No offense to Richard Barbieri, but when I saw a YouTube video of you and Steven Wilson doing [the Porcupine Tree song] “Lazarus,” it blew me wide open. What’s Wilson like to work with?
I did limited work with him on that Blackfield tour he went on… I know him pretty well; he’s a good friend of mine. He’s a real natural musician, with amazing taste in music, and he has figured out a lot of things on his own. He’s a great engineer, has a voice of musicality and judgment when it comes to just about anything. Steven is very particular about what works and what doesn’t and there’s little doubt of that. It’s pretty obvious he’s spewing good taste when you listen to Porcupine Tree, because it all feels so right (laughs).
...and what about Dream Theater…?
For me, it’s a mixture of being my creative self – that original self – and also partly that studio mentality in trying to do what is right for situation. The original part comes into play because John and Mike really wanted me in the group because I am an original musician with keyboard skills who is capable of writing and fresh ideas. No shortage of those there! (laughs) A lot of it is in little details… in creating those vintage sounds, pulling things back so things sound really tight and not cluttered… and a lot of orchestrational things as well.
For someone like me, there is always a temptation to overdue, particularly coming from classical solo background, where I want to be able to play. Learning where the energy needs to be placed, and knowing those exact moments when it’s time to come forward, that’s been key to being in Dream Theater. It’s brought on a natural maturity for me and made me a better musician. Those challenges add a level of excitement for me, to be always pressing the edge. It’s a good thing.
Who would you love to work with in your career that you have yet to?
That would have been an easier question to answer many years ago, when I had more heroes. Peter Gabriel. And Steve Vai. He would be fun.
Who are you listening to now that impresses you?
I’m a big fan of Super Furry Animals, Radiohead. I also like a lot of electronic music artists, like Markoff, Autechre and Boards of Canada. I still really like to listen to music and a lot of different kinds as well. Everything from Art Tatum to Coldplay and younger progressive bands like Porcupine Tree. And I like a lot of the newer metal kinds of things.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
This is really, really long Peter. But it is also very, very good stuff. I really enjoyed reading all about the different people Rudess has played with (especially Steven Wilson as I'm a huge P. Tree fan), and about his influences (loved learning about his favorite Genesis songs by Tony Banks).
You might wanna consider breaking this into two, or three parts next time as not everybody is the progressive music fan I am, and might not have the where-with-all to stick it with it.
But personally I loved this as I expect most other Dream Theater/progressive rock fans will as well. Great stuff.
-Glen
2 - Peter
Thanks for the compliment, Glen. Rudess is a great interview... and I had thought about breaking the piece in half, but couldn't seem to find a place I felt comfortable doing so. In the end, a monthly magazine-length feature piece comes along once in a great while for me. I had to leave it intact. Anyway, thanks for checking it out; I appreciate the feedback.
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Yeah!! Excellent Interview!!
It's about time the man (Mr. Rudess) gets some credit here on BC. He definitely adds dimension to D.T. unfortunately their new album was disappointing(to me).
As for the Progressive Nation Tour, if it was to get huge, I would rather see some more underground prog bands instead of including SOAD or Coheed... They have such a great line-up right now and I wouldn't want to cheapen it any just to make it huge. Maybe add a couple more bands like Aghora,Cynic & Spock's Beard. Adding SP to have another giant that can sell tickets & because they are wicked good.