*** MJR has joined #cotm
*** Jax sets mode: +o MJR
<@Jax> YAY
<@MJR> finally
<@pollution> nice :)
*** Jax sets mode: +v JackSparrow
<@Jax> ok go ahead
<+JackSparrow> haiiiiiil to the kinggg baybeeeeeeee!!!!!
<+JackSparrow> yeaah it works!!!
<+JackSparrow> *prewt*
<@MJR> hi all
<+JackSparrow> Oops, sorry, ate too much beans at breakfast =)
<@Jax> go ahead Vivi
<+JackSparrow> Hi Mike!!!!!!!!
<@MJR> yo!!
<+JackSparrow> That's so cool to say H E L L O directly to you, weoww!!! Hello again Jax, Aki, and
<+JackSparrow> everybody here.
<+JackSparrow> I paste the stuff I prepared this morning, otherwise you may answer everybody
<+JackSparrow> before I can type a full sentence LoL I am too excited and my fingers are trembling, hu hu hu...
<+JackSparrow> (lol)
<+JackSparrow> hey
<+JackSparrow> My name is Vivien Lalu, I am a young composer & keyboard player from France. I am very happy
<+JackSparrow> about your presence here, it is a great day for me as you are one of the most influencial
<+JackSparrow> artists I ever listened to. I have prepared few questions and I hope you can answer them and
<+JackSparrow> even find it interesting to discuss...dunno...
<+JackSparrow> ok I try to type it myself LoL
<@Jax> go go go :)
<+JackSparrow> Well my first question is... A lot of people admited that SyX sometime sound very near from
<+JackSparrow> Yngwie Malmsteen, Kansas, even John Williams(!) on some sides, but I believe you guyz have your
<+JackSparrow> own sound. As a music writer, my composing is also VERY MUCH influenced by your. That's why I
<+JackSparrow> would like to know...
<+JackSparrow> How is it for you to hear bands that "sound" near or almost *the same* than SyX? Did it already
<+JackSparrow> happen for you to discover SymphonyX influenced material (esp. in the heavy/progressive
<+JackSparrow> productions of the last years)? How do you react when you discover that kind of similarities,
<+JackSparrow> are you pissed of, or do you consider it like a "compliment"? Or even that is great to hear
<+JackSparrow> people that have the same musical influences than yours?
<+JackSparrow> sorry for the big question LoL
<+JackSparrow> hu hu hu
<@MJR> I would consider it a compliment
<+JackSparrow> :-)
<+JackSparrow> So you will not kill me if any day you get a chance to listen my crap LoL
<+JackSparrow> Ok the next 20 questions LoL...
<+JackSparrow> I am not aware about if this is a sensible topic for you, and if it's already been asked or not
<+JackSparrow> but... What is Tomas Miller doing right now? What were the reasons for his depature? There's
<+JackSparrow> been obscure answers I've been told, but I would like to know about the real story and I will
<+JackSparrow> understand if this is private stuff of course. The same for Tom Walling, what is he doing right
<+JackSparrow> now? Do you have any contact / news about SyX ex-members?
<@MJR> I have not heard from either of them...
<+JackSparrow> Well i'm sorry I hope thats not sensible stuff
<+JackSparrow> ok ok
<+JackSparrow> My last question (for the moment LoL)... Who is responsible for the ONIRIC parts in Symphony X's
<+JackSparrow> material? I mean, there is a lot of stellar moments (in the vein of Edge of Forever, Through the
<+JackSparrow> Loking Glass, Communion, Accolade etc.) do you come with such parts alone or is mr. Pi. involved
<+JackSparrow> from the beginning in the making of those. His roland patches augment very good the moods of
<+JackSparrow> your guitars and I would like to know what's the composing process between you 2.
<@MJR> It is always different for every song...
<+JackSparrow> sorry for pasting the questions I prepared just before, it's only because you may have limited time for everybody and like that I don't take 2 hours to write :)
<@MJR> sometimes I have a riff that Pinnella bulds on .. or
<@MJR> the other way around
<+JackSparrow> you seem to be pretty much on the same "wavelenght" then
<+JackSparrow> awesome
<@Jax> is that all, Vivien?
