EdKeys
08-20-2005, 10:38 PM
Event Chat #20 with Dream Theater keyboardist, Jordan Rudess
7:00PM - 7:30PM EDT, August 20
cheesus <Q>As seen with your introduction of the Continuum, Lap Steel, and Analog Synthesizers to your studio/live setup, you are starting to experiment with new technology/ideas. What would you like to experiment with in the future of Dream Theater?
Rudess <A>This has been a great year for experimentation. I think it will take some time now to really master these new tools that I have started to be involved with. I dont think there will be any new instruments for a while, but there will always be new software and sounds to explore.
symphonyofnevermorex <Q>Rudess, what's the hardest song you've ever played on keyboard/piano?
Rudess <A>The hardest things to play are always the classical pieces of music that are written for piano. For instance some of the Chopin Etudes and various pieces by Liszt I would consider very challenging.
antvez <Q>Will we be seeing Accent magazine in retail stores any time soon...or ever?
Rudess <A>ACCENT is an online magazine that I started recently and it will only be available online. It covers keyboards, guitars music technology and the business as well. You can find it through my website. www.jordanrudess.com
Blessed <Q>To Jordan: How much do you gain, in terms of musical experience, working in a band as opposed to solo projects?
Rudess <A>There is always so much to learn from being involved with other musicians. Some of my "strongest" lessons have come from other musicians that I have worked with. There is also alot to learn from working on your own. I always look for ways to grow from the various experiences that I have.
Ruben_K. <Q>how do you feel, being on the cover of a popular keyboard magazine?
Rudess <A>It was exciting for me to be on the August issue of keyboard magazine. I have been reading that magazine for a long time and it's a trip to be on the cover. Beyond that- I have a lot of things that I want to share with other players and this is a great opportunity to do so!
cheesus <Q>Can you give us any hints as to what Classic Album Covers you will be doing on the 2nd night of each 2-night-stand of the Octavarium tour?
Rudess <A>It will have to remain an absolute secret. THat way it will be more exciting.
cheesus <Q>You seem to be very much one with your body and mind, and always calm and collected. How do you manage to do this?
Rudess <A>THank you- but I don't know if it is completely true! I try, for sure and it is something that I think about a lot. Before I go on stage I try to do some "balancing" exercises and various yoga type postures just to get in the zone. Being in front of a lot of people all the time challenges ones inner spirit and I have decided to really take this challenge and do my best with it!
cheesus <Q>In honest opinion, which controller do you enjoy more.. the Kurz or the OASYS?
Rudess <A>At this poiont I am using a Korg Oasys keyboard as my main instru,ment on stage. THe Kurzweil was great for the period of time I was using it but technology has changed a lot and I enjoy staying on top of it. The Oasys is completely up to date and is a fantastic instrument so it is the best for what I am doing now!
metalsanchez <Q>Rick Wakeman or Keith Emerson?
Rudess <A>That's a tough question. I am a huge YES fan and a big ELP fan as well. I will say that both Rick and Keith have changed my life in important but different ways. Keith and his whole harmonic concept, especially all the cool SUS chords and Rick with his classically influenced rock music such as on "Six Wives of Henry the 8th.
IronMan6211 <Q>Were you a big fan of Dream Theater prior to joining the band?
Rudess <A>When DT asked me to come audition I had never heard the band. a friend brought over the Images and Words album and turned me on to it. I thought. "This is very cool music" kindof amixture of the classic prog sound like YES or Genesis and some very technical metal music. I had never heard guys play like that in rock music. So fast and accurate. That turned me on and I was interested in the job!
IronMan6211 <Q>Scenes From a Memory is my favorite DT album, Home is my favorite DT song, what are your favorite songs off that album to play live, and any chance of you guys playing them in Jersey on Wednesday?
Rudess <A>That was the first album I did with DT and it is a favorite for sure. I really love the Dance of Eternity" as it is a really fun and challenging piece to play. I will let the Jersey set list just be a surprise.
antvez <Q>who are some of your favorite composers?? (any time period)
Rudess <A>I always love Chopin and really like Bach a lot too. These days I like groups like Radiohead and Autechre and Porcupine Tree and lately I have been enjoying Coldplay
cheesus <Q>What kind of song do you enjoy playing more, a softer song (ala The Answer Lies Within), or something with a lot of changes and many different patches?
Rudess <A>That really depends on my mood I guess. I take a lot of pride in making sure the sounds for the slow songs are really inspirational and effective and of course it is a trip to have the hands dance on the keyboard.
mmccrarynj <Q>Hey Jordan, I saw you and Rod M open up for Porcupine Tree in NYC a few months back, and you guys were amazing. The two tracks you played from Rhythm of Time were jaw-dropping. You made it the best show I've ever been to, and thank you for sharing your incredible talents.
Rudess <A>Cool. So glad that you enjoyed theshow. I have to go warm up for the show and get these fingers moving. Thanks everybody for all the support. Hope to see you at a show sometime soon!
