some
cool ideas to write music around. It was my first opportunity to
write with sound effects in mind and a true concept rock opera
delivery. With many family members getting involved, this was a very
rewarding and fun experience. This was my first studio album recorded
on PC format from start to finish and again mastered in house.
Legends of Monta: Part II from 2009
Monta II is
obviously the conclusion to Part I. Another round of guest
voice-overs and a better in house mastered release. This is the best
sounding album so far for Odd Logic.
You are currently working on a new
album. Please tell us more about this album.
I am very
excited about the new album which should be ready for release
sometime between the end of this year (2010) and early next year.
This is another concept album yet different from what I have ever
done. It is a “sync-to-movie” project meant to be played as a new
soundtrack over a particular movie which will not yet be revealed.
Some of you are aware of the more infamous syncs such as Pink Floyd’s
Darkside of the Moon and Rush’s 2112. Where these artists choose to
remain mysterious with their intentions, it is my goal that I may
openly offer a sync with proper instructions included. This may
ultimately be a dud, or with a little luck, enjoyed by many. Time
will tell. With much of the scene changes dictating song pace and
direction, the music so far has turned out very non-traditional in
structure yet still nestled into the proper prog rock/metal arena. As
it sits now, there will be 5 parts, the longest around 20 minutes,
and each standing alone as its own work with vocals and some common
themes throughout, giving the entire effort the continuity that
exists in concept albums. This will be my first project not mastered
in my studio. It’s time to let someone else try. No I haven’t
been ego driven, I just haven’t had the extra cash. Oh the life of
an independent musician.
What is your other plans for this year,
besides of this album ?
As far as this
year is concerned I will be finishing vocals on the debut album for
another local band in Seattle/Tacoma, WA called Graphic Light Theory.
They are a metal band with influences such as Megadeth, Porcupine
Tree, Iron Maiden, Fates Warning, Rush, and Rainbow. We will be
scheduling a few live shows when the album is complete. Check at
myspace.com/graphiclighttheory for future details.
How is the writing and creative
processes in your band ?
I usually have a
fairly consistent cycle I run through from album to album. While
promoting, selling, and begging for attention for the first 6 months
after an album release, I’ll use that time to relax, let my mind
reset, and help out other musical friends with their stuff. That
separation is important to keep the music fresh. The next 6 months
are usually sample building months. I carry around a digital recorder
and try to sing or hum something new into it every day whether I am
at home or driving around. Sometimes it is just strange noises that
are supposed to be drums and bass, or a crazy mouth mimicked Zakk
Wylde-like guitar solo. I get some weird looks when my windows are
down. At that point a year has passed and I begin to think about the
next concept. I start cataloging my ideas and then recording begins.
I usually skip the full tilt writing stage and just start recording
the album from start to finish with the sample outline I’ve laid
out, leaving plenty of room for spontaneous new stuff as I go. I find
it is more exciting and enjoyable this way. If I come back the next
day and the previous part does not capture me, I simply try again
until it is right. Recording an album is about 9 months and then the
remainder of the year is mixing, mastering, and dealing with my
artist and manufacturer. So that’s it. The cycle usually takes
between 2-3 years and it starts again.
How would you describe your music and
which bands would you compare your music with ?
I have trouble
describing my music because all of our ears are so subjective. I
prefer the listener to come up with their own opinions without
expectations. The influences above are as close as I can offer for
comparisons. I’m just humbled by anyone who finds it enjoyable and
I always will be.
How easy/difficult is it to promote
your albums these days ?
Of course with
the internet there has been an explosion of opportunities for
independents to get their stuff out there, but that can only take you
so far. Marketing is still something that takes money, know-how, and
luck. It will never be easy. This is why sites like ProgArchives is
so important so that prog-heads like myself have a common place to
meet and share new ideas and new bands. Simply awesome!
What is your five favorite albums of
all time ?
I guarantee you
that I will think of more later and slap myself for not including
them here but this in fact changes daily. Now, I am 36 so remember I
am a child of the 80s. So, in no particular order let me go with;
Queensryche -
Rage For Order
King’s X -
Gretchen Goes To Nebraska
Kansas -
Leftoverture
Enchant - Break
Porcupine Tree -
Deadwing
Anything you want to add to this
interview ?
Thanks
everybody. Keep checking http://www.myspace.com/oddlogicrock - and
http://www.cdbaby.com/oddlogic3 - for news and updates. Thanks Torodd and
ProgArchives for the interview. Keep up the great work!
Thanx to Sean for this interview. Odd Logic's PA profile is http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=4896 -
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