Steven Wilson interview

RE: Steven Wilson interview (jmccon)

Tue, 22 Nov 2005 23:38:26 GMT

ORIGINAL: dworkshop1

maxi just so you know you put the wrong question/answer with what my post was on page 1. i know he talked about the "architechts" of the music he liked. like waters and zappa or whatever. what i had disliked about the interview was he said influences aren't relevant at this stage in the bands career. and i didnt like that because its not fair to all the people who have paved the way for music like PT's. cause i love PT like the next guy but that comment should be made when your ruling the world of music. porcupine tree(no matter how good they are) have a tiny fanbase in the world of music and to make a comment like that makes him sound very arrogant. like i said i dont care if they dont like DT, im talking about influences on their music, cause whether steve wants to sound like nobody else or not, they do have similarities with many many bands so i thought it was wrong not to state what those bands are. but whatever i love him and PT and i see what point he was trying to make. as far as PT not trying to be like anyone else.

homerj- im not saying that PT fans dont like DT for the most part, but if you go to PTs website and check out the links page or whatever page it is, PT has the dream theater website linked and says something along the lines of dream theater being the innovators of progressive rock. just some info, not bashing you or anything like that.

Let's revisit the comment, shall we? Because you're being grossly unfair to Mr. Wilson.

P: Among some of the influences that our members hear in Porcupine Treeâ€™s music are Pink Floyd, King Crimson and Dream Theater. Are these accurate? If not, who would you say are the bands or artists that have influenced Porcupine Tree, beyond your own personal influences?

SW: I really don't think it's relevant to talk about influences on the band at this stage in our career. For many years PT have striven to be Porcupine Tree, unlike anyone else. Also, inspiration comes from so many different sources - movies, books, life, experience....etc....and on top of this there are 4 very distinct personalities with the band. At least 2 of the 4 members wouldn't listen to any of the groups you mention, and never did, and I think I can say that none of us ever listened to a Dream Theater record!

Notice how he didn't say that influences weren't relevant, he merely stated that talking about them so far into their career isn't really relevant, because they've come to a point where they've really found their own sound and they're staying true to that. There's nothing wrong about this. It's not arrogant to want to focus on staying true to your own music. It doesn't mean that SW doesn't appreciate the music his influences have made, and it doesn't mean he doesn't appreciate the impact it's made on his music and his career. It just means that after so long, talking about who influenced you in the beginning does become rather irrelevant, and I agree with him. PT is about PT now, and that's how it should be. Again, you're putting words into his mouth and twisting his words to make him look like some kind of bad guy or some kind of egotistical rock star type person.

SW is just trying to stay true to the music that is inside him to make.

James

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Flabergastedtony)

Tue, 22 Nov 2005 23:20:04 GMT

ORIGINAL: ll_cool_dog

I don't mean to sound uneducated, but who id Nick Drake?

I like DT & PT...so maybe I'll be into ND

Can you reccommend anything

I only really know one of his albums, Pink Moon. It's basically folk music. Acoustic guitars, a little piano and Drake's voice, which is exceptionnal by the way. The music is nothing groundbreaking but it's very very good. All his albums were made in the early 70s and I believe he died of a antidepressor OD.

His music really is nothing like DT's, it's a bit like Cat Stevens, but with a different twist and it's better than Stevens' music, IMO. I think some of his other albums are different and less folky, but I havent heard them.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (DW Dobbs)

Tue, 22 Nov 2005 22:16:58 GMT

edit

RE: Steven Wilson interview (HomerJ)

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:57:39 GMT

ORIGINAL: dworkshop1

i never said they were an influence, steve said himself they aren't. all i was saying is that it isnt like dream theater is unknown to the band. plus progressive metal progressive rock whatever same thing basically. i wasnt argueing dude chill.

I don't think anyone ever said Dream Theater was unknown to the band.

Progressive rock and progressive metal are most certainly not the same thing. The argument can certainly be made that DT are one of the originators of progressive metal. You cannot make that same argument about progressive rock and DT.

And I know you weren't arguing. I was just clarifying.

*goes back to chilling*

RE: Steven Wilson interview (dworkshop1)

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:54:46 GMT

i never said they were an influence, steve said himself they aren't. all i was saying is that it isnt like dream theater is unknown to the band. plus progressive metal progressive rock whatever same thing basically. i wasnt argueing dude chill.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (HomerJ)

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:49:07 GMT

ORIGINAL: dworkshop1
homerj- im not saying that PT fans dont like DT for the most part, but if you go to PTs website and check out the links page or whatever page it is, PT has the dream theater website linked and says something along the lines of dream theater being the innovators of progressive rock. just some info, not bashing you or anything like that.

