TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Kevin BARTLETT

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

Interview with JOHN WETTON OF ASIA by Hande BURDG

We here at TheProgFiles are very excited to bring a recent interview we had with John Wetton of ASIA to our readers. John Wetton has been a member of many powerful bands including but not limited to King Crimson, Uriah Heep and UK. He is also one of the founding members of the rock's super group ASIA. He is a greatly respected bass player and a singer and songwriter with an unmistakable vocal style. "Caught In The Crossfire" was his first solo album that was released in 1980. We had the opportunity to interview John before he and his band mates go on the road for a big tour that will kick start in March. You can find the tour dates on John Wetton's official website at: www.johnwetton.com or on ASIA's website at: www.originalasia.com

TPF: ASIA is one of the most interesting bands in the history of rock music. Although other super groups that have formed were the brunt of negative as well as positive criticism, ASIA seems to be poster child for such treatment. My observation is that people either love ASIA or can't stand it. Besides the obvious collaboration of known names & polished material, what do you think is the reason for this?

JW: I think some people are prejudiced, and do not listen with an open mind... we are all guilty of this to a greater or lesser degree, but I think Asia is expected to be something which it is not. What it is, is primarily a song-oriented group, who happen to be able to sing and play fairly proficiently. That is what we have always been from the outset.

TPF: You had a major surgery last year. It is great to see you are doing well and getting together with the band for another tour. How do you feel? Are you excited about the upcoming tour?

JW: Yes,I'm excited about it, but my priorities have changed somewhat... I feel I can enjoy it like everyone else now, without placing unrealistic importance on it. I'm healthier than I've been for a long time, so it should, God willing, be fun.

TPF: Are there any plans to record footage of this tour for possible DVD release?

JW: No... we have just released a full-length "Fantasia Live in Tokyo", so there will not be another DVD for a while. There will be a live CD.

TPF: You will be touring in Europe and in the States as well as Japan. Do you think the audience's varying tastes in different countries or continents prompt the band to approach them differently? For example do you change your set list for different countries or continents?

JW: No, it's the same everywhere. The audience reaction is similar wherever we are.

TPF: Besides your vocals, your bass playing is quite unique too. Has the bass always been your instrument of choice? If not, how did that transition come about?

JW: Bass has never been my instrument of choice. My primary instrument is piano. I learned the beauty of the bass' role in the full picture of melody and harmony. I'm a singer/songwriter, and bass is just something I do while singing. If you ask me who was the best bass player ever, I will tell you Johann Sebastian Bach.

TPF: When listening to music, do you find yourself focusing in on the bass lines? Do you find yourself influenced by other bassists?

JW: No, I can appreciate listening to great bass-players, like Jack Bruce, or Paul McCartney, but they will always be doing something with the big picture.

TPF: Are you aware of the Southpark episode where they used the song Heat of the Moment? Of course sometimes the artist themselves dont have complete control of their music being used in such ways, but do you see this as a good or bad thing for ASIA's image?

JW: Yes, of course I'm aware... I had to grant permission for them to use the song. It's an honor to be of service on a program like that, and it's way cooler than the Simpsons. The creators used the song with absolute fidelity to the lyrics. The song is a heartfelt apology, and the way Cartman appeals to the Senate is genius.

TPF: Among the new rock bands and artists, or let´s not categorize it, among the new musicians, in a time when people are hardly ever creating anything original, is there a band or artist that you like? And what are you currently listening to?

JW: I listen to a lot of contemporary popular music... I like "The Feeling's" first album very much, "My Chemical Romance" have some great songs, there's lots of good stuff out there. I don't listen at home, it's mainly stuff I'm working on or classical, but I'm always listening to new stuff in the car.

TPF: Will ASIA record another album following the tour or do you have a solo project in the works?

JW: Asia is just finishing a new studio album right now. It's called "Phoenix". There may be another solo project after our ASIA tour, but these things have a habit of falling into place by themselves. I'll probably take a few weeks off after the tour before starting something else, but I'm sure it won't be long before the next phase becomes apparent.

TPF: Thank you very much John for granting us this interview! We are really looking forward to listening to the new ASIA album PHOENIX, and can't wait to hear your new solo project too!