<+JackSparrow> yes Jax, "all" LoL
<+JackSparrow> sorru
<+JackSparrow> sorry*
<@MJR> yes..we work well together
<@Jax> ok :))
<+JackSparrow> Thanks Mike and sorry for the big text LoL
*** Jax sets mode: -v JackSparrow
<@MJR> we both like alot of the same music as well
*** Jax sets mode: +v Kazahana
<@MJR> ok cool
<@Jax> ok Kazahana go ahead
<+Kazahana> hey, this is like... an honour
<+Kazahana> anyway, do you have any advice for a guitarist who's been playing for a while
<+Kazahana> learnt some scales
<+Kazahana> trying to learn things like... symphony x
<+Kazahana> is it worth pursuing lessons? or going self-taught?
<@MJR> the thing that was important to me ..was jamming to rhythm tracks..improvising
<@Jax> {next up are toto, Mrgul, flail, bobn, RichCinNJ, Metalchick..please be ready}
<@MJR> an recording your playing and listening back..that was helpful for me
<+Kazahana> what was the basis for that - learning scales, or just developing what sounded good?
<@MJR> practicing scales and all that stuff is cool, but actually PLAYING is the best way
<+Kazahana> thanks. I don't have any huge questiosn ready to paste in
<+Kazahana> thank you for making such great music too
<@MJR> both, I spent alot time studing theory, both are important
<@MJR> thansk
<@MJR> ks
<@Jax> thanks Kazahana :)
*** Jax sets mode: +v toto
<@Jax> toto your turn :)
*** Jax sets mode: -v Kazahana
<+toto> Hi Mike !
<@MJR> hi
<+toto> IMy favorite album is the Twighlight inOlympus !
<@MJR> cool
<+toto> But I think you had bonus tracks ?
<+toto> An epic one ?
<@MJR> It was an unfinshed song Twlight in Olympus
<+toto> You didn't have the time to record them ?
<@MJR> we actually used most of it in the song Rediscovery Part II
<@MJR> yep..ran out of time and didnt want to rush it
<+toto> Oh I was sure of that !
<+toto> This song was really different from the other on the "V" !!
<+toto> The best one you ever wrote !!
<+toto> Is it your favorite one ?
<@MJR> not really...
<@MJR> hehe
<+toto> Which one ?
<+toto> difficult I know !
<@MJR> On V - Communion is my fav
<+toto> Oh really great one too !
<+toto> You knwo what I especially love in your music is the oriental sound !
<+toto> Like Egypt, the solo on, the Relic, the end of Inferno...
<+toto> It suits really great !!
<@MJR> We try to add alot of different tonalities here and there...
<@MJR> yep
<+toto> It is a big sucess !
<@MJR> thanks again
<@Jax> is that all, toto?
<+toto> I think you could try to make whole album of orientla music !
<+toto> Yes that's all ! Thank you !
<@Jax> thanks :)
*** Jax sets mode: +v MrGul
<+toto> Bye Mike and go on like this !
<@Jax> your turn, MrGul :)
*** Jax sets mode: -v toto
<@MJR> see ya
<+MrGul> Hello, mr. Romeo! Having a good day so far?
<@MJR> so far..aside from tryin to get this thing to work..
<@MJR> hehe
<+MrGul> hehehe, you're not the only with with technical difficulties! (great album by the way)
<+MrGul> well, I'll get started with the questions right away!
<+MrGul> first of all...
<+MrGul> I transcribe a lot of your music (mainly bass parts, but also guitar when I have the time)
<@MJR> cool
<+MrGul> and I notice that you extremely often use the spanish/phrygian-scale
<@MJR> Phrygian major scale ..yep
<+MrGul> is that like a fav-scale, or do the riffs just naturally come out that way?
<@MJR> I just like the sound of that one
<@MJR> From my DiMeola influence
<+MrGul> just like Yngwie and myself, then... =)
<@MJR> also Yngwie and Uli
<+MrGul> ah, DiMeola? great guy, he sure is.