Dream Theater is listed as a friend/collaborator of the band, not an influence.

And it describes them as the originators of progressive metal, NOT progressive rock.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (ravva)

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:31:08 GMT

what?! he has never heard a dream theater record.. he has defenetly missed something.. he should really check it out!.. who knows.. maybe he'll love it!

RE: Steven Wilson interview (ll_cool_dog)

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:45:21 GMT

ORIGINAL: meegwell

fellas, fellas... you're missing an important point here: Nick Drake? Nick Drake?

Cool!

I don't mean to sound uneducated, but who id Nick Drake?

I like DT & PT...so maybe I'll be into ND

Can you reccommend anything

RE: Steven Wilson interview (dworkshop1)

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:39:10 GMT

maxi just so you know you put the wrong question/answer with what my post was on page 1. i know he talked about the "architechts" of the music he liked. like waters and zappa or whatever. what i had disliked about the interview was he said influences aren't relevant at this stage in the bands career. and i didnt like that because its not fair to all the people who have paved the way for music like PT's. cause i love PT like the next guy but that comment should be made when your ruling the world of music. porcupine tree(no matter how good they are) have a tiny fanbase in the world of music and to make a comment like that makes him sound very arrogant. like i said i dont care if they dont like DT, im talking about influences on their music, cause whether steve wants to sound like nobody else or not, they do have similarities with many many bands so i thought it was wrong not to state what those bands are. but whatever i love him and PT and i see what point he was trying to make. as far as PT not trying to be like anyone else.

homerj- im not saying that PT fans dont like DT for the most part, but if you go to PTs website and check out the links page or whatever page it is, PT has the dream theater website linked and says something along the lines of dream theater being the innovators of progressive rock. just some info, not bashing you or anything like that.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (HomerJ)

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 11:25:10 GMT

ORIGINAL: Boromir the Third

Actually, most of PT fans don't like DT.

That is very true. Not that an internet forum is the best indication of what a band's overall fanbase thinks, go to PT's forum and check out the other artists/bands section. Dream Theater is not talked about much at all.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (jmccon)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 19:39:49 GMT

SW: Blackfield is a collaboration with Israeli singer-songwriter Aviv Geffen - both myself and Aviv write, produce and play most of the instruments between us. We are planning to make a second record early on 2006.

That makes me really happy.

And he doesn't like DT. They're not an influence. Big f'n deal. To say that PT wouldn't be as big as they are without DT is just plain ignorance. In what way, in this interview, has SW said anything other than DT not being an influence and the members not listening to their albums? Methinks some people are putting words in SW's mouth.

James

RE: Steven Wilson interview (LeChuck)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 19:26:10 GMT

Oh my God. Why do people freak out about something like this? Okay, Steve doesn't like DT's music. So what?! Not everyone has to like DT! Like it or not, DT are an extremely "regressive" band (and that's not meant in a negative way, I love them and 8V still is my favorite album of the year). And Steve's musical direction is more based on creating an own style, i.e. a "progressive" band. In that context It's perfectly okay that he doesn't like DT's music. Nothing wrong with that.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Boromir the Third)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 18:20:05 GMT

Actually, most of PT fans don't like DT.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (HomerJ)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:31:53 GMT

ORIGINAL: DW Dobbs
And why does someone who is so ingrained in prog deny his affiliations? (See Terry Bozzio)

But Wilson is NOT ingrained in prog! He has said for years that Porcupine Tree is not strictly a progressive rock band. That is a label others use when talking about them. Don't blame Wilson for wanting to set the record straight.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (HomerJ)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:29:00 GMT

ORIGINAL: Lukes Wall

ORIGINAL: Flabergastedtony

ORIGINAL: Lukes Wall

He did go out of the interviewÂ´s way to make it very clear none of the guys in the band appreciate Dream Theater.

If you were playing in a band and someone interviewed you and said that [some band you don't like] was one of your influence, you would probably say that you don't like them and that they did not inspire you.

The interviewer asked "...is this accurate?" and thatÂ´s a no/yes question, so he did go out of his way.

Give me a freaking break. You are suggesting that an interviewee answer a yes/no question with a simple 'yes' or 'no' without commenting at all? That is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.

Is it so hard to comprehend that Steven Wilson doesn't love Dream Theater's music as much as you do?

RE: Steven Wilson interview (HomerJ)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:25:30 GMT

ORIGINAL: DW Dobbs
If it wasn't for DT and MP you wouldn't have HALF the fans you do now.

