Interviewer: Giannis Tsakonas

"Smoke & Mirrors" is your latest release and I would like to concentrate on this. Are you satisfied with the final result? Does it reflect the feelings you had that time on stage?

Yes, I think this is a nice recollection of Arena on stage from that tour. I'm pleased with the result.

In general, is "Smoke & Mirrors" the adequate evidence of Arena on stage for those who weren't privileged attending to one of your shows?

I think it should give people a pretty good ‘flavour' of Arena. Of course, you can't beat the actual live experience.

What improvements would you do for this release? What thing would you do better?

I'm not sure. It's been a while since the DVD was put together. I guess there are a few camera angles we could have improved on…;)

After a year and more, what do you remember of that night? Was there something particular that drew your attention and your memory captured?

I always enjoy the warm reception we have received in Poland. This gig was no exception. In a way the audience reaction probably does not come across as clearly as on the night.

You are experienced in producing live releases. What are the differences in your preparation between a live CD and a live DVD? Did you approach the DVD production in the same way and with the usual concentration?

I like to think we put the same effort into both type of product. Naturally there is more to consider when there is video involved as well.

What are the benefits after a live CD or a DVD, in terms of band's reputation? What's the aim of a release like this?

We hope to give people another insight into Arena. Most people won't have seen the band live, so, the aim is to offer a glimpse of that side of the band.

Do you think that official live releases fight off pirate forms of releases, such as bootlegs?

I don't expect it does, but at least the buyer knows that we have ‘approved' the product.

As a band you follow the practice of fan-club CDs. What is the goal behind these releases, except from awarding your dedicated fans?

It encouraged people to be a part of the Fan Club, and helped to raise revenue for the organization. It was also a way of offering a slightly more intimate insight into Arena.

It's no "new news" to say that you are considered as the best ambassador of what we call "neo-prog". Do you accept this label and this particular role or at the end this whole thing doesn't make any sense?

That's a very nice accolade for the band, and we are happy if this is what some people say. We see ourselves as part of a larger picture, but we have no problem with that description.

All of your releases are under your label. What lead you to the decision releasing a DVD through another label? Was cost the only factor or other reasons lead you to your cooperation with Metal Mind?

Metal Mind has got experience producing and releasing DVDs, so we were happy to leave that to them.

Although there is a growing interest in UK in the prog-rock field (note: I do not know if you agree with that, you are the one who lives it), still looks like you, Threshold in the past, Galahad or other bands have chosen to release your works under your own labels. Doesn't this discourage you at times to see a whole scene to strive by its own means?

Not especially. There are benefits to setting up your own label. You can keep artistic control over the album and the direction of the band. If the album sells well, then everyone concerned gains well. Also, the band will get a much larger amount of effort put into it's future…. Less budget perhaps… but more heart and soul..;)

Do you think that the line-up stability has lead you to excellent releases, such as "Immortal?", "Contagion" and "Pepper's Ghost"?

Maybe it has… I really don't know.

In the DVD and particularly in the interview section, Clive Nolan claims that you compose music for your own selves, to satisfy you in the first place. What happens if you witness a gap between your perception about the music and the fans'? What will follow an album that -perhaps, we don't have an example as this- will not be as welcomed as the previous ones?

So far, this has not been a problem! I guess if everyone didn't like the music, we would have to consider how we went about things.

Do you think that compromising to some kind of standards, even formed by the fans themselves, can restore faith, improve sales or whatever beneficial might be?

It's always worth listening to reactions of fans etc, but I don't believe in ‘compromising' the making of an album.

What happens with the numerous side-bands and projects that you take part in? Do you think that this is a reason for delays in delivering new albums and probably you could give more in shorter time?

We choose to take our time over albums. We do not wish to bring out a new Arena album every year… that would be too much. I think an album release should be an event.

Before we close, I would like to ask you what is going follow the successful "Pepper's Ghost"? Are there any plans?

We are still kicking around ideas at the moment, but something good will emerge! We will be on tour at the end of May… I hope we might play some new material even then!

Dear Clive thank you again very much for your precious time. I wish you all the best.

Many thanks.