Hanna Tsepesh: Hello Matt! Thanks so much for accepting this interview and Welcome to THE GATES OF METAL! First of all: how are you and how are the things doing with your concerts? Matt: Thanks, I'm doing great! We're gearing up for our fall tour right now. In November we'll be heading down to Texas and back up here to Milwaukee. In the meantime, we're doing a lot of shows closer to home.
Hanna Tsepesh: For those who do not know Spiral Trance could tell us a little how it all started?
Matt: Well, the band started about 10 years ago in Milwaukee, WI. Our singer, Paul Karcz, founded the band. Our drummer Bill joined shortly after. So Andy (the bass player) and I are the newest additions to the group. The name "Spiral Trance" came from an idea Paul had to create a band that whose sound couldn't be categorized just be hearing the name. We've kind of followed that idea album after album, making music that isn't just your average hard rock/metal stuff.
Hanna Tsepesh: What inspired you the most to create the lyrics? The band writes the lyrics first or first the band creates the riffs to comply with the lyrics?
Matt: Paul is the man behind the lyrics. We're a guitar oriented band, so the music typically comes first, then the lyrics and vocal melodies.
Hanna Tsepesh: What are your favorite bands? You have any musician that you admire the most?
Matt: Right now, I think Porcupine Tree is one of the most interesting bands out there. They can be really heavy and at the same time, they can turn it around and do some gorgeous harmonies and piano parts in the same song. The singer, Steven Wilson, is a fantastic songwriter. As far as guitar players go, I'm a big fan of Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth. He writes some great leads that are more stylish than your average metal guitarist.
Hanna Tsepesh: When you start to play guitar? It was difficult to learn? What brand guitar you prefer and why?
Matt: I started when I was 14. My dad plays, so he got me into it. Like a lot of young players, I just locked myself in a room for a couple of years with my old Harmony, which is what I started on. Now, I'm a pretty strict Gibson/Epiphone guy. My dad raised me on Les Pauls and I really can't imagine any guitar better suited for metal.
Hanna Tsepesh: Let’s talk about the “All in Due Time” album. For people who don’t listen yet can you tell to us what we can expect from this album?
Matt: It's pretty heavy in parts, but also very dark and melodic. We tried to mix some old school metal riffs with the hooks of modern hard rock. I think it came together really nicely. It really has something to offer for any fan of the genre.
Hanna Tsepesh: Everything went well at recording studio? The band feels pride with the final result or in your opinion is something that you like to change?
Matt: The studio sessions went really well. This was the first album we've produced on our own and I'm proud of the result. We were pretty busy touring when we were writing and recording this one, so next time it might be good to take a break and just record. This was the first time the current lineup recorded together, too. All in all, we're all really happy with the album but we're looking forward to the next one!
Hanna Tsepesh: How has the response been to the album by the fans and media?
Matt: So far we've heard nothing but good things about it. The single, "The Me You See," has been well received, both at shows and through the online community. Right now, it's all about bringing the music to as many people as we can!
Hanna Tsepesh: The art cover album looks so cool! How was the person behind this work? You think this cover transmit what this album are? Matt: Thanks! That was me. We've gotten some nice feedback on that, so I'm happy that it's been so well received. I think it reflects the music on the album nicely. It's a dark, abstract take on something very conventional. Which is how I think of the music.
Hanna Tsepesh: If one of our readers wants to buy your album, what they can do?
Matt: "All In Due Time" is available for download through iTunes and Amazon. The actual hard copy CD is available through ratpakrecords.com, cmdistro.com and through Pay Pal on our Myspace page at myspace.com/spiraltrance.
Hanna Tsepesh: what is your favorite music in this album and why?
Matt: I'd say my favorite track is the closer, "Project and Release." I love how it starts out as a driving, hard rock tune but changes and becomes melodic, dark and almost epic in a way. Plus it features a great guest vocal performance from a friend of ours. It's the perfect way to end the album.
Hanna Tsepesh: What is your opinion about the metal in our country? It is easy to get some support?
Matt: In the last couple of years, metal has kind of become cool again. Especially the thrash genre. Bands like Trivium, Machine Head, and even Metallica and Megadeth have all brought metal back to the forefront. While some cities in the U.S still haven't opened their doors to metal completely, there's enough clubs showing support to keep the genre going strong.
Hanna Tsepesh: What is your big advice for a young musician?
Matt: Be ready to make some sacrifices. If you want to get anywhere playing original music, be prepared to make your music the #1 priority in your life. Take your time with it and make sure you give your songs the attention they deserve. A good sounding demo is more important that some young musicians realize.
Hanna Tsepesh: Do you want to send any message for the people who going to read this interview?Matt: We're online a lot updating our news, tour schedule, etc. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and YouTube!
Hanna Tsepesh: Thanks o much for your answers and time. THE GATES OF METAL wishes the entire band a big success! Hope to see you guys very soon in here…
Matt: Thanks so much! Watch for Spiral Trance on tour this fall!
Hanna Tsepesh: You are very welcome!
By: Hanna Tsepesh
To listen to some SPIRAL TRANCE music’s and for future information’s go at:
www.myspace.com/spiraltrance
www.spiraltrance.com/