That is absurd. Just because the online Dream Theater fanbase has discovered PT over the last few years does not mean they represent the bulk of the Porcupine Tree fanbase.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (DW Dobbs)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 15:09:22 GMT

Let me clarify, I wasn't suggesting that DT is a musical influence on PT. I don't believe that. I'm suggesting that SW is showing disrespect towards a group that has done so much for them, directly and indirectly. How many of us can say we wouldn't be into PT if it were not for the exposure they got due to MP? And why does someone who is so ingrained in prog deny his affiliations? (See Terry Bozzio)

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Lukes Wall)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 14:44:58 GMT

ORIGINAL: Flabergastedtony

ORIGINAL: Lukes Wall

He did go out of the interviewÂ´s way to make it very clear none of the guys in the band appreciate Dream Theater.

If you were playing in a band and someone interviewed you and said that [some band you don't like] was one of your influence, you would probably say that you don't like them and that they did not inspire you.

The interviewer asked "...is this accurate?" and thatÂ´s a no/yes question, so he did go out of his way.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Flabergastedtony)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 14:15:24 GMT

ORIGINAL: Lukes Wall

He did go out of the interviewÂ´s way to make it very clear none of the guys in the band appreciate Dream Theater.

If you were playing in a band and someone interviewed you and said that [some band you don't like] was one of your influence, you would probably say that you don't like them and that they did not inspire you.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (abson)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 14:10:19 GMT

So what? I haven't ever listened to a Britney Spears album.. Should she be affended by that?

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Lukes Wall)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 13:48:36 GMT

He did go out of the interviewÂ´s way to make it very clear none of the guys in the band appreciate Dream Theater.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (stratomailer)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:45:10 GMT

ORIGINAL: Maxi

ORIGINAL: dworkshop1

i love porcupine tree and the work he has done with production on blackwater park and deliverence. and i surely could care less about him saying they dont listen to DT. But the only thing that bothered me about that interview was when he said it isnt relevant to talk about influences of the band at this point in their career. and i think that is a knock in a way to the artists that paved the way for them.

SW: I suppose I wasn't really so interested in groups, more in the auteurs who were responsible for creating a whole sound and style of their own - the "architects" of recorded music, people like Zappa, Pete Townsend, Jeff Lynne, Robert Fripp, Brian Wilson, Miles Davis, Roger Waters.... If I had to pick one artist whose music has meant so much to me right through my life and still touches me deeply, I think it would be Nick Drake.

To me, those sound like influences.....

SW said repeatedly that he just doesn't know how to play any other peoples' music, cause he never did when he was young, he sort of used the guitar to compose his own.

And about not listening to a DT record, he also said (in the tel aviv solo gig) that he never ever listens to PT recordings once they are mixed. So this is a man that doesn't even listen to his own records!!!

I think those are more like his personal inspirations... The musicians whose work encouraged him to be a musician himself, and influenced him as an artist... Which is something quite different to being musicians whose sound can be recognized in the work of PT (that's what I regard as being influences, anyway).

As for the last point you make... I understand he does in fact listen to a lot of new music (you can check his playlist at his official website)... He just doesn't like DT. And I'm sure he'd rather not be asked all the time whether he likes them or not.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Flabergastedtony)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:37:30 GMT

ORIGINAL: DW Dobbs
If it wasn't for DT and MP you wouldn't have HALF the fans you do now.

right...

RE: Steven Wilson interview (stratomailer)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:28:05 GMT

ORIGINAL: DW Dobbs

SW: I really don't think it's relevant to talk about influences on the band at this stage in our career. For many years PT have striven to be Porcupine Tree, unlike anyone else. Also, inspiration comes from so many different sources - movies, books, life, experience....etc....and on top of this there are 4 very distinct personalities with the band. At least 2 of the 4 members wouldn't listen to any of the groups you mention, and never did, and I think I can say that none of us ever listened to a Dream Theater record!

Let me be clear. I love PT.

I don't think PT sounds like Dream Theater, but still that's just some bullshit right there. They toured with DT, he worked with MP. I mean, come on SW show a little respect. If it wasn't for DT and MP you wouldn't have HALF the fans you do now.

