“Be as selfish with your art as possible” In Conversation with Aaron Marshall of Intervals

As guitar wiz Aaron Marshall heads down to India for Intervals’ maiden tour, the Canadian progressive metal act, we got in touch with him to find out about his perception of India, the global metal scenario and more!

October 30- Mumbai: bit.ly/IntervalsMumbai
November 1- Meghalaya: NH7 Weekender
November 2- New Delhi: bit.ly/IntervalsDelhi
November 3- Bangalore: bit.ly/IntervalsBangalore

The tour has been organized by Bangalore based agencies Bohemian Live and Gravity Talent.

Q1. What do you think about India/What have you heard about India?

I think India is an intriguing and mystifying place. I’ve heard it’s an incredible place to visit!

Q2. How has age impacted your music, in terms of physical technicality and maturity in thought-process?

That’s an interesting question! I feel like I’m in my prime as far as technique and thought process are both concerned. I think it has more to do with healthy and positive changes in my lifestyle at this point, but I’m definitely happy with where I’m at. Repetitive stress, weight training and posture all have their respective impacts on the physical side of playing guitar, but I’m trying to be as mindful as I can and take care where and when need be.

Q3. Do you think advancement in instrumental technology is leading to better musicianship or lazy musicianship?

Dang! These are some good questions. I think the answer is largely dependent on the musician themselves. Technology allows experienced and inspired songwriters to work quickly, and efficiently to execute and achieve their ideas, but in some cases, it can lead younger, or inexperienced musicians to fixate on the superficial nature of equipment and software to their determent. Establishing a quality foundation is key to getting the most out of modern tech, and being able to portray one’s identity and ideas properly through those tools.

Q4. Is it important to find the perfect instrument for the sound that you are going for or does emotion supersedes that?

I believe emotion can definitely supersede that, but a quality instrument can only enhance that further.

Q5. Have you heard Bollywood music? If yes, what do you think of it?

Absolutely! I think the production quality is unreal. I was in a a large ensemble music theatre program throughout all of high school, so I have a major appreciation for what goes into all aspects of those productions.

Q6. Do you think there’s been a change in the kind of metal music being made in this decade versus the last? If yes, what do you think the change is?

Yes, and no. As far as metal music goes, at a more macro level, some things have changed and evolved, but we’re still seeing the same trends ebb and flow for the most part. As far as the instrumental microcosm is concerned, but I believe there is much more nuance and diversity in this world than the previous wave. Composition and overall songwriting value is much more crucial, versus the former being based around almost fairly basic backing track type pieces, where the lead guitar is essentially the only focal element on display. I think it takes a lot more to stand tall, and apart in this realm these days.

Q7. If you could bring one musician/band back to life, who would it be?

That’s a tough one! There was a band from Ottawa Ontario called The Fully Down that had a major impact on me when I was younger. They put out an incredible record called “Don’t Get Lost in a Movement” back in 2005 and I always thought they were ahead of their time. I would love to see and hear more from them.

Q8. Have you heard any Indian bands/artists? Do you like any of them?

My really good friend Devesh plays in India’s very own Skyharbor, and I know of his other band Goddess Gagged, but I’m actually not all that familiar many rock or metal bands beyond them. Of course I know of Mohini Dey and a few other instrumentalists, but I’d love to discover more!

Q9. What advice would you give to young metal bands starting out today?

To be as honest with yourself and your art as you can be. Don’t do what you do for anyone else but yourself. There is no longevity in catering and pandering to trends. Be as selfish with your art as possible, because the raw and honest stuff is what undoubtably rises above everything else.