Dear Derek hi. Congratulations
for your new album. How do you feel
about it now that the adventure
of composing and recording it has
ended?
Hi Giannis. I feel really good
about this record. I am anxious
to see how the public receives it.
In the album there are
many renowned artists participating.
Can you tell us their names and
how do you feel about their contribution?
Billy idol, Slash, Yngwie Malmsteen,
Zakk Wylde, John Petrucci, Simon
Phillips, Tony Franklin and more.
Everyone did a great job.
How difficult is to coordinate
so many artists? Are there any hard
times, where your vision about a
song contradicts with an idea of
the contributor?
There have never been any contradictions.
I treat my songs like a casting
director in the movies- I have an
arsenal of talent to draw from to
make sure each song gets the proper
treatment. As far as coordinating
everyone, you just have to be flexible
in your scheduling as everyone has
a lot of things going on.
What are the other useful
details that we should know about
"Blood of the Snake"?
How was the recording process?
Half of the record was written
and recorded with Simon Phillips,
and the other half Brian Tichy.
Both of them are great to work with.
What are the differences
between "Blood of the Snake"
and "Mythology"? Which
are the strong points of your new
effort?
I think that the only difference
is that there are some new players
on this one, and it has one more
vocal track. Both albums cover a
lot of musical ground.
In general, how do you
assess your evolution as a musician?
I see growth in myself with every
record that i make as keyboardist,
producer, composer and recording
artist. I always try and make a
better record than my last one.
You are considered as a
solo and session musician. First
of all do you accept this characterization?
I guess so, as I am both of those
things.
Secondly I would like to
know if you miss being a permanent
member of a "normal" band.
Yes and no. There is a certain
gratification about being part of
an entity, but I do not miss the
politics and internal conflicts
that are inherent in every band.
There is a certain freedom in my
solo career that is awesome- not
having to answer to anyone, and
having complete creative control.
What are your criteria
for your participation in various
projects? I mean, apart from any
financial benefits, what do you
seek in your participation in other
bands?
I have to like the music, or feel
like I can make a contribution in
some sort.
Let's go back to "Blood
of the Snake". Can you tell
us a few things about the cover
of the album? It's pretty dark;
it is almost a black metal cover.
I have been working with artist
Mattias Noren for the last three
records. Once I committed to the
title "Blood of The Snake"
I wanted imagery that was dark and
erotic. I am very happy with the
cover and overall artwork.
I always wondered this.
How do -solo artist- name their
songs, since they do not use any
lyrics and therefore they do not
associate them. How do you "baptize"
your songs?
Good question, the song usually
gives off a vibe, and we try an
associate a word or phrase that
fits with the vibe of the song.
Some are easy to name, others are
very difficult.
We talked about your guests
and friends that take part in your
album. Usually in the tour that
follows they can't come with you.
So I would like to know if you are
going to make any tour for "Blood
of the Snake" and who are going
to escort you.
It is a goal of mine to assemble
a solid band so I can go out and
tour. My problem is that there are
very few guitarists that can cover
all of the musical ground that I
do on my records. I am always open
to hearing new talent.
It
seems that Inside Out has offered
you a warm house. Are you satisfied
with their support?
InsideOut has been very supportive
to me. Thomas Waber and Jim Pitulski
are doing a great job building up
their label.
Dear Derek, this is the
end. It was a pleasure talking to
you. I wish you all the best with
"Blood of the Snake".
Thank you very much! Please stay
tuned in at my website dereksherinian.com
for all updates.
