Sean Malone talks to Inferno e-zine
How and when did you first pick up a bass and what are your biggest influences as a bassist ?
I started playing when I was 16, and I was inspired by Geddy Lee and Chris Squire. I don't listen to bass players much these days as I try to find inspiration in all kinds of music and players, though some of my favorites are Gary Willis, Mick Karn and Jaco Pastorius.Did you have any idols as a kid when you were learning how to handle your instrument ?
Geddy Lee was definitely my idol.What kind of musical education you have and how would define bass' role in songs in general ?
I have a Bachelors Degree in Composition and a Masters Degree in Music Theory from the University of South Florida, Tampa. In general, the bass part should support the rest of the band but also have an identity independent of the other players. A good bass line has the perfect combination of those two elements. Don't think you have to overplay to get attention, by letting others shine, you shine yourself.Where do you get the inspiration for your playing ?
Very hard to answer because there are so many inspirations musical and otherwise. All I know is that I never pick up my bass unless I want to. People ask me how much I practice each day and I tell them that I don't have a regular schedule. I only play when I want to, though it just so happens that it seems I always want to play.Do chemicals make a musician more creative and help him/her going on ?
I'll go on record as saying that drugs/chemicals only inhibit the brain's ability to process information. There is no drug that *makes* you more creative. THis is an over-used and tired excuse by people who don't know any better and need an excuse to do drugs. If you smoke pot - fine, who cares, but don't try and tell me that it makes you more creative. Regardless of what drugs you are doing, the creativity is and always has been inside of you and it's your clearly thinking brain that best retrieves that information, not one clouded by drugs.What is the best music related experience in your life ?
Performing Music - A couple of shows on the Cynic tour in the midwest and Canada that words could never describe.Listening/Studying Music - J.S. Bach, the Art of Fugue and the Well-Tempered Clavier I and II. Bach is the greatest architect of music and, anything you've ever wanted to know is within those works.
Watching a concert - Pat Metheny Trio, Glenn Gould performing Contrapunctus 15 from the Art of Fugue.
And the worst ?
Some of the early records that I've played on.Could you shortly define the following music styles and what you think of them:
- jazz
compositionally diverse with a great harmonic and melodic depth.- death metal
pure aggression and brutality, and a *very important* chapter in the history of music.-progressive metal
technically demanding with compositional integrity.What do you think of the following musicians:
- Gene Hoglan, drums (ex-Death,ex-Dark Angel)
1,000,000 miles an hour.- James LaBrie, vocals (Dream Theater)
Sean and I did a recording with him on the upcoming Rush Tribute disc. A good singer in a type of band in which it is difficult to be a good singer.What are your three current favorite albums/songs ?
Glenn Gould - The Well Tempered Clavier Book II (Bach)
Tribal Tech - Any album
King Crimson - Thrak Attack
Are there any chances that Cynic would be reformed some day and album number two would see the light of the day ? Afterall, Cynic seems to have quite a loyal following and the fans are really eager to hear some new material besides the old demo tapes.
I don't want to say never, because one never knows. We are in contact with each other now and again but a great distance seperates us. I think, for some reason, that we might someday play again.What keeps you busy these days and what are your main goals in near future ?
Many recording projects right now. A new album with guitarist Todd Grubbs (Todd@grubbworm.com) for a Japanese release, also John Wesley for a European release and many local bands here in Tampa. Sean and I completed a 5 song "metal" demo for guitarist Jim Studnicki at Morrisound with Scott Burns. for info : Studnick@acomp.usf.eduSean and I have decided to form a new band in the spirit of Cynic, though probably all instrumental. It will certainly be heavy and very technical. Sean and I have decided that we need to get back to what we were doing with Cynic because that is ultimately what we love to do most. We are rehearsing for a new demo.
For the last year you have been busy recording your solo album. Tell us a bit about the recording process, the musicians involved and how the result is going to sound.
The record is finished and I'm very happy with it.
Personel: Sean Reinert: Drums
Bob Bunin: Guitar
Geoff Caputo: Guitar
featuring: Trey Gunn from King Crimson and Reeves Gabrels from David BowieThe music is at times very technical and progressive, though not very heavy. Cynic fans may or may not like it. It's all instrumental. for info: airecord@pa.mother.com (audioImage records) it should be out in late August or early september. Scott Burns produced it.
Thanks for the interest,
Sean Malone
malone@arts.usf.edu
From Inferno Magazine issue 9