AMOGH RAO
AN INTERVIEW WITH DREAM THEATER’ S
JOHN MYUNG We got an opportunity to connect with bass legend John Myung while travelling with Dream Theater for their Images and Words tour. From personal experiences to Dream Theater and the way forward, here are some insights into this legendary band and one of its founding members.
1. Was this your first time visiting India in general? How did you like the country?
This will actually be my second time visiting India. I had the chance to visit New Delhi a while ago on a bass clinic tour for Yamaha. The little time I get to spend in any one country I am thankful for and my first visit was great.
2. You ' ve got an incredibly large prog fan base in this country. Why did it take so long for a show here to materialize?
Don ' t really know, it ' s always been a place we talked about going to and now it ' s finally happened!
3.25 years since Images and Words. How do you feel like the direction of your music has changed since that album?
It ' s a journey that has become our career. It ' s just us growing up as a band and as people. Some albums are experimental and some are focused with a particular direction in mind.
4. What plans do you guys have for the next album? Anything you ' d like the fans to know?
We have been recording ideas as they come us during sound checks and I ' m seeing a lot of potential with what we have so far. I can ' t wait to get started.
5. Do you think there will come a point where you want to retire this journey, or can we hope for a long road ahead for Dream Theater?
I think a simple answer to that question is, are we alive? If the answer is yes then the journey is not over.
6. What do you think of the artists and overall music scene in this country? If each of you had to pick a musician here that interests you or you ' d like to collaborate with, who would they be?
For me that is The Jelly Jam, I love working with Ty Tabor and Rod Morgenstein when time allows. I ' ve been working with them for the past 18 years and our latest album is called
Profit. Right before this current DT tour, The Jelly Jam shot a video for a song named " Water " off the latest album Profit.
7. How do you think your technique and musicality has evolved in recent years?
I think it has improved since we have experienced more and as a result you see things differently.
8. You have always been considered as this mythical bass legend amongst prog fans. We always wanted to know though, are your parts for the songs genuinely as complex as they look, for you? Or do you just prefer to keep a low profile while playing?
I ' m just being me. I also see the bass as more of a supportive instrument that helps build the framework within a song, so that what happens melodically can soar.
9. Have you considered hosting clinics or masterclasses?
I don ' t have any plans to do so, but if I get to a place where I feel strongly about it, I ' ll consider it then.
The Score Magazine
26 highonscore. com