Progressive Rock Journal Interview

Taken from Progressive Rock Journal:

> A 6-track album in the form of a concept, what is the theme that binds the songs?

“I would say that the overall theme of the album is isolation. I had this idea of our mind as a cage that we sometimes live in. For some people this may be seen as daydreaming or being lost in our thoughts. For others this may be mental obstacles that prohibit us from doing what we would like to do. On the extreme side, these are the people who have appeared to have “lost their mind” and no longer make sense to the rest of society.“
 

> A work that incorporates different genres and styles, how would you describe the music on the album?

“I wanted it grounded in a progressive rock sound first and foremost so that it almost acted as an extension of what I’m doing in Aziola Cry. I tend to compose in odd time signatures, so I definitely didn’t stop myself from writing in a similar way. What I did differently was not restrict myself solely to a more rock vibe but incorporate my appreciation for classical music as well. Ultimately, I wanted the playing to sound like me and different from the solo touchstyle music that is already out there. In terms of following the storyline, I liked that each of the six pieces worked together to form a cohesive whole, but also had unique characteristics that separated them.“
 

> How does the sound of the album differ from that of your band Aziola Cry?

“Like I mentioned, I hear a lot of similarities between the two and that was intentional. The last song, “Denouement of Logic” could almost be an Aziola Cry song. My original goal was to create an album that did not require guitar and drums.  It had nothing to do with not wanting to play with the guys, but rather setting a challenge for myself to see what it would sound like.“
 

> Many will wonder if there will be the possibility to listen to your music live, do you have any plans for that?

“I do. I have two shows already lined up for next month. One is in Chicago and the other is in Milwaukee. I plan to expand on this, and book further shows after I finish up an album that I am working on with another project that I am involved with called Backward Sky Falling.  

Also, I recorded a somewhat live video of each of the songs which will be released over time. They were shot in black and white and contain short animations that help further tell the story. At this point, episodes one and two have premiered and may be viewed on my YouTube channel.
 

> In the album you explore the sounds of the Warr Guitar, tell us more about this instrument and its characteristics.

“The Warr guitar is a twelve string touchstyle instrument which means that you play it by taping the strings. The nature of the instrument allows for a lot of sonic possibilities. From interlocking lines to guitar and bass playing simultaneously to an almost percussive attack. I tried to incorporate the many possibilities of the instrument into each of the songs. If you go to my website, jasonblakemusic.com, you can find pictures of the different Warr guitars that I play.“

Invisible Oranges Interview

Check out my recent artist vs artist interview with Keven Berk on Invisible Oranges. I talk about Aziola Cry, the Warr guitar, and more. Also included is the premier of Aziola Cry’s playthrough video for “Premonitions” from “The Ironic Divide”.

Invisible Oranges Interview: https://www.invisibleoranges.com/aziola-cry-vs-apogetic/

Press Release: https://www.earsplitcompound.com/aziola-cry-invisible-oranges-premieres-multi-member-playthrough-video-from-chicago-progressive-metal-trio-via-artist-to-artist-feature-the-ironic-divide-out-now-on-sensory-records/