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Band page - Dreamtone & Iris Mavraki´s Neverland
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Band Profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
I am Onur Özkoç, one of the two guitarists of the band.
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?
Well, it all began as a collaboration between Greek artist Iris Mavraki, a symphony orchestra and Dreamtone, which was then thought of only as a series of concerts. Iris heard Dreamtone's "Unforeseen Reflections", and she then contacted us to talk about this project. Later on, we found out that we have some material that we didn't want to play merely on live performances, so we decided to turn this project into an album (titled "Reversing Time").
Then for some songs we decided to hear some different voices, and contacted the people whom we would love to hear on the album. Our list included Hansi Kursch from Blind Guardian, Mike Baker and Gary Wehrkamp from our beloved Shadow Gallery, Tom Englund from Evergrey and some other less well-known musicians whose talents none-the-less we adore. I think that was a crucial point in the project's history, because these people were really interested in the project, and they all made important contributions to the album.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
I think that risk is something ever-present, but some risk that you have to take as well. Honestly, I don't see (or don't want to see let's say) Neverland remaining as a local outfit, not after all the efforts so many people put in it. However, we have to sit together sometimes and discuss what to do next, so as to predict what problems we may have to face. To cut it short, I believe anyone who has put enough effort in his/her work will sometime achieve the goals set beyond.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
The debut release of Neverland is titled "Reversing Time", and it features Iris Mavraki's beautiful voice, Dreamtone and the Philarmonia Istanbul orchestra under conduction of Hakan ?ensoy, as well as many guests artists such as Hansi Kursch. Overall, it has a strong rock sound combined with the philarmonia orchestra, and has its moments to offer to a large variety of tastes.
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?
The style of Neverland can basically be described as symphonic rock with a metal sound :) I mean, imagine a symphonic album featuring rock compositions played from the perspective of a metal band and a female opera singer, combining the rock ballad with the all-metal riff, or the classical with progressive licks.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
It was on the recording sessions of Neverland. We had completed the rock band recordings and were on to the next phase, recording the orchestra. We have been working with orchestra samples before, so we were really excited to see them play it live. Hearing some philharmonic orchestra play your tunes is something that really makes you feel proud and gets you excited beyond definition. We were all very nervous as this was a first time for all of us, but we couldn't even stand still with all that excitement that day. Now I cannot wait to record the orchestral parts of the next Neverland release.
How is the writing process in the band?
Burak, Oganalp or I usually do the writing of all the parts and then go to the studio and make the final touches. Neverland also features compositions of Iris (Mavraki).
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
I have some strange obsession with music, call it passion or stupidity. I studied architecture and also work in the design company we founded with the band mates, which is a really nice job, but I feel like I am on the right track whenever I write music. So, I don't see myself getting done with music even if I go bankrupt in the future :)
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
I love everything Aerosmith has released so far, so the first answer would be Joe Perry. Apart from him, I have to add that I envy Arjen Lucassen for how he managed so many perfect projects :), but I suppose that doesn't really qualify as having an idol, does it?
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?
I sometimes think that we didn't expose the full potential of some early releases of Dreamtone, but that was then and it had to be done so. No I think, I don't regret anything in our career.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
Well some songs get old over playing so many times, but I won't give names here hehe :) Playing on stage is a lot different than playing to yourself anyway, it is always exciting.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
That's a fundamental part of our releases. we spend lots of time discussing the "subjects" of songs, and Oganalp spends even more when he is writing the lyrics.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
I think the industry is on the verge of some serious change in plans, as cd and dvd sales are not where they used to be. Part of the change began with mp3 trading and all that, but I do believe that is only the beginning. The music industry seems to be in need of a thrusting force, and I see that change occurring from "communication" as a whole, not just listening. Who knows, music bands will evolve into video bands in the future perhaps :)
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
The best way in my opinion is to come out with top quality productions, from the top to the bottom. Although everyone listens mp3s, still a great number of people buy cds and dvds of the bands which they think are worth it. From experience, I can tell that most people are ok with the quality of mp3 audio, so they buy a cd whenever they feel that it is genuine, not the repetition of some other work already present on the market. It is no longer "record your music and walk out" kind of business anymore, and bands are beginning to care more about their productions in every aspect.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
Always aim higher, because it keeps you from staying where you are whether you are successful or not.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I always seem to be trying to get some work finished on time. It's all about deadlines. So a typical day begins with work, lots of coffee, then some composing or playing, with more coffee, and finally when I get exhausted I end up watching some movie or playing computer games (with some more coffee of course!)
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
I like to go out for a walk in the evening, so I take my cd or mp3 player and walk, sometimes stopping by some friends on the way back home. Apart from that, I usually watch movies.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Actually this hasn't happened to me, but I find it quite funny so I'll tell you. After having a few drinks as a band, we were going back to the hotel. We were 6 people so we had to take two cabs. I took a cab with 2 other friends and went to the hotel, but the others didn't show up. We thought they got lost somewhere in the city, and called them but couldn't reach them. Well, they showed up at the hotel after one and a half hour, soaking wet with sweat and running out of breath. We, the lucky three, were apparently able to find the only cab who would drive to the hotel. All the other cabs refused to drive to the hotel because of the traffic. So the guys had to ask and walk all the way to the hotel, and passed through some scary neighbourhoods on the way. I still remember the expression on Oganalp's face when they finally reached the hotel hehe :)
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)
Albums: Aerosmith - Nine Lives, Aerosmith - Just Push Play, Leon Willett - Dreamfall Soundtrack
Movies: Big Fish, Black Cat White Cat, Blood Diamond
Books: Hithchiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams), Any Sandman Volume (Neil Gaiman), and the last book of Harry Potter series:)
What is your favourite joke?
We all like to improvise, particularly on play of words. Favorites come and go all the time but I cannot recall any at the moment, they're all funny to me anyway. You have to have a good sense of humour if you are to be a good Turkish citizen :)
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
We are planning to do more live shows in the future, and we have two releases scheduled in the near future. Other than that, we'll be working on the next album after January 2008. Personally, I'm planning to add some gear to my rig before 2008.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
First of all, thanks for reading all this, now give your eyes some rest :) Feel free to drop by and leave comments on our websites (www.in-neverland.com and www.myspace.com/neverlandofficial) and take care!
Added by Steen - 8/1/2007
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Band Information - Band Information
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Album Review - Reversing Time
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