interviewpage
Magnitude 9 - interview September 2001 |
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Victory: You are what one can call a super group, what is the
history of m9? Rob: Well, I formed the band , with singer Corey Brown in 1997 He was singing in a band called - Psyco drama We decided together , to start a new band, so we started demoing songs in 1997 . Then we contacted other members - Kevin Chown , John Homan & Joe Glean to Finish the line up for magnitude 9 . We recorded our debut cd - " Chaos to control " In 1997 , it was then released in 1998 by insideout in Europe Victory: ...and before being a part of m9 you did...? Rob: Before magnitude 9, I was more of a solo instrumental guitar artist. I have 3 solo instrumental guitar cds released. My solo cds are similar to Steve Vai , Joe Satriani , Jason Becker , Paul Gilbert , etc They are now = re-released = in Europe By - heavencross records They can be ordered from : Lion music in Finland at www.lionmusic.com And also at - www.guitar9.com My solo cds are : Rob Johnson - " guitarchitecture " Rob Johnson - " peripheral " Rob Johnson - " rob Johnson " Recently , I recorded a new solo instrumental guitar track - "forcefield" - this song appears on the Jason Becker - tribute cd, Released by - lion music. Victory: You're playing a quite technical progressive metal but compared to many other bands your songs are much more song based. Do you hate the instrumental parts or what's the deal with them? Rob: For me as a fan & songwriter, I like more song oriented songs ...with hooks I like prog metal , but some bands I think, over do it, and get too crazy & Technical with song parts . We try to stay along the lines of queensryche, fates warning, etc , Writing catchy songs ...with some technical parts also. Victory: You guitar style is quite neoclassical, which are your guitarheroes? and for how long time have you been shredding with your guitar? Rob: I've been playing guitar since I was 12 , I'm 30 now . My favourite guitar players & influences are : Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Ronni le Tekro, John Norum, Tony Macalpine, Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai, etc. Victory: I know you have released many other cd's, which ones do you recommend for the hardcore rob-fan? Rob: Id say , if people would like to hear more of my guitar playing & songs, Please check out my cd - "guitarchitecture" You can buy it at this link: http://www.guitar9.com/guitarchitecture.html or email: heaven@ctv.es Victory: Your songs has very interesting lyrics, from where do you get your inspiration? Rob: Well, our singer = Corey Brown = writes all of the lyrics , But... He tells us, he gets his inspiration really, from everyday life Experiences , things he sees on tv, on the news, etc . We try to write about real issues, our lives, etc Topics everyone can relate to as well. Victory: About your newest cd, reality in focus. It has been a quite big hit in the media, but were you satisfied with it? Rob: We are really happy with it. It is our 2nd cd, We think " reality in focus "has some great songs on it. We took our time with the cd, it took us two years to complete. We are happy the fans & media like it! We are now writing / demoing songs for our 3rd cd Victory: Compared to your newest album, what does your previous, chaos to Control sound like. I am sure that many don't even know it exist so this is your chance to do some advertising :) Rob: Well, I think " chaos to control " is a strong debut for us . We are happy with that cd , so I hope fans out there , will go look for it & Check it out !!! The songs are strong , melodic & maybe a bit more progressive Fans can find this cd at: www.insideout.de or cdnow.com & amazon.com Victory: I just have to say that i love your singer Corey, he is one of the best in the business. Rob: Yes , I'm glad you like him. I agree with you Corey, has a great, melodic & powerful voice He really shines on both of our cds . Victory: You did also do a guest appearance in Jacob's Dream's (they kick serious butt!) Self titled album. Do you know the guys in J.D.? Rob: Yes, I know those guys . They are all from here in Ohio , as I am . The guitarist , used to take guitar lessons from me about 5 years ago .(Cool! Ed.) I'm happy to see him doing well in Jacobs Dream They asked me to do a guest solo on a track from them, it was fun . Victory: And what about the future of m9, new album on the way? Rob: Yes ,we are writing & demoing new songs now . We hope to record the next cd in spring 2002 and have it released fall/winter of 2002 we hope . Victory: ...touring? Rob: No touring plans yet, but maybe in the future. At this point, we are trying to gain an audience & following before we tour. Touring is so much of an expense & costs a lot of money... So we will wait. Please tell your readers our website link : Magnitude 9 http://www.mistchild.com/magnitude9 Victory: They already know! Finally name your favorite, cd, movie and book. Rob: My favorite movie is : raiders of the lost ark My favorite cd is : tony macalpine - "maximum security" My favorite book : the bible Victory: thanx for the time! Rob: thank you :) cheers :) Victory |