<+MrGul> second question:
<+MrGul> are you planning on putting up some more of your own transcriptions on the website?
<+MrGul> not just solos, but perhaps complete songs?
<@MJR> I would like to eventually..but we really need to start working on the new CD.
<@MJR> writing takes up so much of our time
<+MrGul> OK - that's a good priority! and that also leads me to the third question...
<@MJR> fire away
<+MrGul> I've been making scores for the website quite some time now, think there's about 30 of my transcriptions on the website right now, but I would like to get "serious" with it.
<+MrGul> you know, like being an "official transcriber" or so.
<+MrGul> if/when there's a new transcription-book i progress, transcribing the bass parts
<@MJR> sure, have Jax send me the stuff..I always like to check it out
<+MrGul> you can check out my Odyssey-transcription right away, if you like!
<+MrGul> I transcribed all the songs from that album
<@Jax> e-mail me about it later, MrGul, & we'll talk about it then :)
<+MrGul> OK, sure will!
<@MJR> I'd like to see it
<@MJR> right on
<@Jax> is that it, MrGul?
<+MrGul> actually I have one more... is there time?
<@MJR> you transcribed the entire CD???
<+MrGul> no, just the bass-parts...
<@MJR> ah..ok
<@MJR> still impressive tho...
<+MrGul> but I can try to transcribe the whole album if you like? =)
<+MrGul> well, however, the last question...
<@MJR> na..I don't need it .. I kinda know the songs already
<@MJR> he he
* Jax laughs
<+MrGul> why is the bass guitar mixed so low? it's very hard to hear if the bass is "there" sometimes...
<@MJR> you must be a bass player..hmm?
<@Jax> lol
<+MrGul> hehehe, how could you guess? =)
<@MJR> hehe
<+MrGul> I play mostly jazz, so I'm used to another "sound" when it comes to mixing...
<@MJR> if anything...the Guitars need to be LOUDER
<@MJR> na...only kiddin
<+MrGul> you must be a guitar player..hmm?
<@MJR> I like the mix, but everyone will have a different opinion
<+MrGul> yeah, probably so.
<+MrGul> well, thank you a lot for taking time to do this for your fans, Michael!
<@Jax> thanks MrGul :)
<+MrGul> by the way, your "Guitar Chapter"-video kicks ass! =)
<@MJR> no problem
*** Jax sets mode: +v flail
<@Jax> ok flail, you're up :)
*** Jax sets mode: -v MrGul
<+flail> Oki Mike, first of all thanks for lots of brilliant music up through the years; my questions are about the next album:
<+flail> have you started working on it, do you have any idea what it will be like (more symphonic/heavy/progressive?) - and do you focus on progressing from album and album in terms of sounding different and trying something new?
<@MJR> well, we've ben talking about the direction..
<@MJR> I think it will be close to the Odyssey
<@MJR> as far as the ' heavy riffs'
<@MJR> but we've been talking alot about the choruses and things like that..better 'songs'
<+flail> excellent... is it a "work in progress"?
<@MJR> yep
<@MJR> but you never know until you start writing, and then it takes on a life of its own
<+flail> is it important for you to keep changing directions and progressing music-wise as a band?
<@MJR> but we like to atleast have a 'starting point'
<@MJR> i think so..it keeps it interesting
<+flail> ok thanks a bunch, will be looking forward to more music!
<@MJR> i dont think we 'change direction' as much as we 'incorpoate new idas'
<@MJR> ok cool thanks
<@MJR> ideas..yep..oky doky
<@Jax> thanks flail :)
*** Jax sets mode: +v RichCinNJ
<+flail> thats it jax
<@Jax> ok RichCinNJ, your turn :)
<+RichCinNJ> Hey Mike :)
*** Jax sets mode: -v flail
<+RichCinNJ> Great to be able to chat live with you!
<@MJR> hi
<@MJR> my typing sucks ass, tho
<+RichCinNJ> Just two quick questions and I'll be out of your hair :)
<@MJR> cool
<+RichCinNJ> How's the family?
<@MJR> rich who?
