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Band page - Milan Polak
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 What is your name and your current position in the band?
Milan Polak, singer / guitarist / songwriter / producer
Tell us about the history of the band. More specifically, when was the band formed, how did you meet, and have there been any particular highlights or low points in your career, any crucial events that have taken you where you are today?
I started playing at the age of 13. I have released 2 instrumental CD's with Lion Music called 'Guitar Odyssey' and 'Dreamscapes' as well as a jazz/fusion CD called 'J.A.M.' - a collaboration project with Joel Rivard and Alessandro Benvenuti for the English label LNR that made it to no. 2 in the Jazzwise UK-charts.
I also contributed a song called 'Utopia' to the Jason Becker tribute 'Warmth In The Wilderness Vol. II' that also featured artists such as Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Randy Coven a.m.o.
And I had the opportunity to jam with Billy Sheehan, Marty Friedman, Ken Hensley, jazz bassist Steve Bailey, Dizzy & Matt Sorum of Guns n' Roses amongst others.
I was also the guitarist for Austrian pop star Falco (who had a no. 1 smash hit called 'Rock Me, Amadeus' for 5 weeks in the U.S. billboard charts in the 80-ies) and Tangerine Dream to support their album 'Tyranny of Beauty'.
And I have also written two instructional books for a series called 'Guitar Heroes'.
My CD 'Dreamscapes' entered the Guitar Nine-charts in four different categories at no.1, including the '50 Most Popular Overall' with a popularity rating of 100.0.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
No, I never really cared about the local scene. It is usually full of jealous people who spend more time and energy on putting you down than on their own career. lol
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
'Dreamscapes' and 'Guitar Odyssey' - both released by Lion Music in 2005 - if you're interested in instrumental virtuoso guitar music ranging from rock to jazz/fusion to Latin.
How would you categorize the style of the band? And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one(s) you are playing now?
Lol, I have always been playing all the styles I liked. I grew up in a lot of different countries with a lot of different cultures and all these had a huge impact on my style.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
Jamming with Billy Sheehan and Marty Friedman. Getting the Falco gig.
How is the writing process in the band?
I usually get 'hit' by ideas while noodling around on the guitar or sleeping. lol
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
No. When I was 5 years old I would always sing Beatles tunes. Lol
I always wanted to become a musician, a drummer to be specific but my parents did not buy me a drum set because it was too loud & expensive.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
No. I never wanted to be (like) someone else.
Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?
No regrets so far. lol Not even the big hair-days when I played in a poser band and they made me wear make-up and I looked like a cheap prostitute. hahaha
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
Not that I know. I just sometimes get compared in reviews to people that have never influenced me and I don't even know in some cases. lol
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
Very important! Lyrics are 50% of a song (unless you play instrumental music. lol).
All my lyrics are very personal. Kind of like my diary. lol
I never understood (and still don't) people that do not care about lyrics. But then again if you look at charts THAT is the only possible explanation. hahaha
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
Poor. Sad. Except for indie labels such as Lion Music or Liquid Note Records there is not a lot being done for 'real' musicians. The whole biz is a big sell out, rip off.
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
There is no way. Gotta live with it. Piracy has always existed and always will. It's a criminal tendency and mankind has had criminal energies since day one.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
"You can never fall down too many times - only get up one time too little."
"It's better to be hated for who you are than to be loved for who you are not."
"Become who you are!" (Nietzsche)
"Intelligence and sense of shame are closely related to each other."
"If the sun of the culture hangs low, even dwarves throw long shadows."
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
Get up around 9:00 am, answering fan and business mail for about 2 hours, trying to practice my singing at the same time. lol
Doing about an hour of guitar playing
Working out for about 2 hours
Having breakfast around 2:00 pm.lol
Getting back to doing promo, answering e-mails, working on songs, recording in my studio, giving lessons, doing my taxes or whatever is necessary.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
Any food for my mind and thoughts, sports, sex, being with friends
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Girls. lol
You're heading off to live on a deserted island for a couple of years with your portable entertainment system... Which albums, movies or books would you bring? (Max. 3 of each)
Nietzsche and Michael Moore to read.
The Usual Suspects, Life of Brian, The Green Mile or History X to watch
Queen, Beatles, King's X or Pantera
What is your favourite joke?
Life and stupid people.
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
At the moment I am preparing the recording sessions in NY in November for my vocal album, which will feature a great drummer who has played with such people as Malmsteen, James LaBrie, Masi, Lynch and many others, and two bassists who have played with the likes of Kotzen, Vai, Lukather, Glenn Hughes, Malmsteen and m.o.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
Thanks for your interest. Thanks to all my fans around the world for their incredible support and for buying my music.
For more info please make sure to visit
www.milanpolak.com
as well as my Italian fansite
www.milanpolakfansite.com
where you can find a lot of goodies, merchandise and sign-up for a newsletter.
All the best,
Milan :)
Added by Steen - 11/4/2005
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