Transatlantic interview (Roine Stolt)

The motto for Transatlantic is 'more is never enough'. Following that spirit, after talking with Neal Morse about the band's new masterpiece "Kaleidoscope", we had the chance to talk with Roine Stolt as well, so as to have his point of view as well. As the release of the album is at hand we talked with the great Roine Stolt about the new album and how Transatlantic could grow into the modern classic rock band that they deserve to be.

Roine, I want to congratulate you for making another masterpiece with Transatlantic. How do you feel about "Kaleidoscope"?
Thanx! It sure has some great moments. Looking forward to playing it live - that's where new things happen and we're finally shaping it.

Was there something you felt was different this time around? Neal told me that the process was pretty much the same as the previous ones, but I’d like to have your point of view as well.
Pretty much as previous albums.

You play a very big role in every Transatlantic album and the new one is no exception. Except from writing music and playing all the guitars you also sing a lot of parts. Having in mind that you recently released a new album with The Flower Kings I’d like to know where that much of inspiration comes from...
No idea! I just do what I do. In fact, Neal plays some acoustic guitar too, to be fair. Besides I do a bit of Keyboards and all the percussion -and oversee quite a bit of the final mix- because I'm very picky . So, yes, it's a lot...

Also, I'd like to know how you distinguish which ideas are better for Transatlantic or for The Flower Kings...
I don't - others do. I just present what I have. To be truthful I did bring in some music I really believed would fit Transatlantic, but it was never used. The rest of band heard something else or had another vision. But that's what it is like being in a band. It's not my show.

I think you mentioned, when you finished the album, that it contains parts which could be considered as a bit of departure from the usual Transatlantic sound. Which parts would these be and what led to these different elements?
These are usually things that we jam together in the spirit of the moment. Not big departures, but some untried territory. We've gotten better with dynamics over the years. I appreciate that. We're more 'grown up' as musicians.

There are parts like "A New Beginning" from "Into The Blue" and "Black Gold" that are clearly your contributions. Can you give some details about them?
Not much to say. They were parts of bigger pieces I wrote for the session; these were the bits that rest of band felt fit the epics. That big guitar riff was used extensively - maybe too much ...(laughs). I also wrote lyrics for one of the shorter tunes (editor: he talks about "Black As The Sky"), because I was asked to sing it. So, I like to sing about things I feel are urgent.

You seem to have some dark political themes in your lyrics that are really very interesting. Could you explain them a bit more?
That's not easy to explain. In fact, I rather leave it up to anyone to interpret their own way. But, it's safe to say that they're critical about the greed and the selfishness we see growing in our western communities. "Black gold" is of course about oil and greed.

Your guitar work is stellar all over the album, but my favorite part of yours is the solo on "Shine". It’s kind of Gimour-ish, but has the trademark Stolt sound and style. Pretty amazing. How did you come up with it?
I played it. I just don't think and I don't do much fixing I just play. If the song is inspired it'll be good, but if the song sucks it doesn't matter how fast or how smart you play, it still sucks. So, I'm not much for planning. I just hear it and I play and try put both feel and good taste in there. And of course a great tone.

I was really glad that you decided to give this small role to Daniel on "Into The Blue". I guess you agree that he nailed it. Did you consider giving him another part? If it was up to you which part of the album would you like to hear him trying to sing?
If it was my choice I'd probably have him do much more and probably quite a bit of backing vocals. Just like we do live.

In my opinion, Daniel manages to make something that no one else could do in your live shows and give you an extra dimension. Could he be considered the 5th member of the band? How important is he for a Transatlantic show?
I voted for his inclusion in the line up. I did fight for it and I think it is right. I hope it is.

I consider Transatlantic along with Porcupine Tree and The Mars Volta to be the most important and influential progressive rock acts of the last 15-20 years and for me this band is the best thing that happened to this music the last 15 years. Where do you think Transatlantic stand in the modern history of prog rock?
It is not for me to say - I've been blessed being part of a few great bands like Transatlantic, The Flower Kings, Agents Of Mercy, so I do not make much difference, because I'm surrounded by insanely talented players all the time.

Do you agree with me that if Transatlantic become more of an active band, with more shows and more frequent releases they could become way bigger than they are? Do you think you could all agree making Transatlantic your number one priority? I wish you would...
That's my sentiment, true. I definitely think it could grow into a modern Yes or Rush.

There’s a tour ahead of you and the venues seem to be bigger, so I guess the future looks positive. Really, what should your fans expect from this tour?
I just try focus on my playing and singing. I try do my best and play from within and then keep fingers crossed that people will like it and my band mates accept me and like what I do too. That's all I ask for. Fans worshipping is not my cup of tea. I have no desire to be a rock star but of course I'll be happy if the tour will be a success. Also, for my brothers in the band.

Thank you for your time Roine. Add anything you want and send a message to your Greek fans that have now come to terms with the fact that they don’t stand many chances of seeing you playing live here...
Hey come on - get us a gig in Athens people!