<+RichCinNJ> Last time I saw you guys, it was at the show at the World in NYC
<+RichCinNJ> Cabelo!
<@MJR> YO dude WAZZUP!!
<+RichCinNJ> HEY MAN!
<@MJR> the family is good, thanks
<+RichCinNJ> cool man :) this is a blast - hey, just curious - you ever gonna get an endorsement deal with ESP?
<@MJR> well..I do have an endorsment,, but they didnt make exactly what i wanted
<@MJR> a company called Caparison guitars just sent me a guitar to check out
<@MJR> they will make me whatever i want..to my specs..so I'm checking it out
<+RichCinNJ> ah....:) Well listen man - I don't want to hog the room up - just wanted to pop in and say hi! P.S...got a baby on the way myself, and I've already arranged to wear my headphones in the delivery room with some SX playing....the only way I'll be able to make it through the delivery...
<+RichCinNJ> Caparison makes some nice stuff....
<@MJR> cool..take care and give everyone my best
<@Jax> thanks Rich :)
<+RichCinNJ> You got it dude - say hi to everybody for me and we'll see you at the next show!
*** Jax sets mode: +v MetalChick
<@MJR> cool see ya!
<@Jax> k Amanda.. :)
*** Jax sets mode: -v RichCinNJ
<+MetalChick> hey Mike :)
<@MJR> hi Amanda
<+MetalChick> well, i don't really have an music related questions for ya...
<@MJR> thats ok
<+MetalChick> but I was wondering if you were taking good care of that little drawing I gave ya ;)
<@MJR> hehe yes, ofcourse
<+MetalChick> hehe good to hear
<+MetalChick> I'm going to see you guys at the metalfest next month
<@MJR> cool..we'll see you there
<@MJR> although i hear there ar like 60 bands!
<+MetalChick> will be my first time in NJ.....is it as rancid as people say it is? ;)
<+MetalChick> oh i know...
<@MJR> hey!?!?
<+MetalChick> wasn't me that said it!
<@MJR> hehe
<@MJR> it depends where you are
<@MJR> the metalfest location...no so good
<@MJR> not so good
<+MetalChick> hmm...
<+MetalChick> well, hopefully I'll survive to see you guys play :)
<@MJR> yep...should be an interesting night
<+MetalChick> hehe ok, well I can't think of any more questions....
<@Jax> thanks Amanda :)
<+MetalChick> bye Mike! :)
<@MJR> ok see you in march
<@MJR> thanks
<@MJR> bye
*** Jax sets mode: -v MetalChick
<@Jax> ok Aki :)
<@pollution> yo Mike, how's it going! Greets from Finland (it's that cold, windy and dark country like you guys said to me when visiting here hehe)
<@MJR> hi.
<@MJR> yep
<@pollution> can i ask you what has been on your cd player lately? if anything since i guess you have been pretty busy :)
<@pollution> just wondering 'cos often the CDs players listen to while writing new material can have effect on it..
<@MJR> Stravinsky, Kansas some Sabbath .. same as always
<@pollution> you did mention heavy riffs earlier.. pantera maybe? :)
<@MJR> nothing really new
<@pollution> ah cool
<@MJR> yep..Pantera from time to time
<@MJR> some old Scorpions as well
<@MJR> and Zappa
<@pollution> ah have you heard Uli Jon Roth's latest? the Four Seasons thingy
<@MJR> heard a bit of it..not the whole thing yet
<@pollution> J-Dubya wants to know which Zappa stuff :)
<@MJR> Thing fish ( my fav ) - Joes Garage , you are what you is
<@pollution> cool deal
<@pollution> do you know if the dvd-r I made for you guys with couple of interviews from TV here worked on the US dvd players? I gave it to russ at PP and I'd have to kill myself if it didn't work
<@MJR> I dont know..I didnt see it
<@MJR> Ill ask Russ about it
<@pollution> ah ok.. maybe Russ checked it out and thought it sucked so didn't bother showing it ;)
<@Jax> that all, Aki?
<@MJR> hehe
<@Jax> lol
<@MJR> ok cool
<@pollution> yep i'm pretty much done here, thanks a lot Mike for coming!
