|
Everybody likes to do something different for a change. With a similar thought in mind, Fates Warning - frontman Ray Alder gathered a few friends under the moniker of Engine and in 1999 their remarkable debut was released. Extraordinarily heavy and provided with a modern sound they received very positive response in the press. When they did a few shows later on ( like Wacken Open Air in Germany and Dynamo in Holland ) it became evident, that the fans also appreciated this side step wholeheartedly. All of this was reason enough to start working on a successor, which they did with total dedication. The item is entitled " Superholic " and lets the listener hear a very driven band that can hardly surpress the thrill of making music together. A conversation with Fates Warning - frontman Ray Alder about the remarkable debut, the equally surprising successor and the way possible conflicts with the Fates Warning agenda are being solved was inevitable. It was remarkable that Ray as well as guitarist Bernie Versailles were immediately available for interviews each day of the week. As if the gentlemen have made it their hobby, which therefore was my first question.
CAUSING A RIOT
"Do we like doing interviews as much as making music? Not really, but when you've released a new album we both believe it's very important to do alot of promotinal activities. That way, you at least have the opportunity to be heard in the specialized press so people know that you've released new material. Next to doing shows, that's the best and regretfully also the only way to promote yourself. [ Hey, and what about the website...?!? - ~E~ ].That' s why we try to be as available as possible."
After the release of the debut I can imagine that you were completely surprised about the positive response from the press as well as from the fans, who completely went out of their heads during the few shows you've been able to do in Europe.
"The record was made without any expectations. I just wanted to do something totally different than what I was doing with Fates Warning. We figured we'd be scaring off a large number of fans, but it wasn't that bad. Composing for Engine always happens with the thought in mind that it has to cause a riot live. If we're not touched or put in motion by a song, it goes straight to the garbage bin. It has to swing. At the shows, the audience has got to have the idea of being a part of the act. Movement in the music is a must."
Were there internal discussions between the bandmembers to decide on the direction for "Superholic"?
"The weird thing about Engine is that we were able to work without the pressure of record companies and fans. The fact that nobody is expecting anything from you releases an inspirational flow. Shortly after finishing the debut it was evident that a second album was an option. Soon it became clear that we all wanted to make a heavier and groovier album. Myself, I listen alot to the heavier stuff and it makes me feel good. Of course, melody will always be a main ingredient because I can't change my style of singing. Agression, decibels and groove are what we wanted to achieve this time."
FASCINATING COVER
Bernie Versailles has become a very important component within the band
"His playing style is very agressive. He plays a wide variety of styles but each time he succeeds at creating an attractive dark atmosphere in his riffs which I'm very fond of."
What made you decide to do a cover of The Cure's "Fascination Street" ?
"It was just an idea I had while driving in my car. Suddenly it dawned on me. That song is incredibly heavy and all it lacked was a guitar. I called Bernie and he immediately liked the idea. Shortly after that we were in the studio and the result is much better than I originally imagined."
The funny thing about it is that you copy Robert Smith in the first part and after that attach your personal label to it.
" The problem was even that I was copying too much. Especially in the mellow part I had trouble not sounding too much like the original. Fortunately I had less problems with the heavy parts. It has become a 'pretty damn good cover' even if I say so myself."
Listening to both Engine records and comparing them to your vocals on the Fates Warning records I get the impression that you've got a lot more freedom of expression here.
"Freedom is exactly the right word. You know, I will never leave Fates Warning and I've been feeling good there for many years. But Engine gives me room to experiment and often makes me astonish myself. There's also something about the way we cooperate. For six weeks in a row we've been working on "Superholic" and we only took a break on Christmas day. The turkey spoiled the fun. Even on New year's eve we've been working on songs for twelve, thirteen hours non-stop. Definitely the feeling of a starting band, great!"
COMMUNICATION AND FRIENDSHIP
Have any plans been set in stone for a tour yet?
"They're working on getting us out on the road here in the US as the opening act for a major band. As far as Europe goes, nothing has been set in stone yet, but if you can drop us at a festival we will definitely come entertain you. See ya soon!"
If Engine should ever surpass the success of Fates Warning, which will be your priorities in that case?
" Jim Matheos and I have already discussed it many times. It's evident that Fates Warning will stay priority number one, but that we'll synchronize our schedules in such a way that both bands have a reason to exist. Jim is also working on a solo album. Nowadays all you can do is combine different jobs, especially if you want to make a living out of this trade. Good communication and a long lasting friendship cannot ruin things here."
|
