Talking with . . . Ayreon
Interviewed 7/19/2004 by Brett VanPut
Interview with guitarist and keyboardist Arjen Anthony Lucassen
Dutch musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen is a genius. There's no debating the talent and creativity this guy has. Over the course of six full lengths, including his latest- The Human Experiment, Ayreon has consisted of countless vocalists- all of whom are extremely talented; including Devin Townsend, Devon Graves, James LaBrie, and Mike Baker, and that's just on his most recent album. The last time we spoke to Arjen was in New York on an extremely rainy day, just after the release of his Star One project. As always, he is a gracious and forthcoming interview subject.
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Now that the album's out and you've done a lot of press, what is the next step in the world of promotion?
Strangely enough there is no next step, because I don't play live. But the album sells really well nevertheless, I still can't believe it.
Do you forsee ever being able to put together a d.v.d./ film for any of your albums?
Well, of course I'm not a movie director so I can't do that myself. Nowadays even a cheap movie costs a couple of million dollars. But if any film producer would approach me, that would surely be a dream come true. So Mr. Spielberg, if you are reading this, check out www.ayreon.com.
I find it amazing the amount of time you spend putting together something like The Human Equation. Then I check your website and see how detailed that is- man, where do you find the time for it all?
Well, making music is all I do. I have no job, no kids and I don't record/ produce other bands. So it's my own music 24/7. And luckily I have a personal manager now and she takes care of a lot of things, also the website.
You've made it known that you have a great desire to work with Alice Cooper and Ronnie James Dio, have you been able to get in touch with them to try to collaborate a schedule?
I talked to Dio and he was interested. He knew about Ayreon and gave me his email address but unfortunately he hasn't answered me. I haven't been able to contact the Coop yet. To tell you the truth, if I would meet him I would probably immediately fall down on my knees and wail: "I'm not worthy."
Is it true that Tony Martin wanted over $30,000 for just one song?
He wanted 20.000 pounds, which is even more than $30,000.
Do most singers come in with the understanding that working on an Ayreon album isn't about money but creativity?
Yes, absolutely. Otherwise I wouldn't work with them. Having said that, Alice may hate my guts and my music, I'd have him on my album anyway at any price.
Why did you decide to split the album into "days," was there a particular inspiration for this format?
I wrote the lyrics in twenty days, it's a story about a man who's been in a coma for twenty days, and there are twenty songs, so it seemed the logical thing to do.
Will there be a new Star One album sometime in the future?
Could very well be. I have no plans though.
Do you feel there is enough separation between Ayreon and Star One to justify both bands' existence?
Oh yes. Ayreon is much more varied, with many different styles like folk, prog, electronic, classical etc. influences and has a continuous storyline. Star One focuses mainly on the metal side of Ayreon, has fewer singers and is much more straight forward both lyrically and musically.
Early in your career you spent time with more mainstream, hard rock bands, at what point did you know you wanted to do so much more?
I always wanted to do what I do now musically, but the situations/ bands weren't ideal for this. Also I think I wasn't ready for it in those days. I had to experience the whole sex, drugs and R&R thing. When I was 34 and the band feel apart I was ready for Ayreon.
You have also expressed a love for extremes, vocalists like Devin Townsend and Mikael Akerfeldt are a good reflection of that- why is it important for Ayreon to reflect both the sublime and mellow along with anger and aggression?
Because both my music and my personality possess these extreme emotions.
The last time we spoke was in New York and I believe you were going to visit ground zero, if so, what type of impression did it leave upon you?
I was given the choice between Ground Zero and the Empire State Building. I chose the second. In a way I stick my head in the sand. I don't want to know about all the horrible things happening in the world, because I can't change them. And... I can't handle them either.
As an impartial observer, what do you think of the U.S. involvement in Iraq and the many seemingly senseless deaths both countries have endured?
Oh sorry, I don't know anything about politics and I don't want to know. Besides they only tell you what they want you to know, so you'll never know all the details. My guess is that it's all about money.
What will be your next recording activity?
I have no idea yet. I never plan ahead. I hope the inspiration will come soon.
Final comments?
Thanks for the compliment, Brett. Nice talking to you again.
Discography:
2004... The Human Experiment (Inside Out)
2000... Flight Of The Migrator (Inside Out)
2000... The Dream Sequencer (Inside Out)
1998... Into The Electric Castle (Inside Out)
1996... Actual Fantasy
1995... The Final Experiment
Current line-up:
Arjen Anthony Lucassen... guitars and keyboards
Joost van den Broek... keyboards
Ed Warby... drums
Ayreon
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