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What is your name and your current position in the band?

Aaron Bell; guitars, vocals, and other instrumentation

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?

Degree Absolute was formed in 1999 when I started writing and recording material on my own. I have known Doug Beary and Dave Lindeman for many years, and they agreed to contribute after the initial demo songs were completed. There have been many low points . too many to mention. However, the definite highlight was at the end of the mixing process for this album. It was a great relief.

Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?

Due to its nature, Degree Absolute was never even a local band. Very few people in our home communities are aware of our existence.

What is your latest album and why should people buy it?

The eponymous first album is also the latest. People should buy it because theft is not very nice.

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?

For the most part, this first album is progressive metal, although there are a few other genres that make appearances at various points. Yes, since it's very important to move forward, there will be a wider variety of musical styles on future Degree Absolute material. I'm also involved in a few other outside projects that have little relation to metal.

Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?

The mixing process was definitely one of the highlights. I also had a great time rehearsing and recording with Doug.

How is the writing process in the band?

For the first album, I wrote and recorded demo versions of the material then gave them to Doug and Dave. We rehearsed, and then hit the studio.

What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?

My brother. My earliest memories related to music involve him and he's primarily responsible for sparking my initial interest. Without his influence, I doubt I would have ever picked up an instrument.

Do you have any idols? If yes, who?

I admire musicians who create music on their own terms . those who tend to be independent and have a complete vision of their own rather than being one part of a whole. Mike Patton, Devin Townsend, Björk, Peter Gabriel, Robert Smith, Bowie .

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?

Definitely, but it's too early in the game .

Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?

At this point, I'm not sure if there are any fan favourites, so to speak. There are definitely songs that I like more than others.

How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?

On this first album, lyrics are fairly important. However, it's important for music to independently generate a mood. For me, the most powerful songs are often those without any lyrics.

What do you think about the state of the music industry today?

Marketability is everything, which results in the cloning of artists and genres being flogged to death. It's sad.

What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?

I'm not sure. Moving away from the redbook 16/44.1 standard? A digital hi-rez push coupled with greater vinyl availability? I don't know.

Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?

Have a good time all the time. That's my philosophy.

Can you describe a typical day in your life?

Quite boring, really. I go to work, come home, and if I have enough energy, I'll spend time writing and recording.

What do you like to spend your time with besides music?

Books, films . the usual. I would like to travel more.

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)

It's almost impossible to pick only three albums. Off the top of my head, I would say Bloodflowers by The Cure, the Devin/Ocean Machine Biomech album, and Vespertine by Björk or Bowie's Outside. Three isn't enough.

As far as films are concerned, I'd bring one Kiyoshi Kurosawa film, probably Kaïro since it would be appropriate, one of Lynch's films, and something by Tarkovsky . probably Stalker.

Books? Let's see . Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, some Douglas Adams, maybe Martin Amis? I was only recently introduced to his writing, so I'm not sure. Maybe The Story of the Stone? It's very long and would keep me occupied.

What is your favourite joke?

Why did the man put the car in the oven? RIP Floppy.

Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?

Right now, demo versions of new songs are near completion. Ideally, I'd like to be in the studio before the end of the year to record the second Degree Absolute album. It might be difficult, but that's the goal at the present time.

Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.

Thank you! Rock hard, ride free .


Added by Steen - 3/8/2006


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