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Hi,
first off I just want to congratulate you on your new album. To
new fans could your please fill us in on the history behind it
all?
Stride - Joel
and Matt met at Musicians Institute out in
Hollywood
in the 90s. They started Stride and moved to
Houston
. They recruited Rick and Marcus (last bassist). They could not
find the right vocalist so an instrumental album was released.
Music Machine. Shortly after, they were able to grab Gary Belin.
Soon after
Gary
joined, Marcus left the band. I joined the band last year. There
you have it.
How
has your new album been received by the media?
Stride
- WOW!
It has been amazing. So far, it has been received with open arms...
I
know artists donąt like to put a label on their music - but a
spaceship from outer space has just landed in your backyard, and
is demanding an answer - so how would you describe your music to
an alien from another galaxy?
Stride
- A
blend of progressive and blistering riffs combined with melody and...
If
your music was an emotion, which one would it be?
Stride
- Elation
or Euphoria.
Who
and what inspires you when you write a song? Walk us through the
creation of a song?
Stride
- The
creation process is different for each song so its hard to put it
into words. Inspiration comes from so many different things. It is
different for each song.
Which
subjects do your lyrics refer to, and who writes them?
And
what inspires you when you write your lyrics?
Stride
- Lyrics
have come from all of us. The main references are positive
outlooks on life and hope, faith and belief in yourself.
Who
has produced and mixed the album? Are you pleased with the result?
Stride
- Gregg
Gill at Spyder Studios mixed and helped produce the album. We were
very pleased with his work. Spyder Studios was a great experience
for us. Gregg and his wife Allison are like family to us.
Who
has done the artwork? And how important do you feel it is to have
a great cover?
Stride
- Mattias
Noren with progart did our album cover. I think he did an amazing
job. Album covers are definitely important. Some people may judge
a book by its cover.
Do
you have any touring plans?
Stride
- We
don’t have anything lined up but we plan on touring.
Let’s
speculate – you have been granted a free slot on a tour of your
own choice – who would be your ideal touring partners?
Stride
- I
would say Rush would be the ideal band to tour with...
How
do you feel about the co-operation with your label?
Stride
- We
are very happy with our label. We work well together and they are
a great company.
The
internet is a very important source for many metal fans – how do
you use the internet and how important is it for you and other
bands?
Stride
- The
internet is basically our life support. Without the internet I
don’t think Stride could be what it has become.
And
how do you feel about the metal scene in general at the moment?
Stride
- There
are many great metal bands. It seems to be back on the rise in the
States.
Which
song do you consider to be the best one you have ever written?
Stride
- I
would say "Time". It has so much emotion and complex
vocals.
Name
an album, person or event that has had a huge influence on your
life … and why?
Stride
- JESUS
the CHRIST has a huge influence on my life because he was the
ultimate person and role model.
Which
music do you listen to at home?
Stride
- I
have a massive music collection at home. I listen to so many
different things. It would take up this whole page to put down all
the bands. By Genre though, I listen to progressive metal, rock,
classic rock, jazz, blues, oldies… I like it all. Hahaha.
Vinyl
has had a small comeback lately – do you still prefer “the old
sound” or are you a CD/DVD kind of guy?
Stride
- Me
personally, I am a cd/dvd type of guy. I like the wave of
digital!!
Last
question - do you have any famous last words for our readers?
Stride
- Thank
you so much for the interview and we appreciate the support of
everyone. Come visit our website at www.strideonline.com
Hope to see ya soon.
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