Interviews

 

1. Who came up with the name Lyraka?

Jasmine. It's her middle name.

2. Who are your top musical influences?
The two dicks, Richard Wagner (the composer) and ritchie blackmore (for guitar).

4. You will be releasing a 3D animated movie. How is that coming along for you?
the majority of the soundtrack has been written.

5. How many instruments can you play and how long have you been playing and writing?
I play the electric lead guitar and I resent doing anything else. LOL.

6. What inspires you to do what you do?
Jasmine is my deepest and most consistent source of inspiration.

7. Do you write alone, or is it a collaborative effort?
Jasmine has helped me arrange several pieces and she has lyric writing credit on several songs.

8. What is the writing process like for you? Explain how you come up with ideas and music.
There are two main ways...one is that I'll either be listening to music, watching a movie, reading a book or spending time with my Empress and then I'll literally be struck with inspiration. The other times I will have what I call a "Michael Schenker Experience" whereas I'll be practicing and I'll come up with a really cool part. I LOVE Michael Schenker by the way!

9. What has been the hardest part of getting your music out there and heard?
I think the fact that my music is so unfashionable. Some of my songs are better suited for the 1978 Rainbow fans.

10. How do you think the internet has changed the music industry?
It tends to clog things up a lot...there are so many people (many of whom don't seem to care to learn anything ABOUT music) who try to promote their stuff on the internet. Unfortunately people whom have a lot of money (but very little talent) get their music promoted more than the "poor" bands. Also, fashion seems to take precedence over any kind of substance. Sometimes great music ends up all alone in a dark corner of the internet while mediocre music gets the most exposure.

11. Where do you see yourself musically in 5 years? What is your goal?
I will always continue writing and composing new music for Lyraka because it's an epic.

12. How do you describe your music to people?

We generally don't describe it to people. We hope that people will find out for themselves.


13. Proudest moment to date?
Having met Jasmine.

14. Best advice you have gotten musically.
Jasmine has helped me a lot - she helped me get over my shred phase and indirectly at least was responsible for having me get back into my favorite more lyrical guitar players.  This way my solos are much more musical and more indicative of personal expression.

15. Give us an update on any new things happening with your music or recording.
We have at least six songs for graham bonnet and we feel that for the highlights cd his voice is flexible enough to sing at least most if not all of the male characters.  He certainly has the range and scope for it.

16. As always, the last question..........What does music mean to you?
Music is the most effective way of expressing what's inside.

TheEmpressofMermaids@verizon.net