Intervies

1. EMF: Fantastic news about Adagio can be heard at the moment, that a new album will come out. I'm looking forward to it. It is a long time since your last record Sanctus Ignis. How long was the need for the production of the new album?

Well it took approxiamtely 2 years of non-stop composition.Then 2 months in studio for recording and finalization (mix, mastering...).I've also recorded a lot of stuff in my own studio, like guitar solos, orchestral samples parts ...).

2. EMF: Can you tell some facts about the concept of the album, the title underworld sounds something dark ?

Yes, it's definitely much darker than "Sanctus Ignis".I was in a different state of mind while composing this album, and the more it goes, the more I'm subject to dark kind of harmonies and composition style.Basically, even if "Underworld" is not a concept album" it refers to a common universe.I really wanted to express through my music, the deepest and darkest side of my mind, I've worked a lot on myself, trying to know who I deeply was, and finally this introspection is the biggest moral influence of this album.

3. EMF: How would you describe the difference of the both records Sanctus Ignis and Underworld ?

"Sanctus Ignis" took me 1 year of composition, and as it was our first album, most of the musical influences were not really integrated." Underworld, is definitely more personal.It's also much more complex, darker and the dramatic side of the music is emphasized.Also, all the choirs are done by a real choir ensemble, which brings much more life and sensibility to the songs.All the piano parts had been recorded by Kevin Codfert, the new keyboard player, and his interpretation reinforce the emotional side of the composition. In few words, underworld, is more personal, more dramatic and more orchestral.

4. EMF: What kind of influences lead to the new album? For me, the last one was very influenced by classic style. Will you continue in this way ?

Yes, but in a different way.Most of the classical influences of "Sanctus Ignis" were from the 16th century, like Bach, Haydn and the composers of the baroque era.The classical influences of this new album, are more inspired by the works of modern composers such as Penderecki, Shoenberg and many others.it is definitely more a dissonant approach of the harmony.

5. EMF: How was the idea of Underworld born ?

I wanted to do something darker. "Underworld" represents metaphoricaly the darkness inside.The idea came naturally, leaded by my actual way of life and philosophy.

6. EMF: Can you tell something about the songs on the CD and the minds behind it?

All the songs represent something special for me.The most personal to me is "From my sleep...to someone else".I didn't want to be too explicit as far as the lyrics were concerned, and I prefer the listener to build his own images with what he hears and what he reads.

7. EMF: Are any guest musicians involved with the new Album ?

Adagio is a band now.All the members are full time members, and are now involved into the composition process and the evolution of the band.So, no, there is no guest anymore.

8. EMF: By the way, are the great bass musicians of Adagio, Stefan Forte and David Redman, the guarantee for the quality of Adagio and what other secrets stand for the success of Adagio?

Well, I don't know ! Everything depends of what you mean by the word "success".To me the real success is to be able to achieve my music, as I really want it to be retranscripted from my mind to the record.If it's a "Buisness" success you're talkin' about, I'm really happy with the sells we did so far, I would never had expect that.Maybe the reason is sincerity ? also, because NTS the record company behind Adagio really support the band, and because the fans are really great and patients.

9.EMF: Who of you guy’s does the song writing by Adagio ?

I'm doing most of the job, but this time Franck, the bass player, helped me to compose the definitive version of "Niflheim", and Kevin worked with me on "Next Profundis"

10. EMF: What is planned so far with Adagio? Are any tour dates already booked and has Adagio any live experience so fare? I never have seen tour dates up to now. If there were any which was the best of?

Yes, finally we gonna start touring this year, for the moment we have 12 shows in france booked for the moment, some other shows are on their way.The first show will be in France on November 8th, we are all really excited and impatient to play the songs live. You can find all the dates of the tour on the adagio website at www.adagio-online.com

11. EMF: Is a release date for Underworld already fixed?

It's already out in japan since July 23rd, and the Europe release date announced is September 29th.

12. EMF: What you expect for the future of Adagio ?

A loooooot of concerts, and then I wish, a constant evolution...and many many albums :-)))

13. EMF: Any special message to the fans?

Yes, I know it's not really original, but I would like to thanks them for their support and there beliefs in Adagio.We'll always be devoted to the fans, as without you guys, nothing is truely possible.Hope to see you on tour and to make a giant party with all of you !!

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