<@MJR> no prob
<@Jax> k moving right along..please be brief with your questions..
*** Jax sets mode: +v bobn
<@Jax> ok bobn..
<+bobn> Hello, great to be able to talk to you!!! I’d just like to say I saw you guys 4 times on the Odyssey tour, and thought you ruled! The show at Toad's Place in New Haven, CT was my favorite. Anyway...
<@MJR> thanks
<+bobn> I play guitar, so when I’m watching you live, I try to play attention to the way you play...especially all the parts I can’t figure out by ear. I noticed something different in the live version of the song The Odyssey. At the beginning of Part VII you played something that looked like a very fast sweep-picking thing, instead of a solo-sounding delay filled rhythm that’s on the album. Was it actually different, and if so what made you change it?
<@MJR> sometimes the delays dont sync up live..and we dont want to use click tracks or that kinda thing live
<@MJR> so you gotta improvise..come up eith something that works
<@MJR> it does have a similar feel I think
<+bobn> oh, cool! Well, it sounded awesome, just different!
<@MJR> good observation dude
<@MJR> hehe
<+bobn> :)
<@MJR> thanks
<+bobn> I also had a question about your songwriting...A lot of your heavier songs (Inferno, Smoke and Mirrors ect..) have a slower, lighter, melodic "breakdown" in the middle. I was wondering if that's part of your writing "formula", or if you feel it just fits better than having a faster, heavy "breakdown".
<@MJR> hmm..it just happens maybe it is the Randy Rhoads thing/ozzy
<@MJR> he did that alot
<+bobn> oh, cool.
<+bobn> I'll be at March Metal Meltdown in a few weeks, and I was wondering if you were planning on playing any new songs there?
<@MJR> we dont have any yet..hehe
<+bobn> lol, cool, just curious
<+bobn> Well, that's all! Thanks for answering my questions! It was really awesome of you to be able to do this for the fan club. I'll see you in 2 weeks in Jersey!! Thanks again and keep kicking ass!!!
<@MJR> thanks see you there
*** Jax sets mode: +v shaq
*** Jax sets mode: -v bobn
<@Jax> ok Greg
<+shaq> hey there mike, just want to say first that I really appreciate you comin out to talk to us, as a guitar player myself you're definitely one of my biggest influences
<@MJR> cool thanks alot
<+shaq> i was wondering if you ever get around to going to any shows during your downtime, and if so, what kinds of bands/groups you enjoy seeing
<@MJR> Once in a while I check out some shows..I just saw Kansas in Trenton last week
<+shaq> ah, that must have been a cool show
<@MJR> very cool
<+shaq> one more question, because i don't want to hog up the channel
<@MJR> fire away...
<@MJR> zzz zzz zzz
<@MJR> ?
<@Jax> lol
<@MJR> lol
<+shaq> i was watching the opeth DVD recently, and in the documentary part they talk about the chemistry they have together, and how they very rarely have arguments and such. do you feel that this is also the case for symphony x? from what i can see, the chemistry between you guys is phenomenal, so I was wondering how it was from your perspective
<+shaq> sorry bout that ;)
<@Jax> hehe
<@MJR> chemistry is very good..but arguments do happen from time to time
<@MJR> i think it is normal
<+shaq> yeah i suppose that is inevitable
<+shaq> well again, thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions and keep doing what you're doing! i look forward to what you guys have in store
<@Jax> thanks Greg :)
<@MJR> ok cool
*** Jax sets mode: +v Spine
*** Jax sets mode: -v shaq
<+Spine> hi
<+Spine> First, thanks a lot for the free show you gave at The Pound in San Francisco the December before last, when Blind Guardian had to cancel due to a bus breakdown on the way to the gig.
<+Spine> that rocked.
<+Spine> i have two questions that are sort of related to one another:
<+Spine> Mike, I'm also the proud owner of a Line6 Vetta, and I'd like to know what amp model you use for your main sounds, and if you just use that amp model with the drive cranked up or if you use the amp model with a less-than-max drive setting in conjunction with one of the amp's stomp-box distortion pedals.
