Inside the Musical Mind – Details, episodes & analysis

In this third installment of my series of interviews with new Prog-Rock heroes YYNOT, lead singer Rocky Kuner joins me to discuss how she got involved with the project. She discusses how what she thought would be a one-off project developed into a full-fledged band. We also discuss how she takes care of her voice, and the vocalist even takes the time to answer a few questions from the fans… Rocky Kuner of YYNOT

Inside the Musical Mind is doing a three part interview with one of the most exciting prog-rock groups to come along in recent years, YYNOT. Recently we spoke with Billy Alexander, the group’s songwriter and guitarist. This time around we sit down with the bands bass virtuoso, Tim Starace. Tim discusses his recent surgery, the bands past two albums, and their future plans… Billy Alexander and Tim Starace.

With the release of Psychotic Symphony in 2017, Sons of Apollo established themselves as one of the premier Supergroups. Consisting of Mike Portnoy (drums), Derek Sherinian (keys), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), this is the musical Dream Team. Every member is a virtuoso performer, with a long history behind them. Sons of Apollo. With their second album, MMXX, due out this month, the machine is gearing up again to take this formidable band back out on the road. Lead singer Jeff Scott Soto called in to discuss with me the making of this juggernaut of a record, and how hectic the last couple of years have been, juggling musical projects. He also shares some funny memories of his early days with Yngwie Malmsteen. So as a nice appetizer to the new music, let’s dive in and chat with the voice of Sons of Apollo…

Guitarist/producer Billy Alexander, upon seeing videos of bass virtuoso Tim Starace approached him about forming an online collaboration. Beginning in 2015 the two went to work on not only impressive original compositions such as the eponymous “YYNOT”, but covers of legendary Rush songs with staggering precision. After recruiting the talented-beyond-her-years vocalist Rocky Kuner, the band continued to churn out incredible music. Billy Alexander and Tim Starace. The self-titled debut brought even more favorable attention to this dynamic outfit, and with the addition of drummer Joel Stevenett the line up was complete. Just recently the band (which it has truly evolved into) revealed a second collection of original compositions: Resonance. One listen to songs such as “Wildest Dreams” shows an ability to wrap complex musical parts into an instantly hummable package. I was able to speak to Billy and Tim recently to discuss the formation of the group and just what goes into producing such exciting new music. In a world of disposable pop “artists”, YYNOT is a shining beacon on the hill! Watch the interview on our Youtube channel or listen to the podcast! 10 ? with YYNOT

Van Halen has famously been tight lipped over the course of their long career. In addition to infrequently recording albums, they have also shied away from extensive box sets. While many bands cash in on remastered editions of previous albums by including bonus tracks, previously unreleased songs, and even behind-the-scenes footage, Eddie and company have refrained. When the band’s albums have been remastered, they have not included any bonus material. Usually these remasters do not even include additional packaging, photos, or liner notes. So with Van Halen being basically retired (they won’t even tell us that for sure), I have to wonder “What could be in the archives?’. in this video I discuss some of my personal observations and theories about what material could be compiled, and if and when we may ever hear it. Watch the video by clicking the link below:

Fresh off of her set of shows with fellow virtuoso Nili Brosh and the legendary Jennifer Batten , Gretchen Menn called in to catch us up on how that tour went, and a myriad of other cool insights. On this episode of the “10 ? with the Musical Mind” podcast Gretchen and I discuss her early days studying classical guitar, some of her favorite players, and how she approached composing her daunting 2016 concept album, Abandon all Hope. Click on the player below to hear the interview, or subscribe to “10 ? with the Musical Mind” on your favorite podcast platform!

After forming the legendary rock band Cinderella, Tom Keifer rose to the top of the scene with rock anthems such as “Nobody’s Fool”, “The Last Mile” and well crafted slower fare such as the hit “Heartbreak Station”. In addition to riding the crest of the wave of success, Keifer had more than his share of real world problems. More than just the usual story of “Grunge came along and killed the rock scene”, Tom faced serious and ongoing health issues. A neurological problem led to multiple surgeries and paralyzed vocal chords. He was told he would never sing again. Showing a determination seldom matched, he embarked on a journey of self-discipline. Daily warm up routines and careful attention to technique have allowed Keifer to still deliver his characteristic growl and howl thirty years later. Photo: Tammy Vega Forming a new musical family, The Tom Keifer Band released “The Way Life Goes” in 2013. Now, with their terrific follow up album “Rise” the band have been back on the road. Tom called in to fill in the details on how he has gone about shaping his heartfelt and nuanced music over his long career. I hope you enjoy this insightful conversation in the latest episode of “10 ? with the Musical Mind” – with Tom Keifer. homepage-boxed

With the sad passing of Peter Steele in 2010, the groundbreaking Type O Negative was all but finished. As cornerstones of that act, Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly went on to form the Doom Metal outfit Seventh Void. As time went on, Hickey began writing material that he felt called for a bit more orchestrated layering, more density. The music changed enough that he felt a new name was in order. Thus, Silvertomb was born. After releasing a single “Insomnia” last year, the band toured to get the word out and build anticipation for their upcoming album. The time has come, and now “Edge of Existence” is set to be released. On listening to tracks such as “Waiting”, and “Right of Passage” it looks to be a fantastic collection of material. Kenny phoned in to discuss the new album, and just how the addition of new members and new approaches to music led to the creation of “Edge of Existence”.

Mike Keneally got his career off to an ambitious start when, after playing Top 40 covers he was thrust into “expert level”. Mike was selected to join Frank Zappa in 1987 on both guitar and keyboards. From there his unique, quirky style and impressive chops saw him contributing to a plethora of other musician’s work. Playing with everyone from Dweezil and Ahmet Zappa, to Steve Vai, to Joe Satriani he has proven his musicianship and indeed is currently working with legendary creators Devin Townsend and Todd Rundgren , respectively. But this doesn’t address his own body of work, which is impressive in its scope and variety. From “The Tar Tapes” volumes 1-5 in the eighties through gems like “hat” and “Scambot” Keneally demonstrates that his mind is always creating. He has always been a breath of fresh air by creating music that conforms only to what he finds interesting. In our in-depth conversation here Keneally and I discuss his early days, how he comes up with new material (as expected, it varies), and the projects he is currently working on! http://www.keneally.com/

Hailing originally from New York, guitarist Barry Richman moved at a fairly young age to Atlanta, GA. The son of renowned tenor saxophonist Abraham “Boomie” Richman, Barry was brought up exposed to both music and musicians. Gravitating to guitar after being enthralled by the British Invasion and captivated by Jimi Hendrix, Richman began a life long love affair with music. His brand of blues is authentic and soulful. His Jazz DNA (Courtesy of his father) lends him a much broader palette than the average blues man. As a result of his unique voice on the instrument Barry has played with a definitive “Who’s Who” of legendary music makers. A full and stunning list of his associations can be found here: https://www.barryrichman.com/press-kit Mr. Richman was gracious enough to take time out of his hectic gigging schedule to talk about life. Everything from growing up, getting immersed in guitar. to how we writes his songs and his extensive guitar collection. If you aren’t familiar with his music, I recommend you go to his site and take the plunge. Buy one of his albums. You won’t be disappointed! https://barryrichman.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Musician-Band/Barry-Richman-Band-103813632994099/