You're overreacting. The interviewer asked if Dream Theater was an influence on Porcupine Tree. Thus the answer. Even if he is aware of their music, it doesn't mean it has an influence on him.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (DW Dobbs)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:02:16 GMT

SW: I really don't think it's relevant to talk about influences on the band at this stage in our career. For many years PT have striven to be Porcupine Tree, unlike anyone else. Also, inspiration comes from so many different sources - movies, books, life, experience....etc....and on top of this there are 4 very distinct personalities with the band. At least 2 of the 4 members wouldn't listen to any of the groups you mention, and never did, and I think I can say that none of us ever listened to a Dream Theater record!

Let me be clear. I love PT.

I don't think PT sounds like Dream Theater, but still that's just some bullshit right there. They toured with DT, he worked with MP. I mean, come on SW show a little respect. If it wasn't for DT and MP you wouldn't have HALF the fans you do now.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Flabergastedtony)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 09:50:50 GMT

ORIGINAL: meegwell

fellas, fellas... you're missing an important point here: Nick Drake? Nick Drake?

Cool!

Indeed, that guy can never get enough praise!!

RE: Steven Wilson interview (MusicTriviaNut)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 09:33:49 GMT

Ah, but that's not the same as listening to one of their albums. He never said anything about live.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Hiatus 6)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 09:31:16 GMT

Umm... I'm having trouble understanding why he would have even said that they haven't listened to a DT album. I mean, they toured with DT for a little bit. Obviously they're aware of their music. A simple, "they are not someone we try to write music after," would have sufficed. It's almost like he's lying. They've had exposure to DT on tour.

?!?

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Amahmood)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 09:23:46 GMT

Always a good read! I don't comprehend why people are getting so flustered with the fact that, DT isn't his cup of tea. Doesn't mean he hates the guys.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Maxi)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 07:18:30 GMT

ORIGINAL: dworkshop1

i love porcupine tree and the work he has done with production on blackwater park and deliverence. and i surely could care less about him saying they dont listen to DT. But the only thing that bothered me about that interview was when he said it isnt relevant to talk about influences of the band at this point in their career. and i think that is a knock in a way to the artists that paved the way for them.

SW: I suppose I wasn't really so interested in groups, more in the auteurs who were responsible for creating a whole sound and style of their own - the "architects" of recorded music, people like Zappa, Pete Townsend, Jeff Lynne, Robert Fripp, Brian Wilson, Miles Davis, Roger Waters.... If I had to pick one artist whose music has meant so much to me right through my life and still touches me deeply, I think it would be Nick Drake.

To me, those sound like influences.....

SW said repeatedly that he just doesn't know how to play any other peoples' music, cause he never did when he was young, he sort of used the guitar to compose his own.

And about not listening to a DT record, he also said (in the tel aviv solo gig) that he never ever listens to PT recordings once they are mixed. So this is a man that doesn't even listen to his own records!!!

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Heitor)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 05:19:38 GMT

So he doesn't listen to DT, what's the problem with it?
It would be much much worse if he said "Yeah, the Yes guys are a bunch of jerks... And guess what: DT guys are a bunch of assholes too! I hate them!"
I think this is cool because you see that their friendship is really sincere... He likes MP, JR and the rest of DT because of the great guys they are! Not because of their music and/or carreer!

RE: Steven Wilson interview (meegwell)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 01:07:39 GMT

fellas, fellas... you're missing an important point here: Nick Drake? Nick Drake?

Cool!

RE: Steven Wilson interview (thrak attack)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 00:45:33 GMT

ORIGINAL: MSU Spartan

I sure am glad he specifically pointed out that none of PT's members have ever heard a DT album - thankfully Steve Wilson is down-to-earth type of guy open to apparently all music (especially music made by bands in his same category).Â Hopefully he can steer clear of ever associating with DT and not have to work with any of its members, otherwise he risks being tainted.Â He should also be weary of others that have associated with DT or its members as they might taint his credibility.

Image is everything; wouldn't want to be caught listening to DT!

Sarcasm ends hear.Â I appreciate his and PT's music but some of SW's comments you have to question.Â Like it or not many 'progressive-rock' fans buy his music and he should avoid trying toÂ brush those fans away and make the genre seem insignificant.Â Downplaying the prime band of that genre is also not a wise move considering he has directly worked with one of its members and openly drools over another band's member that has associated himself with a different DT member.

It seems to me that you first criticize SW for protecting an image, and then suggest that he change his image to support prog. He's an amazing musician, and an arguably better producer, and if nothing else I would say he's earned the right to his own opinion.

I also don't think he said that he hadn't listened to DT in hopes of preserving an image. PT appeals to people because of the music, and if anything, SW seems to be steering away from an image. You shouldn't take it so personally when he says he hasn't listened to DT; he never said anything negative about them.