<@MJR> cool..it was a good show i think, that night
<@MJR> usually less drive and the tube screamer in the stomp section
<+Spine> ah, cool. good to know.
<+Spine> Also about the Vetta, do you find yourself making patch changes in the middle of songs, or do you usually just turn on and off the effects you have set for a particular patch? I notice a little gap when I change patches so I'm curious how you handle that in the live setting.
<@MJR> amps - usually the Uber or the Marshall 800
<@MJR> All the songs have thier own sound bank
<@MJR> I rarely switch FX on of off
<+Spine> excellent. that's all i needed to know. thanks for your time! :)
<@MJR> and the switching thing doesnt bother me
<@MJR> usually it is so damn loud..I cant even tell
<+Spine> haha
*** Jax sets mode: +v Ciarrai
<@MJR> ok
*** Jax sets mode: -v Spine
<+Ciarrai> hey mike! i just have a few quick questions for ya...
<+Ciarrai> Were there any musical influences for you when you wrote the song The Odyessey? If so, who and what were they?
<@MJR> ok im here...
<@MJR> hmm..alot of different things
<+Ciarrai> anything specific?
<@MJR> everyting from ELP to Sabbath to Zappa to Star Wars
<+Ciarrai> wow! i didn't think of star wars
<@MJR> yep
<+Ciarrai> okay, my second questions is Is there a possibility of any songs of The Damnation Game being added to the setlist of future tours?
<@MJR> Stravinsky..alot of classical stuff
<@MJR> hmm..that is tough because we have so many favorites that we play already..the old songs always get lost
<+Ciarrai> i heard you played the edge of forever once...
<@MJR> yep ONCE i think
<@MJR> lol
<+Ciarrai> hehe
<+Ciarrai> my last question: After the most recent show you played at Jaxx in Springfield, Virginia, I gave Russ a painting I did, but I didn’t show it to all of you guys because I didn’t want to hold up the line too much. I was just wondering if he showed it to the rest of you guys and what you thought of it?
<@MJR> was it the 'wicked 'one
<+Ciarrai> yea!
<@MJR> I saw it..thanks
<+Ciarrai> does Russ still have it?
<@MJR> I'll ask him...Im sure he does...he has alot of things it seems...lol
<+Ciarrai> hehe thanks a lot Mike!
<@MJR> ok see ya
*** Jax sets mode: +v ladyofthesnow
*** Jax sets mode: -v Ciarrai
<+ladyofthesnow> hey Mike!
<+ladyofthesnow> ok... my questions are all in one blob, so-
<+ladyofthesnow> Very awesome to talk to you, I must say ;-) Anyways, I've been wondering... any plans for a new album this year or in the near future? ..a concert in Florida?? (!!)(not sure you are the one in control of touring, though).. and on side thought, just wondering- what bands have you been listening to lately? Are you fond of any new progressive/metal bands that have come out recently?? and last but not least... where do you get your ideas for lyrics
<+ladyofthesnow> there we go.
<+ladyofthesnow> (first is kind repetitive, yes, sorry)
<@MJR> ok....We are looking to finish the new CD by the Fall...as for Florida, we missed it last time because of some small 'problems'..but we will make it there soon
<+ladyofthesnow> awesome! :-)
<@MJR> as for new bands..I havent really heard much new stuff
<+ladyofthesnow> I know a lot of people have gotten into y'all here lately.
<@MJR> ideas for lyrics..everyone in the band has thier own influences for lyrics,,Russ likes the historic and introspective stuff..I like some of the old gothic horror..Lepond like the fantasy horror stuff
<@MJR> likes
<@MJR> everyone has thier own thing..ya know
<+ladyofthesnow> o0o... old gothic horror =)
<+ladyofthesnow> yeah
<+ladyofthesnow> well... thank you so very much
<+ladyofthesnow> you are my favorite guitar player =)
<@Jax> thanks ladyofthesnow :)
*** Jax sets mode: +v Odin
<@MJR> thanks!
<+ladyofthesnow> (heard this nickname before??)
