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| Photo by Jatzi Nieto Photography |
Bassist Mike LePond has had a busy last couple of years. He released his first solo project, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins last fall and his other band, prog-metal giants Symphony X just released their 9th
studio album, “Underworld” on July 24th, 2015. And he is now gearing up
for the Symphony X Underworld Tour that starts next month!! (Check out my
pairing/review of “Underworld” here: http://brewsandtunes.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-30th-2015-underworld.html)
I recently chatted with Mike about his work with Symphony X, his
influences, his Silent Assassins project, and music in general. Here’s that interview… enjoy!!
- How did you
originally get started in music?
My dad took me to see
KISS at Madison Square Garden in New York when I was 13 years old. The show was
a life changing experience. From that day on I knew I wanted to be a musician.
- How did
Symphony X form? When and how did you all meet?
Founding member [guitarist] Michael Romeo was
offered a record contract from demos he was sending around. So at that point he
needed a full band. He found all the band members from the local metal scene
here in New Jersey, USA.
- What can you
tell us about your fellow band mates in Symphony X?
These guys are top shelf when it
comes to musicianship and songwriting. After all the years of recording,
touring etc. we are like one big happy family.
- What can you tell
us about your Silent Assassins project and how did it come into
fruition?
My first love was classic heavy
metal and I always wanted to release an album in that style. When Symphony X
was touring on their last record, I would write songs all day long on the tour
bus. By the end of our touring cycle, I had all the songs ready.
- What was the
songwriting process for the amazing new Symphony X album
"Underworld"? How about for your Silent Assassins album?
For Underworld, Michael Romeo would
write the basic ideas for the tunes and then later on, the rest of the band
would add their personalities into it. For Silent Assassins, I had to write all
the music and lyrics. It was very difficult but I loved it.
- What gear do
you currently use?
I
currently use Caparison basses and Peavey amplification.
- Both
your bass work and songwriting prowess is wonderfully and
profoundly powerful! What musicians have influenced you the most…
both in terms bass work and as a songwriter?
My main influences are Joey Demaio,
Steve Harris, Geezer Butler, Geddy Lee, and Gene Simmons.
- Do you follow
other progressive metal bands? What musicians/bands are currently on
your radar? Who do you listen to in your down time? Who do you
think we should be listening to more?
I'm really not a fan of other
progressive bands other than Rush.
Lately I've been listening to the Viking/folk metal that's been coming
out of Europe. I think you should listen
to anything and everything that moves you.
- What is your
favorite song from "Underworld" and why? How about from
Silent Assassins?
From Underworld, I love "In my
Darkest Hour". It's just a perfectly written song from beginning to end.
From Silent Assassins, my favorite is "The Outsider". It's got a
grooving riff that is really original.
- Any touring
plans for your band Silent Assassins in the future?
I am currently assembling a live
solo band to take out on the road. As soon as I know Symphony X's touring
schedule for next year, I will start planning some high profile shows.
- Apart from
your brilliant Silent Assassins project, are there any other side projects
you are working on currently or in the near future?
At
the moment I am writing a second Silent Assassins record.
- Anything else
you would like to convey about your music/career?
I want to thank everyone who has
supported Symphony X all these years. Please check out our new CD, Underworld,
and please listen to my solo album, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins. See you on
tour!
Hails!!!
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