7:00PM - 7:30PM EDT, August 20
cheesus <Q>As seen with your introduction of the Continuum, Lap Steel, and Analog Synthesizers to your studio/live setup, you are starting to experiment with new technology/ideas. What would you like to experiment with in the future of Dream Theater?
Rudess <A>This has been a great year for experimentation. I think it will take some time now to really master these new tools that I have started to be involved with. I dont think there will be any new instruments for a while, but there will always be new software and sounds to explore.
symphonyofnevermorex <Q>Rudess, what's the hardest song you've ever played on keyboard/piano?
Rudess <A>The hardest things to play are always the classical pieces of music that are written for piano. For instance some of the Chopin Etudes and various pieces by Liszt I would consider very challenging.
antvez <Q>Will we be seeing Accent magazine in retail stores any time soon...or ever?
Rudess <A>ACCENT is an online magazine that I started recently and it will only be available online. It covers keyboards, guitars music technology and the business as well. You can find it through my website. www.jordanrudess.com
Blessed <Q>To Jordan: How much do you gain, in terms of musical experience, working in a band as opposed to solo projects?
Rudess <A>There is always so much to learn from being involved with other musicians. Some of my "strongest" lessons have come from other musicians that I have worked with. There is also alot to learn from working on your own. I always look for ways to grow from the various experiences that I have.
Ruben_K. <Q>how do you feel, being on the cover of a popular keyboard magazine?
Rudess <A>It was exciting for me to be on the August issue of keyboard magazine. I have been reading that magazine for a long time and it's a trip to be on the cover. Beyond that- I have a lot of things that I want to share with other players and this is a great opportunity to do so!
cheesus <Q>Can you give us any hints as to what Classic Album Covers you will be doing on the 2nd night of each 2-night-stand of the Octavarium tour?
Rudess <A>It will have to remain an absolute secret. THat way it will be more exciting.
cheesus <Q>You seem to be very much one with your body and mind, and always calm and collected. How do you manage to do this?
Rudess <A>THank you- but I don't know if it is completely true! I try, for sure and it is something that I think about a lot. Before I go on stage I try to do some "balancing" exercises and various yoga type postures just to get in the zone. Being in front of a lot of people all the time challenges ones inner spirit and I have decided to really take this challenge and do my best with it!
cheesus <Q>In honest opinion, which controller do you enjoy more.. the Kurz or the OASYS?
Rudess <A>At this poiont I am using a Korg Oasys keyboard as my main instru,ment on stage. THe Kurzweil was great for the period of time I was using it but technology has changed a lot and I enjoy staying on top of it. The Oasys is completely up to date and is a fantastic instrument so it is the best for what I am doing now!
metalsanchez <Q>Rick Wakeman or Keith Emerson?
Rudess <A>That's a tough question. I am a huge YES fan and a big ELP fan as well. I will say that both Rick and Keith have changed my life in important but different ways. Keith and his whole harmonic concept, especially all the cool SUS chords and Rick with his classically influenced rock music such as on "Six Wives of Henry the 8th.
IronMan6211 <Q>Were you a big fan of Dream Theater prior to joining the band?
Rudess <A>When DT asked me to come audition I had never heard the band. a friend brought over the Images and Words album and turned me on to it. I thought. "This is very cool music" kindof amixture of the classic prog sound like YES or Genesis and some very technical metal music. I had never heard guys play like that in rock music. So fast and accurate. That turned me on and I was interested in the job!
IronMan6211 <Q>Scenes From a Memory is my favorite DT album, Home is my favorite DT song, what are your favorite songs off that album to play live, and any chance of you guys playing them in Jersey on Wednesday?
Rudess <A>That was the first album I did with DT and it is a favorite for sure. I really love the Dance of Eternity" as it is a really fun and challenging piece to play. I will let the Jersey set list just be a surprise.
antvez <Q>who are some of your favorite composers?? (any time period)
Rudess <A>I always love Chopin and really like Bach a lot too. These days I like groups like Radiohead and Autechre and Porcupine Tree and lately I have been enjoying Coldplay
cheesus <Q>What kind of song do you enjoy playing more, a softer song (ala The Answer Lies Within), or something with a lot of changes and many different patches?
Rudess <A>That really depends on my mood I guess. I take a lot of pride in making sure the sounds for the slow songs are really inspirational and effective and of course it is a trip to have the hands dance on the keyboard.
mmccrarynj <Q>Hey Jordan, I saw you and Rod M open up for Porcupine Tree in NYC a few months back, and you guys were amazing. The two tracks you played from Rhythm of Time were jaw-dropping. You made it the best show I've ever been to, and thank you for sharing your incredible talents.
Rudess <A>Cool. So glad that you enjoyed theshow. I have to go warm up for the show and get these fingers moving. Thanks everybody for all the support. Hope to see you at a show sometime soon!