DEREK SHERINIAN
Questions asked by Jon Wilde, added to Rock Realms 9th February 2009.
Derek Sherinian is the famed keyboardist who played with Dream Theater on Falling Into Infinity. He has also played with, amongst numerous others, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Zakk Wylde and Billy Idol. His band, Planet X, has released a triplet of studio albums, and he is about to release his sixth solo record.
As you may have guessed, he's a busy, in demand guy!
Hi Derek, thanks for taking a moment to answer these questions for the Rock Realms Interrogation section.
Who are your biggest influences?
Derek: I have many. Elton John, Bach, Van Halen, Ozzy, Jeff Beck - too many to mention.
What sort of childhood did you have, were your family musical?
Derek: I am the only musician in my family, but they were always very supportive to my musical goals.
When did you first realise you were going to be a professional musician?
Derek: My band in 8th grade won the school talent show playing the song "Just What I Needed" by The Cars I knew from that point what I wanted to do in my life.
You’ve played with A LOT of different bands and artists over the years. Does any particular gig or album stick in your mind more than the others?
Derek: There have been a lot of great shows over the years, there isn't one show that really stands out.
You must struggle for free time! If the opportunity presents itself, how do you like to relax?
Derek: There is plenty of time for everything. When I am not playing music, I am raising my 2 year old daughter Summer.
You started off playing keys for bands with a hard rock sound – Alice Cooper, Kiss etc.. Did the love of progressive music develop when you joined Dream Theater?
Derek: I always had a bit of a progressive/fusion side to me, but it never came to surface until I joined Dream Theater.
So, the new album, Molecular Heinosity... Is there any particular concept behind it or are you continuing the trend set by your earlier work?
Derek: There is no real concept. This record doesn't have the jazz fusion influence that my earlier records have shown. It is much more rooted in the progressive metal vein.
How would you describe the style of the album to the uninitiated?
Derek: I would say instrumental progressive metal with a ballsy keyboardist!
Your albums tend to feature numerous ‘all star’ guests. How does the cast list come about? Do musicians ask to be featured, do you ask them, or is it a bit of both?
Derek: I pick the players for my record like a casting agent picks actors for a movie. The music dictates who will play on it, and I pick the players accordingly.
Is there anyone in the music industry you’ve yet to work with who you’d love to?
Derek: I would love to play with Jeff Beck. Over the years this question has been asked to me, my wish list has been coming true - Al DiMeola, Allan Holdsworth, Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie - I always think big.
Zakk Wylde plays on Molecular Heinosity. He’s best known for his thumpingly heavy classic metal sound. He must enjoy the challenge presented by the more technical end of prog metal?
Derek: This isn’t the first time he’s played on one of your solo albums! Zakk and I have been friends for over 20 years. When he plays on my records, he gets to stretch out more than he does on his own music. He still sounds like Zakk, but with a different backdrop. I try to achieve that effect with all of my guest artists.
Brian Tichy played drums on the album, filling in for your usual cohort Simon Phillips. Are you not tempted to do the drums yourself? Word is you are quite handy...
Derek: I am a horrible drummer! I would never even think of it.
Silly boring question time... How did the name of the album come about?
Derek: Heinosity is derived from the word heinous. It seems that life is full of heinosities lately.
The cover features a morphing of DNA and human/ape skulls. Where did the concept come from? It’s rather deep!
Derek: The artwork was done once again from Mattias Noren - you will have to ask him.
You have plenty of gear listed on your website. Is there one piece of equipment you couldn’t be without?
Derek: I use KORG, Roland, and Nord keyboards, they are all important to my sound.
Guitarists often get a signature model in the range of the company they endorse. At present you have a signature sound on keyboards in the KORG range. Would you like to have a hand in the design of an entire keyboard?
Derek: Yes that would be great, maybe one day.
Are there plans to tour in 2009?
Derek: There are some touring options that I am looking at.
You had a small part in the film Wayne’s World as part of Alice Cooper’s band. Any desire to strut your stuff in more films?
Derek: Yes! There is a lot of money in acting!
Are there any bands we might not have heard of you think people should check out?
Derek: I am not aware of any.
Anything you want to plug (other projects etc)?
Derek: I will be putting out a 10 year anthology at the end of this year. I am also putting together a progressive metal band and looking for a vocalist. Please send all submissions to BeachwoodManor@aol.com
What are you up to once you’ve finished being interrogated?
Derek: Off to the gym! Thank you
Derek's new album is out March 30th on Inside Out/SPV. Check out his MySpace page or main website for more details.
