Hi Gary and thank you very much for this interview. First of all I'd like to congratulate you on your excellent release called "Voice in the Light" and ask how the four of you decided to get together and work on it.

Thanks! John Crawford had some ideas about a story, and he contacted me about producing a record. We set up a meeting and discussed the record and the performers. At first we only agreed on myself and DC Cooper for playing the music and singing, and then after a revolving door of other options, we happily settled on working with Nick and Kurt, who were friends with label owner Shawn Gordon.

...And how long have you been working on "Voices in the Light" including the song-writing process?

It seems like a very long time, but it was on and off, ya know? I guess I began recording demos in late 2001 and 2002, then took a break to work on the Shadow Gallery "Room V" record, and we resumed some time later, but some of the songs are very old- nearly 6 years until their release.

The next question that comes in mind is who John Crawford is and what's his involvement on the whole project? The two of you are basically responsible for the production as well, so please give us some more details on that aspect.

John had the idea for the concept album, but has no experience in music, or music production. He started with his ideas, with lyrics and musical "mapping" as he liked to call it, and he turned to me and DC to make them into songs.

Could we say that more or less Amaran's Plight is your personal project band? I'm saying this because apart from the production you're the one pulling the strings on the compositional aspect, aren't you? How have the other members contributed on that?

I do not think of it that way. The album would not be what it is without the collective talents of all of those involved, down to the guests and other studio engineers, like Rich Mouser.

It is true, I began the music for the compositions, and it is all very close to my heart, but I have no problem throwing a lot of weight behind the composition or production of a record, as I enjoy the variety of work found within that scenario.

There's an interesting concept story behind "Voice in the Light" which I'd really like you to spread yourself on this subject. I guess you and John are behind it, too.

It is, and I give credit to John for that. I helped whip it into shape, but he had the initial ideas. It is different as well, which helps the record remain a little more unique.

How would you describe your music on "Voice in the Light"? Does the term progressive rock cover you?

Yes, and so do many other titles.. Almost all artists will tell you that they do not like "titles" but the truth is, it is up to the listener to determine which words best describe the music to them... To me, it is many things; rock, metal, progressive rock, symphonic, new age, pop etc.... and that is the way i like it.

If I asked you to pick a couple of songs as your favorites, which would these be and why?

I would have a very hard time with that question, as it all depends on my mood... I do like to listen to music that I have contributed to something positive to, as I learn a lot from that, but I guess if I had to get down and answer your question, I would include some random songs here: "into the lens" (Yes), "subdivisions" (Rush), "day eleven: love" (Ayreon), "If I ever lose my faith in you" (Sting), "Icarus dream suite" (Yngwie Malmsteem)

As far as I can tell the album made quite an impact on progressive and generally rock music receiving very overwhelming reviews worldwide. Did you expect something like that in the first place and now that you turned the spotlight on will you consider a second delivery?

No, I never expect it... Like almost all records I dive fully into, I had no idea if people would love it, or laugh and criticize it - In the end, I feel both ways myself, but ultimately come to get a little overwhelmed in it all a few months later, after I have had a break from it... It does mean a great deal to me when I learn that people love it - It tells me that my instincts in making music are well founded and it inspires me to make more...

Alongside the positive reviews, many have also called you "superband" mostly due to the participation of great musicians such as D.C Cooper, Kurt Barabas and Nick D'Virgilio. How do you react to that and does this put an extra burden over your shoulders?

I hate that title. I do not agree with it - not that I am degrading anyone involved, they are all incredibly talented people... but an album is only super if the results make people feel that way.

Do you consider touring with Amaran's Plight in the near future? Is it difficult to accomplish something like that taking into account that the other members may have some kind of engagements with their others projects?

Yes! I would really like to, but it is not set up like a typical band, so we may have to consider a scaled down version with less people involved, but either way., I would like to perform it! Still, you are right, the other engagements between all these busy musicians makes it a challenge.

You've inked a deal for your debut cd with one of the most important prog rock/metal labels nowadays, personally speaking, that is. How did you come up with a deal and how satisfied are you from them so far?

John had met progrock records label owner Shawn Gordon and pitched him the idea... Shawn only heard demos, but the demos were pretty detailed anyway. I like working with Shawn and see us doing more together in the future.

What's going to happen with Shadow Gallery? Recently you've released a best of or sort. Is it a starter of what's to come, speaking about a new full-length, and when should we expect it? Are you in front of a dilemma whether you should continue with Shadow or Amaran's or have you found the right formula to combine those two?

I suppose I am, but to a small degree.. I want to keep working, but I need to be surrounded by people who share that sentiment. My bandmates in Shadow Gallery are fully engaged in their lives and jobs, and it makes "starting" the next thing difficult.... This situation does not inspire me, but the individual people do a great deal, so I will hold on to Shadow Gallery as long as possible, as there is a special magic within the grooves that I would find hard pressed to duplicate elsewhere, but I will have to be patient along with everyone else and see what develops, or eventually drop everything and force the issue and start writing the majority of material.

Gary thank you so much for this interview. I wish you all the best for the future. You can close as you like.

Thanks a bunch! I am so appreciative of people like you who take the time to report and spread the sounds of progressive rock- You are an important ingredient to the success of a bands record!