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Interview
Deutsche VersionInterview mit Circular Logik (20.05.2008)
HH: Hi, how are you?
Phil: I am awesome. I have nothing to complain about, thankfully!!! :)
HH: Congratulations to and thanks for your album One. What was your motivation to record this album?
Phil: You are very welcome. It's just another step forward for me and "One" is right from the heart and hopefully touches a lot of people.
HH: The title of your album is One. Do you plan more with Circular Logik or is there another reason for this title?
Phil: "Two" is already finished. I will send the demo to Oliver & Sebastian to see if they're interested in releasing it when the time comes. I think naming the albums 1, 2, 3 etc is very cool. I never liked the idea of naming an album after one song on the album.
HH: Hard Rock exists for more than 30 years, so your music isn't really new. What do you think, why is this kind of music as popular as 20 or 30 years ago?
Phil: Because it stands the test of time. Good songs last forever and there are some great songs that will always get played. "Long Time" by Boston, "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, "Let it Ride" by BTO, "The Boys Are Back In Town" Thin Lizzy, "Smoke On The Water" Deep Purple. The list goes on but you can see my point. Do you think anyone will be listening to Seether in 20 years??? I don't think so.
HH: What kind of reactions did you receive so far? Are you satisfied with the record?
Phil: I don't release a CD unless it sounds exactly the way I want it to. There's no compromises, no filler, only an honest representation of where I am right now musically. The reactions I can't control because the CD is finished so I try not to take the reviews too much to heart because it is just one person's opinion. I don't expect everyone to like it. I don't know of any CD out there that everyone likes... maybe the first Boston record but that was a masterpiece. Those don't happen too often. Every time I write an album I try to write a masterpiece so maybe I'm close... LOL!!!
HH: Phil, what were the reasons to establish a band for his album?
Phil: I was collaborating on a few songs with my friend and guitarist Steven Albanese who had introduced me to Billy Roux a few years previous and also knew Tane and I knew Bill Arnold and with technology the way it is today we could all record our parts at our homes and then send them to me for the final mix. It was very easy and stimulating and I thoroughly enjoyed it. That's why we started on "Two" right away. To keep that energy and creative spirit.
HH: Do you make any plans to start a tour with Circular Logik? If it's so, do you come to Germany, too?
Phil: We are talking about it. Unfortunately a few members have professional commitments to other things that restrict their time away but that might change in the near future.
HH: What are your plans over the next time? New album in process of planning?
Phil:I think I already answered this one!! :) I also have a new solo CD called "White Noise" that will be available through my website in May. CDbaby will also be selling it. If you liked "One" you will love this. I'm playing all the instruments except for a few guitar solos which Steve Albanese, Billy Roux & David Zychek handle. And let me be clear, I'm PLAYING all the instruments. Most people see a one man band and they think it's a guy with a guitar and a bunch of loops and samples but I am proud to say I do not rely on computers for making my music. I use musical instruments and my hands, feet & voice. I'm like the hard rock Prince!! *laughs*
HH: According to you is it possible to compare contemporary Hard Rock with that one in the 80ies? What has changed, what has stayed?
Phil: Like I said earlier, a good song is a good song. It doesn't matter when it was written. Look at the Beatles. 40 years later I still listen to Abbey Road or "Let It Be" or the White Album. It's timeless. The trouble with the eighties bands were there were too many bands doing the same thing. It got stale. The creativity was lost. But the good bands from that period, Winger, Whitesnake, Europe, Dokken, are still making important music and creating great albums.
HH: How have the music and the life as a musician changed generally?
Phil: It's a lot easier now to be a musician then it was a few years ago. Because of the internet you have a better chance of being heard now as opposed to 10 years ago. It keeps you in touch with the people who purchase your music. I personally respond to everyone that buys my CDs and thank them for giving me the opportunity to entertain them. It's a great feeling.
HH: If you don't play an instrument or write a song what are your favourite activities?
Phil: I lift weights, play ice hockey, basketball & baseball; I love sports so maybe I would try to be a Major League pitcher.
HH: What would you advise young musicians who want to become as good and as successful as you to do?
Phil: Be honest and write songs YOUR happy with. Not other people. If you happen to touch a bunch of people then you've made it!!! You have to be passionate about your songs. It's not about making money, it's about the passion.
HH: Imagine, your music is an animal. What animal would it be and why this kind of animal?
Phil: I would say a chameleon. It would be different at any time of any day or night and never look quite the same, always changing depending on the mood.
HH: Thank you very much for your time! Any last words to the readers of Heavyhardes.de?
Phil: Thank you for your interest in my band and our CD "One". We appreciate all your kind words and I hope I answered your questions properly. Thank you again and to all the Circular Logik/Tragik/Phil Vincent fans, THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE. I/we will keep making music as long as you keep listening!! We love you all. Take care.
Sophos