I agree 100% with his analysis of modern prog, though. It always seemed to me that classifying it defeats the purpose, and while you've got your good neo-prog bands, as has already been said, there are plenty who do nothing at all to 'progress.'

RE: Steven Wilson interview (dworkshop1)

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 00:09:25 GMT

i love porcupine tree and the work he has done with production on blackwater park and deliverence. and i surely could care less about him saying they dont listen to DT. But the only thing that bothered me about that interview was when he said it isnt relevant to talk about influences of the band at this point in their career. and i think that is a knock in a way to the artists that paved the way for them. because there is many bands that porcupine tree sound like that i think it is necessary to give props to the bands you have used as influences in your own music. i know that PT has their own voice and are great at what they do, but i dont know that comment bothered me a little. at the same time i get what he is trying to say and state that he wants to be his own voice in music today. so i just contradictid myself but thats ok. PT rules.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Lee123)

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 23:57:35 GMT

ORIGINAL: HomerJ

I cannot believe anyone would believe that Dream Theater is one of PT's biggest influences. They sound nothing alike.

ORIGINAL: MSU Spartan
I appreciate his and PT's music but some of SW's comments you have to question. Like it or not many 'progressive-rock' fans buy his music and he should avoid trying to brush those fans away and make the genre seem insignificant. Downplaying the prime band of that genre is also not a wise move considering he has directly worked with one of its members and openly drools over another band's member that has associated himself with a different DT member.

Steven Wilson has never hid the fact that he is not a fan of most music that is termed prog rock. In particular, he doesn't seem to care for the symphonic type of prog that bands like Yes and DT play. Why is this is a surprise that he would express this thought again?

I am baffled that so many always applaud MP for always speaking his mind, but when others do the same (and they voice an opinion they don't like), there is suddenly a problem. I guess speaking your mind is only a good thing if you agree with what is said, eh?

And most newer prog rock is terrible. There are a few obvious exceptions like DT, The Flower Kings and Neal Morse, but for every good band, there are ten more that are derivative and unoriginal.

Lastly, Wilson has always made it clear that he doesn't want his band pigeonholed into one genre and I give him props for that. Once you are labeled, you are then held to a narrow standard where you are always expected to keep your music inside a certain box, for lack of a better term.

+135039485720358930

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Shadowfax)

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 23:55:20 GMT

SW is easily the most prolific and varied musician out there today. Categorizing his music is futile (no pun intended). I mean, the guy has a no less than FIVE bands/projects, PLUS material released under his own name. I mean, how many other musicians do you know of with a 265 page discography!!

When someone like this starts to get lumped in with a certain group (unfairly) it kinda makes sense for him to lash out a bit. Regardless of what comments he makes, I'm still going to consider him the most talented musician in the business today.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (Naigewron)

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 23:32:24 GMT

ORIGINAL: KingTheater
Also odd that that he mentions working with Akerfeldt.

Wilson has provided keys and such on Opeth releases before...

RE: Steven Wilson interview (HomerJ)

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 23:28:06 GMT

I cannot believe anyone would believe that Dream Theater is one of PT's biggest influences. They sound nothing alike.

ORIGINAL: MSU Spartan
I appreciate his and PT's music but some of SW's comments you have to question. Like it or not many 'progressive-rock' fans buy his music and he should avoid trying to brush those fans away and make the genre seem insignificant. Downplaying the prime band of that genre is also not a wise move considering he has directly worked with one of its members and openly drools over another band's member that has associated himself with a different DT member.

Steven Wilson has never hid the fact that he is not a fan of most music that is termed prog rock. In particular, he doesn't seem to care for the symphonic type of prog that bands like Yes and DT play. Why is this is a surprise that he would express this thought again?

I am baffled that so many always applaud MP for always speaking his mind, but when others do the same (and they voice an opinion they don't like), there is suddenly a problem. I guess speaking your mind is only a good thing if you agree with what is said, eh?

And most newer prog rock is terrible. There are a few obvious exceptions like DT, The Flower Kings and Neal Morse, but for every good band, there are ten more that are derivative and unoriginal.

Lastly, Wilson has always made it clear that he doesn't want his band pigeonholed into one genre and I give him props for that. Once you are labeled, you are then held to a narrow standard where you are always expected to keep your music inside a certain box, for lack of a better term.

RE: Steven Wilson interview (MSU Spartan)

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 23:13:34 GMT

If this is just a ruse to hide a future side project with MP or if it is sarcasm itself from SW then I apologize for my sarcastic remarks and comments about SW's statement. If not then I stand by my statement.