Interview: Mike LePond (Symphony X)
MIKE
1. Please introduce Symphony X to all my readers first!
Mike: Symphony X began in 1995 in The USA. Our music can be described as a combination of heavy metal, progressive rock, and classical music.
2. You were on tour with Nevermore, Psychotic Waltz, Mercenary, and Thaurorod. So what are your unforgotten impressions of the tour? And did you all get along well?
Mike: The tour was amazing! All of the bands brought plenty of fans to the gigs, so every show was packed with people. Besides being incredible musicians, all the guys were just so nice. We all got along really well and I will miss them all.
3. Your new album Iconoclast will be out this June. Can you tell us how long you worked on the new album?
Mike: The whole project took about 2 years. It was a labor of love. Symphony X is famous for taking a really long time to make a record. This is because we just don’t want to put out crap. We take our time and make sure every CD is the best it can be.. Our fans deserve no less than that.
4. What does Iconoclast stand for? What is the message behind it? Can you already tell us something about it? Or is it still a secret to the day its released?
Mike: Iconoclast stands for someone who fights against religion or other traditions. Maybe a person who destroys religious idols, a heretic. The theme of the CD is based on technology going too far. And as a result, the machines begin to take over. The Mechanic theme is also showcased in the music with robotic type of sounds woven into the heavy riffs.
5. So you will have a little rest when the concert in Tunisia had taken place? Going back to see your families, and to just take a little break before touring again?
Mike: We will only have a rest for 3 weeks before we jump back on tour in north and south America. Most of the band members have wives and kids so they will be happy to get back home. I would rather stay on the road all the time.
6. Is it planned to do video-clips for the new Symphony X songs?
Mike: We do not have anything planned at the moment. However, we have been talking about this and perhaps this will be something we could do in the future.
7. From what I know ;-) Mike you got this David Ellefson signature bass. Which bass guitar is your fave one and which one do you use mostly for touring?
Mike: Yes, I met Dave when he was doing artist relations for Peavey. He designed a great sounding bass which I used to record Iconoclast and used on the entire power of metal tour. I use both basses for touring and recording.
8. Last but not least please leave a message for all your fans and for my readers please.
Mike: To everyone, it was a pleasure to do this interview with Susi. I hope you will like Iconoclast and I’m looking forward to seeing all of you on the road.
Thank you so much for the interview, Mike. Susi
© 03 2011 by Rocket Queen *Promotion*