Ed Kowalczyk interview, The Post Online (Dutch magazine) Options

[dangum]

Here is a recent interview with Ed that appeared on The Post Online website. It's originally in Dutch, so I have posted a Google Translation of the interview. The translation is pretty decent.

Interview : Ed Kowalczyk about music, Obama and Syria

'The Flood and The Mercy ' - - This week's second solo album will be released by Ed Kowalczyk , the man who became known as the lead singer of the band Live . The next time he is eleven times in the Netherlands on stage during his " I Alone Acoustic' tour . On a terrace in Amsterdam I spoke to him about his music . And Syria.

Ed , the music on your new CD is all rather grand and quite bombastic , just like your previous work. Is an acoustic tour or a good idea?
Yes , I make great rock music , but all the songs I write just start with an acoustic guitar . On this tour I play them with my bass player who also sings , so the focus is more on the harmony of our voices . Therefore maintain the same intensity as songs on the album and they sound even more intense, especially if you 've never heard them as before.

Have you considered just make a smaller album more subdued and more acoustic?
Yes , definitely . I even think that the next album is going to be so , I feel that there is time . With this last album I really wanted that way and we came close, but then I listened to some songs back and I thought that we can not do so , we gotta rock these out . A song like All I Wanted comes pretty close , less rock and more conceptual . That tone I want to take to the next album , because now I 'm doing so much during this acoustic tour .

You work on this album with Peter Buck , guitarist for REM , how did that happen?
I knew the men R.E.M. for years and was in 1995 also agree with them on stage . I 'm also a huge REM fan , and am a bit befriended over the years with Michael ( Stipe - ed.) My producer previously worked with the band on their latest albums together and came Peter Buck at a wedding, which then gave to want to work on my album participate. That was fantastic. We flew to Portland and went there together in the studio where we have taken . Nine numbers

What is your favorite R.E.M. number?
Eh , I still think Losing My Religion . Of the old work is Begin the Begin always been one of my favorites . But it's fucking tough because I love so many of their songs .

You listen to new music?
Yes , though I do it less often than I would like . If you're making music , every day busy you do not always get added. In any case, The National is one of my current favorite bands . Boy and Bear I listen much . I think I mostly listen to music that is produced very different than my own work , even for new inspiration .

What do you think of the latest album by The National?
The previous albums I was frankly better , but I think still very good . It is such a great band because they really be pulled into a sort of meditative space, it is 'mood music' that a very strong atmosphere and mood calls . We often run it while driving , because it's good music tour.

If I listen to your texts and look at the work you do for the organization World Vision , you come across as a man who is involved in the world . Should artists who have commitment and make the world better with their creativity?
I feel that as an artist you have a good opportunity to do something . During the performances I talk to my fans about the work of World Vision and while touring there are over 300 new donors were added in this way . With that donations be helped many people and my fans here I am therefore very grateful. I 'm not saying that all artists should do this but you are given the opportunity , and at this point in my life I felt I had to do this.

The number of Live Overcome appeared after the events of September 11. You probably also followed the news from Syria . Something has impact on your music ?
Nah , not directly . I do not write to address a specific event from a new kind of feeling , and decide in advance and there a song about. But like any other crawling it in your head and in your heart , it's terrible what is happening there .

America is about to begin . Military intervention at the point Earlier you protested against the invasion of Iraq , how do you feel about this?
It is hard to imagine that more violence can solve something here. That does not actually real. There is obviously a great need for this to change the situation, but do not know how this plays out. It would be best if a diplomatic solution could be found .

You openly supported Obama during his first election. He is doing well?
Yes and no , I give him the benefit of the doubt. His presidency is at best a mixed bag. It is also hard to imagine how much pressure he is under and how many different camps he must operate. Let me keep it there.

Well, then finally we go back to your music . You do not want too much lost about Live , but you miss the gig with the band not?
No. Look I 'm proud of everything we have done and I am satisfied back, but I 'm in a whole new chapter of my career. Writing and producing and working with the current musicians gives me an artistic sense of satisfaction, more than I 've ever had. Starting the solo career was a big change but the whole process was great and gives me a lot of inspiration . I think I made sure my best album as a solo artist, but perhaps in general.

You can find the original Dutch version here:
http://cult.thepostonline.nl/2013/09/12/in...obama-en-syrie/