rattlead.hu
Kelly, how did the American tour with Cynic go?
It went so well… an amazing amount of fun we had on this run. I think the 2 styles of technicality created a unique evening of metal.
Are there any European dates in mind as well?
Initially yes, but touring in Europe is much more difficult than in the past. Hopefully we will find a way to get over there as soon as possible.
Roger Patterson sadly passed away 32 years ago, how do you want him to be remembered? Did his bass parts/bass lines make Atheist so unique and excellent?
Well of course they did, he was a tremendous talent, and his bass lines will be forever remembered and cherished on stage and off. I think that is the ultimate remembrance. In addition he was my dear friend, he will NEVER be forgotten.
What about the other Atheist members Steve Flynn and Randy Burke? Are you still in touch with ’em? Are they in any bands involved?
I’m still very close w Steve Flynn, but no longer speak w Burkey. Neither have bands currently that I know of.
How and when did Till The Dirt get together? How did you pick up the musicians, that you wanted to work with?
TTD came together during covid isolation so in the beginning, it was only something I was working on alone. I wrote a significant amount of material, and didn’t really know what to do with it. So I connected w Scott Burns just in a casual reuniting of friends. He eventually heard the demos I was working on, and really liked the originality, and direction I was heading. So I felt very lucky for him to believe in what I was doing, and to help me produce the album. After that I assembled the musicians to play in the band. During the demo process, I had asked several friends to do guest spots on the record, so Jeff Loomis solos on „Privilege” Steve Digiorgio bass on „Outside the Spiral” John Longstreth drums on „Insist and Demand” after signing the deal with Nuclear Blast, I assembled musicians to join me permanently.
What about their musical background? Are they also as experienced as you?
Well they are very talented players, but considerably younger. But today’s young musicians are so skillful, and dedicated to precision, I enjoy playing with younger players.
At which point did you start working on the material? What were your notions/ideas regarding the stuff as a whole?
As I mentioned it happened as I writing and recording ideas for Atheist with a new little home studio set up I had. Somewhere in the process of that, I wrote a series of songs that were quite different than anything that Atheist had done or would do. The ideas allowed me to use many different vocal styles that I was not able to explore with Atheist as well. Also it was considerably heavier and faster, and perhaps more modern.
Did you write the songs alone or was it rather a team work?
I wrote every song alone, and. Then had my talented friends to solo, and guest in what I had written
Can you give us any details about the album/about the songs?
We’ll uts unlike anything out there in my opinion. It’s a hybrid of styles that hasn’t really been explored. The songs have great hooks and vicious vibes, blood curdling screams and harmony vocals over Blast beats, and thick guitars. Talk is cheap, pop it in when it’s out and I think you will find it to be different.
The producer of the record became Scott Burns, how did you manage to convince him working on the album? Was it easy to persuade of Scott Burns being the producer of the album?
Of course it was not easy, he had not done anything in decades, nor did he want to,.so the fact that he believed in these songs made it very special. It was the music that convinced him.
The album will be released by Nuclear Blast, were there perhaps other companies as well, that showed an interest in the band?
There was nowhere else I wanted this record to land. They were the 1st to hear the demos, and frankly the best label for this kind of music. There were a few others who heard it as well
Did you sign a long time/long term contract with the label?
We signed a 2 album deal with options
What are your future plans?
Music, touring, making records, staying happy
Kelly, thanks a lot for the answers, what are your final comments/words for the Hungarian readers?
I thank you all for ways supporting Atheist over 30 plus years, and trusting me with your ears . I only now ask for you to trust me again with the music I created with thus new band. I can’t wait to play for Hungarian fans again!!
