Myglobalmind Webzine interview with Thomas Youngblood (Kamelot)(Guitars) conducted on October 4th, 2010
Interviewed by Denys (Site Founder/Senior Staff Writer) Myglobalmind Webzine
Myglobalmind: Hey Thomas thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions about the band and the new record!!!
Thomas: My pleasure!
Myglobalmind: Congrats on “Poetry For The Poisoned” the band’s ninth studio venture and first time featuring Sean Tibbetts on bass, how has the response been here in North America since the release recently?
Thomas: The response has been really fantastic! We worked very hard on the record and also the compositions, focusing on maintaining the Kamelot sound but also not to repeat anything we have done in the past. Sean has stepped in an is a great addition to the band.
Myglobalmind: What has the reception of the new record been like overseas?
Thomas: The same, very good reviews and fan feedback. The album has charted higher than any other Kamelot album, all over the world. Of course with all of our albums we hear some comments from people that compare the new one to their favorite from the past. But usually it takes some time for the fans that have been with us a while to soak in the newer albums. One of my friends is a journalist and I remember he didn’t like the song Human Stain at first, I recently caught him singing the song at a concert. Its now one of his favorites! That was very funny to see and a sign that our fans and supporters are open minded about music.
Myglobalmind: Tell us a bit more about how the songwriting and recording process went this time around? Anything musically different? What we’re you guys trying to achieve as a band with Poetry for the Poisoned as opposed to previous records
Thomas: The writing for this CD was similar to the previous ones, we locked ourselves up in a large cabin in Norway for 3 weeks and later did the same in Germany. One of the differences on this one was a contribution by Oliver, our keyboardist. He wrote the 4th musical part of Poetry for the Poisoned and also the bonus track for Japan. Most of the recordings were done in Germany but we also did some recordings in Tampa.
Myglobalmind: This is talked about often when it comes to Kamelot and that is that the band has a certain vision of what their style of music should be and therefore not many bands out there can be easily compared to band, so what is that vision exactly?
Thomas: We don’t have a specific vision for the music or style, I think its just a natural process for us. The chemistry, the look, the sound is all something that has evolved naturally and without much preconceived thought.
Myglobalmind: As always the band features some exciting guests on the new album like John Oliva, Simone Simons, Amanda Sommerville, Bjorn Strid, etc, how did these artists come to participate on the new record?
Thomas: Mostly very casual, since most of these folks are friends of ours as well. I have known Gus G for a while and it was a simple, “hey would you like to do a solo on the new Cd?” and 2 months later we have his solo for Hunters Season.
Myglobalmind: Of course now one of the main headlines making waves was the leave of absence and consequent cancellation of the North American tour due to vocalists Roy Khan’s health. Can you talk a little bit more about that?
Thomas: Yes, Roy is suffering a kind of burnout related to many factors. The doctor has advised he take 2 months off of all work and any stress related activity. We haven’t gotten much information to be honest, we are just being as supportive as possible at this point.
Myglobalmind: Where does things stand at this point with your lead singer, not only health wise of course but touring?
Thomas: We are hoping he will be back in form soon so we can reschedule North America and also finalize South America and European tour dates.
Myglobalmind: Do you guys take into consideration fan base criticism when it comes to new material? Does the feedback you hear from fans contribute to the band’s creative process at all?
Thomas: At this point we hope our gut instinct and experience is enough to gauge our writing. Of course we listen to both good and any bad comments, you have to take both with a grain of salt and trust yourself.
Myglobalmind: The band has toured a lot in the last few years, what keeps you moving on show after show, especially when you’re so far away from home?
Thomas: That’s easy for me, I love touring and I love playing for the people that have come to see us. I will never get tired of playing the songs they want to hear, because its still so much fun to play. I think I can speak for all us on this by saying those 90 plus minutes on stage are like heaven. Of course being away from home can get old, but we are home so much more than a guy going to work 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. When I’m home, its 24/7.
Myglobalmind: What was the biggest show or venue you have ever played live?
Thomas: Probably the Wacken Festival in Germany, there were 100,000 people in front of the main stage when we played. It was very surreal and also an amazing feeling.
Myglobalmind: What are some of your musical influences that still resonate in you today?
Thomas: I am still inspired by New Age music and also classical. I also still listen to some of the bands I loved as a small boy, Queen, Boston, Zeppelin, Sabbath and more.
Myglobalmind: Thanks so much Thomas for taking the time and hopefully we will catch the band on tour here in the States soon. Final words to the fans?
Thomas: Thanks for your amazing support!! We look forward to playing North America very soon!!
Please visit: http://www.kamelot.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/kamelot
Webzine Review for Kamelot – Poetry For The Poisoned
https://myglobalmind.com/2010/08/25/kamelot-poetry-for-the-poisoned/
About Author
