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Band page - Palace Terrace & George Bellas Solo
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 Band Profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
George Bellas -- Founder, Composer, Guitarist, Keyboardist, Bassist, Singer and Producer
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?
Progressive and Neoclassical. I play all types of styles, some of which fans that know me would be surprised by.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
"Flying Through Infinity" -- released November 16th, 2007 on Lion Music
"Planetary Alignment" -- released February 15th, 2008 on Lion Music
Fans that like neoclassical and progressive music should be able to find material within these releases that they can get into and enjoy.
 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?
When I decided to find musicians for the vocal album "Flying Through Infinity" that I had written is when the band was born. The other members were musicians that I was originally introduced to by students and friends. As a solo artist I have been releasing albums since the mid-nineties and have worked with various musicians on many different records.
One of the high points in my career was when Mike Varney signed me to Shrapnel Records and introduced me to many very exceptionally talented musicians. I started to record albums with; Deen Castranovo, Barry Sparks, John West, UFO, Phil Mogg, Pete Way, Ansley Dunbar, Eric Martin, Mike Terrana, Trent Gardner, Vitalij Kuprij, Mark Boals, Virgil Donati and others.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
As a solo artist there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I would reach people around the world. The many bands I've been in and line-up changes they have undergone has always been a gamble in my mind. My perspective is that of a composer which seeks out the right musicians to perform a particular work.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
Turning in the album "Flying Through Infinity" after the long production process was certainly a favorite moment.
How is the writing process in the band?
I am the composer for my albums.
For "Flying Through Infinity" I had the entire album written and recorded on disc before I even decided on and contacted the other musicians. Other members will improvise on certain sections and also contribute lyrics.
 What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
When I was seven years old I got my first guitar and haven't put it down since. I have never considered doing anything else. The very essence of my persona is one of a composer and guitarist, it always has been and always will be.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
Carl Sagan, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking and J.S Bach.
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 have no regrets in any of the recordings I have done. I am quite happy with all of the albums I have released.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
No.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
First and foremost my albums are bodies of music. No matter what language a person speaks, we are all able to understand and be moved emotionally by the sonic impact of music.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
It's horrible and is in the worst shape it has ever been in. Too many people steal music without even thinking about how wrong it is and the effect it has on the record companies, producers, artists and promoters.
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
Don't steal music!
 Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
Stand by what you truly believe in and love to do. No matter if the whole world told me they didn't like my music I would continue to write what was intellectually and emotionally stimulating to me, without even a flinch. Be unique and don't follow others.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I wake up, have coffee, improvise on the guitar, exercise, compose music with paper and pencil, study music, orchestrate music, teach music, practice new parts I've written to prepare for recording and finally record. The only thing I don't do everyday in that list is teach, but everything else is a daily activity.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
What do you mean? I don't understand.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Having a musician not show up to a gig and leaving the rest of the band to deal with the promoter.
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:
1. J.S. Bach Collection
2. L.V. Beethoven Collection
3. F. Chopin Collection
MOVIES:
1. 2001 Space Odysey
2. Contact
BOOKS:
1. Brief History in Time - Stephen Hawking
2. Cosmos - Carl Sagan
3. Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns - Nicholas Slominski
What is your favourite joke?
The one were all the people that have illegally downloaded music now have to pay for what they've stolen.
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
While I don't want to divulge specifics... I will be releasing more albums in the very near future, both instrumental and vocal oriented. I also plan on touring with some very talented guitarist friends of mine.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
A huge thank you to all my fans around the world for their support, enthusiasm and feedback throughout the years. It is truly an honor to be able to compose music that has a positive effect on those that enjoy it. I sincerely appreciate all the comments no matter what degree of the scale they're on, music is very personal and highly subjective. A piece of music may effect you a certain way on one day and have a completely different effect during a subsequent listening. One's mood, experiences, expectations and outlook all have significance in how music is perceived at any given moment in time. Enjoy it, it's one of the most beautiful things our species have to experience.
For more information on my past, current and future projects please visit: www.GeorgeBellas.com - or - www.MySpace.com/GeorgeBellas
Added by Steen - 2/23/2008
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