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
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