<+Odin> Hi Mike, thanks for chatting with us, and for all the great music.
*** Jax sets mode: -v ladyofthesnow
<@MJR> take care
<+Odin> I have one question. I read something awhile back about Symphony X re-recording your first album. Is that still the plan?
<@MJR> well, its way on the back burner now..the new CD is the priority
<+Odin> Ah, good. I was hoping you guys would keep the momentum going with new music.
<@MJR> yep..we are trying!
<+Odin> Great -- thanks for the chat!
<@Jax> thanks Odin :)
*** Jax sets mode: +v amx
*** Jax sets mode: -v Odin
<@MJR> no prob..see ya
* amx bows deeply
<+amx> your Highness...
<+amx> what an honour...
<+amx> if only I had a good question to ask :)
<@MJR> hehe
<+amx> let's try...
<@MJR> ok...
<@MJR> I have a topic...
<+amx> I was wondering if maybe, with your huge musical knowledge you've ever listened to some gipsy jazz ?
<@MJR> hmm..not really
<+amx> like Django Reinhardt and his descendants...
<+amx> ok, I was just curious
<@MJR> I do have 2 Django CD , but I havent listened to them in years
<+amx> there are some absolutely phenomenal guitarits in that genre
<+amx> like Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre, Bireli Lagrene...
<+amx> ah cool :)
<@MJR> cool
<@Jax> is that all, Antoine?
<+amx> and now, for something completely different
<@Jax> lol
<@MJR> hehe
<+amx> I wanted to say that the improvised country song at the last Montreal show was awsome :)
<+amx> who started it anyway ? was it you or Jason ?
<@MJR> oh yeah..that was pretty goofy..eh?
<+amx> that was so funny :)
<@MJR> Im not sure...sometimes we throw stuff in with out telling one of the other guys,,and try to throw them off...
<+amx> hehe
<@MJR> catch them off guard...
<+amx> you need to do that kind of things for the fan club cd
<@MJR> Russ didnt know..but he went along with it
<+amx> like crazy, non-symphony x stuff
<@Jax> hehe
<+amx> yeah, he sang the whole song :)
<@MJR> russ is a pro!
<+amx> indeed :)
<+amx> any idea on what you're gonna put on the FC cd ?
<@MJR> true true
<+amx> besides country of course :)
<@MJR> I dont know..we still need to come up with a solid idea
<+amx> ok
<@MJR> maybe some gypsy jazz music?
<@MJR> hehe
<+amx> that would be AWSOME !! :)
<@Jax> lol
<+amx> Minor Swing or Dark Eyes :)
<@MJR> oky doky
<+amx> anyway, thanks a lot for being here today...
<@Jax> thanks Antoine :)
<@MJR> I was thinking "Bill Shatner sings SymX"
<+amx> hope to see you soon in Montrea
<+amx> haha
<@MJR> now how fucking cool would that be!!!!
<@MJR> ok later
* Jax falls over laughing
<+amx> surprise us :)
*** Jax sets mode: +v NeonShark
<+amx> bye
*** Jax sets mode: -v amx
<@MJR> bye
<+NeonShark> Hi Mike, thanks for taking some time for us
<@MJR> no prob...
<+NeonShark> When are you going to make a live syx DVD?
<@MJR> We get that question alot...and I think we need to have a really good show..as far as production ( lights etc )
<@MJR> also at a good sounding venue
<+NeonShark> ok
<@MJR> we are planning about this too..so it will happen soon
<+NeonShark> I caught 2 shows on the Odyssey tour, San Fran and Hollywood, both were phenomenal. Thank you again for the picks :)
<+NeonShark> cant wait
<@MJR> thanks for coming out to the show
<@MJR> cool
<+NeonShark> thank you for the show
<+NeonShark> Do you think you might do a dvd extra like Dreamtheater of stuff in the studio while you'e recording the next cd?
<+NeonShark> like showing us how you guys work in the studio?
<@MJR> Yes..we have already talked about video while we write and record..so yes
<+NeonShark> cool!
