|
|
Interview with Ian Parry - Consortium Project III
Having released two acclaimed concept records, Ian Parry has been put up front as one of the forerunning masters of the symphonic concept album. Now Parry has given us his latest and third offering to the Consortium Project, titled "Terra Incognita." I was given a chance to ask Parry some questions about everything from his evolution as a producer to his influences, and Parry was able to discuss these subjects with ease, giving us the answer to how he creates such ambitious projects.
With concept albums being ambitious projects with great expectations, what direction did you see yourself going into when creating "Terra Incognita?"
Terra Incognita (the undiscovered world) is the third part of a Trilogy concept story. It's set in the future after the species (as written in the concept story of C 2) is split into 2 seperate entities by women who save the planet from self-destruction. In the new world the new generation uncover ancient writings written in stone and conclude they have to venture on a journey to discover Terra Incognita where it is written lives the monomales (men). My aim was to finish the Trilogy with a happy ending and as with C 2, i started with the title for the album in latin meaning the undiscovered world and compiled the last part of the trilogy from there.
I understand that the concept for Terra Incognita is centered on the effects of ecological problems that have created a new world and society that seeks to finds answers to ancient scripture found within their new society. What inspires you for the concepts of these projects?
I was browsing through the pages of the oxford english dictionary and realised that apart from the word feminine there wasn't many references to females without the masculine connection. So i decided to create a story of a world going out of control and used topics of the present like the issues of human cloning and global warning. This together with a little fantasy is how the idea was formulated.
Are there any particular Authors that inspire you?
Terra Incognita (the undiscovered world) incorporates fact and fiction and references to scriptures being true predictions. This idea is oh coarse based on the writings of Nostradamus, although i don't read book so much , i take note of any historical aspects or whenever people mention about great literature.
How would you compare and contrast the other two projects to "Terra Incognita?"
Terra Incognita (the undiscovered world) is far more symphonic than the other 2 consortium albums and includes more choirs and harmony vocals from great female singers. The prog and metal elements combined with a great productions , helps enhanced the concept more.
How have you evolved as a writer/composer over the years?
Based through trail and error. I am always trying hard to improve my writing, even though i am not a musican but first and foremost a singer. I guess you never stop improving your songwriting , whether it be with better arrangements or melodies and lyrics, there's always room to improve.
Taking a different turn here, how did the production of the record, when it comes to the recording process, take place? Do you use Pro-Tools/Digital or Analog, and what "toys" do you like to work with when recording?
I started working on C 3 back in May 2002, working at home on Pro-tools writing a few songs, then working together with Joshua Dutrieux (Elegy Keyboard Player). Joshua had written 5 tracks in a more Symfo style and we sat down in his studio and using the basic concept story, search to see which songs suited the atmosphere throughout the different parts of the concept story. I alot of emphasis was put on finding analogue synthesizer sounds. I took the basic guide drums,vocals and keyboard track with guide guitar played by Joshua on a back up hard drive in Dec '02, to Tampa Florida. There together with Casey Grillo and his colleague Robert Finan, we started recording drum and bass tracks at Casey's studio "Above the C". I then spend a number of months working on close harmony parts with different female singers and recorded a duet with the Dutch actrice Ingeborg Wieten.
The final stage was to record the main body of guitars with Stephan Lill and mix at the Bazement studios near Frankfurt with Marcus Teske (where Vanden Plas recorded their last 2 albums).
Having 88 tracks to mix we used the Digial Performer music programme and moto interfaces. Obviously we had a lot of software plug-ins at our disposal,but i always like to use some analogue equipment such as Summit dual compressor /limitor DCL 200, to give added warm on the vocals.
Was "Terra Incognita" easier or harder to produce than the other two? Did you see yourself evolving as a producer and do you enjoy the production process?
Terra Incognita was more of a challenge, being the 3rd and last part of the Trilogy. I knew we had to improve and not only the production , but also and the songwriting style , to enhance the mystique needed for the concept story. I would like to continue in the future being involved in producing, but it is a craft which takes mant years to learn, so i'll simply keep trying until i feel i can offer other bands an artists, that extra guidance and experience they need to make a great album.
What musicians do you prefer to record with and is there anybody that you would like to record with in the future?
I simply like working with down to earth cool people, as neither my colleagues or myself are igo trippers. I would like to sing one day with the one person who inspired me as a singer and that is Paul Rodgers from Free / Bad Company.
Are there any plans to tour in support of the record?
If the fans do us the honour by buying the C 3 album, instead of being tempted to copy or download it, then we will be albe to cover the rising costs and take the Consortium trilogy on the road.
Where do you see the audience as being the most enthusiastic for this record (Countries, Cities..)?
I guess countries like Japan, Italy, Greece and Spain. The fans as so proud to see you in their countries.
You have been with three different record companies in the past, Inside Out, Locomotive, and now Century Media, what was the basis for signing with Century Media, and do you see them bringing this record to a larger scale audience, basically where do you see them taking this record?
I was searching for a worldwide license deal this time and after things didn't work out with Elegy and the Spanish label (because they had some problems expanding their label outside of Spain), i approached CMR and they not only complimented me on a great album and doing a great production, but immediately offered me a worldwide deal, so now i hope to reach more of our fans this time.
Who are some of your musical influences, and what are you listening to nowadays?
I have been listening a lot to Peter Gabriel and i'd lie to work in this style in the future, which is more diverse and include lots of melody and atmosphere.
So what is next for you? Do you see another Consortium Project in the future, are you planning on producing records for any other bands, and are you currently working with any other bands at this time?
I just finished playing live shows with Elegy in Cleveland, Ohio USA and some European shows. I am presently writing new songs and hope maybe to work on some new songs with Andre Andersen in 2004. If our fans and readers of your magazine keep supporting our music, then Consortium Project and later Elegy can play some great live shows and keep making this cool music.
Thank you so Much for your time Ian, I really enjoyed your record as well as the opportunity to ask you these questions.
You're Welcome!
| |
Written by Hashman - 10/27/2003 |
This article has been shown 4451 times. Go to the complete list.
RevelationZ Comments
|
|
|
|
Daily Spotlight
Iced Earth - The Crucible of Man, Something Wicked Pt. 2
 Iced Earth led their ride into glory and metal immortality with the amazing power/thrash masterpiece, "Somet....
Read full review
Retro Reviews
(Hashman)
Trouble - Run to the Light
 You wouldn't expect the low moaning synth of Taurus Pedals and an eerie Hammond organ to open such a powerful record, but it was a stance that Trouble had made to complete a record that was beyond wha....
Read full review
(Tommy)
Virgin Steele - Invictus
 When it comes to this album, it is no underestimation to say that it has it all; this is my favourite album with my favourite band.
The Invictus concept is quite profound and features different cha....
Read full review
Archive
· Albums of the month
· Retro Reviews
|
|
|