<+NeonShark> What is your thought on the ESP M-50 for a beginner guitar player?
<@MJR> I am not familiar with that model..
<+NeonShark> ok
<@MJR> is that the LTD?
<+NeonShark> not sure
<@MJR> hmm..i dont know
<+NeonShark> actually it is
<@MJR> Bill Shatner will know the answer
<+NeonShark> LOL
<@MJR> ok LTD is pretty good
<@Jax> lol
<+NeonShark> Who writes the lyrics, does any one person write them all or does everyone have imput per song?
<@MJR> It depends on the song..usually one guy has the basic idea..sometimes we add to it
<@MJR> no really set formulas
<+NeonShark> cool
<+NeonShark> Here's me at a Sevendust show representing Symphony X http://www.x1039fm.com/PhotoGallery/index.cfm?Photo=126&Event=Sevendust%202%2F07%2F
<@MJR> everyone contributes to the lyrics
<+NeonShark> one last thing
<@MJR> yep?
<+NeonShark> Kotipelto told me, "If you ever see Mike again, just tell him "Vitun Hintti" and he will understand! :)"
<@MJR> lol
<+NeonShark> hehehe
<@pollution> bwahahaha (sorry, had to say that as a Finn)
<@MJR> hehehe bad words in finnish
<+NeonShark> I cant wait to hear what you did on his new cd
<@MJR> Kuuryvanimmya
<+NeonShark> yeah, Pol told me
<@MJR> ok enough of that
<@MJR> hehe
<+NeonShark> I'll tell him yo said that
<@MJR> cool
<+NeonShark> thanks Mike
*** Jax sets mode: +v Stu
<@MJR> Bill Shanter speaks fluent Finnish
<@MJR> ok cool
*** Jax sets mode: -v NeonShark
<+Stu> Hi Mike. no questions...Sharon and I and the kids just want to wish you all a great and successful year...looking forward to new songs (and concerts!!) We hope the chat will be available to print out and read later. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us.
<@MJR> thanks and again..no problem
<@Jax> thanks Stu :)
*** Jax sets mode: -v Stu
<@Jax> k a question from someone who had to leave:
<@Jax> "The orchestration on 'The Odyssey' was incredible! Obviously you have a talent and interest in that area...Do you have any plans to do something in that realm on a larger scale...A la the concerto for electric guitar that Yngwie did?"
<@MJR> When ( or if ) I ever do another solo CD..I will absolutely do a guitar / orchestral piece.
<@Jax> awesome :)
*** Jax sets mode: +v talios
<@Jax> k last question..
<+talios> hiya ;-) hopefully this question won't cause deathly silence like last time :)
<@MJR> lol
<+talios> anyways - when are you guys gonna give us New Zealanders some SymX Loving?
<+talios> ( or even Australia )
<+talios> Hobbits need metal too you know...
<@MJR> hmm..I'm not sure..we can look into it
<@MJR> hehe
<+talios> excellent - I may be moving to Florida anyway, so that'll make it easier. Look forward to the new CD when its out.
<@MJR> I really don't know much about touring in those places..although Australia has come up a few times to our managment
<+talios> Yeh, big bands ( well, BANDS ) dont often here here, unless tacked onthe end of the aussie gig.
<+talios> Maybe I'll just settle for a live dvd and big screen one day :)
<@MJR> yes...one day soon
<@MJR> hehe
<@Jax> is that it Mark?
<+talios> Well, can't really think of anything else to ask/say - so good luck, and thanks for the chat
<+talios> yep :)
<@Jax> right on :)
*** Jax sets mode: -v talios
<@MJR> Ok guys...It was cool hanging out..but its back to work for me now!
<@MJR> hope it was cool for everyone.
<@pollution> thanks a lot mike, very cool of you. hope to see you online soon again :) off to see a local band now wearing my Odyssey shirt!
<@Jax> thanks Mike :)
<@MJR> Thanks Jax and Aki for helping out
<@MJR> Take care all!
<@pollution> anything for you, heh
<@MJR> SEE YOU SOON!
<@pollution> see ya man! later
*** MJR Quit (Quit:)